Determination of aflatoxin M1 in ice cream samples using immunoaffinity columns and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

• We report a highly sensitive method for the selective determination of aflatoxin M1 mycotoxin in ice cream samples.
• Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry was the instrumental technique selected.
• Immunoaffinity columns were used in order to obtain a low detection level.
• The validated method was used to determine the content of aflatoxin M1 in samples of ice cream bought in local stores.

In this work, a highly sensitive method was developed for the selective determination of aflatoxin M1 mycotoxin in ice cream samples using ultra high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The low detection values required, of μg/kg, made necessary sample concentration and cleaning using highly targeted immunoaffinity columns for this compound after extraction from matrix using a phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS). Method validation was carried out for ice cream matrix by means of recovery experiments using fortified samples near to the lower end of the calibration curve and a higher level. All recoveries were found in the range of 70–120 % with % RSD less than 25%. Quantitation was performed using external calibration with standards prepared in mobile phase. Validated method was used to determine the content of AFM1 in samples of ice cream bought in local stores. Compound identification was performed using the quantitation/qualification ratios for monitored transitions (Q/q1 and Q/q2).