Comparison of the effectiveness of recent extraction procedures for antibiotic residues in bovine muscle tissues

Acetonitrile extraction followed by primary-secondary amine dispersive SPE cleanup QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe), was compared to pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) using water at 70 degrees C for 10 min at 1500 psi for the determination of 16 veterinary drugs in bovine muscle tissues by LC/MS/MS. PLE was significantly more effective for the extraction of veterinary drugs (ranging from 69 to 103% with RSD < or = 18%) than QuEChERS (ranging from 19 to 89% with RSD < or = 19%). Linearity of the calibration curves was obtained over the range considered from 10 microg/kg or LOQ to 1000, microg/kg) with r2 > or = 0.99 for all the analytes by both methods. Although an internal standard was used, matrix effects were corrected using matrix- matched standards. LODs were from 5 to 30 microg/kg for PLE and from 10 to 100 microg/kg for QuEChERS. To establish and assess the most efficient conditions for each extraction method, statistical parametric and nonparametric tests were used. PLE with water almost eliminates the use or generation of hazardous wastes. The two methods were applied successfully in a routine analysis during surveys in 2008.     

Mixed-mode solid-phase extraction and cleanup procedures for the liquid chromatographic determination of thiabendazole and carbendazim in fruit juices

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedures were developed for rapid cleanup and determination of thiabendazole and carbendazim in orange, apple, and grape juices. Samples were prepared by using an SPE cartridge containing a mixed-mode sorbent with both reversed-phase and strong cation-exchange chemistries. Analysis was by liquid chromatography with photodiode-array UV detection. Orange juice was analyzed by mixed-mode cation-exchange extraction with reversed-phase cleanup; the other juices were analyzed by reversed-phase extraction with cation-exchange cleanup. Recoveries >80% for carbendazim and >90% for thiabendazole. Quantitation limits were 20 microg/L for both analytes.     

Comparison of an acetonitrile extraction/partitioning and "dispersive solid-phase extraction" method with classical multi-residue methods for the extraction of herbicide residues in barley samples

An acetonitrile/partitioning extraction and "dispersive solid-phase extraction (SPE)" method that provides high quality results with a minimum number of steps and a low solvent and glassware consumption was published in 2003. This method, suitable for the analysis of multiple classes of pesticide residues in foods, has been given an acronymic name, QuEChERS, that reflects its major advantages (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe). In this work, QuEChERS method, which was originally created for vegetable samples with a high amount of water, was modified to optimise the extraction of a wide range of herbicides in barley. Then, it was compared with known conventional multi-residue extraction procedures such as the Luke method, which was simplified and shortened by eliminating the Florisil clean-up (mini Luke) and the ethyl acetate extraction, which involves a subsequent clean-up by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and which is the official extraction method used by some of European authorities. Finally, a simple acetone extraction was carried out to check the differences with the other three methods. Extracts were analysed by gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF/MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Mini Luke was significantly more effective for the extraction of non-polar and medium-polar compounds, but the best recoveries for polar compounds were achieved by QuEChERS and ethyl acetate methods. QuEChERS was the only method that provided an overall recovery value of 60-70% for non-, medium- and polar compounds, with some exceptions due to co-eluted matrix interferences. Clean-up by dispersive SPE was effective and did not differ so much with ethyl acetate extracts considering that QuEChERS clean-up step is much easier and less time-consuming. As a conclusion, it resulted to be the most universal extraction method by providing a well-defined phase separation without dilution and achieving acceptable recoveries in average including the extraction of the always difficult acidic herbicides. However, recoveries were not as good as required for validation purposes suggesting that residues are prone to strong matrix interactions in dry samples as barley and further method adaptation incrementing solvent strength, extraction time or more acidic or basic conditions is needed in order to achieve a complete extraction.     

