Simultaneous Separation of Ergot Alkaloids by Capillary Electrophoresis After Cloud Point Extraction From Cereal Samples

Abstract

A new and sensitive analytical methodology for ergot alkaloids determination from cereal samples based on Cloud Point Extraction prior to Capillary Electrophoresis-UV absorbance was developed. The methodology involves extraction under acid conditions and subsequent preconcentration by applying a simple, rapid and environmentally friendly low volume surfactant extraction procedure. After extraction, CE analysis was carried out by performing dilutions on preconcentrated surfactant rich phase, achieving a single peak or simultaneous alkaloids determination. A real preconcentration factor of 22 of total ergot alkaloids was obtained, demonstrating the efficiency of this methodology. The limits of detection were 2.6 and 2.2 μg/kg for ergotamine and ergonovine, respectively. Validationvprocedure revealed suitable linearity, accuracy and precision. The average extraction andvclean-up recoveries were compared with the theoretical values and were better than 92%.This method was successfully applied to the determination of ergot alkaloids in different varieties of commercial flour samples, two grain samples and one of the leading brands cereal based product for infant feeding. The high sensitivity achieved for ergot alkaloids determinations in real samples suggests CPE procedure as an interesting approach to improve CE-UV visible detection limits. Moreover, the whole process could be considered as a contribution to green chemistry because non-organic solvents were involved, demonstrating its great potential over conventional techniques.