An Improved Analytical Approach Based on µ-QuEChERS Combined with LC-ESI/MS for Monitoring the Occurrence and Levels of Patulin in Commercial Apple Juices

Patulin (PAT) is a mycotoxin produced in fruits, especially apples, by diverse fungal species that can be transferred into industrial apple juice during processing. An accurate, effective, and selective method has been validated for the quantification of PAT different commercial juices combining modified µ-QuEChERS procedure with high-pressure liquid chromatography (LC) equipped triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (QqQMS). This sample extraction reduced interference from sugar-rich matrix, separation was performed using C18 Atlantis T3 column within 10 min. found MS electrospray negative ionization (ESI−) mode multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.999) satisfied prerequisite linearity concentration range 2–50 μg/kg. limits detection (LOD) (LOQ) were 0.32 1.15 μg/kg, respectively, which compliant maximum levels settled Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006. recoveries 92–103% range, at three fortified 2, 20 50 relative standard deviations lower than 7%. Based on analytical validation, it confirmed µ-QuEChERS/HPLC-MS/MS an enhanced, reliable, quick approach determination juice. current proposes preparation analysis time. In addition, economical, environmentally friendly, simpler to implement comparison traditional approaches.