Miniaturized salting-out liquid-liquid extraction of sulfonamides from different matrices

Salting-out liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) uses water-miscible organic solvents as the extractants. The principle of it is based on the phase separation of water-miscible organic solvents from the aqueous solutions in the presence of high concentration of salts. As an effort to miniaturization, in the present study, a 1-mL syringe was employed as the phase separation device for salting-out LLE. Once the phase separation occurred, the upper layer could be narrowed into the needle tip by pushing the plunger; thus, the collection of the upper layer solvent was convenient. By miniaturization, the consumption of organic solvent was decreased as low as possible. Four sulfonamides were used as model analytes. The optimal salting-out parameters were as follows. 150 μL of acetonitrile was added to the 500 μL of sample solution containing 300 mg mL(-1) sodium chloride at a pH of 6.5. This procedure afforded a convenient, fast and cost-saving operation with good cleanup ability for the model analytes. It showed promising applications for different matrices. Herein, food (honey), environmental water (river water) and biological fluid (human urine) were investigated. Satisfactory results were obtained. An additional bonus of this sample preparation method is that, owing to its water-miscible nature, the extraction solvent is compatible with various analytical systems, like gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis.     

Multiresidue pesticides analysis in soils using modified QuEChERS with disposable pipette extraction and dispersive solid‐phase extraction

QuEChERS original method was modified into a new version for pesticides determination in soils. The QuEChERS method is based on liquid–liquid portioning with ACN and was followed by cleanup step using dispersive SPE and disposable pipette tips. Gas chromatographic separation with MS detection was carried out for pesticides quantification. The method was validated using recovery experiments for 36 multiclass pesticides. Mean reco‐veries of pesticides at each of the four spiking levels between 10–300 μg/kg of soil ranged from 70–120% for 26 pesticides with RSD values less than 15%. The method achieved low limit of detection less than 7.6 μg/kg. Matrix effects were observed for 13 pesticides. Matrix effects were compensated by using matrix‐matched calibration. The method was applied successfully using d‐SPE or DPX in the analysis of the pesticides in soils from organic farming and integrated pest management.     

Development of an improved method to extract pesticide residues in foods using acetonitrile with magnesium sulfate and chloroform

A multiresidue method was developed based on extraction of 10 g sample with 10 mL acetonitrile and subsequent liquid–liquid partitioning formed by adding 4 g MgSO₄ plus 1 mL chloroform. During the partitioning process, the extraction recoveries of polar analytes were found to be essentially determined by the acetonitrile content in the aqueous phase. The use of MgSO₄ gave the least acetonitrile left in the aqueous phase (lower than 5%) and thus promoting complete partitioning of analytes into the organic phase. At the same time, removal of water from the acetonitrile phase was achieved by adding only a small amount of chloroform with no influence on the acetonitrile content in the aqueous phase, thus leading to decreasing the co-extraction of polar matrix components. The most complete mutual separation of acetonitrile and water was achieved by the joint use of MgSO₄ and chloroform and thus the optimal extraction recovery and analytical selectivity were obtained simultaneously. The new method, with higher recoveries of polar analytes, better analytical selectivity and simpler manipulation, is a claimed improvement to the original QuEChERS method. The proposed method was finally validated by the determination of 20 pesticides in a mixed food matrix by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrum (LC–MS/MS). Acceptable linearity, sensitivity, recovery, precision and selectivity results were obtained.     

A rapid multiresidue method for determination of pesticides in fruits and vegetables by using acetonitrile extraction/partitioning and solid-phase extraction column cleanup

A modification of a rapid and inexpensive multiresidue method for determination of pesticides in fruits and vegetables (QuEChERS method) is presented. Samples were extracted by shaking with acetic acid-acetonitrile (1 + 99). Water was removed by liquid-liquid partitioning with magnesium sulfate and sodium acetate. The extract was subjected to a single solid-phase extraction (SPE) column cleanup, which produced a cleaner extract than did the dispersive SPE cleanup used in the original QuEChERS method. Recovery data were obtained for 316 pesticide residues, at levels ranging from 20 ppb to 1.0 ppm. Data were provided by 3 different laboratories. The modified QuEChERS method resulted in a 65% reduction in solvent usage, when compared with the traditional multiresidue methods previously used in our laboratories.     

On-line solid-phase extraction coupled to hydrophilic interaction chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of polar drugs

The present study describes the first fully automated method based on on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled to hydrophilic interaction chromatography-electrospray-mass spectrometry (HILIC-(ESI)MS) to determine a group of polar drugs that includes illicit drugs (such as cocaine, morphine, codeine and metabolites) and pharmaceuticals in environmental water samples. The SPE was performed using a highly retentive polymeric sorbent. The HILIC separation was optimised and the initial high organic content of the chromatographic mobile phase, was also suitable for the proper on-line elution of the analytes retained in the SPE column and for enhancing the ESI ionisation efficiency. This method allows the loading of samples of up to 250ml of ultrapure water or 10ml of environmental water samples spiked at low ngl(-1) levels of the analytes. The method yields near 100% recoveries for all the analytes. The method was also validated with environmental water samples with linear ranges from 5 to 1000ngl(-1) and limits of detection ≤2ngl(-1) for most of the compounds.     

