A simple and rapid method for the determination of deoxynivalenol in human cells by UPLC-TOF-MS

Abstract

A simple and rapid detection method for deoxynivalenol (DON) is essential for both basic research on its metabolism and applied research on its surveillance and control. In this study, a simple, fast, and efficient method based on a UPLC-TOF-MS system without any clean-up steps was developed for DON detection in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hep G2). The established method was then validated by the determination of its sensitivity, linearity, recovery, precision and stability. The limits of detection for extracellular and intracellular matrices were 25 ng ml−1 while limits of quantitation for both matrices were 50 ng ml−1, respectively. The recoveries of both matrices were acceptable and the stability of the method was acceptable. Within the detection range, the intra- and inter-day RSDs were less than 12%. Finally, the kinetics of DON in both cell pellets and media were measured using the established method, which showed that DON could be taken up by Hep G2 cells quickly but did not accumulate in the cells. This method could be applied for the fast detection of DON in the human cell matrix, facilitating better understanding of the metabolism of DON in vitro, which, in turn, would benefit the monitoring of DON exposure to humans and animals.