A Rapid, Simple, and Efficient Automated Method for the Extraction of Pesticides from Difficult Food Matrices


Abstract

In the modern world, consumers increasingly want to know what is in their food and that the substances they are putting in their body are safe. This, along with stringent regulatory requirements, is leading the call for improved extraction of food contaminants such as pesticides. The QuEChERS method has been shown to be practical for pesticide analysis on a number of different sample types. While the QuEChERS method is relatively quick compared to other methods, it is also a manual and tedious process. Herein, a rapid, simple and efficient automated method for the extraction of difficult food matrices that improves the pesticide extraction process is being reviewed. The extraction of some difficult food matrices such as lemons and potatoes is performed via extraction on the EDGE and compared to the QuEChERS method. The EDGE methods utilizes the same solvent and clean up sorbents as the QuEChERS method, making it a simple transition for labs currently running QuEChERS. The EDGE extraction allows for extraction, cleanup, and filtration in less than ten minutes. Filtration sub 0.3 µm is possible on the EDGE allowing for direct injection of the extract for UPLC analysis. The EDGE extraction method is applicable to many different types of difficult matrices including dry commodities such tea and spices. No matter the matrix on the EDGE the same rapid, simple and efficient automated method is sufficient leading to good pesticide recovery data. The extraction and determination of multiple pesticide residues from these difficult matrices will be described showing improved recoveries and workflow in comparison to QuEChERS.