Enhanced Matrix Removal-Lipid (EMR-L): a novel approach for efficient clean-up in systemic toxicological analysis of drugs and pesticides

ABSTRACT

The QuEChERS extraction method was extensively modified and validated for effective screening of drugs and pesticides in diverse biological matrices, such as blood, urine, liver, and stomach contents. This method involved the extraction of 2 mL biological samples using acetonitrile as the solvent. To eliminate interferences, particularly lipids, a novel sorbent comprising a combination of C₁₈ and specialized polymers called EMR-L (Enhanced Matrix Removal-Lipid) was employed. The extracted samples were then subjected to analysis using GCMS with a DB-5 MS column. The validation study encompassed various parameters including carryover, limit of detection (LOD), and interference investigation. LOD of analytes were ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 µg/mL. The validated method is known for its simplicity and effectiveness in conducting systemic toxicological analysis, covering a wide range of acidic, neutral, and basic analytes. Moreover, this method has the potential to detect additional drugs and pesticides not included in the validation study, provided they are compatible with gas chromatographic analysis. The modified method was successfully applied to real case samples, proving to be a valuable tool for systemic toxicological analysis. Its versatility allows for the screening of acidic, neutral, and basic drugs and pesticides in various biological matrices.

KEYWORDS:

• QuEChERS
• EMR
• drugs
• pesticides
• postmortem
• systemic toxicology
• unknown screen

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).