QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) is a sample preparation method that is commonly used in the analysis of pesticides, mycotoxins, and other contaminants in food and agricultural products. The method was first developed in 2003 by Anastassiades et al. and has since become a widely accepted and recognized method in the field of food analysis.
The QuEChERS method involves the extraction of contaminants from a sample using a combination of aqueous and organic solvents, followed by cleanup of the extract using a dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) technique. The d-SPE step is designed to remove any unwanted matrix components that may interfere with the analysis.
One of the main advantages of the QuEChERS method is its simplicity and ease of use. The method can be performed quickly, typically taking less than an hour, and requires minimal equipment and sample preparation. It is also relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective option for many laboratories.
Another advantage of the QuEChERS method is its high degree of selectivity. The d-SPE step is used to remove unwanted matrix components, allowing for the analysis of a wide range of compounds with minimal interference. Additionally, the method is suitable for a wide range of sample types, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats.
The QuEChERS method can be coupled with various analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC), to determine the presence and concentration of contaminants in a sample. The method is also compatible with mass spectrometry (MS) techniques, which can be used to provide high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of contaminants.
One of the most common QuEChERS extraction method is AOAC 2007.1 where the sample is extracted with acetonitrile and buffered with acetic acid and salts, then cleaned up using dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) with a combination of primary secondary amine (PSA) and graphitized carbon black (GCB) sorbents.
In summary, QuEChERS is a widely accepted and recognized sample preparation method that is commonly used in the analysis of pesticides, mycotoxins, and other contaminants in food and agricultural products. The method is simple, easy, and inexpensive, and offers a high degree of selectivity and compatibility with a wide range of analytical techniques.