Hydrophilic interaction chromatography separation mechanisms of tetracyclines on amino-bonded silica column

Effects of mobile-phase variations on the chromatographic separation on amino-bonded silica column in hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) were investigated for four zwitterionic tetracyclines (TCs): oxytetracycline, doxycycline, chlortetracycline, and tetracycline. A mixed-mode retention mechanism composed of partitioning, adsorption, and ion exchange interactions was proposed for the amino HILIC retention process. Buffer type and pH significantly influenced the retention of TCs, but showed similar separation selectivity for the tested analytes. Experiments varying buffer salt concentration and pH demonstrated the presence of ion exchange interactions in TCs retention. The type and concentration of organic modifier also affected the retention and selectivity of the analytes, providing direct evidence supporting the Alpert retention model for HILIC. The retention time of the analytes increased in the following order of organic modifiers: tetrahydrofuran < methanol < isopropanol < acetonitrile. The linear relationships of logk' versus %water (v/v) curve and logk' versus logarithm of %water (v/v) in the mobile phase indicated that TCs separation on the amino phase was controlled by partitioning and adsorption. The developed method was successfully utilized in the detection of TCs in both river water and wastewater samples using solid-phase extraction (SPE) for sample cleanup.     

固相萃取法与基质固相分散法在橙子中有机磷农药残留分析中的应用

建立了固相萃取(SPE)-反相高效液相色谱(RP-HPLC)同时测定橙子中痕量辛硫磷、二嗪农有机磷农药残留量的方法。样品经甲醇超声提取、C18固相萃取柱净化后,采用液相色谱柱分离,以乙腈-水(体积比为85∶15)为流动相等度洗脱,于254 nm下紫外检测。结果表明:在0.1～10.0 mg/L和0.4～10.0 mg/L范围内,辛硫磷、二嗪农的质量浓度与峰面积呈良好的线性关系;样品的加标平均回收率为87.3%～102.7%,相对标准偏差(RSD)为0.9%～4.9%。将该分析结果与用基质固相分散法(MSPD)处理样品所得的结果相比较,发现SPE对二嗪农的提取效果较好,而MSPD对辛硫磷的提取效果较好,但两种方法都能较好地净化样品,均能满足残留量的分析要求。     

Review of the QuEChERS method for the analysis of organic pollutants: Persistent organic pollutants,polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,and pharmaceuticals

In multi-residue pesticide analysis, the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction method has replaced less efficient traditional extraction methods due to its many advantages. In addition to pesticide analysis, this method has been widely used for the detection and analysis of pharmaceuticals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and several persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkyl substances, and brominated flame retardants in food, biological, and environmental matrices. The analysis of PAHs and POPs is challenging due to the properties of the target compounds and their low concentrations in complex matrices. This review summarizes previously reported the QuEChERS extraction approaches to the analysis of a wide range of analytes. The QuEChERS approaches, which include dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE), have generally been combined with either gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) or liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis. Further on, in recent years, GC and LC-tandem mass spectrometry has been utilized with the QuEChERS extraction due to its high selectivity, sensitivity, and specificity. This enables the extraction methods for target analytes to be modified through the selection of different extraction solvents, salt formulations, and buffers for salting-out partitioning and the selection of different d-SPE and SPE sorbents for the clean-up process. The most significant advantage of this method is that concentration steps are not required. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of information regarding the modification of extraction techniques based on target compounds and sample matrices.     

