Liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of twenty multi-class pesticide residues in cashew

This paper describes an analytical methodology employing the extraction QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Robust and Safe) method and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry using electrospray ionization source (LC–ESI–MS/MS). The methodology was validated for the determination of twenty multiclass pesticides in cashew. It was evaluated for selectivity, linearity, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), matrix effect, as well as the precision and accuracy in terms of percentage of recovery. Analyses were performed by selected reaction monitoring (SRM) using two transitions (precursor ion → ion product). All pesticides studied showed good linearity with correlation coefficient greater than 0.99. LODs and LOQs ranged from 0.10 to 0.25 ng g⁻¹ and 0.30 to 0.75 ng g⁻¹, respectively. Due to the complexity of the sample, study the effect matrix was performed. Cashew apples samples spiked (5, 50 and 100 ng g⁻¹) showed recovery results ranging from 66 to 119 g/100 g, and RSD ≤ 12%, which is in accordance with standard recommended by Brazilian rules (ABNT NBR 14029/2005), except simazine. The validated method was applied to commercial samples obtained in Fortaleza-CE, Brazil, but no contamination of pesticides residues was observed.     

Confirmatory method for the determination of various acetylgestagens in animal kidney fat using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A confirmatory method has been developed and validated that allows for the simultaneous detection of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), megestrol acetate (MGA), melengestrol acetate (MLA), chlormadinone acetate (CMA) and delmadinone acetate (DMA) in animal kidney fat using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The compounds were extracted from kidney fat using acetonitrile, defatted using a hexane wash and subsequent saponification. Extracts were then purified on Isolute? CN solid-phase extraction cartridges and analysed by LC–MS/MS. The method was validated in animal kidney fat in accordance with the criteria defined in Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The decision limit (CCα) was calculated to be 0.12, 0.48, 0.40, 0.63 and 0.54 µg kg^–1, respectively, for MPA, MGA, MLA, DMA and CMA, with respective detection capability (CCβ) values of 0.20, 0.81, 0.68, 1.07 and 0.92 µg kg^–1. The measurement uncertainty of the method was estimated at 16, 16, 19, 27 and 26% for MPA, MGA, MLA, DMA and CMA, respectively. Fortifying kidney fat samples (n = 18) in three separate assays showed the accuracy of the method to be between 98 and 100%. The precision of the method, expressed as % RSD, for within-laboratory reproducibility at three levels of fortification (1, 1.5 and 2 µg kg^–1 for MPA, 5, 7.5 and 10 µg kg^–1 for MGA, MLA, DMA and CMA) was less than 5% for all analytes.     

Improved method for the determination of 12 non-nutritive sweeteners and monitoring in various foods using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

An improved and highly sensitive method was developed and validated for the determination of 12 (7 permitted and 5 non-permitted in Korea) non-nutritive sweeteners in various foods using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Xbridge BEH C18 column (3 mm × 100 mm, 2.5 μm) with gradient elution using 10 mM ammonium acetate in water and 10 mM ammonium acetate in methanol. Sample preparation consisted of simple dilution, homogenisation, centrifugation and purification with a C18 cartridge prior to analysis. The relative matrix effect (%ME) was within ±20% for all sweeteners. The method also showed good linearity (R² > 0.99). The limit of detection and limit of quantification values in sample were in the range of 0.02–2.66 and 0.06–8.05 mg kg^?1, respectively. The recoveries at three concentration levels ranged between 80% and 119%, with relative standard deviation values below 10%. In addition, the expanded uncertainties determined for 12 sweeteners in 5 different food matrices were confirmed to be <14%. Finally, the method was successfully applied to the analysis of sweeteners in 681 food samples purchased in Korea, Australia and Turkey. These results demonstrate that the method is suitable for the simultaneous determination of multiple-sweeteners in a variety of foods.     

