Use of gel permeation chromatography for clean-up in the analysis of coccidiostats in eggs by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

An analytical method for determination and confirmation of nine coccidiostatics in eggs is reported. Ethyl acetate is used as extraction solvent, with satisfactory results, and simple automated clean-up is based on gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) . The target compounds are then analysed by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry. The method was validated in-house in accordance with Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Trueness and precision were determined at four concentrations, and the mean errors obtained were <10 %, with relative standard deviations ranging from 3 to 18 %. For three non-authorized coccidiostatics (clopidol, ethopabate, and ronizadole), decision limit and detection capability were in the ranges 0.12–0.16 and 0.18–0.23 μg kg^?1, respectively. The results obtained prove the suitability of this new analytical method for routine monitoring of these substances in eggs.     

Validation of a multi-residue liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry confirmatory method for 10 anticoccidials in eggs according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC

A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) method for the simultaneous detection and confirmation of halofuginone, robenidine, diclazuril, nicarbazin, monensin, narasin, lasalocid, salinomycin, maduramicin and semduramicin in whole egg has been developed and validated. The anticoccidial residues were extracted by acetonitrile, evaporated and dissolved in a sodium acetate/acetonitrile mixture. Then, the samples were injected on a C8 column in a gradient mode. Diclazuril-bis, DNC-d8 and nigericin were used as internal standards. The results of the full validation in accordance with the guidelines of the Commission Decision no 2002/657/EC are presented. This rapid and sensitive method was found suitable to confirm the anticoccidials at 1 and at 75 μg kg⁻¹ for the MRL compound lasalocid.     

Ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of alkylphenols in soil

A novel method has been developed for the determination of alkylphenols in soil by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography employing small particle sizes, combined with tandem mass spectrometry. Soil samples were extracted with pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and then cleaned with solid-phase extraction (SPE). The extracts were separated on C18 column (1.7 μm, 50 mm × 2.1 mm) with a gradient elution and a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile, and then detected by an electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in negative ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Compared with traditional liquid chromatography, it took ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography much less time to analyze alkylphenols. Additionally, the ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method produces satisfactory reliability, sensitivity, and accuracy. The average recoveries of the three target analytes were 74.0–103.4%, with the RSD < 15%. The calibration curves for alkylphenols were linear within the range of 0.01–0.4 μg/ml, with the correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. When 10 g soil sample was used for analysis, the limits of quantification (LOQs) of the three alkylphenols were all 1.0 μg/kg.     

Development and validation of a pressurized liquid extraction liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for perfluorinated compounds determination in fish

This paper describes the development and validation of an analytical methodology to determine eight perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in edible fish using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with water and solid-phase extraction (SPE) with an ion-exchanger as extraction and pre-concentration procedures, followed by liquid chromatography–quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LC–QqLIT–MS). The rapidity and effectiveness of the proposed extraction procedure were compared with those most commonly used to isolate PFCs from fish (ion-pairing and alkaline digestion). The average recoveries of the different fish samples, spiked with the eight PFCs at three levels (the LOQ, 10 and 100 μg kg⁻¹ of each PFC), were always higher than 85% with relative standard deviation (RSD) lower than 17%. A good linearity was established for the eight PFCs in the range from 0.003–0.05 to 100 μg kg⁻¹, with r > 0.9994. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were between 0.003 and 0.05 μg kg⁻¹, which are well below those previously reported for this type of samples. Compared with previous methods, sample preparation time and/or LOQs are reduced. The method demonstrated its successful application for the analysis of different parts of several fish species. Most of the samples tested positive, mainly for perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPA), perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) but other of the eight studied PFCs were also present.     

Quantitative determination of taurine and related biomarkers in urine by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Current urinary bladder cancer diagnosis is commonly based on a biopsy obtained during cystoscopy. This invasive method causes discomfort and pain in patients. Recently, taurine and several other compounds such as L-phenylalanine and hippuric acid in urine were found to be indicators of bladder cancer. However, because of a lack of sensitive and accurate analytical techniques, it is impossible to detect these compounds in urine at low levels. In this study, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), a noninvasive method was developed to separate and detect these compounds in urine. ¹⁵N₂-L-glutamine was used as the internal standard, and creatinine acted as an indicator for urine dilution. A phenyl-hexyl column was used for the separation at an isocratic condition of 0.2% formic acid in water and 0.2% formic acid in methanol. Analytes were detected in multiple-reaction monitoring with positive ionization mode. The limit of detection range is 0.18–6 nM and the limit of quantitation ranges from 0.6 to 17.6 nM. The parameters affecting separation and quantification were also investigated and optimized. Proper clinical validation of these biomarkers can be done using this reliable, fast, and simple method. Furthermore, with simple modifications, this method could be applied to other physiological fluids and other types of diseases.     

