Optimising QuEChERS method for determining five amanita peptide toxins in mixed wild mushrooms

Introduction

This study establishes an optimised quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method integrated with high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for detecting five amatoxins in wild mushrooms.

Methods

Samples were ultrasonically extracted using a methanol-water mixture and purified using an adsorbent. The separation of the five amatoxins was performed in a C₁₈ column using 5-mmol/L ammonium formate solution (0.1 % formic acid) and acetonitrile as the mobile phases. The five peptide toxins exhibit a remarkable linear relationship in the range of 10–500 μg/L.

Results

The limits of detection and quantification were 8–13 and 26–42 μg/kg, respectively. Moreover, recoveries ranged from 80.1 % to 120.3 %. The peptide toxin can still be detected in a mixed sample containing positive and negative samples.

Conclusion

This method is simple, accurate and suitable for detecting amatoxins in mixed wild mushrooms. It holds significant potential for addressing wild mushroom poisoning incidents and enhancing food safety regulation.