Didier Ortelli

Comprehensive fast multiresidue screening of 150 veterinary drugs in milk by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry ☆

This paper shows the use of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to orthogonal acceleration time of flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS) for the comprehensive screening of 150 veterinary drugs residues in raw milk. An easy sample preparation based on protein precipitation associated with ultrafiltration was hyphenated to fast chromatography. This method enabled the screening for more than 50 samples per day and searched for 150 drugs and metabolites including avermectines, benzimidazoles, beta-agonists, beta-lactams, corticoides, macrolides, nitroimidazoles, quinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines and some others. Identification of contaminants is based on accurate mass measurement. UPLC-TOF also showed very good performances for quantitation and allowed the determination of majority of compounds below MRL. An in-house validation procedure was conducted based on European directive 2002/657/EC with measurement of response function, accuracy, repeatability, limits of detection (LOD), decision limit (CCalpha) and detection capability (CCbeta).

Pesticide residues survey in citrus fruits

The use of pesticides is widespread in citrus fruits production for pre- and post-harvest protection and many chemical substances may be applied in order to control undesirable moulds or insects. A survey was carried out to evaluate levels of pesticide residues in citrus fruits. Two multiresidue analytical methods were used to screen samples for more than 200 different fungicides, insecticides and acaricides. A total of 240 samples of citrus fruits including lemon, orange, mandarin, grapefruit, lime, pomelo and kumquat were taken in various markets in the Geneva area during the year 2003. Ninety-five percent of the 164 samples issued from classical agriculture contained pesticides and 38 different compounds have been identified. This high percentage of positive samples was mainly due to the presence of two post-harvest fungicides, imazalil and thiabendazole, detected in 70% and 36% of samples respectively. Only three samples exceeded the Swiss maximum residue limits (MRLs). Fifty-three samples sold with the written indication “without post-harvest treatment” were also controlled. Among theses samples, three exceeded the Swiss MRLs for penconazole or chlorpyrifos and 18 (34%) did not respect the written indication since we found large amounts of post-harvest fungicides. Finally, 23 samples coming from certified organic production were analysed. Among theses samples, three contained small amounts of pesticides and the others were pesticides free.

Enantioselective analysis of methadone in saliva by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Saliva was tested and evaluated as a biological matrix for methadone (Mtd) monitoring. Conventional method using a narrow bore C18 column, and an enantioselective method using a narrow bore alpha1-acid glycoprotein column, were developed using liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectromeric (MS) detector. After optimisation of MS conditions by flow injection analysis, selected ion monitoring detection was used to enhance sensitivity. The total Mtd concentration and the enantiomeric ratio in saliva were validated using an experimental design. The methods were applied to samples provided by heroin addicts undergoing a Mtd treatment. Results on total Mtd determination showed a very poor correlation between saliva and serum, whereas the enantiomeric ratios of Mtd gave a very good one.

Aminoglycoside analysis in food of animal origin with a zwitterionic stationary phase and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

In this study, fourteen highly polar aminoglycoside (AGs) antibiotics were selected. Various stationary phases were tested, including Obelisc R, ZIC-HILIC, BEH amide and aminopropyl. The nature of the stationary phase, mobile phase (water or buffer solutions and acetonitrile), pH (percentage of formic acid), gradient conditions and injection solvents were systematically studied as relevant parameters for tuning retention selectivity and detectability of AGs in liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-(ESI)-MS/MS). Only the two zwitterionic phases (Obelisc R and ZIC-HILIC) achieved a proper chromatographic separation considering interferences due to the crosstalk effect in low resolution mass spectrometers. The water/acetonitrile mobile phase containing 1% formic acid used with Obelisc R provided more sensitivity than the highly concentrated buffered mobile phases required for ZIC-HILIC. A solid phase extraction (SPE) clean-up procedure with polymeric weak cation exchange (WCX) cartridges was optimized for honey, milk and liver samples. Different brands of cartridges and elution solvents were tested, and the Taurus WCX offered the best recovery rate with a buffer elution at pH 3. The final optimized method was validated in these matrices according to Decision 2002/657/EC. A monitoring campaign for sixty honey, milk and liver samples was carried out at the Food Authority Control in Geneva. The concentration of dihydrostreptomycin (DSTP) found in one ovine liver exceeded the established maximum residue levels (MRLs) within the European and Swiss legislations but it was compliant taking into account the validation data.

