Determination of monensin sodium residues in beef liver tissue by liquid chromatography of a fluorescent derivative

Monensin sodium does not have an ultraviolet (UV) absorbance above 220 nm, and therefore cannot be detected by liquid chromatography (LC) with a UV detector. A method was developed in which monensin residues are extracted from beef liver tissue, acetylated, partitioned, and reacted with 9-anthryldiazomethane to form a fluorescent derivative for quantitation by LC. The reliable level of sensitivity is 50 ppb, but 15 ppb can be detected. Recoveries ranged between 71 and 96% with an average of 83.5%.     

Determination of N-methylcarbamate pesticides in liver by liquid chromatography

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method using a 2-step purification technique for the simultaneous determination of 10 carbamates in bovine, swine, and duck livers has been developed. Carbamates are extracted from liver samples with methylene chloride. After evaporation, the residues from the extract are dissolved in methylene chloride-cyclohexane (1 + 1) and cleaned up by gel permeation chromatography. The eluate containing carbamate residues is evaporated to dryness, reconstituted in methylene chloride, further purified by passing it through an aminopropyl Bond Elut extraction cartridge, and analyzed by liquid chromatography using post-column derivatization with orthophthalaldehyde and fluorescence detection. Excitation and emission are set at 340 and 418 nm, respectively. Liver samples for beef, pork, and duck were fortified with 5, 10, and 20 ppb of mixed carbamate standards. The average of 10 recoveries of 10 carbamates at all 3 levels of fortification was greater than 80% with coefficients of variation less than 17%.     

Immunochromatography of fusarochromanone mycotoxins

The present paper describes an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) used in combination with thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and liquid chromatography (LC) for determination of fusarochromanone (TDP) mycotoxins in barley, wheat, and a Fusarium culture grown in rice and corn. The mycotoxins were first extracted from the sample with 100% methanol and subjected to TLC or LC without additional cleanup treatment. Individual fractions eluted from TLC or LC were acetylated, then analyzed by ELISA. Determinations of TDP toxins at levels as low as 0.1 and 0.5 ng were achieved by ELISA in combination with LC and TLC, respectively. The detection limit for TDP-1 in barley and wheat was about 20 ppb by ELISA alone as compared with a detection limit of 5 ppb by a combination of ELISA with either TLC or LC. Overall analytical recovery (% of added) of TDP-1 added to barley and wheat at 5, 10, and 20 ppb of TDP-1 was 106.9 +/- 15.3 and 113.2 +/- 11.6 by LC-ELISA and 108.8 +/- 9.1 and 110.4 +/- 4.9 by TLC-ELISA, respectively. Analysis of extracts obtained from Fusarium equiseti R6137 grown in corn and rice by the combination of TLC and ELISA revealed that diacetyl-TDP was also produced by this fungus in addition to TDP-1 and TDP-2. Comparable results were obtained when fungal extracts were subjected to ELISA, LC, and immunochromatography (i.e., combination of ELISA with either TLC or LC).     

Rapid, sensitive liquid chromatographic method for determination of zearalenone and alpha- and beta-zearalenol in wheat

A rapid, sensitive liquid chromatographic (LC) method is described for quantitative determination of zearalenone and alpha- and beta-zearalenol in wheat. The procedure incorporates an internal standard, zearalenone oxime, to facilitate quantitation and automated analysis. A sample, buffered with pH 7.8 phosphate, is extracted with water-ethanol-chloroform (2 + 50 + 75) and cleaned up. The final residue is dissolved in LC mobile phase and injected onto a reverse phase RP-18 column under the following conditions: water-methanol-acetonitrile (5 + 3 + 2) mobile phase; fluorescence (excitation wavelength 236 nm, 418 nm cut-off emission filter) and UV (254 nm, range 0.0025 AU) detectors. The limit of detectability (twice background) is 0.5 ng for zearalenone and alpha-zearalenol standards on the fluorescence detector and 4 ng for beta-zearalenol on the UV detector, which is equivalent to 20 micrograms zearalenone and 20 micrograms alpha-zearalenol/kg, and 160 micrograms beta-zearalenol/kg feed. Standard curves are linear over the range 0-35 ng zearalenone and alpha-zearalenol on the fluorescence detector and 0-50 ng beta-zearalenol on the UV detector. Recoveries of all compounds are 87.5-101% in the range 0.1-3.0 mg/kg (ppm).     

