Sweet Science

Case Study

The Korea Beekeeping Association (KBA) needed to find an analytical solution that could detect multi-component antibiotics simultaneously and at low levels in honey analysis. They determined that an LC-MS/MS method using a Thermo Scientific Aria system powered by TurboFlow technology was superior to offline sample preparation techniques for antibiotic residue analysis in honey.

The large number and variety of potential contaminants in honey presented a challenge to the KBA. The online sample extraction method on the Aria TLX-1 system provided both increased analysis throughput and higher reproducibility. The system virtually eliminated pre-injection sample preparation, saving labor costs as well as increasing productivity. In addition, matrix effects, which are typically a challenge in LC-MS/MS analysis, decreased. The performance of the method was excellent. The LOD of one ng/mL achieved are well below the maximum residue limits of the antibiotics tested. ■

Ghosh is strategic marketing manager, Food Safety Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific. For more information, call (800) 246-4550, e-mail [email protected], or go to www.thermo.com/turboflow.

References

1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. FAO Web site. Available at: www.fao.org. Accessed January 26, 2010.
2. 2. Soler C, Mañes J, Picó Y. The role of the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in pesticide residue determination in food. Crit Rev Anal Chem. 2008;38(2):93-117.
3. 3. Lafontaine C, Shi Y, Espourteille FA. Multi-class antibiotic screening of honey using online extraction with LC-MS/MS. Thermo Scientific Application Note 464. Available at: www.thermo.com/eThermo/CMA/PDFs/Articles/articlesFile_51570.pdf. Accessed January 26, 2010.
4. 4. Hammel Y-A, Schoutsen F, Martins CPB. Analysis of (fluoro)quinolones in honey with online sample extraction and LC-MS/MS. Thermo Fisher Scientific Application Note 465. Available at: www.thermo.com/eThermo/CMA/PDFs/Articles/articlesFile_51980.pdf. Accessed January 26, 2010.
5. 5. Lafontaine C, Shi Y, Espourteille F. Measurement of chloramphenicol in honey using automated sample preparation with LC-MS/MS. Thermo Scientific Application Note 473. Available at: www.thermo.com/eThermo/CMA/PDFs/Articles/articlesFile_52958.pdf. Accessed January 26, 2010.