Wide-range screening of banned veterinary drugs in urine by ultra high liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry

Optimization, validation, and application of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of 47 banned drug and related chemical residues in livestock urine using graphitized carboxyl multi-walled carbon nanotubes-based QuEChERS extraction

The establishment of an efficient method for the analysis of drug residues in animal urine facilitates the real-time monitoring of drugs used in the production of animal-derived food. A modified QuEChERS extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was established for the determination of 47 banned drug and related chemical residues in livestock urine. The sample was extracted with acetonitrile by converting the acid-base environment. The sample cleanup effects of seven solid phase extraction cartridges and two EMR-Lipid products were compared, and three materials, including graphitized carboxyl multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), PSA, and C18, were selected as QuEChERS adsorbents from 24 materials. All analytes showed good linearity, with correlation coefficients (R2) greater than 0.9936. Low limits of quantification could be obtained, ranging from 0.2 to 5.5 ng/mL. The average recoveries at low, medium, and high spiked levels were in the range of 70.8-114.9 %, with intra-day precision ranging from 2.4 % to 11.2 % and inter-day precision ranging from 4.5 % to 16.1 %. Swine urine and bovine urine samples collected from different farms were effectively analyzed using the developed method, and metronidazole was detected in three swine urine samples.

QuEChERS as alternative extraction procedure in doping analyses

QuEChERS is a dispersive solid phase extraction commonly applied in food analysis for residues, such as pesticides or mycotoxins for more than 20 years. Due to the quick and easy sample preparation procedure, a QuEChERS method based on ammonium acetate combined with formic acid in acetonitrile was tested for the preparation of urine samples for doping control purposes. Testing urine samples with different pH and specific gravity, using the combination of 10 M ammonium acetate with 3% formic acid in acetonitrile, 312 out of 342 tested compounds could be extracted at their respective minimum required performance levels according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) technical documents. For nine selected analytes representing six categories of WADA's Prohibited List, we validated the QuEChERS extraction method fulfilling WADA's requirements for a confirmation procedure of the nonthreshold substances investigated. Especially for the intact stanozolol-glucuronides analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry, the described extraction method might be an alternative for confirmation procedures as it is time- and cost-saving compared with the commonly applied solid phase extraction.

Multi-class/residue method for determination of veterinary drug residues, mycotoxins and pesticide in urine using LC-MS/MS technique

BACKGROUND

Veterinary drugs are widely used in animals to prevent diseases and are a complex set of drugs with very different chemical properties. Multiclass and multi-residue methods for simultaneous detection of residues from veterinary drugs and contaminants in urine are very rare or non-existent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a sensitive and reliable quantitative LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of a wide range of veterinary drug and pesticide residues and mycotoxins in bovine urine. This involved 42 veterinary drug residues (4 thyreostats, 6 anabolic hormones, 2 lactones, 10 beta agonists, 15 antibiotics, 5 sulphonamides), 28 pesticides and 2 mycotoxins. Stable isotopically labelled internal standards were used to facilitate effective quantification of the analytes. Analysis was performed in both positive and negative ionization modes with multiple reaction monitoring transitions over a period of 12 min.

RESULTS

The parameters validated included linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), detection capability (CCβ), decision limit (CCα), stability, accuracy and precision. The process followed guidelines of the regulation 2021/808/EC. The calibration curves were linear with coefficient of correlation (R2) from 0.991 to 0.999. The LODs were from 0.01 to 2.71 µg/L, while the LOQs were from 0.05 to 7.52 µg/L. The CCα and CCβ were in range 0.05-12.11 µg/L and 0.08-15.16 µg/L. In addition, the average recoveries of the spiked urine samples were from 71.0 to 117.0% and coefficient of variation (CV) < 21.38% (intraday and interday).

CONCLUSION

A new isotopic LC-MS/MS method has been developed, validated and applied for identification and quantification of 72 residues of veterinary drugs and pesticides and other contaminants such as mycotoxins in bovine urine. The most appropriated sample preparation procedures involved sodium acetate buffer, enzymatic hydrolysis using β-glucuronidase and cleanup solid phase extraction with OASIS SPE cartridges. The parameters were satisfactorily validated fulfilling requirements under Regulation 2021/808/EC. Consequently, the method could be used in routine analysis of bovine urine samples for simultaneous detection of veterinary drug and pesticide residues as well as contaminants such as mycotoxins.