Development of multiclass methods for drug residues in eggs: hydrophilic solid-phase extraction cleanup and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis of tetracycline, fluoroquinolone, sulfonamide, and beta-lactam residues

A method was developed for detection of a variety of polar drug residues in eggs via liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI). A total of twenty-nine target analytes from four drug classes-sulfonamides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and beta-lactams-were extracted from eggs using a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance polymer solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge. The extraction technique was developed for use at a target concentration of 100 ng/mL (ppb), and it was applied to eggs containing incurred residues from dosed laying hens. The ESI source was tuned using a single, generic set of tuning parameters, and analytes were separated with a phenyl-bonded silica cartridge column using an LC gradient. In a related study, residues of beta-lactam drugs were not found by LC/MS/MS in eggs from hens dosed orally with beta-lactam drugs. LC/MS/MS performance was evaluated on two generations of ion trap mass spectrometers, and key operational parameters were identified for each instrument. The ion trap acquisition methods could be set up for screening (a single product ion) or confirmation (multiple product ions). The lower limit of detection for screening purposes was 10-50 ppb (sulfonamides), 10-20 ppb (fluoroquinolones), and 10-50 ppb (tetracyclines), depending on the drug, instrument, and acquisition method. Development of this method demonstrates the feasibility of generic SPE, LC, and MS conditions for multiclass LC/MS residue screening.     

Determination of aflatoxin M1 in milk by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method is proposed for the determination of aflatoxin M1 in milk. The method was successfully applied to both liquid whole and skim milk and also whole and skim milk powder. The samples are initially extracted with acetonitrile-water followed by purification using a silica gel cartridge and a C18 cartridge. Final analysis by LC was achieved using a radial compression module equipped with a 5 micron C18 column and a fluorescence detector. The method was successfully applied to samples at levels of 10 to 0.08 ppb added aflatoxin M1 with recoveries in the range of 70-98%.     

Gas chromatographic method for ethylene dibromide in grains and grain-based products: collaborative study

Nine laboratories analyzed samples of whole grain, intermediate, and ready-to-eat products for ethylene dibromide (EDB) residues. Supplied samples of wheat, rice, and flour contained both fortified and incurred EDB; corn bread mix, baby cereal, and bread contained only fortified EDB. The whole grains and intermediates were analyzed by the same basic procedural steps as in the official method for multifumigants: They were extracted by soaking in acetone-water (5 + 1). The baby cereal and bread were analyzed by a modification of the Rains and Holder hexane co-distillation procedure. EDB was determined by electron capture gas chromatography operated with an SP-1000 column. All products contained 3 different levels of EDB and were analyzed as blind duplicates. Overall mean recoveries ranged from 85.2% for 69.6 ppb to 105.0% for 4.35 ppb, both in baby cereal. Interlaboratory relative standard deviations ranged from 5.7% for 869 ppb in wheat to 20.2% for 69.6 ppb in baby cereal, both fortified. Mean levels of incurred EDB in wheat, rice, and flour were 926.7, 982.0, and 49.9 ppb, respectively; corresponding relative standard deviations were 9.9, 7.7, and 13.1%. The method was adopted official first action.     

