Recent advances in pretreatment and detection technologies for ergot alkaloids

Ergot alkaloids (EAs) are a class of mycotoxins widely present in complex matrices such as grains, pharmaceuticals, and biological samples. EAs possess vasoconstrictive and neurotoxic properties, which can lead to severe health issues such as gangrene and hallucinations. However, significant matrix effects, numerous co-existing interferents, and tedious sample pretreatment procedures in complex matrices pose substantial challenges for high-sensitivity and high-selectivity analysis. Accurate analysis of EAs is crucial for food safety and public health. This paper systematically reviews the research progress in sample pretreatment and detection technologies for EAs in recent years. It highlights innovative pretreatment advancements, including miniaturized, solvent-minimizing formats (e.g., microextraction and dispersive solid-phase extraction), integrated online SPE, and the high-throughput QuEChERS approach, to address diverse matrix challenges. Meanwhile, the performance and limitations of detection platforms including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and sensors are reviewed, with particular attention paid to the applications of high-resolution mass spectrometry and novel functional materials in this field. By conducting a horizontal comparison of various techniques across multiple matrices, this study offers methodological guidance for the selection and optimization of high-sensitivity and high-selectivity analytical methods for EAs in complex samples. Furthermore, it highlights emerging trends toward greener, miniaturized, and automated analytical approaches in this field.