A Universal LC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Detection of Antibiotic Residues in Animal and Environmental Samples

Abstract

Detecting and monitoring the usage of antibiotics is a critical aspect of efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotic residue testing with existing LC-MS/MS methods is limited in detection range. Current methods also lack the capacity to detect multiple antibiotic residues in different samples simultaneously. In this study, we demonstrate a methodology that permits simultaneous extraction and detection of antibiotic residues in animal and environmental samples. A total of 30 different antibiotics from 13 classes could be qualitatively detected with our methodology. Further study to reduce analytes' matrix effect would allow for quantification of antibiotic residues.

Keywords: LC-MS/MS; antibiotic residue; solid-phase extraction.

Figure 1

Flowchart showing the key steps in antibiotic residue testing. The figure was created with BioRender.com.