Liquid Chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis of mycotoxins in food samples using silica hydride based stationary phases

Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis of selected food samples using silica hydride stationary phases allowed for the identification and quantification of common mycotoxins including aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, ochratoxin A, and fumosinin B1. Phenyl and C-18 columns showed relatively similar selectivity based on hydrophobicity but the phenyl phase provides an additional mechanism, pi-pi interaction. The most hydrophobic of the analyzed compounds was more strongly retained on the C-18 column and also has fewer unsaturated sites, which limited the interaction with the phenyl phase. Bean, maize, rice, and wheat samples were harvested and stored under conditions conducive to fungal development, and all samples presented toxin contamination exceeding the maximum tolerable limits.