Assessment of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry approaches for the analysis of ceftiofur metabolites in poultry muscle

The use of cephalosporin antibiotics in veterinary practice is likely to play an important role in the development of β-lactam-resistant bacteria. To detect off-label cephalosporin antibiotic usage, an analytical method is needed that, besides the native compound, also detects their active metabolites. In this paper, the applicability of three approaches for the quantitative analysis of ceftiofur using LC–MS/MS is assessed, viz. (A) analysis of ceftiofur, desfuroylceftiofur and/or desfuroylceftiofur cystein disulfide, (B) derivatisation of ceftiofur metabolites to desfuroylceftiofur acetamide and (C) chemical hydrolysis using ammonia, to produce a marker compound for ceftiofur. We found that approach A was not suited for quantitative analysis of total ceftiofur concentration or for effectively detecting off-label use of ceftiofur. Approach B resulted in adequate quantitative results, but was considered a single compound method because it depends on cleavage of a thioester group, which is present in only a limited number of cephalosporin antibiotics. Approach C showed adequate quantitative results but, in contrast to approach B, it is applicable to a range of cephalosporin antibiotics. Therefore, it is applicable as a broad quantitative screening of cephalosporin compounds in poultry tissue samples to indicate off-label use of cephalosporins in poultry breeding. Based on this study, it was concluded that approach C is the most suitable to detect off-label use of a range of cephalosporin antibiotics.     

Identification of the antidiarrhoeal components in official rhubarb using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Though the purgative components in official rhubarb are well documented as anthraquinone glycosides and sennosides, the antidiarrhoeal effect and its chemical basis have not been reported before. In this study, liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry was used to investigate the main chemicals in the antidiarrhoeal fraction previously isolated from Rheum palmatum L. In total 10 compounds were identified in the fraction as follows: gallic acid, galloyl glucose, di-O-galloyl-glucose, glucopyranosyl-galloyl-glucose, coumaroyl-O-galloyl-glucose, trimer of catechin, catechin gallate, catechin-glucopyranoside, carboxyl-chrysophanol-O-glucose and emodin-O-glucose. The predominant components identified in the fraction were rhubarb tannins, except for two anthraquinone glycosides of low contents. The polyphenolic analysis also showed the occurrence of abundant tannins. So, the antidiarrhoeal basis of rhubarb was primarily proposed as tannin-related compounds.     

Automated on-line solid-phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for determination of lipophilic marine toxins in shellfish

Automated on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled to liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) has been developed for fast determination of lipophilic marine toxins in shellfish samples. The direct coupling of an on-line SPE column to LC–MS/MS was accomplished using column switching techniques. Suitable chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed-phase C18 column under alkaline conditions (pH 11).     

Multiclass method for fast determination of veterinary drug residues in baby food by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A simple and rapid multiresidue method for the determination of different veterinary drug residues in meat-based baby food (MBF) and powdered milk-based infant formulae (PMIF) has been developed. The method involves an extraction procedure based on buffered QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) methodology, without any further clean-up step, followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The method has been validated in two baby food matrices (MBF and PMIF) at three different concentration levels, obtaining suitable recoveries and precision (inter and intra-day precision) values. Quantification was carried out using matrix-matched standard calibration. Furthermore, the decision limit (CCα) and the decision capability (CCβ) were evaluated, ranging from 0.5 to 16.2 μg/kg and from 1.2 to 22.4 μg/kg, respectively. Finally, the method was applied to the analysis of several kinds of baby food samples and traces of some veterinary drugs were detected.     

Confirmatory analysis of steroids in muscle using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A method is described for screening and confirmation of synthetic and endogenous steroids in muscle tissue. The method is sensitive, selective, and rapid and the consumption of organic solvents is low, compared to previously published methods. The procedure involves hydrolysis, defattening with heptane and final clean up with SPE using C₁₈ cartridge. After filtration, the analytes are analysed by LC/MS/MS and quantification is performed using deuterated internal standards. Decision limits (CCα) varied from 0.02 to 0.33?µg?kg^?1 and the detection capabilities (CCβ) were <0.50?µg?kg^?1. The mean within-laboratory reproducibility ranged 5–22% (%RSD_IR). Endogenous steroids (e.g. testosterone, epitestosterone and androstenedione) have been included in the method, to provide an insight into their levels, as the presence of these steroids was detected several times during analysis of imported meat.     

