This article introduces two methods for detecting toxins in wheat using different sample preparation methods, a modified QuEChERS method and the Agilent Bond Elut mycotoxin SPE method. The results showed that both methods can effectively detect toxins in wheat, but the modified QuEChERS method is faster and uses less solvent and sorbent.
The document evaluates two sample preparation procedures—modified QuEChERS extraction with dispersive SPE (d-SPE) and acetonitrile/water extraction with Bond Elut Mycotoxin SPE cartridges—for determining nine trichothecenes and zearalenone in wheat. The study aims to demonstrate that these methods, when combined with the Agilent 6460 Triple Quadrupole LC/MS, can reduce analysis costs while maintaining sensitivity commensurate with regulatory requirements.
Results indicate excellent linearity (R2 = 0.995) for all mycotoxins using both approaches. While the Bond Elut Mycotoxin SPE cartridge produced cleaner extracts with slightly improved limits of detection and quantification, the modified QuEChERS method was found to be substantially quicker and utilized significantly less solvent and sorbent.
| Instrument Model | Agilent 6460 Triple Quadrupole LC/MS |
|---|---|
| Column Type | Agilent ZORBAX Rapid Resolution HT Eclipse Plus C18, 2.1 x 100 mm, 1.8 um |
| Flow Rate | 0.28 mL/min |
| Column Temperature | 30 °C |
| Injection Volume | 10 uL |
| Linearity (R2) | 0.995 |
The document compares a modified QuEChERS extraction with dispersive SPE (d-SPE) and an acetonitrile/water extraction with Bond Elut Mycotoxin SPE cartridges.
Using the BE Mycotoxin SPE method, the LODs ranged from 0.002 pg/kg (diacetoxyscirpenol) to 0.66 pg/kg (15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol).
The modified QuEChERS method is described as substantially quicker and uses much less solvent and sorbent compared to the Bond Elut Mycotoxin SPE method.