Agilent Manuals

This document introduces a new software and database for rapid detection of Japanese food samples for pesticide residues. The software and database can automatically identify 430 GC/MS data of pesticides regulated by the Japanese government.

This file introduces a method for separating a mixture of six B vitamins and vitamin C on the same Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C-18 stationary phase in three different particle sizes and column dimensions: 5 µm (4.6 × by 150 mm); Rapid Resolution (RR), 3.5 µm (4.6 × 100 mm), and RR High Throughput (RRHT), 1.8-µm (4.6 × 50 mm). A simple phosphate buffer- methanol mobile phase gradient was used. The method was designed to supplement United States Pharmacopeia (USP) methods in which these vitamins are separated singly on different columns by different methods, some involving complex ion-pair reagents. The shorter columns provided more rapid separations with little change in res- olution. All compounds could be separated on the 1.8-µm column in 3.5 minutes. A gain in sensitivity was noted when the column length and particle size were reduced. The HPLC method was applied to the analysis of vitamins in a variety of commercial products, including multivita- mins and various soft drinks. The columns chosen allowed for good separation, but the RRHT column also allowed quick method development without giving up the resolution and sensitivity.

This article describes the development of an LC-MS/MS method for the determination of 20-hydroxyecdysone and its metabolites in calf urine, and its application to the control of potential misuse in cattle. The method involves purification on two solid-phase extraction cartridges (SPE C18 and SPE SiOH) and LC-(ESI+)-MS/MS measurements. The sensitivity and specificity of tandem quadrupole MS/MS allowed measurements at trace levels in both spiked and incurred samples. Good linearity was observed for all analytes from 0.12 ng to 12 ng on column.

The document introduces the 7th amendment of the European Cosmetics Directive and its requirements for cosmetic manufacturers. It requires manufacturers to indicate the presence of 26 fragrance ingredients in finished cosmetic products if they exceed a threshold of 0.01% (rinse-off) and 0.001% (leave-on). It also discusses the application of Agilent's Deconvolution Reporting Software (DRS) in complex matrices. The software can automatically deconvolute spectra and generate qualification and quantitation reports, increasing the confidence in results and processing efficiency.

An analytical methodology for screening and confirming the presence of 301 pesticides in vegetable samples was developed using the Agilent G6410A Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (QQQ). Of the 301 compounds, 90% could be identified using this procedure with a limit of detection (LOD) in vegetable matrices of 0.01 mg/kg (ppm) or below, which is the level for baby food and banned substances and is the maximum residue level (MRL) used by the European Union. The analytical performance of the method was evaluated for different types of vegetables (tomato and green pepper), showing little or no matrix effects. Linearity of response over 2 orders of magnitude was demonstrated (r2 > 0.99). The authors of this document are E. Michael Thurman and Imma Ferrer from the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Center for Environmental Mass Spectrometry at the University of Colorado and Jerry A. Zweigenbaum from Agilent Technologies Inc.

A method has been developed for the detection of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in milk by ESI(+)-LC-MS/MS. This method allowed a detection limit of 20 pg of tryptic N-terminal peptide rbST in standard solution injected on-column and was successfully applied to extracts obtained from milk samples spiked with 50 ng/mL-1 (2.3 pmol/mL-1) rbST.

This document describes a new method for separating seven synthetic/artificial food colors. The method uses a gradient method and a phosphate buffer-acetonitrile mobile phase with Agilent HC(2)/TC(2) reversed phase columns. The method is suitable for many samples and can be used to analyze these colors in beverages.

This application brief introduces a hardware solution available on the 7890A for the practice of comprehensive GC. The system uses a capillary flow modulator controlled by the 7890A GC. The system is offered with factory checkout using an FID detector. Other detectors, preferably those operating at 50 Hz or greater, can be used.

The study determined 11 metals in dietary supplements consumed in the UK using ICP-MS. The method was validated by analyzing two certified reference materials and showed accurate and reliable results.

Agilent Technologies has introduced a new fast analysis method that can replace the traditional multi-instrument approach with a single 15-minute gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, reducing the analysis time and improving analysis efficiency. The new method can quickly and accurately detect trace pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables, providing a powerful guarantee for food safety.

A sensitive and selective analytical method for the determination of aflatoxin G1, G2, B1, and B2 residues in cereals using the Agilent G6410AA LC/MS Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer was developed. This method uses simple sample preparation methods followed by LC/MS/MS. The limits of detection for all aflatoxins were less than 1 ng/mL in cereals.

This application note describes methods for analyzing the levels of melamine and cyanuric acid in pet food and related raw materials using the Agilent 7890A-5975C GC/MS and 1200SL-6410 Triple Quadrupole LC/MS. The GC/MS method employs extraction and then trimethylsilyl derivatization and is used here for screening. The detection limit is 10 µg/g. The LC/MS/MS method requires only extraction and then a simple isocratic elution on a normal-phase silica column (Rx-Sil) with water and acetonitrile mobile phase containing 5 mM ammonium acetate. The separation of the two compounds takes 5 min. The linear range is from 50 pg/mL to 50 ng/mL for melamine and from 1 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL for cyanuric acid. The LC/MS/MS method is demonstrated by analysis of the target compounds in complex food matrix.

An analysis of various essential oils/flavors was performed using both polar and nonpolar high-efficiency 0.18-mm id GC columns. Agilent’s GC method translation software was used to translate existing 0.25-mm id column methods to 0.18-mm id columns. The ease with which this software can be used allowed for simple method development. Elution times were compared between the standard 0.25-mm id columns and the high-efficiency 0.18-mm id columns. The benefits of using hydrogen carrier gas for shorter analysis time will also be illustrated.

A method was developed using the Agilent G6410 Triple Quadrupole LC/MS for Sudan Reds in different matrices, including curry powder, red pepper powder, and chili sources. The analytical performance of the method was evaluated for four different matrices and the results show little or no matrix effects. Linearity of response over three orders of magnitude was demonstrated (r > 0.99). In addition, good reproducibility of the two required product ion ratios was obtained to meet the EU identification points needed for confirmation. A Rapid and Sensitive Analysis Method for Sudan Reds in Curry and Chili Powder Using LC/MS/MS Application Introduction

A method for the measurement of trace elements in malt spirits (whisky) is described with reference to six different samples.