Direct detection and quantification of Alternaria alternata lycopersici toxins using high-performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light-scattering detection

Alternaria alternata lycopersici toxins are produced by the tomato pathogenic fungus A. alternata f. sp. lycopersici. They are primary determinants for stem canker disease of tomato and induce apoptosis in animals and plants. Due to the lack of a UV chromophore, their detection has relied on derivatizations or immunoassays, which require tedious pre-assay processes. Here, we describe a method for direct and quantitative detection of the toxins. The method employs an evaporative light-scattering detector (ELSD) coupled to HPLC. It gives a linear response in the range of 400–4000 ng toxin, with a detection limit of about 6 ng/μl. The detection of all major toxin congeners by HPLC-ESLD was confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Thus, the method provides a simple and sensitive tool for the studies of this group of host-specific mycotoxins.