Applicability of hybrid linear ion trap-high resolution mass spectrometry and quadrupole-linear ion trap-mass spectrometry for mycotoxin analysis in baby food

Recent developments in mass spectrometers have created a paradoxical situation; different mass spectrometers are available, each of them with their specific strengths and drawbacks. Hybrid instruments try to unify several advantages in one instrument. In this study two of wide-used hybrid instruments were compared: hybrid quadrupole-linear ion trap-mass spectrometry (QTRAP ^®) and the hybrid linear ion trap-high resolution mass spectrometry (LTQ-Orbitrap ^®). Both instruments were applied to detect the presence of 18 selected mycotoxins in baby food. Analytical parameters were validated according to 2002/657/CE. Limits of quantification (LOQs) obtained by QTRAP ^® instrument ranged from 0.45 to 45μgkg ^-1 while lower limits of quantification (LLOQs) values were obtained by LTQ-Orbitrap ^®: 7-70μgkg ^-1. The correlation coefficients (r) in both cases were upper than 0.989. These values highlighted that both instruments were complementary for the analysis of mycotoxin in baby food; while QTRAP ^® reached best sensitivity and selectivity, LTQ-Orbitrap ^® allowed the identification of non-target and unknowns compounds.