Sample preparation and mass spectrometry for determining mycotoxins, hazardous fungi, and their metabolites in the environment, food, and healthcare

Mycotoxins, hazardous fungi, and their metabolites have caused a heavy burden on the environment, food safety, and health care by inducing acute death, cancer, and organ necrosis. Reliable and precise detection can efficiently identify their existence and explore their metabolism. This work focuses on determining mycotoxins, fungi, and their metabolites via mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. Sample preparation techniques for mycotoxins and fungi were evaluated. The identification of mycotoxins and the hazardous metabolism of fungi in humans, plants, and animals are critically discussed. The merits of diversified MS techniques and their sensitivity and feasibility are discussed. Finally, challenges and opportunities are suggested. This work highlights the application of MS in determining mycotoxins, hazardous fungi, and their metabolites and contributes to analytical chemistry, food safety, environmental monitoring, and health care.