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

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