Tips for Faster Sample Preparation - Focusing on Multi-residue Analysis

Importance of the Topic

Rapid and comprehensive analysis of chemical residues in food and environmental samples is critical for ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Multi-residue sample preparation strategies streamline workflows, reduce costs and increase throughput while maintaining analytical performance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study reviews key strategies for faster sample preparation targeting multi-class residue analysis. It covers traditional workflows, compares compound-specific and generic approaches, examines food matrix challenges, and presents modern pass-through solid-phase extraction protocols including simple and two-step methods using Oasis PRiME HLB devices.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample pretreatment encompasses homogenization, liquid–liquid and solvent extraction, QuEChERS, protein precipitation, and pH adjustment. Cleanup employs dilution, filtration, dispersive SPE, gel permeation chromatography and pass-through SPE modes. Two protocols are detailed:

• Simple pass-through SPE (≥75–95% acetonitrile) for moderately polar analytes (LogP≤3).
• Two-step pass-through SPE (≥85% acetonitrile) to retain highly hydrophobic compounds (LogP>4).

Instrumental detection platforms include UPLC–MS/MS, GC–MS/MS, SFC/UPC2, ion chromatography, atomic absorption/ICP and UV/Vis spectrometry.

Main Results and Discussion

Oasis PRiME HLB pass-through cleanup effectively removes fats, phospholipids and pigments, reducing matrix effects and improving method robustness. For multi-class veterinary drugs in milk, tissue and seafood, simple protocols delivered high recoveries for compounds up to LogP≈3. The two-step approach achieved consistent recoveries for more hydrophobic drugs (LogP>4). Studies in salmon and shrimp demonstrated comparable cleanup efficiency and analyte retention.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Streamlined workflows lower preparation time and solvent use.
• Broad analyte coverage meets diverse screening needs in food safety and environmental monitoring.
• Enhanced cleanup reduces matrix interference, extending instrument uptime.
• Protocols adaptable to various matrices (milk, meat, grains, seafood, produce).

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Upcoming developments may include automated online SPE integration, extended multi-class panels (e.g., mycotoxins), coupling with high-resolution mass spectrometry for non-targeted screening, and greener solvent systems. Continued miniaturization and high-throughput platforms will further accelerate residue analysis.

Conclusion

Modern pass-through SPE techniques using sorbents like Oasis PRiME HLB offer fast, efficient and flexible cleanup for multi-residue analyses. Simple and two-step protocols cover a wide polarity range, ensuring high recoveries and robust performance across food matrices. These advancements address regulatory demands for speed and reliability in contaminant testing.

Used Instrumentation

• UPLC–MS/MS (tandem quadrupole)
• GC–MS/MS
• SFC/UPC2 systems
• Ion chromatography
• Atomic absorption and ICP spectrometers
• UV/Vis spectrophotometers