Enantiomeric determination of azole antifungals in wastewater and sludge by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive and reliable liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method for enantiomeric determination of five chiral azole antifungals (econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, tebuconazole, and propiconazole) in wastewater and sludge has been established and validated. An isotope-labeled internal standard was used for quantification. Recovery of the individual enantiomers was usually in the range of 77-102 % for wastewater and 71-95 % for sludge, with relative standard deviations within 20 %. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed between recovery of pairs of enantiomers of the chiral azole antifungals except for those of tebuconazole. Method quantification limits for individual enantiomers were 0.3-10 ng L(-1) and 3-29 ng g(-1) dry weight for wastewater and sludge, respectively. The method was used to investigate the enantiomeric composition of the azole pharmaceuticals in wastewater and sludge samples from a sewage treatment plant in China. Enantiomers of miconazole, ketoconazole, and econazole were widely detected. The results showed that the azole antifungals in wastewater and sludge were generally racemic or marginally non-racemic. The method is a useful tool for investigation of the enantiomeric occurrence, behavior, and fate of the chiral azole antifungals in the environment.     

Method development for the determination of 52 pesticides in tobacco by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A method using reversed phase liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of 52 pesticides in tobacco. The influence of mobile phase additives was investigated to improve sensitivity and accuracy of the method and to reduce matrix effects. The tobacco extracts were purified via a Chem Elut partition cartridge by consecutive elution with pentane followed by dichloromethane. The two fractions were further purified by Florisil solid-phase extraction with acetone or diethyl ether elution. An additional dispersive solid-phase extraction step with primary–secondary amine led to decreased recoveries of several pesticides due to degradation or binding to the sorbent. The method was validated for the tobacco types Burley, Oriental and Virginia. The recovery rates of almost all pesticides ranged between 70 and 120%. The limits of quantification were below or near the 10 ng/g level. Few but significant differences between the tobacco types could be found regarding recovery and sensitivity.     

Multi-residue determination of phenolic and salicylanilide anthelmintics and related compounds in bovine kidney by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

This paper describes an analytical method for four phenolic and salicylanilide anthelmintics authorised for use within the EU (nitroxinil, oxyclozanide, rafoxanide and closantel) in bovine kidney, and the extension of this procedure to include a number of related compounds; ioxynil, niclosamide, salicylanide and 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM). The method comprises a solvent extraction with 1% acetic acid in acetone and clean-up using a mixed-mode anion-exchange solid phase extraction column. Determination is by reversed phase LC–MS/MS. The method was validated to the latest EU requirements (Commission Decision 2002/657/EC) using both spiked and incurred tissues and was subject to second laboratory evaluation.     

Ultrasonication extraction and gel permeation chromatography clean-up for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible oil by an isotope dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

An analytical method for the determination of US EPA priority pollutant 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in edible oil was developed by an isotope dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Extraction was performed with ultrasonication mode using acetonitrile as solvent, and subsequent clean-up was applied using narrow gel permeation chromatographic column. Three deuterated PAHs surrogate standards were used as internal standards for quantification and analytical quality control. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were globally below 0.5 ng/g, the recoveries were in the range of 81–96%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were lower than 20%. Further trueness assessment of the method was also verified through participation in international cocoa butter proficiency test (T0638) organised by the FAPAS with excellent results in 2008. The results obtained with the described method were satisfying (z ≤ 2). The method has been applied to determine PAH in real edible oil samples.     

In-house validation and factorial effect analysis of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of thyreostats in bovine blood plasma

A sensitive and robust liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method allowing the rapid screening and confirmation of thyreostatic drugs in bovine blood plasma was developed and validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, chapter 3.1.3 “alternative validation”, by applying a matrix-comprehensive in-house validation concept. Decision limit CCα, detection capability CCβ, recovery, repeatability, within-laboratory reproducibility and the uncertainty of measurement were calculated. Furthermore, a factorial effect analysis was carried out to identify factors that have a significant influence on the method. 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 duration of sample preparation) were systematically varied on two levels during the validation study. Subsequently, the extent to which these factors influence the measurement results of the individual analytes was examined.     

Simultaneous determination of NOGE-related and BADGE-related compounds in canned food by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

An improved analytical method enabling rapid and accurate determination and identification of bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (novolac glycidyl ether 2-ring), novolac glycidyl ether 3-ring, novolac glycidyl ether 4-ring, novolac glycidyl ether 5-ring, novolac glycidyl ether 6-ring, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, bisphenol A (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether, bisphenol A (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether, bisphenol A bis(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) ether, and bisphenol A (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether in canned food and their contact packaging materials has been developed by using, for the first time, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. After comparison of electrospray ionization and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in positive and negative-ion modes, tandem mass spectrometry with positive electrospray ionization was chosen to carry out selective multiple reaction monitoring analysis of novolac glycidyl ethers, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, and its derivatives. The analysis time is only 5.5 min per run. Limits of detection varied from 0.01 to 0.20 ng g(-1) for the different target compounds on the basis of a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) = 3; limits of quantitation were from 0.03 to 0.66 ng g(-1). The relative standard deviation for repeatability was <8.01%. Analytical recovery ranged from 87.60 to 108.93%. This method was successfully applied to twenty samples of canned food and their contact packaging materials for determination of migration of NOGE, BADGE, and their derivatives from can coatings into food.     

