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 3μ HILIC 200A (150 × 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.