Single Corn Kernel Aflatoxin B₁ Extraction and Analysis Method

Abstract

Aflatoxins are highly carcinogenic compounds produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus . Aspergillus flavus is a phytopathogenic fungus that commonly infects crops such as cotton, peanuts, and maize. The goal of this research was to design an effective method for sample preparation and analysis of aflatoxin B 1 from Aspergillus flavus infected maize kernels. The method involves liquid extraction with a methanol/water solution. The samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to an electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) operating in positive ion multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The spiked levels for the recovery experiment were 4 ppb and 20 ppb, respectively. Recoveries ranged between 72% and 113% (90.8% average), with Relative Standard Deviation below 15% (10.6% on average).