Microwave-assisted derivatisation and LC-MS/MS determination of nitrofuran metabolites in farm-raised prawns (Penaeus monodon)

Abstract

A new microwave-assisted derivatisation and LC-MS/MS method has been developed for the analysis of nitrofuran metabolites – 3-amino-5-morpholino-methyl-1,3-oxa-zolidinone (AMOZ), 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), 1-aminohydantoin (AHD) and semicarbazide (SEM) – in farm-raised prawns (Penaeus monodon) from the coastal regions of South India. Analysis was carried out by reverse-phase column (Phenomenex Luna C₁₈) with gradient elution using mobile phase A (0.02% acetic acid in water) and mobile phase B (0.02% acetic acid in acetonitrile), at a flow rate of 200 μl min^–1 and an injection volume of 20 μl. Microwave-assisted derivatisation was achieved in 6 min with good recovery. The results showed that the samples collected from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka contained residues of nitrofuran metabolites in the range from 5.0 to 40 ng g^–1. This work emphasises the importance of ensuring the safety of seafood and that a new method of derivatisation is applicable for the analysis of nitrofuran metabolites in seafood.

Keywords:

• LC-MS/MS
• microwave-assisted derivatisation
• nitrofuran metabolites
• prawns