roQ™ QuEChERS Kits - Extraction and Dispersive Kits User Guide

Importance of QuEChERS Extraction and Dispersive SPE Kits

The QuEChERS methodology has revolutionized pesticide residue analysis in food matrices by providing a streamlined workflow that balances efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and analytical performance. Its adaptability to a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and high-fat or pigmented samples makes it a critical tool in regulatory testing, quality assurance, and research applications.

Objectives and Overview of the User Guide

This guide presents a comprehensive selection chart and step-by-step protocols for roQ™ QuEChERS Extraction and dispersive SPE (dSPE) kits. It is designed to help analysts choose the optimal kit configuration—buffered or non-buffered, sample size, and cleanup sorbent mix—based on sample type and analytical goals.

Methodology

• Two extraction methods are described: AOAC 2007.01 (acetate-buffered) and EN 15662 (multi-salt buffered), each with an original non-buffered variant.
• Typical extraction steps:
  • Homogenize sample (10–15 g) in a blender.
  • Add acetonitrile (with 1 % acetic acid for AOAC) and internal standard.
  • Introduce pre-measured salt packet to induce phase separation.
  • Shake vigorously (1 min), then centrifuge (5 min at 4000 rpm).
• Dispersive SPE cleanup:
  • Transfer 1–8 mL (AOAC) or 1–6 mL (EN) of supernatant into 2 mL or 15 mL dSPE tubes.
  • Shake for 30 s, centrifuge (5 min at 4000 rpm), then collect clean extract for GC or LC analysis.
• Kits are tailored for general produce, fats and waxes, pigmented samples, and high pigment/fat matrices through specific sorbent blends (PSA, C18, GCB).

Used Instrumentation

• Blender or homogenizer for sample preparation
• Laboratory centrifuge capable of 4000 rpm
• Gas chromatograph (GC) and liquid chromatograph (LC) for final analysis

Main Findings and Discussion

Performance tests demonstrate that buffered kits maintain pH stability and reduce degradation of sensitive analytes (e.g., pymetrozine, sethoxydim). Dispersive SPE sorbent combinations effectively remove co-extractives according to sample complexity. The roQ kits deliver consistent recoveries and low matrix effects across diverse fruit and vegetable matrices.

Benefits and Practical Applications

roQ QuEChERS kits offer simplified workflow, standardized reagents, and flexible cleanup options. They are ideal for high-throughput laboratories conducting routine pesticide monitoring, QA/QC in food production, and research on trace contaminants.

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging directions include integration of QuEChERS automation, miniaturization of extraction and cleanup steps, development of novel sorbent materials for extreme matrices, and coupling with high-resolution mass spectrometry for non-targeted screening.

Conclusion

The roQ QuEChERS Extraction and dispersive SPE kits provide a versatile, reliable platform for pesticide residue analysis in complex food matrices. Their modular design and comprehensive selection chart enable laboratories to tailor workflows for optimal performance.

References

1. Anastassiades M, Lehotay SJ, Štajnbaher D, Schenck FJ. J. AOAC International. Vol. 86, No. 2, 2003.
2. AOAC Official Method 2007.01. Pesticide Residues in Foods by Acetonitrile Extraction and Partitioning with Magnesium Sulfate.
3. European Standard EN 15662. Foods of Plant Origin: Determination of Pesticide Residues Using GC-MS and/or LC-MS/MS Following Acetonitrile Extraction/Partitioning and Clean-up by Dispersive SPE (QuEChERS method).