Simultaneous quantitative determination of Sudan dyes using liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure photoionization–tandem mass spectrometry

Atmospheric pressure photoionization–tandem mass spectrometry (APPI–MS/MS) method has been developed for quantitative determination of Sudan I to IV dyes. This study demonstrates the applicability of a simple isocratic normal phase HPLC method using isopropanol (0.3%) in n-hexane as the mobile phase for the separation of these dyes. A simple extraction procedure using n-hexane has been applied for the extraction of these dyes from spiked samples of chilli powder and tomato sauce. The quantitative determination of Sudan I to IV is obtained from the spiked tomato sauce and chilli powder samples by external standard method under single reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The study includes a detailed investigation on LOD, LOQ, linearity and recovery of Sudan I to IV dyes. The LOD ranged from 5–18 μg/l and LOQ ranged from 10–24 μg/l. The present method can be a powerful analytical tool for the simultaneous quantitative determination of Sudan dyes present in food products.     

In-house validation of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMS) in bovine urine

A sensitive and robust LC–MS/MS method allowing the rapid screening and confirmation of selective androgen receptor modulators in bovine urine was developed and successfully validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, chapter 3.1.3 ‘alternative validation’, by applying a matrix-comprehensive in-house validation concept. The confirmation of the analytes in the validation samples was achieved both on the basis of the MRM ion ratios as laid down in Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and by comparison of their enhanced product ion (EPI) spectra with a reference mass spectral library by making use of the QTRAP technology. Here, in addition to the MRM survey scan, EPI spectra were generated in a data-dependent way according to an information-dependent acquisition criterion. Moreover, stability studies of the analytes in solution and in matrix according to an isochronous approach proved the stability of the analytes in solution and in matrix for at least the duration of the validation study. To identify factors that have a significant influence on the test method in routine analysis, a factorial effect analysis was performed. To this end, factors considered to be relevant for the method in routine analysis (e.g. operator, storage duration of the extracts before measurement, different cartridge lots and different hydrolysis conditions) were systematically varied on two levels. The examination of the extent to which these factors influence the measurement results of the individual analytes showed that none of the validation factors exerts a significant influence on the measurement results.     

Microwave-assisted extraction and determination of cyanuric acid residue in infant formula samples by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

In the present work, microwave-assisted extraction method in combining with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was proposed for the determination of cyanuric acid (CYA) in infant formula samples. The separation was performed on a MERCK ZIC HILIC column (150 × 2.1 mm i.d., 5 μm) with gradient elution of 20 mM ammonium acetate solution – acetonitrile. The method could respond linearly with cyanuric acid at concentrations from 1.0 to 50 ng mL⁻¹ with a quantification limit of 0.25 mg kg⁻¹. The intra- and inter-day precision was less than 4% and the recovery of the assay was in the range of 86.7–93.1%. In the analysis of practical spiked infant formula samples, the new method yielded satisfactory results. Due to its simplicity and accuracy the straightforward method is particularly suitable for routine cyanuric acid detection.     

Simultaneous determination of 15 components in Radix Glehniae by high performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A novel qualitative and quantitative method using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was developed for simultaneous analysis of 15 components including 10 coumarins, four phenolic acids and adenosine in Radix Glehniae, an important traditional Chinese medicine. The separation was performed on a C₁₈ column with isocratic elution consisted of 0.1% formic acid and methanol (30:70, v/v). The identification and quantification of the analytes were achieved on a hybrid quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) scanning was employed for quantification with switching electrospray ion source polarity between positive and negative modes in a single run. Full validation of the method was carried out (linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection and limit of quantification). The results indicated that the method was simple, rapid, specific and reliable. And we successfully applied it to analyze 20 Radix Glehniae samples from different sources.     

