Analysis of Veterinary Drugs in Meat - No. 577

Significance of the Topic

The monitoring of veterinary drug residues in meat products is essential for ensuring consumer safety, regulatory compliance and maintaining public confidence in the food supply chain. Advanced analytical methods offer rapid, sensitive and selective detection of multiple antimicrobial compounds in complex biological matrices.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates a reversed-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method using the Shim-pack Velox Biphenyl column to separate and quantify a broad spectrum of veterinary drugs in meat samples. The study aims to optimize chromatographic conditions, achieve efficient ionization in both positive and negative modes and validate the approach for routine food safety testing.

Methodology

Sample preparation was carried out by homogenizing meat tissue followed by extraction with appropriate organic solvents and cleanup steps to reduce matrix effects. The chromatographic separation was accomplished on a biphenyl stationary phase to exploit π–π interactions for improved selectivity of aromatic drug compounds. Gradient elution was employed to resolve analytes within a short run time.

Instrumentation

• Liquid Chromatograph: Nexera X3 system
• Column: Shim-pack Velox Biphenyl, 100 mm × 2.1 mm I.D., 2.7 µm (P/N 227-32015-03)
• Mobile phase A: 0.5 mmol/L ammonium formate and 0.1 % formic acid in water
• Mobile phase B: 0.1 % formic acid in methanol
• Column temperature: 40 °C
• Mass Spectrometer: LCMS-8060 with ESI source (positive/negative)
• Nebulizing gas flow: 3 L/min; drying gas: 10 L/min; heating gas: 10 L/min
• DL and interface temperatures: 250 °C; heat block: 400 °C

Main Results and Discussion

The biphenyl column provided excellent retention and peak shape for a variety of antimicrobial agents, including both polar and nonpolar structures. Baseline separation was achieved in under 15 minutes with reproducible retention times (RSD < 1.5 %) and consistent peak areas across replicate injections. The use of ammonium formate and formic acid enhanced ionization efficiency, leading to low limits of detection (sub-ng/g level) for most analytes. Matrix suppression effects were minimized by optimized cleanup and chromatographic resolution.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High throughput screening of multiple drug residues in a single run
• Robust selectivity for aromatic and heterocyclic compounds thanks to biphenyl phase
• Sensitivity suitable for compliance with international regulatory limits
• Compatibility with routine QA/QC workflows in food safety laboratories

Future Trends and Potential Applications

The method could be expanded to other complex food matrices such as dairy, eggs and seafood. Integration with high-resolution mass spectrometry may further improve identification confidence and facilitate non-targeted screening. Advances in microflow LC and green chromatography solvents will reduce solvent consumption and enhance sustainability in routine testing.

Conclusion

A reversed-phase LC-MS/MS approach using the Shim-pack Velox Biphenyl column successfully separates and quantifies veterinary drug residues in meat with high sensitivity, speed and reliability. The optimized method meets the demands of modern food safety laboratories and supports compliance with regulatory standards.

Reference

Application News 01-005400 (JP), Shimadzu Corporation, First Edition: Sep. 2024