roQ™ QuEChERS kits - An Easier QuEChERS Solution for Diverse Matrices

Importance of the topic

Sample preparation remains a critical step in trace analysis of complex matrices. QuEChERS offers a streamlined workflow for extracting pesticides, mycotoxins or perfluoroalkyl substances from foods or environmental samples. roQ QuEChERS kits further simplify operations by providing easy pour salt packets, built in tube racks, no leak caps and low extractable centrifuge tubes, reducing handling errors and background noise.

Objectives and Study Overview

The whitepaper reviews three applications of roQ EN 15662 and AOAC 2007.01 QuEChERS kits coupled to LC-MS/MS.

• Pesticide residue analysis in kale and grapes covering over 200 analytes
• Mycotoxin screening in corn meal using core shell LC columns
• Determination of 19 PFAS in marine and freshwater sediments

Methodology and Instrumentation

QuEChERS workflow comprises extraction with acidified acetonitrile and phase-separating salts followed by dispersive solid phase extraction cleanup using preweighted sorbents. roQ kits are available in three salt formats: AOAC 2007.01, EN 15662 and non buffered. dSPE tubes include combinations of MgSO4, PSA, C18 and GCB to remove water, organic acids, lipids or pigments. Instrumentation details:

• Pesticides: SCIEX 4000 QTRAP, Kinetex 5 µm Biphenyl column, ESI positive, scheduled MRM
• Mycotoxins: SCIEX API 5000, Kinetex 2.6 µm XB-C18 column, positive MS/MS detection
• PFAS: SCIEX 5500 QTRAP, Gemini 3 µm C18 column with inline filter and delay column, negative ESI sMRM

Main Results and Discussion

Pesticide residues in kale and grapes delivered 70–130 percent recoveries for most analytes and excellent reproducibility for polar compounds due to efficient matrix removal and biphenyl LC chemistry. Mycotoxin screening from corn meal achieved rapid separation of 15 targets with clear peak resolution in under 8 minutes. Sediment analysis of 19 PFAS showed average recoveries from 81 to 104 percent and RSD values below 7 percent at 1 ng g concentration.

Benefits and Practical Applications

roQ QuEChERS kits enable high throughput and robust sample prep with minimal solvent use and reduced cross contamination. They are adaptable to fruits, vegetables, grains and sediments for routine food safety or environmental monitoring. The modular design supports quick kit selection and seamless integration with automated or manual workflows.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration of QuEChERS with UHPLC and high resolution mass spectrometry for wider contaminant profiling
• Further automation of extraction and cleanup steps for 24/7 analytical operations
• Extension of sorbent chemistries to emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals or microplastics
• Expansion of QuEChERS to industrial and forensic testing scenarios

Conclusion

roQ QuEChERS kits deliver a user-friendly and reliable approach for multi residue and multisector analysis. The combination of optimized salt packets, dSPE sorbents and tailored LC-MS methods yields consistent recoveries, low background and rapid throughput across diverse sample types.

Reference

• Phenomenex Technical Note TN-0115 Extraction of Pesticide Residues from Kale and Grapes Using roQ EN 15662 Kit
• Phenomenex Application Note Mycotoxin Screening in Corn Meal Using roQ EN 15662 Kit
• Phenomenex Application Note Determination of PFAS in Sediments Using roQ AOAC 2007.01 Kit