Determination of mycotoxins in nuts by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: Looking for a representative matrix

Development and Validation of QuEChERS Followed by UHPLC-ToF-MS Method for Determination of Multi-Mycotoxins in Pistachio Nuts

“…For seven mycotoxins, Z-Sep gives the lowest matrix effect varying between negligible to medium (103 to 129%). This signal enhancement in AFs was found by Hidalgo-Ruiz et al [ 37 ] in pistachio using C18 (ME = 42–67%).…”

“…Numerous multi-mycotoxin methods for pistachio, nuts and other foodstuffs based on QuEChERS methodology have been published [ 25 , 31 , 32 , 34 , 37 , 38 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. The main difference among those methods is the clean-up step using Immunoaffinity Chromatographic Columns (IACs) or d-SPE with different mixtures of sorbents.…”

Occurrence and Exposure Assessment of Mycotoxins in Ready-to-Eat Tree Nut Products through Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with High Resolution Q-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry

“…Although aflatoxins or ZEN have been analyzed in this matrix [ 22 , 24 , 25 ], there is scarce literature regarding the here-found toxins. Furthermore, the available validated procedures for ZEN metabolites cannot reach a high sensitivity as the here obtained (LOQ = 0.78 µg/kg), with Spanjer et al [ 26 ] establishing the LOQs at 40 µg/kg and Hidalgo–Ruiz, Romero–González, Martínez Vidal, and Garrido–Frenich [ 17 ] at 1 µg/kg for α-ZEL. Sensitivity becomes a crucial feature in analytical procedures, even more when the contamination reported only reach a few µg/kg.…”

“…In this line, Aspergillus and Fusarium genera have been characterized as other major pathogens in tree nuts, so their secondary toxic metabolites could also be expected [ 6 , 10 , 11 ]. Alongside aflatoxins, relevant toxins from the Fusarium genus included in the IARC classification, such as T-2 or zearalenone, have been evaluated in tree nut products [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. However, zearalenone-derived forms have been scarcely studied and, recently, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) highlighted the necessity to include these metabolites in risk assessment studies due to their estrogenic activity [ 18 ].…”

“…In addition, environmental conditions, geographical area, or harvest practices can lead to a strong variety among products regarding mycotoxin occurrence, so constant monitoring based on sensitive and multi-analyte methods are required for having proper mycotoxin profiles. The most recent methods for detecting mycotoxins in tree nuts are based on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. However, other alternatives are able to provide a more precise detection and quantification.…”