DISQUE DISPERSIVE SAMPLE PREPARATION EXTRACTION PRODUCTS

Significance of the Topic

The QuEChERS approach provides a streamlined, cost effective, and robust solution for multi residue analysis of pesticides, veterinary drugs, and mycotoxins in diverse food matrices. Its growing adoption in regulatory and industry laboratories underlines its impact on food safety and quality assurance.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This study examines the performance of DisQuE QuEChERS simplified kits, focusing on standardized protocols (CEN 15662 and AOAC 2007.01). Key aims include assessing extraction efficiency, matrix cleanup, and compatibility with GC MS and LC MS MS platforms.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation

• Homogenize representative food sample and weigh appropriate amount (typically 10 or 15 g).
• Add acetonitrile (1 mL per gram), internal standards, and shake vigorously.
• Introduce pre measured salts (MgSO4 with NaCl or citrate/acetate buffers) to induce phase separation.
• After centrifugation, transfer acetonitrile layer to dispersive SPE tube containing sorbents (e g PSA, C18, GCB) and anhydrous MgSO4.
• Centrifuge and collect cleaned extract for analysis.

Instrumentation Used

• LC MS MS: Waters ACQUITY UPLC system with BEH C18 column (1.7 μm, 2.1 x100 mm), mobile phases water:methanol and formic acid, flow rate 0.45 mL/min, gradient elution, detection by TQ Detector in positive ESI MRM mode.
• GC MS: Compatible with direct injection of QuEChERS extracts or after solvent exchange to toluene for non polar residues.

Main Results and Discussion

• A single 10 min UPLC MS MS run enabled detection of over 400 pesticide residues at 10 ng/g, achieving satisfactory recoveries (typically 70-120%) across baby food, mango, and avocado matrices.
• Comparison of CEN and AOAC protocols highlighted minor differences in buffer composition and sample size, with both delivering comparable performance.
• Cleanup optimization using PSA, C18, and variable amounts of GCB efficiently removed pigments, lipids, and sugars, preventing instrument fouling and improving signal clarity.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The DisQuE QuEChERS simplified kits offer significant advantages:

• Rapid sample preparation with minimal solvent consumption.
• Modular cleanup tailored to matrix complexity.
• Direct compatibility with routine GC MS and LC MS MS analyses.
• Enhanced throughput supports regulatory compliance and quality control in food testing laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration with high resolution mass spectrometry for non target screening.
• Automation of sample preparation using robotic platforms.
• Development of new sorbents for emerging contaminants.
• Expansion of QuEChERS applications to environmental, pharmaceutical, and forensic fields.

Conclusion

DisQuE QuEChERS simplified kits provide a versatile, efficient, and reliable workflow for multi residue pesticide analysis in diverse food matrices. Their ease of use, combined with robust cleanup and direct instrument compatibility, makes them an attractive choice for high throughput laboratories.

Reference

Anastassiades M, Lehotay SJ, Stajnbaher D, Schenck FJ. Fast and easy multiresidue method employing acetonitrile extraction/partitioning and dispersive SPE for pesticide residues in produce. J AOAC Int. 2003;86(2):412-431.