Thermo Scientific Pesticide Explorer

Significance of the Topic

The accurate detection and quantification of pesticide residues in food products are critical for consumer safety, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance. With increasing regulatory demands worldwide, laboratories require workflows that ensure sensitivity, robustness, and reproducibility across diverse sample types.

Aims and Overview of the Workflow

The Thermo Scientific Pesticide Explorer workflow provides an end-to-end LC-MS/MS solution for multi-residue pesticide analysis. It is designed to streamline sample-to-result processes by integrating validated methods, optimized instrumentation, and comprehensive data processing to quantify over 400 pesticide analytes in various food matrices.

Used Instrumentation

• QuEChERS sample preparation kit with reagents and detailed protocols for matrices such as wine, olive oil, and baby food
• Thermo Scientific Vanquish Flex Binary UHPLC system operating up to 1000 bar
• Thermo Scientific Accucore aQ solid-core UHPLC columns with polar end-capped C18 chemistry
• Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantis triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometer for selective reaction monitoring
• Thermo Scientific TraceFinder software with pre-configured acquisition methods and compound database

Main Results and Discussion

Validation demonstrated reliable quantitation of more than 400 pesticides at regulatory limits (e.g., 10 ng/g) with retention time stability and low variability across complex matrices. The integrated UHPLC–MS/MS platform sustained over 300 injections of wine with consistent peak shapes and quantitation. TraceFinder software enabled intuitive data review with color-coded flags and customizable reporting.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid deployment: Minimal method development time using pre-tested kits and software methods
• Enhanced productivity: 15-minute LC-MS/MS runs for over 400 compounds empower laboratories with varied expertise
• Regulatory confidence: Compliance with EU SANTE guidelines and global standards
• Cost efficiency: Economical per-sample cost through streamlined sample preparation and high throughput

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements in high-resolution mass spectrometry, expanded compound databases, and automated data interpretation are expected to further simplify pesticide screening and identification. Integration of ion chromatography–MS/MS for polar analytes and machine learning–driven data analytics will enhance sensitivity and facilitate retrospective analysis.

Conclusion

The Pesticide Explorer workflow delivers a robust, easy-to-implement LC-MS/MS solution that meets stringent regulatory requirements, boosts laboratory productivity, and ensures reliable multi-residue pesticide analysis across diverse food matrices.