Determination of β2-Agonist Residues in Fermented Ham Using UHPLC-MS/MS after Enzymatic Digestion and Sulfonic Resin Solid Phase Purification

β₂-agonists are a class of synthetic sympathomimetic drugs with acute poisoning effects if consumed as residues in foods. To improve the efficiency of sample preparation and to overcome matrix-dependent signal suppression in the quantitative analysis of four β₂-agonists (clenbuterol, ractopamine, salbutamol, and terbutaline) residues in fermented ham, an enzyme digestion coupled cation exchange purification method for sample preparation was established using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Enzymatic digests were subject to cleanup treatment on three different solid phase extraction (SPE) columns and a polymer-based strong cation resin (SCR) cartridge containing sulfonic resin was found to be optimal compared with silica-based sulfonic acid and polymer sulfonic acid resins based SPEs. The analytes were investigated over the linear range of 0.5 to 10.0 μg/kg with recovery rates of 76.0-102.0%, and a relative standard deviation of 1.8-13.3% (n = 6). The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.1 μg/kg and 0.3 μg/kg, respectively. This newly developed method was applied to the detection of β₂-agonist residues in 50 commercial ham products and only one sample was found to contain β₂-agonist residues (clenbuterol at 15.2 µg/kg).

A Quantitative and Confirmatory Method Employing Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Hybrid High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and QuEChERS for the Determination of Thirty-Seven Growth Promoter Residues in Bovine Urine

In this work, 37 growth promoters were quantitatively determined in bovine urine using a QuEChERS approach with acetonitrile, NaCl, and MgSO₄:PSA for sample extraction. The analytes were separated and detected by liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid high-resolution mass spectrometry. The method was validated in accordance with the Decision 657/2002/EC guidelines, in which recoveries fell within the range 84-113%, relative standard varied between 2 and 32%, and detection limit between 0.1 and 2.5 μg L^-1. An adequate performance was evidenced during a proficiency test evaluation, and the developed method has been applied to routine analysis of growth promoters in Brazil. A highlight is the easiness of sample extraction combined with a quantitative determination of forbidden drugs using high-resolution mass spectrometry, which enables retrospective analysis in a surveillance perspective.

A single method to analyse residues from five different classes of prohibited pharmacologically active substances in milk

In the European Union, the use of veterinary drugs belonging to the A6 group is prohibited in food-producing animals according to Commission Regulation (EU) No. 2010/37. The aim of this study was to improve the analytical control strategy by developing a single method to analyse residues of prohibited pharmacologically active substances in milk. For this, a single method was developed to analyse 16 prohibited pharmacologically active substances belonging to five different substance classes at required or recommended levels: nitroimidazoles at 3 μg kg^-1, nitrofurans at 0.5 μg kg^-1, chloramphenicol at 0.1 μg kg^-1, dapsone at 5 μg kg^-1 and chlorpromazine at 1 μg kg^-1. Milk sample preparation started with an acid hydrolysis combined with a derivatisation. These steps were followed by a clean-up consisting of a dispersive solid-phase extraction and a liquid-liquid extraction. Finally, the sample extracts were analysed by liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry, operating alternately in the positive and negative mode. The method was fully validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC for bovine milk and additionally validated for caprine milk. The validation proved that the method is highly effective to detect and confirm all 16 substances in bovine and caprine milk and, additionally to quantify 15 of these substances in bovine milk and 13 of these substances in caprine milk. This study resulted in a new multi-class method to detect, quantify and confirm the identity of 16 prohibited pharmacologically active substances belonging to five different substance classes in two types of milk.

Suitability of High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Routine Analysis of Small Molecules in Food, Feed and Water for Safety and Authenticity Purposes: A Review

During the last decade, food, feed and environmental analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry became increasingly popular. Recent accessibility and technological improvements of this system make it a potential tool for routine laboratory work. However, this kind of instrument is still often considered a research tool. The wide range of potential contaminants and residues that must be monitored, including pesticides, veterinary drugs and natural toxins, is steadily increasing. Thanks to full-scan analysis and the theoretically unlimited number of compounds that can be screened in a single analysis, high-resolution mass spectrometry is particularly well-suited for food, feed and water analysis. This review aims, through a series of relevant selected studies and developed methods dedicated to the different classes of contaminants and residues, to demonstrate that high-resolution mass spectrometry can reach detection levels in compliance with current legislation and is a versatile and appropriate tool for routine testing.

