Fumonisin B1 analysis in maize by molecularly imprinted polymer paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (MIP-PSI-MS)

Abstract

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is the most abundant and important mycotoxin for agriculture, food, and health among all fumonisins due to its widespread presence and toxicity. This compound is a concern for industries involving maize and maize-based products. This study proposes a new approach using molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) combined with paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI-MS) to enhance the sensitivity of analysis of FB1 in maize samples. MIP was synthesized directly on a cellulose membrane using 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid as a template molecule. The analytical performance of MIP-PSI-MS provided a linear calibration curve with R2>0.99. Precision and accuracy were less than 5.5 % for all analyses. Finally, the MIP-PSI-MS method was applied to quantify the contents of FB1 in commercial maize samples, and 0.439 ± 0.060 and 0.486 ± 0.061 μg mL−¹ were found in two samples.