Development of validated stereoselective methods for methadone determination in clinical samples

A stereoselective analysis of methadone (Mtd) in whole blood and serum was developed using liquid chromatography on a protein based chiral stationary phase. Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid phase extraction methods were applied before chromatographic analysis. The extraction procedure, as well as the choice of the biological matrix, showed significant differences in the extraction yield and in the precision of the assays. Serum was selected for this assay and LLE was chosen as the preparation step because of its simplicity and rapidity. The total procedure was validated and applied to clinical samples. Samples taken from 45 heroin-addicted patients were analyzed. A correlation was found between the dose administered and Mtd concentration (total and R-form), but interindividual variability of the total normalized Mtd was seen (concentration varied from 90 to 530 ng/ml). Furthermore, two populations were apparently observed with a mean Mtd concentration of 200 and 475 ng/ml, respectively. Stereoselective analyses showed that more than 50% of the patients presented a nonracemic ratio, and particularly about 25% showed a preferential metabolism of the active R-Mtd enantiomer. Therefore, the stereoselective determination of Mtd is necessary to improve the quality of the treatment of heroin addiction.

Use of large particles support for fast analysis of methadone and its primary metabolite in human plasma by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A bioanalytical method was developed for the quantitation of methadone (MTD) and its primary metabolite, (EDDP) in plasma. The extraction step was performed within a capillary column packed with large particles (35x0.3 mm I.D.; d(p) 30 micrometer) at high flow-rate conditions (450 microliter/min). The separation was performed on a microbore analytical column (55x2 mm I.D.; d(p) 3 micrometer) coupled to a mass spectrometer (MS). This procedure was based on a column-switching unit. Analytes of interest were retained on the precolumn by hydrophobic interactions and backflushed from the precolumn to the analytical column. The detection was carried out with a MS single quadrupole equipped with an electrospray interface. The total analysis time was 6 min. The limits of quantification were evaluated at 10 and 25 ng/ml for MTD and EDDP, respectively. At this level, good accuracies were obtained for both analytes with repeatability values less than 18%.

Analysis of dihydroartemisinin in plasma by liquid chromatography—Mass spectrometry

SummaryArtemisinin (ART), or qinghaosu, a sesquiterpene lactone containing an endoperoxide bridge, is an efficient drug against chloroquine-resistant strains ofPlasmodium falciparum in the treatment of cerebral malaria. ART and its derivatives are rapidly metabolized into dihydroartemisinin (DHA), which is responsible for the antimalarial activity. After a simple liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), determination of DHA in plasma was conducted by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with an electrospray ionization (ESI) interface. Addition of dodecylamine to the mobile phase and analysis in selected-ion monitoring (SIM) mode resulted in enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Use of a primary amine, e.g. propylamine, pentylamine, hexylamine or dodecylamine, in the mobile phase can inhibit the formation of multimer clusters and ion adducts by forming one dominating species (analyte-primary amine adduct). Dodecylamine (DDA) was selected after several assays as a competitive agent for adduct formation. The procedure was validated and precision and accuracy were found to be good for the matrix studied. The method was applied to samples provided by patients receiving artesunate (ARS) for antimalarial treatment.

Analysis of Nitrofuran Metabolites in Food by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry Detection

Abstract A reliable and sensitive procedure is presented for the analysis of nitrofuran metabolite residues in foods of animal origin, like poultry and shrimp. The method is based on a one-step extraction/derivatization, followed by solid-phase extraction clean-up with polymeric phase cartridges. The separations were carried out by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectroscopy detection. Results from the full validation of the procedure and from a survey of food available from the Swiss market, with the analysis of 236 samples of shrimp, poultry, fish and rabbit, are presented and demonstrate that this method is satisfactory in order to control nitrofuran residues in foods of animal origin.

Comprehensive screening of veterinary drugs in honey by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry

In the context of multi-residue screening in honey, a complete methodology was developed for 200 veterinary drugs comprising a sample preparation step and an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry analysis. In addition, specific analytical strategies were developed for two compounds, streptomycin and chloramphenicol, using UHPLC and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Methodologies were then applied to real honey samples obtained from the Swiss market.

Control strategies against grey mould (Botrytis cinerea Pers.: Fr) and corresponding fungicide residues in grapes and wines

This study examines the most effective anti-Botrytis strategies leading to possible lower pesticides residues in wine. To provide wine growers with a number of high-quality solutions for protection against Botrytis for their vineyards while minimizing pesticide residues in the final product, various treatment approaches were tested. A total of 10 strategies with different specific fungicide treatments for controlling Botrytis cinerea were applied to grapes at different growing stages: flowering, bunch closure and colour change. The type of vine chosen was Gamay, as it is very sensitive to Botrytis cinerea. In each experimental plot, disease incidence and severity were assessed at harvest. In addition, pesticide residue analysis was carried out on grapes, musts and wines to monitor residue levels in each treatment and to follow changes at each stage of the wine-making process. A correlation was established between the efficiency of anti-Botrytis fungicide treatment and pesticide residues in wine. Several strategies using various fungicides showed good results in terms of treatment efficiency while minimizing pesticide residues in wine, thus providing interesting alternatives to limit the development of fungal resistance.