Evaluation of the Effect of Surgical and Immunological Castration of Male Pigs on Boar Taint Compounds in Oral Fluid and Fat Tissue by LC-MS/MS Method

Introduction

An effective way of preventing undesirable boar taint in pork meat caused by the presence of androstenone, skatole and indole is surgical castration of piglets. This, however, arouses growing social opposition. An alternative method of inhibiting the development of unpleasant odour is immune castration. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of both methods of castration for the elimination of the compounds responsible and to assess the suitability of oral fluid for pre-slaughter predictive testing for boar taint.

Material and Methods

The research material was pooled oral fluid and fat samples taken from gilts and surgically and immunologically castrated piglets. The samples were tested with a liquid chromatography– tandem mass spectrometry method developed in this research.

Results

The compounds giving rise to boar taint were found only sporadically above the accepted limits; only one sample of oral fluid contained skatole at a concentration above 200 μg L⁻¹ and one contained indole more concentrated than 100 μg L⁻¹. Indole above the limit value was also detected in one fat sample. In none of the tested samples was androstenone found.

Conclusion

The results indicate the similar effectiveness of both methods of piglet castration on the reduction of compounds generating boar taint. The usefulness of testing oral fluid for the ante-mortem prediction of boar taint has not been fully confirmed and further investigation is needed.

Untargeted multi-residue method for the simultaneous determination of 141 veterinary drugs and their metabolites in pork by high-performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A rapid, simple and generic analytical method has been developed for the analysis of veterinary drugs in pork by a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS). This method allows for the simultaneous identification, screening and quantitation of 141 veterinary drug residues and metabolites from eighteen different classes. After extraction with acetonitrile/water and clean-up with C₁₈ cartridges, the samples were analyzed by HPLC-Q-TOF MS. Validation of this method consisted of confirmation of identity, selectivity, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), lowest limit of quantification (LLOQ), matrix effect, recovery, precision and applicability of the method. Identification of the analytes was based on accurate mass measurements. The characteristic fragments were obtained by collisional experiments for a more reliable identification. The procedure was then applied to real pork samples. Sulfamethazine was detected in one sample and its metabolites were successfully found in one single run. This approach proved to be satisfactory for routine analysis.

Analytical Chemistry in the 21st Century: Challenges, Solutions, and Future Perspectives of Complex Matrices Quantitative Analyses in Biological/Clinical Field

Nowadays, the challenges in analytical chemistry, and mostly in quantitative analysis, include the development and validation of new materials, strategies and procedures to meet the growing need for rapid, sensitive, selective and green methods. In this context, considering the constantly updated International Guidelines, constant innovation is mandatory both in the pre-treatment procedures and in the instrumental configurations to obtain reliable, true, and reproducible information. In this context, additionally to the classic plasma (or serum) matrices, biopsies, whole blood, and urine have seen an increase in the works that also consider non-conventional matrices. Obviously, all these studies have shown that there is a correlation between the blood levels and those found in the new matrix, in order to be able to correlate and compare the results in a robust way and reduce any bias problems. This review provides an update of the most recent developments currently in use in the sample pre-treatment and instrument configurations in the biological/clinical fields. Furthermore, the review concludes with a series of considerations regarding the role and future developments of Analytical Chemistry in light of the forthcoming challenges and new goals to be achieved.

Wide-scope target screening of >2000 emerging contaminants in wastewater samples with UPLC-Q-ToF-HRMS/MS and smart evaluation of its performance through the validation of 195 selected representative analytes

