New palytoxin-like molecules in Mediterranean Ostreopsis cf. ovata (dinoflagellates) and in Palythoa tuberculosa detected by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A rapid, high resolution liquid chromatography coupled with ElectroSpray Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (ESI/TOF/MS) method was developed for the determination of the toxin pattern in cultured cells of Ostreopsis cf. ovata from the Mediterranean Sea. The samples were separated on a Phenomenex Luna 3 mu HILIC 200A (150 x 2.00 mm) and analyzed by LC/TOF/MS with electrospray ionization (ESI) interface in positive ion mode. The method developed here provides the capability for a fully automated analysis, which requires relatively easy sample preparation and gives clean and simple chromatograms. The method was successfully applied to the determination of ovatoxin-a, mascarenotoxin-a and four new palytoxins in O. cf. ovata. Another new palytoxin was detected in the standard material from Palythoa tuberculosa provided by Wako Chemicals. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.