Graphitized carbons for solid-phase extraction

The objective of this review is to provide updated information about the most important features of graphitized carbonaceous sorbents used for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of organic compounds from liquid natural matrices or extracts. The surface characteristics of graphitized carbon blacks and porous graphitic carbons are described which are responsible for the various types interactions (hydrophobic, electronic and ion-exchange) with analytes. The method development is given which is based on the prediction from liquid chromatographic retention data obtained using porous graphitic carbon. Emphasis is placed on their capability for trapping very polar and water-soluble analytes from aqueous samples. Comparison is made between carbon-based SPE sorbents and other reversed-phase materials such as octadecyl silicas and highly cross-linked copolymers. Especially, the difficulty encountered for the desorption of some strongly retained analytes is explained by LC data and solutions are given for optimizing the composition and volume of the desorption solution. Many examples illustrate the various common features of graphitized carbons which are the extraction of very polar analytes and multiresidue extractions. Some applications are specific to graphitized carbon black due to the presence of surface functional groups. They include the extraction of anionic compounds such as benzene and naphthalene sulfonates or acidic pesticides. Other applications are specific to porous graphitic carbon due to its flat and homogeneous surface. One example is the trace extraction of coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans from other PCB congeners.     

Quantitative multiresidue method for about 100 veterinary drugs in different meat matrices by sub 2-microm particulate high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry

A quantitative multiresidue method covering more than 100 veterinary drugs, belonging to different drug families, has been developed. The proposed approach uses an liquid-liquid-solid extraction technique (bi-polarity extraction) which is capable in recovering polar, medium polar and apolar compounds. A thorough generic reversed phase solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up removes interfering proteins and provides clean and stable extracts. Dedicated rinsing steps are proposed to reduce analyte adsorption on glass walls and on precipitating proteins. The resulting extract is analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry (TOF). The method was validated according to the Commission Decision 2002/657/EEC. Validation coved the relevant meat matrices (muscle, kidney and liver).     

Influence of chemical modification of polymeric resin on retention of polar compounds in solid-phase extraction

Summary Three polymeric adsorbents, two of which had been chemically modified with different hydrophilic functional moieties and the third, which was the corresponding unmodified polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PSDVB) resin, were compared for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of several polar pesticides and phenolic compounds from water samples. The SPE system was online coupled to a liquid chromatograph with UV detector. Chemical modification of the PS-DVB resin with either 2-carboxy-3/4-nitrobenzoyl or 2,4-dicarboxybenzoyl, improved the efficiency of the SPE process by increasing polar interactions with the analytes. The adsorbent with the nitro group gave higher recoveries, mainly for the most polar analytes. This adsorbent enabled 100 mL river water to be preconcentrated to determine the target analytes in this matrix.     

猪肉中63种有机磷农药的气相色谱筛选与气质联用确证方法

建立了固相萃取-气相色谱筛选和气相色谱-质谱联用确证猪肉中63种有机磷农药的分析方法。样品用正己烷配合乙腈-水溶液均质提取,加入氯化钠继续均质,离心分层后取部分乙腈层经C18柱和PSA柱净化后供GC和GC-MS分析。气相色谱筛选采用火焰光度检测器（FPD）,气相色谱-质谱联用确证采用选择离子扫描方式（SIM）,外标法定量。该方法简便、快速,优化条件下测定方法的定量下限（S/N=10）为0.001～0.043 mg/kg,在加标水平为0.16 mg/kg时,回收率为70%～121%,相对标准偏差为4.1%～13.9%。     

Single‐step extraction followed by LC for determination of (fluoro)quinolone drug residues in muscle,eggs, and milk

In this study, a simplified method for the extraction and determination of seven fluoroquinolone residues (danofloxacin, difloxacin, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, orbifloxacin, ofloxacin, and sarafloxacin) and three quinolones (oxolinic acid, flumequine, and nalidixic acid), in porcine muscle, table eggs, and commercial whole milk, which required no cleanup step, was devised. This procedure involves the extraction of analytes from the samples via liquid‐phase extraction, and the subsequent quantitative determination was accomplished via LC‐fluorescence detection. Analyte separation was successfully conducted on an XBridge‐C₁₈ column, with a linear gradient mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and 0.01 M oxalic acid buffer at pH=3.5. The one‐step liquid‐liquid extraction method evidenced good selectivity, precision (RSDs=0.26–15.07%), and recovery of the extractable analytes, ranging from 61.12 to 115.93% in matrices. The LOQs ranged from 0.3 to 25 μg/kg. A survey of ten samples purchased from local markets was conducted, and none of the samples harbored fluoroquinolone residues. This method is an improvement over existing methodologies, since no additional cleanup was necessary.     

