A new method for determination of maitotoxin by capillary zone electrophoresis with ultraviolet detection

Capillary zone electrophoresis with UV detection was applied to the rapid and efficient separation of an underivatized phycotoxin, maitotoxin, associated with ciguateric fish poisoning. Highly sensitive detection was obtained by UV absorption at 195 nm. A detection limit of 50 pg of maitotoxin was achieved at this wavelength. Analysis involved using a fused silica capillary coated with a hydrophobic phase, polyvinylalcohols. Confirmation of the electrophoretic peak of maitotoxin was further evaluated by cytotoxicity on a mammalian fibroblastic cell line, BHK 21 C13.