Simplifying Sample Preparation for PFAS in Food and Feed Analysis

Importance of the Topic

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of synthetic organofluorine chemicals known for their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential health risks. Their robust C–F bonds make them resistant to degradation, leading to widespread environmental and food contamination. Assessing PFAS levels in food and feed is crucial to protect public health, comply with tightening regulations, and ensure safe consumption.

Objectives and Study Overview

This whitepaper details the development and validation of simplified sample preparation workflows for PFAS analysis in various food and feed matrices. The primary goals are to optimize matrix removal, maximize PFAS recovery at ultra-trace levels, streamline workflows to reduce contamination risk and labor, and meet regulatory limits such as those in AOAC SMPR 2023.003 and EU regulations.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample preparation employs Agilent Captiva EMR PFAS Food I and II cartridges, which replace traditional QuEChERS dSPE and SPE steps. Key methodological features include:

• QuEChERS extraction for initial analyte release from matrices.
• Passthrough cleanup using EMR PFAS cartridges for selective matrix removal and PFAS recovery.
• Automation-compatible format for high throughput.
• Validation using both LC-QQQ and GC/MS for cleanliness comparison.

Instrumentation summarized:

• Agilent Captiva EMR PFAS Food I & II cartridges.
• Agilent Bond Elut QuEChERS extraction kits.
• LC-QQQ (triple quadrupole) and GC/MS for method validation and extract purity.
• Agilent PFC-free vials, syringes, and filters to minimize background.
• ZORBAX RRHD Eclipse Plus C18 UHPLC columns.

Main Results and Discussion

Comparison to traditional QuEChERS dSPE shows that EMR PFAS cartridges deliver:

• Higher PFAS recoveries (up to 120–140% relative to dSPE) across diverse matrices such as baby food, soybean, tuna, and egg.
• Cleaner extracts demonstrated by total ion chromatogram scans, reducing instrument background and contamination risk.
• Validated recoveries and precision for 30 PFAS targets in 13 food types, consistently meeting AOAC SMPR 2023.003 LOQs (down to 0.01 µg/kg for key analytes).

Benefits and Practical Applications

The streamlined workflow offers:

• Reduced hands-on time and fewer procedural steps, lowering contamination risk and labor costs.
• Single product solution for broad food categories, simplifying inventory and procurement.
• Ultra-trace quantitation capability (ppt levels) to satisfy regulatory requirements worldwide.
• Improved data quality, robust instrument performance, and reproducibility across lots, backed by Certificates of Analysis.

Future Trends and Opportunities

As PFAS regulations expand, analytical demands will grow in complexity and throughput. Emerging trends include:

• Automated end-to-end workflows integrating sample prep, UHPLC, and high-resolution MS for broader PFAS screening.
• Development of universal PFC-free hardware solutions to eliminate background contamination entirely.
• Miniaturized, field-deployable extraction devices for on-site monitoring.
• Advanced data analytics and AI-driven method optimization to accelerate method transfer and compliance reporting.

Conclusion

The Agilent Captiva EMR PFAS Food cartridge workflow represents a significant advancement in PFAS food analysis, enabling efficient matrix removal, high recoveries, and reliable ultra-trace quantitation. By simplifying sample preparation and ensuring consistent lot-to-lot performance, laboratories can meet stringent regulatory standards while improving productivity and data confidence.

Reference

• Application Note 5994-7366EN: Simplified PFAS Sample Prep with Captiva EMR PFAS Food Cartridges.
• Application Note 5994-7367EN: Validation of PFAS Quantitation in Food Matrices According to AOAC SMPR 2023.003.