Combined use of supported liquid membrane and solid-phase extraction to enhance selectivity and sensitivity in capillary electrophoresis for the determination of ochratoxin A in wine

This paper proposes a novel strategy to enhance selectivity and sensitivity in CE, using supported liquid membrane (SLM) and off-line SPE simultaneously. The determination of ochratoxin A (OA) in wine has been used to demonstrate the potential of this methodology. In the SLM step, the donor phase (either a 20 mL volume of a standard solution at pH 1 or a wine sample at pH 8) was placed in a vial, where a micromembrane extraction unit accommodating the acceptor phase (1 mL water, pH 11) in its lumen was immersed. The SLM was constructed by impregnating a porous Fluoropore Teflon (PTFE) membrane with a water-immiscible organic solvent (octanol). In the off-line SPE step, the nonpolar sorbent (C-18, 4 mg) selectively retained the target ochratoxin, enabling small volumes of acceptor phase (1 mL) to be introduced. The captured analytes were eluted in a small volume of methanol (0.1 mL). This procedure resulted in sample cleanup and concentration enhancement. The method was evaluated for accuracy and precision, and its RSD found to be 5%. The LODs for OA in the standard solutions and wine samples were 0.5 and 30 microg/L, respectively. The results obtained demonstrate that SLM combined with off-line is a good alternative to the use of immunoaffinity columns prior to CE analysis.     

Determination of 39 polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners in sediment samples using fast selective pressurized liquid extraction and purification

In order to reduce time of analysis, a new pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) method that automatically and rapidly achieves quantitative and selective extraction of 39 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners in sediment samples was optimized. It consists of on-line cleanup by inclusion of sorbents in the extraction cell. The new method was compared with a conventional method based on the use of Soxhlet extraction followed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with cartridges. The instrumental determination was performed by GC-MS, using negative chemical ionization in the selected-ion monitoring mode. Recoveries from 47 to 82% were obtained for spiked tri- to hepta-PBDE congeners in sediment sample. The repeatability of replicate extractions was better than 15% relative standard deviation. The detection limits obtained with the new developed method were between 1 and 46 pg/g dry weight. The reduction in the sample preparation (extraction + cleanup) time (from days to 30 min) with a similar efficiency than that afforded by the conventional Soxhlet extraction-SPE cleanup technique indicates the suitability of this method. The method was applied to sediment samples where the analytes were detected in the range of 0.86-2.49 ng/g dry mass.     

Analysis of paroxetine, fluoxetine and norfluoxetine in fish tissues using pressurized liquid extraction, mixed mode solid phase extraction cleanup and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Recent studies have shown that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine are accumulated in the tissues of fish as a result of discharges of pharmaceuticals into surface waters from municipal wastewater treatment plants. In this study, an analytical method based on liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS/MS) was developed and validated for the determination of residues of paroxetine, fluoxetine and its active metabolite, norfluoxetine, in fish tissue. The procedure for sample preparation includes extraction of tissue by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), followed by cleanup on a mixed-mode solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge, Oasis MCX. With the optimized method, matrix interferences were reduced and recoveries >85% were obtained. The limits of quantitation (LOQ) determined by analysis of spiked fish tissue were 0.24, 0.07, and 0.14 ng/g wet weight for paroxetine, fluoxetine and norfluoxetine, respectively. This method was successfully applied to the analysis of samples of fish collected from Hamilton Harbour in Ontario, Canada, which is an urbanized and industrialized embayment of Lake Ontario. These analyses showed that the three analytes were present in fish tissues at concentrations up to approximately 1 microg/kg wet weight.     

串联双柱固相萃取-液相色谱-串联质谱法测定番茄酱中链霉素和双氢链霉素残留量

建立了同时测定番茄酱中链霉素和双氢链霉素残留量的串联双柱净化-液相色谱-串联质谱方法。样品中的残留物用磷酸盐缓冲液(pH 4)提取,经分散固相萃取净化和串联双柱固相萃取净化后,用极性色谱柱在梯度洗脱条件下分离待测物,采用正离子电喷雾离子源(ESI+)在多反应监测(MRM)扫描模式下进行测定,外标法定量。链霉素和双氢链霉素在0.01～0.2 mg/L质量浓度范围内线性关系良好,相关系数(r)大于0.999。链霉素和双氢链霉素的定量限均为0.02 mg/kg,回收率为71%～101%,相对标准偏差为2.3%～15%。该方法操作简便,净化效果好,灵敏,准确,适用于检测和分析番茄酱及其制品中链霉素和双氢链霉素残留量。