This study presents the development and validation of a comprehensive quantitative target methodology for the analysis of 2316 emerging pollutants in water based on Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole-Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-ToF-HRMS/MS). Target compounds include pesticides, pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse, industrial chemicals, doping compounds, surfactants and transformation products, among others. The method was validated for 195 analytes, chosen to be representative of the chemical space of the target list, enabling the assessment of the performance of the method. The method involves a generic sample preparation based on mixed mode solid phase extraction, a UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS screening method using Data Independent Acquisition (DIA) mode, which provides MS and MS/MS spectra simultaneously and an elaborate strong post-acquisition evaluation of the data. The processing method was optimized to provide a successful identification rate >95 % and to minimize the number of false positive results (< 5 %). Decision limit (CCα) and detection capability (CCβ) were also introduced in the validation scheme to provide more realistic metrics on the performance of a HRMS-based wide-scope screening method. A new system of identification points (IPs) based on the one described in the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC was applied to communicate the confidence level in the identification of the analytes. This system considers retention time, mass accuracy, isotopic fit and fragmentation; taking full advantage of the capacities of the HRMS instruments. Finally, 398 contaminants were detected and quantified in real wastewater.

Quantification and Stereochemical Composition of R-(−) and S-(+)-Clenbuterol Enantiomers in Bovine Urine by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Clenbuterol (4-amino-α-[(tert-butylamino)methyl]-3,5-dichlorobenzylalcohol) is a β2-adrenergic agonist. The consumption of meat contaminated with clenbuterol can lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, palpitations and skeletal muscle tremors. Several analytical methods have been developed to identify and quantify clenbuterol in different biological matrices. In this report, we have developed a specific and sensitive analytical method for quantifying clenbuterol and performed an in-depth enantiomeric analysis in bovine urine. The method was evaluated in accordance with international guidelines, and we used an isotopically labeled analog as an internal standard. The extraction efficiency for clenbuterol in bovine urine was &gt; 98%, the limit of detection was 0.05 ng/mL and the limit of quantification was 0.10 ng/mL. Our assay showed high specificity, no carryover was observed and the assay was linear in the range 0.10–8.0 ng/mL. Fifteen bovine urine samples were analyzed (containing clenbuterol), and an enantiomeric analysis was performed. The clenbuterol concentration range was 0.10–10.56 ng/mL across these samples. The levorotatory enantiomer was detected at greater concentrations than the dextrorotatory enantiomer, the ratio being 1.7 ± 0.6 (n = 15), and a statistical difference was observed (P &lt; 0.05) using the Wilcoxon test.

Fast analysis of 19 anabolic steroids in bovine tissues by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

For the detection of 19 steroid hormones in bovine muscle, a fast and sensitive liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method was developed using both positive and negative ionization mode. Chromatographic separation on Poroshell 120-EC C18 column was achieved in less than 10 min using isocratic elution of mobile phase of acetonitrile/methanol/water. The compounds were extracted from muscle tissue using ethyl acetate and quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe technique. The purification of the obtained extract was performed by dispersive solid-phase extraction with sorbents C18, primary secondary amine and magnesium sulphate. The method was validated in accordance with the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. For all steroids tested good recoveries were obtained (from 51.2 to 121.4%) in the concentration range from decision limits until 5 µg/kg. The values of decision limits and the detection capabilities for individual compounds were in the range 0.10-0.48 and 0.17-0.95 µg/kg, respectively. The method was characterized by satisfactory linearity for most compounds (correlation coefficients   > 0.99) and the reproducibility was lower than 35%. The elaborated procedure has met the criteria for confirmatory methods and is currently used in the official control of hormones.

Analysis of corticosteroids in samples of animal origin using QuEChERS and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry

A rapid and sensitive method for the confirmatory analysis of eight synthetic corticosteroids (betamethasone, dexamethasone, prednisolone, 6-methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, flumethasone, beclomethasone, fluocinolone acetonide) is proposed. The method is useful for detecting illegal treatments in different animal species. It consists of an extraction and cleanup using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) strategy. Quantitative determination is achieved by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry with heated electrospray ionization in negative mode. Quantification is performed using surrogate matrix-matched standard calibration curve with dexamethasone-D₄ as the internal standard. The method was validated for analyzing liver samples according to the criteria established by Decision 2002/657/EC. Linearity was assessed in the 1-10 μg kg^-1 range and linear correlation coefficients were over 0.99 for all the analytes. CCα ranged from 0.04 to 0.16 μg kg^-1 for substances without maximum residue limit. The method allows confident quantification and confirmation of corticosteroids in liver samples, and its simplicity makes it suitable for analyzing large numbers of samples.

High throughput-screening of animal urine samples: It is fast but is it also reliable?