Analysis of isothiazolinone biocides in paper for food packaging by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A novel and simple method to detect isothiazolinone-type biocides (2-methyl-3-isothiazolinone (MI), 5-chloro-2-methyl-3-isothiazolinone (CMI), 1,2-benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and 2-octyl-3-isothiazolinone (OIT)) in paper used for food packaging by ultrasonic extraction coupled with UPLC-MS/MS was developed. Parameters affecting process efficiency such as extraction solvents, UPLC mobile phase, gradient elution procedure and MS/MS conditions were studied to optimise the operating conditions. Using the optimised gradient elution procedure, the retention time was less than 6?min. The limits of detection (LODs) were found to be between 0.001 and 0.010?mg?kg^?1, which was validated using actual concentrations. After diluting the standard solution with a blank matrix, the linear calibration curve ranges were 0.002–1.000?mg?kg^?1 for BIT and OIT, 0.005–1.000?mg?kg^?1 for MI, and 0.020–1.000?mg?kg^?1 for CMI, with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9985 (n?=?6). A good level of precision with a mean recovery greater than 81.3% and a relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 6.2% were also obtained. A methodology has been proposed for the analysis of isothiazolinones in paper.     

Application of dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the determination of selected organochlorine pesticides in honey by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) is a rapid and easy technique that consumes minute amounts of organic solvents. In this work, we present chemometric study on optimization of DLLME parameters for the extraction of aldrin, endrin, lindane, α-endosulfan, 4,4′-DDT and its metabolites from honey matrix. Method quantification limits (MQLs) vary between 0.3 ng/g for 2,4′-DDE and 4,4′-DDE to 13.2 ng/g for α-endosulfan and enable determination at levels below EU-established Maximum Residue Limits. The developed method is linear (R ² > 0.994) in the investigated range (MQL—100 ng/g), with preconcentration factors of 13.2–30.5 and good repeatability (CV ≤ 17%). A comparison with other available methods reported in the last decade is provided. The method has been applied to 19 real samples from Poland, and the results show that organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are present in analysed honeys at levels not posing threat to human health (below 14 ng/g for sum of 4,4′-DDT and metabolites and below 5 ng/g for aldrin, endrin and lindane). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported application of DLLME for the determination of OCPs in honey.     

Microwave pretreatment and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry determination of herbicide residues in onion

A rapid multi-residue method was developed for the determination of 16 herbicides in onion. The analytical procedure was based on preventing formation of sulfur-containing compounds in onion by microwave inactivation of the enzyme alliinase. The onion samples which had been pretreated were extracted with acetonitrile and cleaned by solid-phase extraction. The herbicide residues in onion were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring. The recoveries of 16 herbicides ranged from 69.2% to 105.0% with the relative standard deviations (RSD) below 10.7%. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) ranged from 0.003 to 0.015 mg kg⁻¹. The method was applied to the analysis of herbicide residues in onion samples.     

Rapid determination of lycopene and β-carotene in tomato by liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

