Evaluation of automated sample preparation for mycotoxin analysis in foods

Background: In the present study, we developed a novel automated sample preparation workflow for the determination of mycotoxins in foods. Objective: This workflow integrates off-line devices such as a centrifuge, shaker, liquid and solid dispensing units into a unified platform to perform gravimetric and volumetric dispensing, capping/decapping, extraction, shaking, filtration, and centrifugation. Two robotic arms provide sample transportation without human assistance. Method: Critical method performance attributes were characterized using spiked corn, milk and peanut butter containing aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, HT-2 and T-2 toxins and zearalenone and certified reference materials. Prepared samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results: Recoveries of spiked samples range 100–120% with RSD<20% and the majority of measured values of certified reference materials are consistent with certified values within 620%. Within- and between-batch variabilities of QC samples range 5–9% and 7–12% respectively. Conclusions: Our workflow introduces a straightforward and automated sample preparation procedure for LC-MS-based multimycotoxin analysis. Further, it demonstrates how individual sample preparation devices, that are conventionally used off-line, can be integrated together. Highlights: This study shows automated sample preparation will replace manual operations and significantly increase the degree of automation and standardization for sample preparation. © 2020 AOAC International. All rights reserved.