Development of a fast liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of endocrine-disrupting compounds in waters

A fast liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS) method was developed to study five endocrine-disrupting compounds (4-n-nonylphenol, bisphenol A, estrone, 17β-estradiol and 17α-ethinylestradiol) in water. Different columns were tested; the chromatographic separation of the analytes was optimized on a Pinnacle DB biphenylic column with a water–acetonitrile gradient elution, which allowed the separation of the selected endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in less than 6 min. Quantitative analysis was performed in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode; two transitions were chosen for each compound, using the most abundant for quantitation. Calibration curves using bisphenol A-d ₁₆ as internal standard were drawn, showing good correlation coefficients (0.9993–0.9998). All figures of merit of the method were satisfactory; limits of detection were in the low pg range for all analytes. The method was then applied to the determination of the analytes in real water samples: to this aim, polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) were deployed in the influent and in the effluent of a drinking water treatment plant in Liguria (Italy). The EDC level was rather low in the influent and negligible in the outlet, reflecting the expected function of the treatment plant.     

Qualitative detection of desmopressin in plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

This work describes a liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method for detection of desmopressin in human plasma in the low femtomolar range. Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of the antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin and it might be used by athletes as a masking agent in the framework of blood passport controls. Therefore, it was recently added by the World Anti-Doping Agency to the list of prohibited substances in sport as a masking agent. Mass spectrometry characterization of desmopressin was performed with a high-resolution Orbitrap-based mass spectrometer. Detection of the peptide in the biological matrix was achieved using a triple-quadrupole instrument with an electrospray ionization interface after protein precipitation, weak cation solid-phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography separation with an octadecyl reverse-phase column. Identification of desmopressin was performed using three product ions, m/z 328.0, m/z 120.0, and m/z 214.0, from the parent ion, m/z 535.5. The extraction efficiency of the method at the limit of detection was estimated as 40% (n = 10), the ion suppression as 5% (n = 10), and the limit of detection was 50 pg/ml (signal-to-noise ratio greater than 3). The selectivity of the method was verified against several endogenous and synthetic desmopressin-related peptides. The performance and the applicability of the method were tested by analysis of clinical samples after administration of desmopressin via intravenous, oral, and intranasal routes. Only after intravenous administration could desmopressin be successfully detected.     

In-house validation and factorial effect analysis of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of corticosteroids in bovine and porcine muscle tissue

A sensitive and robust liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method allowing the rapid screening and confirmation of ten synthetic corticosteroids in bovine and porcine muscle tissue was developed and validated. The validation was conducted according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, Sect. 3.1.3 (“Validation according to alternative models”), by applying a matrix-comprehensive in-house validation concept. The decision limit, detection capability, recovery, repeatability, within-laboratory-reproducibility and measurement uncertainty were calculated. Furthermore, a factorial effect analysis was conducted to identify factors that have a significant influence on the method. To this end, factors considered to be relevant for the method in routine analysis (e.g. operator, duration of storage of the extracts before measurement, different lots of the cartridges and different species) were systematically varied on two levels during the validation study. Subsequently, the extent to which these factors influence the measurement results of the individual analytes was examined.     

Development and validation of a multi-residue method for the determination of pesticides in processed fruits and vegetables using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive multi-residue analytical method, utilizing ethyl acetate extraction and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS), has been developed and validated for simultaneous determination of 28 pesticides of different chemical classes (polar organophosphates, carbamates, strobilurines, neonicotinoids, amides, pyrimidines, benzimidazoles, imidazoles and triazoles), and their transformation products, in processed fruit and vegetables. Two precursor-product ion transitions were monitored for each pesticide in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. Linearity (r (2) > or = 0.99) was good over the concentration range 0.5 to 100 microg L(-1) for all the pesticides, and instrumental detection limits ranged from 0.1 to 1 microg L(-1). Mean recovery for fruit and vegetables spiked at 0.010 mg kg(-1) ranged from 65 to 94.4%, and relative standard deviations ranged from 9.0 to 20.0%. When the amount spiked was 0.050 mg kg(-1) recoveries ranged from 72.5 to 90% and relative standard deviations were from 6.1 to 19.0%. Method detection limits were from 0.002 to 0.007 mg kg(-1) for the different food matrices studied. The method was used to monitor pesticide residues in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.     

