Derivatization of azaspiracid biotoxins for analysis by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

Azaspiracids (AZAs) are an important group of regulated lipophilic biotoxins that cause shellfish poisoning. Currently, the only widely available analytical method for quantitation of AZAs is liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Alternative methods for AZA analysis are needed for detailed characterization work required in the preparation of certified reference materials (CRMs) and by laboratories not equipped with LC–MS. Chemical derivatization of the amine and carboxyl groups on AZAs was investigated for the purpose of facilitating analysis by LC with fluorescence detection (FLD). Experiments towards chemical modification of AZA1 at the amine achieved only limited success. Derivatization of the carboxyl group, on the other hand, proved successful using the 9-anthryldiazomethane (ADAM) method previously applied to the okadaic acid (OA) group toxins. Extraction and clean-up methods were investigated for shellfish tissue samples and a post-reaction solid phase extraction procedure was developed for the AZA ADAM derivatives. Chromatographic separations were developed for the LC-FLD analysis of derivatized AZAs alone or in the presence of other derivatized toxins. This new analytical method for analysis of AZAs enabled verification of AZA1–3 concentrations in recently certified reference materials. The method demonstrated good linearity, repeatability and accuracy showing its potential as an alternative to LC–MS for measurement of AZAs.

► We examine methods for derivatization of AZAs to enable fluorescence detection.
► The AZA carboxyl function was successfully derivatized with 9-anthryldiazomethane.
► Clean-up methods were developed to apply the technique to shellfish samples.
► The methods were used in the analysis of AZA certified reference materials.
► The approach provides an alternative to LC–MS for the analysis of AZAs in shellfish.