Analysis of β-agonists Using a Core Enhanced Technology Accucore Phenyl-Hexyl HPLC Column

Importance of the Topic

Beta agonists are widely used in human and veterinary medicine to treat respiratory conditions but can also be misused as growth promoters in livestock. Monitoring their residues in food products is essential to protect consumer health and meet regulatory requirements.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note aims to demonstrate a fast, robust LC/MS method for the separation and detection of six common beta agonists in under six minutes using a core enhanced Accucore Phenyl Hexyl column. The method is intended to support routine screening and regulatory compliance.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Sample preparation: Standard mixture of terbutaline, cimaterol, salbutamol, ractopamine, clorprenaline and clenbuterol at 1 µg/mL in 95 5 methanol water diluted tenfold with water
• Chromatographic conditions:
  Column Accucore Phenyl Hexyl 2.6 µm 100 x 2.1 mm at 40 °C
  Mobile phase A ammonium acetate 5 mM pH 4 B acetonitrile
  Gradient from 5% B to 100% B over 10 minutes return to initial conditions by 13 minutes
  Flow rate 0.25 mL/min Injection volume 1 µL Measured backpressure 120 bar
• Mass spectrometry detection: Thermo Scientific MSQ system with positive electrospray at 450 °C probe temperature 4.5 kV electrospray voltage cone voltage 60 V full scan m/z 150 to 350

Main Results and Discussion

Extracted ion chromatograms show six distinct peaks corresponding to each beta agonist within a six minute run time. Although full baseline resolution was not achieved, MS detection ensures sensitivity and selectivity required for low level quantitation in compliance with regulatory limits.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High throughput screening with sub six minute run times
• Lower backpressure compared to sub two micron columns extends instrument lifetime
• Mixed mode retention from phenyl hexyl phase enhances separation of compounds with diverse polarity
• Ideal for veterinary drug residue analysis in food safety and quality control laboratories

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include coupling with high resolution mass spectrometry for improved specificity, further miniaturization of core shell columns for faster separations, and method adaptation to complex matrices. Automated and multiplexed workflows will expand throughput for large sample sets.

Conclusion

The Accucore Phenyl Hexyl core enhanced column combined with LC MS provides a rapid efficient and sensitive approach for beta agonist analysis in food safety monitoring. Its performance supports routine regulatory compliance and high sample throughput in analytical laboratories.