ANALYSIS FOR EXTRACTABLE AND LEACHABLE COMPOUNDS FROM POLYMERIC MATERIALS

Importance of the topic

Extractable and leachable compounds from polymeric materials pose potential health hazards when migrating into food products or pharmaceutical formulations. Reliable identification and quantitation of these chemicals are critical for meeting stringent regulatory requirements and ensuring product safety.

Objectives and study overview

The study aimed to develop a highly sensitive targeted MRM method for 24 common polymer additives. It compared performance of two tandem quadrupole instruments and evaluated electrospray ionization against a novel UniSpray source for optimal detection of both positive and negative ions in extractable and leachable analysis.

Methodology and instrumentation

Principles

• UPLC separation on a BEH C18 column with a water and methanol gradient containing ammonium formate modifiers
• Injection volume of 3 µL at 0.5 mL per minute flow rate and column temperature of 40 °C

Mass spectrometry conditions

• Instrumentation: Xevo TQ-S and Xevo TQ-XS tandem quadrupoles
• Ion sources: conventional electrospray ionization and UniSpray atmospheric pressure surface enhanced ionization
• Operating parameters: capillary voltage 2.5 kV, source temperature 150 °C, desolvation at 600 °C, cone and desolvation gas flows

Sample preparation

• Polymeric samples extracted with isopropanol at 37 °C for one hour using common lab consumables

Main results and discussion

Instrument comparison showed that the Xevo TQ-XS provided two to three times higher signal to noise ratios and peak areas than the older TQ-S model, particularly for labile analytes. UniSpray ionization offered significant gains for negatively charged compounds, enhancing their detectability. Mixed results were observed for positive ions, with some additives showing modest improvement while others matched or underperformed relative to electrospray.

Benefits and practical applications

• Validated method delivers high sensitivity and selectivity for routine extractables and leachables screening
• Enhanced detection on Xevo TQ-XS enables lower quantitation limits
• UniSpray ionization extends coverage for acidic and polar compounds often missed by electrospray
• Protocol can be adapted for quality control in food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, and medical devices

Future trends and opportunities

Advancements in ion source design and emerging high resolution tandem mass spectrometers will further lower detection limits and broaden compound coverage. Integration with non targeted workflows and data analytics platforms offers potential for comprehensive safety assessment of new polymer formulations.

Conclusion

A robust UPLC MRM method was established for rapid and reliable quantitation of key extractable and leachable additives. The superior performance of the Xevo TQ-XS and the complementary UniSpray ion source expands analytical capabilities for regulatory and research laboratories focused on material safety.

Reference

1. Non Targeted Screening Analysis of Packaging Extracts Using the UNIFI Scientific Information System, B Cabovska, Waters Application Note 720005326EN