Development of an Integrated Multifunctional Column for Rapid Pretreatment and Determination of Trichothecenes in Cereals and Feeds with HPLC-MS/MS

The frequent detection of trichothecenes in grains highlights critical health risks to humans and animals. Based on the hybrid sorbent strategies, this study developed an innovative multifunctional column (ASAG563) integrating extraction, purification, and filtration to address limitations of existing methods, including cumbersome process, protracted duration, harmful to the environment, and significant matrix interference. Coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), the ASAG563 column demonstrated superior recoveries (80.8-117.8%) and quantification limits (2.02~48.41 µg/kg) across cereals and feeds, with low relative standard deviations (<6.8%). Compared to commercial MFCs, the ASAG563 column simplified the process, reduced material consumption, saved 50% of analysis time, and effectively eliminated matrix effects. Analysis of 512 maize for feedstuff samples from Northeast China revealed significant contaminations with deoxynivalenol (DON) and its derivatives, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced regulatory measures. This novel integrated multifunctional pretreatment column presents a convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for accurate TCT detection, significantly advancing analytical capabilities.