Development of a reliable method for determination of N-nitrosamines in medicines using disposable pipette extraction and HPLC-MS analysis.

This study outlines the development and optimization of an analytical method using Disposable Pipette Extraction (DPX) followed by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis to determine NAs in medicines. HPLC-MS analysis utilized a reversed-phase and positive mode electrospray ion source. DPX parameters were optimized through univariate and multivariate analyses, including extraction phase, desorption solvent, sample pH, equilibrium time, and extraction/desorption cycles. The optimized conditions included a C18 extraction phase, methanol desorption solvent, pH at 7, an equilibrium time of 30 seconds, 2 extraction cycles, and 5 desorption cycles. Considering this method, it was possible to achieve a sample preparation step for the analysis of NAs in medicines using a minimal amount of extraction phase, sample, and desorption solvent. Furthermore, the total extraction procedure enables the extraction of NAs in around 4 minutes with NA recovery up to 98%. Analytical performance demonstrated precision and accuracy below 15% and a quantification limit of 1 ng mL-1, meeting validation requirements set by regulations worldwide. Thus, the DPX/HPLC-MS technique offers a faster and cost-effective method for analyzing NAs in medicines compared to traditional approaches. Besides, this method reduces solvent consumption and residue generation, enhancing environmental sustainability according to green chemistry principles.