Advanced analytical technologies like ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry can be used for veterinary drug screening of animal urine. The technique is sufficiently robust and reliable to detect veterinary drugs in urine samples of animals where the maximum residue limit of these compounds in organs like muscle, kidney, or liver has been exceeded. The limitations and possibilities of the technique are discussed. The most critical point is the variability of the drug concentration ratio between the tissue and urine. Ways to manage the false positive and false negatives are discussed. The capability to confirm findings and the possibility of semi-targeted analysis are also addressed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Multiclass method for the quantification of 92 veterinary antimicrobial drugs in livestock excreta, wastewater, and surface water by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

A simple multiresidue method was developed for detecting and quantifying 92 veterinary antimicrobial drugs from eight classes (β-lactams, quinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, lincomycins, macrolides, chloramphenicols, and pleuromutilin) in livestock excreta and water by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The feces samples were extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction with a mixture of acetonitrile/water (80:20, v/v) and edetate disodium, followed by a cleanup using solid-phase extraction with an amino cartridge. Water samples were purified with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance solid-phase extraction column. Urine samples were extracted with acetonitrile and edetate disodium. Detection of veterinary antimicrobial drugs was achieved by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry using both positive and negative electrospray ionization mode. The recovery values of veterinary antimicrobial drugs in feces, urine, and water samples were 75-99, 85-110, and 85-101% and associated relative standard deviations were less than 15, 10, and 8%, respectively. The limits of quantification in feces, urine, and water samples were 0.5-1, 0.5-1, and 0.01-0.05 μg/L, respectively. This method was applied to determine real samples obtained from local farms and provides reliable quantification and identification results of 92 veterinary antimicrobial drugs in livestock excreta and water.

Evaluation of nandrolone and ractopamine in the urine of veal calves: liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach

Under European legislation, the use of growth promoters is forbidden in food-producing livestock. The application of unofficial protocols with diverse combinations of veterinary drugs, administered in very low concentrations, hinders reliable detection and subsequent operative prevention. It was observed that nandrolone (anabolic steroid) and ractopamine (β-adrenergic agonist) are occasionally administered to animals, but little is known about their synergic action when they are administered together. Two specific analytical methods based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry have been developed, both of which include hydrolysis of the corresponding conjugates. For the nandrolone method, solid-phase extraction was necessary for the complete elimination of the interferences, while employment of the Quantitation Enhanced Data-Dependent scan mode during MS acquisition of ractopamine enabled the utilization of simple liquid-liquid extraction. The nandrolone method was linear in the range of 0.5-25 ng/mL, while the ractopamine calibration curve was constructed from 0.5 to 1000 ng/mL. The corresponding coefficients of correlations were >0.9907. The lower limit of quantification for both methods was 0.5 ng/mL, followed by overall recoveries >81%. Precisions expressed as relative standard deviations were <17%, while matrix effects were minimal. Urine samples taken at the slaughterhouse from veal calves enrolled in an experimental treatment consisting of intramuscular administration of β-nandrolone-phenylpropionate accompanied with a ractopamine-enriched diet were analysed. Those methods might be useful for studying the elimination patterns of the administered compounds along with characterization of the main metabolic pathways. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Broad screening and identification of β-agonists in feed and animal body fluid and tissues using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry combined with spectra library search

Broad screening and identification of β-agonists in feed, serum, urine, muscle and liver samples was achieved in a quick and highly sensitive manner using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) combined with a spectra library search. Solid-phase extraction technology was employed for sample purification and enrichment. After extraction and purification, the samples were analyzed using a Q-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometer under full-scan and data-dependent MS/MS mode. The acquired mass spectra were compared with an in-house library (compound library and MS/MS mass spectral library) built with TraceFinder Software which contained the M/Z of the precursor ion, chemical formula, retention time, character fragment ions and the entire MS/MS spectra of 32 β-agonist standards. Screening was achieved by comparing 5 key mass spectral results and positive matches were marked. Using the developed method, the identification results from 10 spiked samples and 238 actual samples indicated that only 2% of acquired mass spectra produced false identities. The method validation results showed that the limit of detection ranged from 0.021-3.854 μg kg(-1)and 0.015-1.198 ng mL(-1) for solid and liquid samples, respectively.

