[en] In this study, we describe the development of a SFC-MS method for the quality control of cannabis plants that
could be potentially adulterated with synthetic cannabinoids. Considering the high number of already available
synthetic cannabinoids and the high rate of development of novel structures, we aimed to develop a generic
method suitable for the analysis of a large panel of substances using seventeen synthetic cannabinoids from
multiple classes as model compounds. Firstly, a suitable column was chosen after a screening phase. Secondly,
optimal operating conditions were obtained following a robust optimization strategy based on a design of ex-
periments and design space methodology (DoE-DS). Finally, the quantitative performances of the method were
assessed with a validation according to the total error approach. The developed method has a run time of
9.4 min. It uses a simple modifier composition of methanol with 2% H2O and requires minimal sample pre-
paration. It can chromatographically separate natural cannabinoids (except THC-A and CBD-A) from the syn-
thetics assessed. Also, the use of mass spectrometry provides sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, this quality by
design (QbD) approach permits the tuning of the method (within the DS) during routine analysis to achieve a
desirable separation since the future compounds that should be analyzed could be unknown. The method was
validated for the quantitation of a selected synthetic cannabinoid in fiber-type cannabis matrix over the range of
2.5% – 7.5% (w/w) with LOD value as low as 14.4 ng/mL. This generic method should be easy to implement in
customs or QC laboratories in the context of counterfeit drugs tracking.
Research Center/Unit :
CIRM - Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche sur le Médicament - ULiège
Disciplines :
Chemistry Pharmacy, pharmacology & toxicology
Author, co-author :
Jambo, Hugues ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de pharmacie > Chimie analytique
Dispas, Amandine ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de pharmacie > Analyse des médicaments
Avohou, Tonakpon Hermane ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de pharmacie > Chimie analytique
André, Sébastien ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Master sc. pharma., à fin.
Hubert, Cédric ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de pharmacie > Chimie analytique
Lebrun, Pierre ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de pharmacie > Chimie analytique
Ziemons, Eric ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de pharmacie > Département de pharmacie
Hubert, Philippe ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de pharmacie > Chimie analytique
Language :
English
Title :
Implementation of a generic SFC-MS method for the quality control of potentially counterfeited medicinal cannabis with synthetic cannabinoids
Publication date :
2018
Journal title :
Journal of Chromatography. B, Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences
ISSN :
1570-0232
eISSN :
1873-376X
Publisher :
Elsevier, Netherlands
Volume :
1092
Pages :
332-342
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Name of the research project :
Projet PHARE; Projet Vibra4Fake
Funders :
FEDER - Fonds Européen de Développement Régional Région wallonne Fonds Léon Fredericq
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