Determination of aminoglycoside residues by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry in a variety of matrices

A quantitative LC–MS/MS method was developed for the determination of 13 commonly used aminoglycoside antibiotics in meat (pork muscle, fish, and veal livers and kidneys). The proposed method is sufficiently sensitive and highly selective. Unlike other previously reported methods, it uses a simple clean-up procedure based on a strong cation-exchange solid-phase cartridge that permits high sample extract loading volumes. A unique elution regime based on a volatile buffer at intermediately high pH value in combination with an organic solvent provides quantitative elution of the various aminoglycosides. This methodology ensured that neither a breakthrough of weakly retained aminoglycosides (e.g. spectinomycin) nor the incomplete elution of strongly retained analytes (e.g. neo- and gentamycin) is observed. The single-step clean-up is fast and produces clean extracts that minimize matrix-related signal suppression in the electrospray interface.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We are reporting a quantitative multi-residue method for aminoglycoside antibiotics. ► The use of a strong cation exchanger step significantly simplifies the clean-up. ► A novel eluent permits the quantitative elution of otherwise retained analytes. ► The proposed elution regime should be relevant for other strongly retained compounds.