Optimization of conditions for the liquid chromatographic-electrospray lonization-mass spectrometric analysis of amnesic shellfish poisoning toxins

In this paper we report results obtained from analysis of domoic acid and its analogues, toxins responsible for incidents of amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) in several places world-wide, by use of liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Different chromatographic and mass spectrometry conditions were evaluated with the aim of achieving the best chromatographic performance combined with the optimum mass spectrometric response. From the results obtained it can be concluded that LC-MS is powerful tool for the selective and sensitive determination of domoic acid and its isomers in naturally contaminated samples.