Separation and Identification of Mycotoxins by Thin-Layer Chromatography/Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

The separation and identification of aflatoxins and trichothecenes in submicrogram quantity by thin-layer chromatography/fast atom bombardment (TLC/FAB) mass spectrometry is reported. Separated TLC spots (R_f values given) were put directly to an FAB probe tip along with a glycerol matrix. Two dimensional TLC in the solvent systems used could separate a mixture of aflatoxins (M1, M2, B2, G1, G2) and trichothecenes (HT-2, T-2). FAB mass spectral data are characteristic in identifying individual components.