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5 top resources for mycotoxin quantitation in cannabis samples

SelectScience

A compilation of useful materials for quantifying mycotoxins in cannabis products, necessary to meet industry standards and reduce potential health risks from contamination

10 Jan 2020
Cameron Smith-Craig
Cameron Smith-Craig
Pharma and Applied Sciences Editor

Editorial article

Whilst the cultivation conditions for cannabis are tailored to support the growth of the plant, they often provide an ideal environment for the production of potentially pathogenic molds and fungi such as Aspergillus. Storage, transportation and processing are also conducive to contamination and, in combination, can lead to sufficiently concerning levels of chemical mycotoxin production.

Many mycotoxins, such as the aflatoxins G1, G2, B1, B2, or ochratoxin A, have been highlighted as immunosuppressive, carcinogenic, neurologically toxic, and hepatotoxic. Even the Aspergillus mold itself can cause lung infections such as aspergillosis. Therefore, considering the great risk to consumer health, the development of accurate testing methods is of utmost importance to the industry.

Here, we’ve collated some of the latest content and innovations in this field to aid scientists in the quantification of these harmful molds and their secondary metabolites, including liquid chromatography, real-time PCR, UPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS.

Application note: Quantitation of aflatoxins in cannabis by liquid chromatography

Shimadzu presents a study that focuses on developing a powerful detection method, using the Prominence-i and the RF-20Axs Fluorescence Detector, that allows cannabis testing labs to confidently report concentrations below regulatory limits, including aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 combined to 20 ppb and 20 ppb for ochratoxin A alone.

Application note

Industry news: Bio-Rad launches kit for detection of hazardous molds in cannabis products

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. has announced the launch of the iQ-Check Aspergillus Real-Time PCR Kit, a fast and accurate method for detecting four potentially hazardous molds — Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, and A. terreus — in cannabis and cannabis-infused products.

The Scientists' Channel: Essential quality control assessments for cannabis

In this video, Dr. Jonathan Speare explains how White Buffalo Laboratories tests cannabis for pesticides and mycotoxins to provide a safe product and discusses quality assurance requirements and how quantifying marijuana testing is changing the cannabis industry.

Application note: Analysis of residual pesticides and mycotoxins in cannabis to meet Californian regulations

Jonathan Speare

In this application note, Waters presents the use of a simple sample extraction and dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) clean-up where the extract is analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS/MS for rapidly monitoring pesticides and mycotoxins in cannabis matrix.

Editorial article: Cannabis testing: The need for robust methods and true transparency

In this exclusive interview, we hear from Petra Erlandson of Alkemist Labs about the need for transparent and universal protocols in botanical testing. Erlandson also reveals the key technologies that enable the team at Alkemist to test different material types and product matrixes reliably and accurately — and the importance of finding a manufacturer you can partner with effectively.

Other notable content from our cannabis testing community:

Previous cannabis testing Top 5 articles:

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Mycotoxins PCDL

Agilent Technologies

Perform truly comprehensive mycotoxin screening applications with the Mycotoxins and Related Metabolites Personal Compound Database and Library (PCDL) for TOF and Q-TOF LC/MS systems. Detailed acquisition method setup information allows fast ramp-up to full productivity.

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Bond Elut Mycotoxin

Agilent Technologies

Bond Elut Mycotoxin is a novel sorbent which cleans up food extracts for improved trichothecene and zearalenon analysis. Results are comparable or superior to competing methods, including immunoaffinity columns (IAC) and charcoal/alumina column. The sorbent is a proprietary silica-based ion exchange material.

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Prominence-i GPC System

World-class Small Multi Detection GPC System. A refractive index detector is generally used for GPC analysis of hydrophobic polymers. When trace-level additives that have UV absorption are contained in a polymer, both a UV detector and a photodiode array detector, which offers high-sensitivity detection, are used complementarily.By using the Prominence-i (PDA model), LabSolutions workstation, and LabSolutions GPC software (option), it is possible to simultaneously perform measurement of molecular weight distribution of a main component polymer using analysis results from the refractive index detector, and quantitative and qualitative analysis of trace-level additives using analysis results from the photodiode array detector.By incorporating a dual-temperature control function, which suppresses the effects of room temperature fluctuations, the RID-20A achieves excellent baseline stability and reproducibility. Moreover, the RID-20A significantly reduces stabilization time after being powered on. The stable baseline enables accurate analysis of molecular weight distribution. Shown below are a chromatogram and reproducibility of elution time results, over the course of five days, for an analysis of polystyrene containing additives.

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Gas ChromatographyGas chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique used to separate and quantitate mixtures of small and volatile compounds. Gas chromatographs or GC systems include components such as GC columns, detectors, pumps and autosamplers. Choose from packed or capillary GC columns, flame ionization (FID), photoionization (PID) electron capture detectors and selective or non-selective detectors. Find the best gas chromatographs in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.UHPLC and HPLCHigh performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), also known as UPLC, are analytical techniques used to separate, identify and quantitate components of complex mixtures including biological samples such as proteins and lipids as well as chemical mixtures of pesticides, drugs and oils. Both techniques are liquid chromatographic methods but differ by operating pressures (HPLC < 6000 psi < UHPLC ). Components of HPLC and UHPLC systems include columns, detectors, pumps, autosamplers and column heaters. Explore a range of UHPLC and HPLC columns for your specific sample needs including reverse phase, normal phase, ion exchange, HILIC, ion exclusion and size exclusion columns. For more specialized HPLC, explore FPLC, countercurrent LC and simulated moving bed systems. Find the best UHPLC and HPLC equipment in our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Sample PreparationSample preparation can improve the quality and speed of separation techniques. Products to assist sample preparation include filtration equipment, evaporators, membranes and sieves.LC-MSLC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) systems and equipment are used for separation and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures, combining liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Quantify proteins, contaminants, pesticides or screen for drug metabolites with a high level of sensitivity. LC-MS systems and equipment include reverse phase, normal phase and specialized columns integrated with various MS detectors such as time-of-flight (TOF), quadrupole, orbitrap or ion trap mass analyzers. LC-MS/MS instruments equipped with a qTOF or triple quadrupole analyzer give greater sensitivity and resolving power to your analysis. Find the best LC-MS equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. RegulatoryPharmaceutical regulations impact on all areas of drug development, manufacture and control and supply. Services are provided from the early stages of drug development and clinical trials through to dossier submission, approval and marketing. Regulatory also includes submission of analytical studies from the pharmaceutical product and safety. PesticidesPesticides are used to protect crops from diseases, pests and unwanted plants. They are classed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and can be harmful to humans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently regulates the use of pesticides in the USA. MycotoxinsToxic chemicals such as Aflatoxin and Alkaloids that are produced by fungi are known as mycotoxins. In humid conditions, fungi can proliferate and colonize on crops to levels that can be damaging to human health. ChromatographyChromatography is a powerful technique used to separate and analyze components of mixtures based on their chemical properties. It is widely used in fields like biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and environmental analysis. By exploiting differences in the interaction of substances with a stationary phase and a mobile phase, chromatography enables precise purification and quantification of compounds. Whether you're working with complex biological samples or industrial chemicals, chromatography is essential for obtaining high-quality results. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best chromatography systems, compare products, read customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Food TestingFood testing refers to a variety experiments including PCR, mass spectrometry, processing, QuEChERS, analyzing and Kjeldahl.CannabisLC-MSLiquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) is a powerful analytical technique that combines the separation power of liquid chromatography with the detection capabilities of mass spectrometry. It is widely used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures in pharmaceuticals, proteomics, and environmental studies. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best LCMS systems, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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