Non-polar Analyte Detection via Selective Extraction and LC-MS/MS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analytical methods for detecting non-polar pesticide residues like acequinocyl in plant-derived samples, such as cannabis, face challenges with high matrix interferences and poor reproducibility due to the removal of non-polar analytes during the clean-up process, leading to insufficient sensitivity and increased costs for achieving regulatory limits.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) or solid-phase extraction (SPE) to enrich and isolate non-polar analytes, followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with a mobile phase containing ammonium acetate, allowing for detection limits of 50 ppb or less, and a kit for detecting non-polar analytes with reagents for sample purification and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If Quechers method with clean-up step is used to remove non-polar contaminants, then matrix interferences are reduced, but non-polar analytes are also removed leading to poor sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes only the polar contaminants from the sample matrix while preserving the non-polar analytes. This is achieved by using a polar clean-up phase (such as silica or C18) that selectively retains polar substances, allowing non-polar analytes to pass through or be eluted separately, thus eliminating matrix interferences without losing the target non-polar compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the clean-up process to create different local properties within the extraction system. By using phases with specific polarities (polar for clean-up, non-polar for analyte recovery), the system achieves selective interaction where polar contaminants are removed at one stage while non-polar analytes are preserved and recovered at another stage
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard Quechers method is used for non-polar analytes, then general pesticide detection is achieved, but detection limits are insufficient for low regulatory limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarity parameter of the clean-up phase to match the analyte characteristics. By using a polar clean-up phase instead of a non-polar one, the method achieves selective retention of polar contaminants while allowing non-polar analytes to pass through, thereby improving detection limits for non-polar substances without sacrificing method versatility
3Measurement precision
If increased sample amount is used to achieve required sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but analysis cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic non-polar contaminants that cause matrix interferences and signal suppression. By eliminating these interferents through selective extraction, the method achieves high sensitivity for non-polar analytes using standard sample amounts, thereby avoiding the need to increase sample quantity and the associated costs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves highly sensitive detection and quantification of non-polar analytes at or below regulatory limits, reducing costs and improving reproducibility by using LLE or SPE for clean-up and LC-MS/MS analysis with ammonium acetate facilitating robust peak detection.
Implementation Method 1
a non-polar phase; purifying the first solution in a second purification step to obtain a second solution comprising the non-polar analyte
Implementation Method 2
a non-polar phase; purifying the first solution in a second purification step to obtain a second solution comprising the non-polar analyte
Implementation Method 3
subjecting the second solution to an analysis by liquid chromatography (LC) followed by mass spectrometry (MS)
Data Source
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AI summary
The technology of the present application is directed to methods and kits for detecting and quantifying a non-polar analyte in a plant-derived sample. The technology uses a simple extraction, e.g., a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) or solid-phase extraction (SPE), to enrich a sample for a non-polar analyte of interest and to remove contaminants. After the extraction and clean-up steps, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry are used to detect the non-polar analyte. In one embodiment, acequinocyl and/or its derivatives is analyzed using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and the improved LC-MS/MS conditions allows detection limits of acequinocyl and/or its derivatives of 50 ppb or less.