Determination of 14 mycotoxins in Chinese herbs by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with immunoaffinity purification

Abstract

A method was developed for the determination of 14 mycotoxins, aflatoxins, T-2, HT-2, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, etc. in Chinese herbs by liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The sample was extracted with phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and methanol in turn, and then purified by a high selective multi-functional immunoaffinity column. The column was washed by PBS (containing 0.1% Twain) and water, and then eluted by methanol. The eluate was dried under nitrogen, dissolved in methanol-10 mmol/L NH4Ac (40 : 60, v/v) solution. The mycotoxins were separated on a Waters Xterra C18 MS column (100 mm x 2.1 mm, 3.5 microm) and detected by MS/MS. The limits of quantification (LOQs) of the 14 mycotoxins were from 1.0 to 5.0 microg/kg. The average recoveries of the 14 mycotoxins spiked in Chinese herbs (Ginseng, Campanulaceae, Radix and Ophiopogonis) ranged from 71.9% to 99.7% at the three spiked levels of 1.0, 5.0, 10.0 microg/kg, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs, n = 6) were between 4.8% and 15.8%. The method is rapid, sensitive and accurate, and suitable for the determination of the 14 mycotoxins in Chinese medicines. The quantification limits of aflatoxins can meet the domestic and foreign requirements.

Effects of aflatoxin B1 combined with ochratoxin A and/or zearalenone on metabolism, immune function, and antioxidant status in lactating dairy goats

“…The DMI of individual goats was calculated by subtracting the mass of the feed remaining from that offered. The AFB1, OTA, and ZEA concentrations in the TMR were determined using the method of Ge et al [ 21 ].…”

T-2 Toxin Induces Apoptotic Cell Death and Protective Autophagy in Mouse Microglia BV2 Cells

“…T-2 toxin is the most toxic type A trichothecene mycotoxin, and can be detected in grain, animal feed, drinking water, and Chinese herbs [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. It also can accumulate in the body of animals and humans by feed or food consumption and cause potential health risks [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. A recent study showed that T-2 toxin was detected in 2.3% of human urine samples from 260 rural residents of Nanjing City, China [ 46 ].…”

“…It has been reported that T-2 toxin was detected in corn, wheat, barley, and rice crops in the field, during storage, or in drinking water in several provinces of China (e.g., Qinghai and Sichuan Provinces) [ 3 ]. T-2 toxin was detected in Chinese herbs [ 4 , 5 ]. It has been demonstrated that T-2 toxin can be easily absorbed through gut and pulmonary mucosa and the skin system, damaging multiple organs of animals and humans, including skin, kidneys, liver, brain, heart, spleen, the hematopoietic system, the lymphoid system, gastrointestinal bone marrow, and the reproductive system [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”

Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity and Protective Effects of Curcumin: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

“…There have been over 100,000 fungi discovered to date, and over 500 mycotoxins have been linked to cardiovascular disease, immunological dysregulation, chronic liver disease, renal disease, cancer, and neurological disorders in both humans and animals [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. In recent decades, mycotoxin contaminations (e.g., aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, zearalenone, trichothecenes, patulin, citrinin, ergot alkaloids, and tremorgenic toxins) could be detected in a variety of grains and foods, including in cereals (e.g., maize, corn, wheat, rice, sorghum, and millet), spices (e.g., black pepper, paprika, chili, turmeric, and ginger), nuts (e.g., walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, Brazil nut, and coconut), tea, drinking water, seeds, Chinese herbal medicine, and beer, which has raised concerns worldwide [ 1 , 6 , 7 ].…”