BACKGROUND: The tomato fruit is a dietary source of carotenoids, bioactive antioxidant compounds that play an important role in the prevention of degenerative diseases. Several extraction and detection techniques regarding carotenoids in tomatoes can be found in the literature, mainly based on high‐performance liquid chromatography separation and ultraviolet‐visible detection. RESULTS: The best extraction conditions and tandem mass spectrometry (MS) analysis were evaluated: lycopene and β‐carotene were extracted in a cyclohexane/ethyl acetate mixture without the addition of antioxidants, next separated by liquid chromatography on a C₁₈ column and then determined through electrospray tandem MS. Ionic suppression by the matrix in negative ionisation mode did not allow the analysis of extracts, hence the positive ionisation mode was chosen. Validation parameters demonstrated the suitability for purpose of the analytical method: accuracy, precision, linearity and detection limits were adequate. The method was finally applied to different tomato samples, and differences could be easily highlighted. CONCLUSION: The method was simple, fast and appropriate for the purpose of analysing lycopene and β‐carotene in tomatoes. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Determination of trichothecenes in cereals and cereal-based products by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive, accurate and precise method for the simultaneous determination of nivalenol (NIV), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin (T-2) and HT-2 toxin (HT-2) in different food matrices, including wheat, maize, barley, cereal-based infant foods, snacks, biscuits and wafers, has been developed. The method, using liquid chromatography coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC–APCI–MS/MS), allowed unambiguous identification of the selected trichothecenes at low µg per kg levels in such complex food matrices. A clean-up procedure, based on reversed phase SPE Oasis® HLB columns, was used, allowing good recoveries for all studied trichothecenes. In particular, NIV recoveries significantly improved compared to those obtained by using Mycosep® #227 columns for clean-up of the extracts. Limits of detection in the various investigated matrices ranged 2.5–4.0 µg kg^?1 for NIV, 2.8–5.3 µg kg^?1 for DON, 0.4–1.7 µg kg^?1 for HT-2 and 0.4–1.0 µg kg^?1 for T-2. Mean recovery values, obtained from cereals and cereal products spiked with NIV, DON, HT-2 and T-2 toxins at levels from 10 to 1000 µg kg^?1, ranged from 72 to 110% with mean relative standard deviation lower than 10%. A systematic investigation of matrix effects in different cereals and cereal products was also carried out by statistically comparing the slopes of standard calibration curve with matrix-matched calibration curve for each of the four toxins and the eight matrices tested. For seven of the eight matrices tested, statistically significant matrix effects were observed, indicating that, for accurate quantitative analysis, matrix-matched calibration was necessary. The method was applied to the analysis of 57 samples of ground wheat originated from South Italy and nine cereal food samples collected from retail markets.     

Optimization of a solid phase extraction and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of metformin in dietary supplements and herbal medicines

Metformin is one of the most common adulterants found in anti-diabetic dietary supplements and herbal medicines. An analytical method based on hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC)/tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the determination of metformin in dietary supplements and herbal medicines. Sample preparation involved solid phase extraction of the analyte using Plexa PCX cartridges, and cleanup by a primary–secondary amine (PSA) adsorbent for minimization of the matrix effect. Chromatographic separation was performed on a HILIC column using a mixture of 0.025 mol/L ammonium formate (pH 3) and acetonitrile (18:82, v/v) as the mobile phase at flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. The method was validated in four matrices (capsules, honeyed pills, tablets and oral solutions). The method had a good linear range (5–500 ng/mL), and the overall precision and accuracy ranged from 2.2% to 9.9% and 4.6% to 11.3%, respectively.     

Rapid determination of organophosphorous pesticides in leeks by gas chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

A rapid multi-residue method was developed for the determination of 20 organophosphorous pesticide residues in leeks by gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC–QqQ-MS/MS). The method was based on the modified QuEChERS sample preparation method. After microwave pre-treatment, leek samples were extracted with acetonitrile containing acetic acid 0.1% and cleaned by dispersive solid phase extraction. The QqQ analyser acquired data in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. Recoveries of 20 organophosphorous pesticides ranged from 81.0% to 109.4% with the relative standard deviations (RSD) below 10.4%. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.07–1.5 μg/kg. The limits of quantitation (LOQs) ranged from 0.25 to 5 μg/kg. Ten leek samples were analysed for method application.     

An isotope dilution headspace method with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for determination of propylene oxide in food

A method based on isotope dilution headspace and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of propylene oxide in foods. Optimum method sensitivity was achieved by the addition of NaCl in water at saturation and with the sample solution incubated at 90°C. The method had good repeatability with relative standard deviations of 6.0, 7.6 and 2.2% at 5, 20 and 40 µg l^?1, respectively. The method was used to determine propylene oxide in 36 selected food composite samples from the 2007 Canadian total diet study. Propylene oxide was not detected in any samples analyzed with an average method detection limit of 0.5 ng g^?1. Hydrolysis of propylene oxide in water was observed as a first-order reaction with a half-life of 15 h at room temperature and less than 10 min at 90°C. This confirms that it is very unlikely to find propylene oxide in foods as consumed due to its volatility and reaction with water.