Development and validation of a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of five first-line antituberculosis drugs in plasma

A new, sensitive and fast method for the simultaneous determination of pyrazinamide, isoniazid, streptomycin, ethambutol, and rifampicin in human plasma was developed and validated. The method required only 100 μL of plasma and one step for sample preparation by protein precipitation. The drugs were separated by using a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column. The mobile phase was methanol and water (0.1 % formic acid and 5 mM ammonium acetate, pH 3.0?±?0.1) in a ratio of 65:35 (v/v), which was eluted at an isocratic flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. Tandem mass spectrometry was performed with a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer. By use of the HILIC column, the detection was free of ion-pair reagents in the mobile phase, with no significant matrix effects. The total run time was less than 2 min for each sample. The method was validated by evaluating its selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision according to US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The lower limit of quantification was 4.0 ng/mL for pyrazinamide, isoniazid, and rifampicin, 0.5 ng/mL for ethambutol, and 10.0 ng/mL for streptomycin. The intraday precision and interday precision were less than 9 %, with the accuracy ranging between ?9.3 and 7.3 %. The method was successfully applied to therapeutic drug monitoring of 33 patients with tuberculosis after administration of standard antituberculosis drugs. The method has been proved to meet the high-throughput requirements in therapeutic drug monitoring.

A confirmatory method for the simultaneous extraction,separation, identification and quantification of Tetracycline,Sulphonamide, Trimethoprim and Dapsone residues in muscle by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC

A rapid confirmatory multi-residue method for the analysis of tetracyclines, sulphonamides, trimethoprim and dapsone by UPLC-MS/MS is described. The method is able to quantify and confirm the following 19 compounds, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, doxycycline, sulfadiazine, sulfathiazole, sulfapyridine, trimethoprim, sulfamerazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxypyridazine, sulfamonomethoxine, sulfachlorpyridazine, dapsone, sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole, sulfaquinoxaline and sulfadimethoxine. Samples are extracted with 0.1 M EDTA and acetonitrile, which is then evaporated under a stream of nitrogen and reconstituted in water. Following centrifugation and filtering, an aliquot is analysed by UPLC-MS/MS using positive electrospray ionisation and multiple reaction monitoring. The method is deemed rapid as all analytes are extracted by a single extraction technique, with no solid-phase extraction clean up required. Validation is according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and was carried out for bovine, porcine, ovine and poultry species. Specificity, recovery, repeatability, reproducibility, CCα and CCβ data is presented.     

Method validation and comparison of acetonitrile and acetone extraction for the analysis of 169 pesticides in soya grain by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

An acetonitrile-based extraction method for the analysis of 169 pesticides in soya grain, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in the positive and negative electrospray ionization (ESI) mode, has been optimized and validated. This method has been compared with our earlier published acetone-based extraction method, as part of a comprehensive study of both extraction methods, in combination with various gas chromatography–(tandem) mass spectrometry [GC–MS(/MS)] and LC–MS/MS techniques, using different detection modes. Linearity of calibration curves, instrument limits of detection (LODs) and matrix effects were evaluated by preparing standards in solvent and in the two soya matrix extracts from acetone and acetonitrile extractions, at seven levels, with six replicate injections per level. Limits of detection were calculated based on practically realized repeatability relative standard deviations (RSDs), rather than based on (extrapolated) signal/noise ratios. Accuracies (as % recoveries), precision (as repeatability of recovery experiments) and method limits of quantification (LOQs) were compared. The acetonitrile method consists of the extraction of a 2-g sample with 20 mL of acetonitrile (containing 1% acetic acid), followed by a partitioning step with magnesium sulphate and a subsequent buffering step with sodium acetate. After mixing an aliquot with methanol, the extract can be injected directly into the LC–MS/MS system, without any cleanup. Cleanup hardly improved selectivity and appeared to have minor changes of the matrix effect, as was earlier noticed for the acetone method. Good linearity of the calibration curves was obtained over the range from 0.1 or 0.25 to 10 ng mL⁻¹, with r² ≥ 0.99. Instrument LOD values generally varied from 0.1 to 0.25 ng mL⁻¹, for both methods. Matrix effects were not significant or negligible for nearly all pesticides. Recoveries were in the range 70–120%, with RSD ≤ 20%. If not, they were still mostly in the 50–70% range, with good precision (RSD ≤ 20%). The method LOQ values were most often 10 μg kg⁻¹ for almost all pesticides, with good repeatability RSDs. Apart from some minor pros and cons, both compared methods are fast, efficient and robust, with good method performances. The two methods were applied successfully in a routine analysis environment, during surveys in 2007 and 2008.