Determination of quinolonones in food of animal origin by liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence and mass spectrometric detection

Abstract

High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence (HPLC-FD) and tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS/MS) was studied as a versatile tool for fast and reliable determination of nine regulated quinolones in food of animal origin (Council Regulation 2377/90/ECC). The sample pre-treatment protocol includes double step extraction with acetonitrile followed by solid phase extraction (SPE) cleanup on hydrophobic-lipophilic balance (HLB) cartridge. The separation of quinolones in HPLC-FD determination was performed on C18 Zorbax column with a gradient mixture of aqueous formic acid, methanol, and acetonitrile. A multi-wavelength excitation/emission program was used for sensitive quinolones detection. The separation efficiency of newly available chromatographic columns: Gemini C18 and Synergi Polar RP (fully porous particles), as well as Kinetex PFP and Poroshell 120 EC-C18 (core- shell particles), was studied in liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. Appropriate gradient elution program was designed for each column. Multiple reaction monitoring was used for selective determination of each quinolone. LC-MS/MS allowed quinolones determination in less than 5 min. Both methods showed detection limits below maximum residue limits for quinolones residues in food commodities.