Applicability of hybrid linear ion trap-high resolution mass spectrometry and quadrupole-linear ion trap-mass spectrometry for mycotoxin analysis in baby food

Recent developments in mass spectrometers have created a paradoxical situation; different mass spectrometers are available, each of them with their specific strengths and drawbacks. Hybrid instruments try to unify several advantages in one instrument. In this study two of wide-used hybrid instruments were compared: hybrid quadrupole-linear ion trap-mass spectrometry (QTRAP®) and the hybrid linear ion trap-high resolution mass spectrometry (LTQ-Orbitrap®). Both instruments were applied to detect the presence of 18 selected mycotoxins in baby food. Analytical parameters were validated according to 2002/657/CE. Limits of quantification (LOQs) obtained by QTRAP® instrument ranged from 0.45 to 45 μg kg−1 while lower limits of quantification (LLOQs) values were obtained by LTQ-Orbitrap®: 7–70 μg kg−1. The correlation coefficients (r) in both cases were upper than 0.989. These values highlighted that both instruments were complementary for the analysis of mycotoxin in baby food; while QTRAP® reached best sensitivity and selectivity, LTQ-Orbitrap® allowed the identification of non-target and unknowns compounds.

► The applicability of triple quadrupole-linear ion trap and Orbitrap was compared.
► The first time that QTRAP® and Orbitrap® were applied to detect toxins in baby food.
► Both instruments were able to increase the number of identification points.
► A positive sample was quantified and indentified unambiguously by both instruments.
► An existing MSPD method was extended the range of extracted mycotoxins.