Development and Validation of a UHPLC-MS/MS Method for the Analysis of Fusarium Mycotoxins in Onion

Abstract Fusarium basal rot (FBR) of onion is a serious disease problem worldwide. The species causing FBR can also produce mycotoxins that are potentially harmful to humans and animals. In this study, multiple reaction monitoring technique with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (MRM UHPLC-MS/MS) was developed validated for matrix study in the harvested onions. This focused on fumonisins B 1 , 2 3 (FB FB ), beauvericin (BEA), moniliformin (MON), which main produced by oxysporum proliferatum . in-house protocol, samples were extracted methanol:water (3:1) using magnetic stirring 15 min. FBs BEA determined directly from filtered extracts, whereas MON required sample concentration prior analysis. No cleanup extracts needed target separated an Acquity UPLC system BEH C18 column gradient elution. Mycotoxins identified quantified 13 C-FB as internal standard. Minor effect compensated multi-point matrix-matched calibration curves uninfected sample. For studied, good linearity obtained ( R ? 0.99) recoveries range 67–122%, highest standard deviation MON, 22%. limits quantification 2.5 10 ng g ?1 matrix. method successfully employed analysis onions showing symptoms found be infected F.