Quantitative analysis of ractopamine in beef using automated online sample preparation with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract

This study demonstrates rapid quantitation of ractopamine in beef using automated online sample preparation with turbulent-flow chromatography technology coupled to a triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer. The total sample preparation time is approximately 30 minutes and the LC/MS method length is less than 6 minutes, resulting in a considerable reduction in overall analysis time over current methodologies. The assay has a linear dynamic range of 0.3–120 ng g⁻¹ for ractopamine in beef. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) was determined at 0.3 ng g⁻¹ using 25 μL injection volume. The recoveries were in the range of 85–104% at 0.6–60 ng g⁻¹. The present approach is suitable for routine ractopamine residual monitoring in food testing laboratories.