Development of an analytical method for the targeted screening and multi-residue quantification of environmental contaminants in urine by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry for evaluation of human exposures

The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method and contribute to the assessment of the Exposome. Thus, a targeted analysis of a wide range of contaminants in contact with humans on daily routines in urine was developed. The method focused on a list of 38 contaminants, including 12 pesticides, one metabolite of pesticide, seven veterinary drugs, five parabens, one UV filter, one plastic additive, two surfactants and nine substances found in different products present in the everyday human environment. These contaminants were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) with a quadrupole-time-of-flight (QqToF) instrument from a raw urinary matrix. A validation according to the FDA guidelines was employed to evaluate the specificity, linear or quadratic curve fitting, inter- and intra-day precision, accuracy and limits of detection and quantification (LOQ). The developed analysis allows for the quantification of 23 contaminants in the urine samples, with the LOQs ranging between 4.3 ng.mL(-1) and 113.2 ng.mL(-1). This method was applied to 17 urine samples. Among the targeted contaminants, four compounds were detected in samples. One of the contaminants (tributyl phosphate) was detected below the LOQ. The three others (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and O,O-diethyl thiophosphate potassium) were detected but did not fulfill the validation criteria for quantification. Among these four compounds, two of them were found in all samples: tributyl phosphate and the surfactant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate.

Simple and sensitive monitoring of β2-agonist residues in meat by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using a QuEChERS with preconcentration as the sample treatment

A liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS/MS) method was established for the simultaneous determination of the levels of 10 β2-agonists in meat. The samples were extracted using an aqueous acidic solution and cleaned up using a Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) technique utilising a DVB-NVP-SO3Na sorbent synthesised in-house. First, the β2-agonist residues were extracted in an aqueous acidic solution, followed by matrix solid-phase dispersion for clean-up. The linearities of the method were R(2)=0.9925-0.9998, with RSDs of 2.7-15.3% and 73.7-103.5% recoveries. Very low limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of 0.2-0.9 μg/kg and 0.8-3.2 μg/kg, respectively, were achieved for spiked meat. The values obtained were lower than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the EU and China. These results clearly demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. The evaluated method provided reliable screening, quantification and identification of 10 β2-agonists in meat.

A review of recent developments and trends in the QuEChERS sample preparation approach

A comprehensive review is presented on the recent developments and trends in the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) sample preparation approach. This technique involves liquid-liquid partitioning using acetonitrile and purifying the extract using dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE). Originally, the QuEChERS was introduced for pesticides residues analysis in high moisture fruits and vegetables, but more recently it is gaining significant popularity in the analysis of broad spectrum of analytes in huge variety of samples. The wide range of the technique applications is possible due to introducing various modifications based on the use of different extraction solvent and salt formulation and buffer additions for salting-out partitioning step and the application of various d-SPE sorbents for clean-up step. Therefore, the QuEChERS approach is useful for analysis of, among others pesticides, veterinary drugs and other pharmaceuticals, mycotoxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dyes, acrylamide, synthetic musks and UV filters, bisphenols, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and other flame retardants, endocrine disruptors, and other chemical compounds. Thanks to the QuEChERS approach, high-throughput multiresidue methods operate in a routine contaminant control of food products, feedstuff, and environmental samples.

High-resolution mass spectrometry associated with data mining tools for the detection of pollutants and chemical characterization of honey samples

Analytical methods for food control are mainly focused on restricted lists of well-known contaminants. This paper shows that liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-HRMS) associated with the data mining tools developed for metabolomics can address this issue by enabling (i) targeted analyses of pollutants, (ii) detection of untargeted and unknown xenobiotics, and (iii) detection of metabolites useful for the characterization of food matrices. A proof-of-concept study was performed on 76 honey samples. Targeted analysis indicated that 35 of 83 targeted molecules were detected in the 76 honey samples at concentrations below regulatory limits. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomic-like analyses highlighted 12 chlorinated xenobiotics, 1 of which was detected in lavender honey samples and identified as 2,6-dichlorobenzamide, a metabolite of dichlobenil, a pesticide banned in France since 2010. Lastly, multivariate statistical analyses discriminated honey samples according to their floral origin, and six discriminating metabolites were characterized thanks to the MS/MS experiments.