Volatile organic compounds in foods: a five year study

A purge and trap procedure was used with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry determination to analyze 70 foods for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The results from analyses over a 5 year period (1996-2000) are reported. VOCs were found in at least one sample of all foods tested, although no single compound was found in each of the foods. The total amount of VOCs found in a single food item over the 5 year period ranged from 24 to 5328 ppb, with creamed corn (canned) the lowest and cheddar cheese the highest. Benzene was found in all foods except American cheese and vanilla ice cream. Benzene levels ranged from 1 to 190 ppb, with the highest level found in fully cooked ground beef. Benzene was found in 12 samples of cooked ground beef, with an average of 40 ppb. Benzene levels above 100 ppb were also seen in at least one sample each of a cola (138 ppb), raw bananas (132 ppb), and cole slaw (102 ppb). This compares to a maximum contaminant level of 5 ppb set by the U.S. EPA for drinking water.     

Problems of official methods and new techniques for analysis of foods and feeds for vitamin A

The official methods for measuring vitamin A and carotene in foods and feeds have evolved over several decades. New procedures are needed to permit the use of modern analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography (LC), and to expand the application of official methods to a wide variety of foods. Recent improvements in methodology are reviewed. Emphasis is often placed on the separations achieved by LC, but all factors that affect quantitation, such as sampling, preparation of standards, and protection of the vitamin against oxidation, must be considered in the development of new methods. Many approaches to analysis are possible because of the versatility of LC but not all of them can be used in official methods. Methods for milk, margarine, and feeds can be prepared now for collaborative assays. Although straightforward methods can be developed for the measurement of beta-carotene in certain foods, a full examination of provitamins will probably continue to require a flexible approach and special expertise.     

Determination of small quantities of atropine in commercial preparations by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A method is presented for the determination of small quantities of atropine in commercial preparations by liquid chromatography (LC) with fluorescence detection. The sample is extracted with CHCl3 from basic suspension, the CHCl3 is evaporated on the steam bath, and the dry residue is dissolved in a small volume of CH3OH. A reverse phase column is used for the LC analysis; the eluting solvent is prepared by mixing 950 mL CH3OH with 50 mL water containing 1 g of the sodium salt of 1-pentanesulfonic acid. The fluorescence detector is set at an excitation wavelength of 255 nm and an emission wavelength of 285 nm. Several commercial tablets and injections containing atropine in combination with other ingredients and a commercial sample of belladonna extract were analyzed by the proposed method. Recoveries of atropine sulfate from aqueous solutions averaged 100.7% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.35% for atropine sulfate levels of 0.12 mg. Recoveries of atropine sulfate from synthetic injection formulations were 99.8 and 100.0% with RSDs of 2.03 and 2.35%, respectively; the atropine sulfate concentrations of commercial injections with the same formulations were found to be 97.0 and 100.0% of the labeled amounts with RSDs of 0.53 and 1.46%, respectively.     

Accelerated solvent extraction and confirmatory analysis of sulfonamide residues in raw meat and infant foods by liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

This paper describes a new method for the rapid extraction and unequivocal confirmation of 13 sulfonamides (SAs) in raw meat and infant foods. The highly automated extraction procedure is based on accelerated solvent extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) as a confirmatory analysis. After 1 g of food matrix was blended with 2 g of C18 as a solid support material, the mixture was packed into the extraction cell and the SAs were extracted with 10 mL of hot water at 160 degrees C and 100 atm; 100 microL of the extract was directly injected into the LC-MS system. The analytes were ionized in an electrospray interface operating in the positive ion mode and were identified by selecting two multireaction monitoring transitions, which guaranteed method specificity. Typical recoveries from crude meat and baby food samples ranged from 70 to 101% at a fortification level of 100 ppb, corresponding to the maximum residue limits established by the European Union and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The interday method precision was less than 8.5%, and the limits of detection were below 2.6 ppb. This study has taken matrix-induced suppression of ionization into account, by comparing standard and matrix-matched calibration curves. Four of the 13 monitored SAs have been detected in some baby foods and raw meat samples, bought from Roman supermarkets and butchers' shops, using the described methodology.     

