Screening method for the analysis of blood and urine for the presence of naturally occurring toxic compounds from mushrooms (fungi) using the LC-MS method
Problems of Forensic Sciences – March 29, 2022
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Detecting deadly mushroom toxins like amanitins in human samples is now significantly more efficient. A new chemistry method employs solid phase extraction to purify blood and urine, followed by advanced chromatography using formic acid. This approach precisely identifies key analytes, achieving impressive detection limits as low as 0.3 ng/ml for certain toxins in blood. This advancement is crucial for diagnosing mushroom poisoning and understanding drug-induced hepatotoxicity, providing better protection. The method also holds potential for quantitative analysis in fields like insect and pesticide research.
Abstract
Analysis of biological material collected during autopsies and even from living humans for the presence of amanitins and other fungal toxins remains a challenge in forensic toxicology. A qualitative method for the detection of α-amanitin, β-amanitin, γ-amanitin, muscarine, and psilocin in blood and urine has been developed. To achieve this goal, solid phase extraction HLB 3cc 60mg columns were used. Blood and urine samples were purified with water and aqueous methanol solution, and then extracted with acetonitrile. An LC/QTOF system equipped with a C18 column was applied to identify the analytes. Acetonitrile and water with formic acid were utilized as mobile phases. The developed method was validated. The detection limits for α-amanitin, β-amanitin, γ-amanitin, muscarine and psilocin are, respectively, 1.4 ng/ml, 0.3 ng/ml, 1.2 ng/ml, 1.8 ng/ml, and 0.3 ng/ml in blood, and 1.5 ng/ml, 2.1 ng/ml, 1.5 ng/ml, 1.6 ng/ml, and 1.1 ng/ml in urine. The developed method allows for efficient, qualitative identification of all the above-mentioned compounds in a toxicological laboratory.