Determination and confirmation of 5-hydroxyflunixin in raw bovine milk using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A method was developed and validated to determine 5-hydroxyflunixin in raw bovine milk using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The mean recovery and percentage coefficient of variation (%CV) of 35 determinations for 5-hydroxyflunixin was 101% (5% CV). The theoretical limit of detection was 0.2 ppb with a validated lower limit of quantitation of 1 ppb and an upper limit of 150 ppb. Accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity, ruggedness, and storage stability were demonstrated. A LC/MS/MS confirmatory method using the extraction steps of the determinative method was developed and validated for 5-hydroxyflunixin in milk from cattle. Briefly, the determinative and confirmatory methods were based on an initial solvent (acetone/ethyl acetate) precipitation/extraction of acidified whole milk. The solvent precipitation/extraction effectively removed incurred ((14)C) residues from milk samples. The organic extract was then purified by solid phase extraction (SPE) using a strong cation exchange cartridge (sulfonic acid). The final SPE-purified sample was analyzed using LC/MS/MS. The methods are rapid, sensitive, and selective and provide for the determination and confirmation of 5-hydroxyflunixin at the 1 and 2 ppb levels, respectively.     

Liquid chromatographic separation and fluorometric determination of cis- and trans-isoeugenol in perfumes, colognes, and toilet waters

A liquid chromatographic (LC)-fluorometric method is described for the determination of cis- and trans-isoeugenol (2-methoxy-4-propenylphenol) in perfumes, colognes, and toilet waters. A test portion of the product is added to diethyl ether, and the isoeugenol isomers are extracted with sodium hydroxide solution. The basic extract is then acidified, and the isoeugenol isomers are extracted with isooctane. Aliquots of the isooctane extract are analyzed by using a silver ion cation exchange LC column interfaced to a spectrophotofluorometer. Each isomer in the product is determined by comparing its fluorescence emission intensity with that of an external standard consisting of a mixture of both isomers in which the relative concentration of each has been determined. Average recoveries from various commercial fragrances fortified with a mixture of cis- and trans-isoeugenol with total isoeugenol content of 0.1, 0.5, and 4.0 mg/mL ranged from 87 to 105% for the trans-isomer (SD = 4.6%) and from 83 to 113% for the cis-isomer (SD = 6.7%). The limit of determination is approximately 0.002 mg/mL.     

Ion-pairing liquid chromatographic determination of benzimidazole fungicides in foods

A method is described for determining residues in foods of thiabendazole, thiophanate methyl, the di-oxygen analogue metabolite [dimethyl 4,4'-O-phenylene bis (allophanate)] that is the metabolite name of the latter, and methyl-2-benzimidazole carbamate, which is the major metabolite and fungitoxic principle common to both thiophanate methyl and benomyl. The residues are extracted from the product using methanol and are partitioned into dichloromethane after initial acidification and again after subsequent alkalinization of the extract. Residues are separated and quantified by reverse-phase liquid chromatography using an ion-pairing mobile phase with UV and fluorescence detectors in tandem. Recoveries from 7 different food crops fortified at 0.2-35 ppm levels ranged from 64 to 105%.     

Sensitive determination of ethopabate residues in chicken tissues by liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method is described for determination of ethopabate residues in chicken tissues. The drug is extracted from tissues with acetonitrile, and the extract is concentrated to 2-3 mL. This aqueous solution is rinsed with ethyl acetate and cleaned up by Florisil column chromatography. LC analysis is carried out on a Zorbax ODS column, and ethopabate is quantitated by using a fluorometric detector set at 306 nm (excitation) and 350 nm (emission). Recoveries of ethopabate added to chicken tissues at levels of 0.01 and 0.05 ppm were 87.8 and 92.7%, respectively. The detection limit was 100 pg for ethopabate standard, and 0.5 ppb in chicken tissues.     

Liquid chromatographic determination of monensin in chicken tissues with fluorometric detection and confirmation by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

An accurate, sensitive method is described for the determination of monensin residue in chicken tissues by liquid chromatography (LC), in which monensin is derivatized with a fluorescent labeling reagent, 9-anthryldiazomethane (ADAM), to enable fluorometric detection. Samples are extracted with methanol-water (8 + 2), the extract is partitioned between CHCl3 and water, and the CHCl3 layer is cleaned up by silica gel column chromatography. Free monensin, obtained by treatment with phosphate buffer solution (pH 3) at 0 degrees C, is derivatized with ADAM and passed through a disposable silica cartridge. Monensin-ADAM is identified and quantitated by normal phase LC using fluorometric detection. The detection limit is 1 ppb in chicken tissues. Recoveries were 77.6 +/- 1.8% at 1 ppm, 56.7 +/- 7.1% at 100 ppb, and 46.5 +/- 3.7% at 10 ppb fortification levels in chicken. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is capable of confirming monensin methyl ester tris trimethylsilyl ether in samples containing residues greater than 5 ppm.     

High pressure liquid chromatographic determination of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in oysters.

A high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) procedure is described for determining 13 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PNA) compounds in oysters at the 2 ppb level. These compounds are extracted from shellfish with acetonitrile and partitioned into petroleum ether; the petroleum ether is removed and the residue is saponified. The aromatic compounds are isolated by passing the saponifeid residue through silica gel and further purified and fractionated by muStyragel gel permeation chromatography. The in-ividual PNAs are then quantitatively determined by using a reverse phase HPLC column coupled to fluorescence, spectrophotometric, and 254 nm absorbance detectors in series. Recoveries from spiked samples generally were greater than 80%.     

Thin layer chromatography and densitometric determination of aflatoxins in mixed feeds containing citrus pulp

A method for the accurate one-dimensional thin layer chromatographic (TLC) determination of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in mixed feeds is presented. The aflatoxins are extracted from the sample with chloroform and purified by solvent partitioning. Each aflatoxin is separated from pulp interference by thin layer chromatography on aluminum-backed silica plates. The separated aflatoxins are detected by fluorescence densitometry. Average recoveries for samples spiked from 10 to 100 ppb B1 and G1 and from 3 to 30 ppb B2 and G2 are 82, 84, 95, and 94% for B1, B2, G1, and G2, respectively. The above recovery data, when analyzed for overall method repeatability, produced relative standard deviations of 6.8, 4.3, 6.9, and 7.6% for B1, B2, G1, and G2, respectively. Minimum detection level is less than 1 ppb for each aflatoxin. B1 is confirmed by trifluoroacetic acid derivative formation on a silica TLC plate.     

Determination of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and its derivatives in canned foods.

Migration of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) to food from can enamels and can pull-top seals is reported. Derivatives of DGEBA are also determined in some foods. Levels of DGEBA in the foods surveyed in this study range from nondetected (<0.3 ppb) to 50 mg/kg as determined by liquid-liquid extraction or solid-phase extraction coupled with high-pressure liquid chromatography using fluorescence detection. Confirmation of the analytes is by gas and/or liquid chromatography with mass spectral analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with 30 degrees specular reflectance/transmittance is used to characterize the coated food contact surfaces. Stability studies with DGEBA in water, acid, and saline solutions show conversion to the hydrolysis products and chloro adducts occurs readily. The presence of DGEBA derivatives in food demonstrates that analysis for DGEBA migration alone is not a good indicator of total migration from can coatings to foods.     

Ethyl carbamate levels in selected fermented foods and beverages

Ethyl carbamate (EC), also known as urethane, is an animal carcinogen and a by-product of fermentation. Because EC has been found in distilled spirits and wines, a variety of fermented foods and beverages were analyzed to assess its occurrence in other products. Previously described methods using a gas chromatograph-thermal energy analyzer with a nitrogen converter were modified for each matrix and gave recoveries of greater than 80%, with a limit of detection in the 1-2 micrograms/kg (ppb) range. A total of 152 test samples were analyzed; EC levels ranged from none found to 3 ppb in 15 cheeses, 6 teas, 12 yogurts, and 8 ciders; from none found to 13 ppb in 30 breads and 69 malt beverages; and from none found to 84 ppb in 12 soy sauces. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry was used to confirm EC identity and to quantitate EC in selected food extracts.