Micro-QuEChERS extraction method optimization for quantification of designer benzodiazepines in forensic postmortem...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Designer benzodiazepines pose challenges in forensic toxicology due to their increasing prevalence.
• Accurate quantification in postmortem samples is crucial for determining cause of death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a quantitative method for designer benzodiazepines in postmortem blood.
• To implement a micro-QuEChERS extraction and LC-MS/MS technique.
• To ensure the method aligns with green analytical toxicology principles.

Main Methods:

• Micro-QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Rugged, and Safe) extraction.
• Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis.
• Multivariate statistical approach for method optimization and validation.

Main Results:

• The method demonstrated excellent linearity (r2>0.990) from 1-200 ng/mL.
• High precision (<9.8%) and accuracy (<11.1%) were achieved across quality control levels.
• Effective application in real forensic cases, detecting bromazolam at 31 and 40 ng/mL.

Conclusions:

• The validated method offers reliable quantification of designer benzodiazepines in postmortem blood.
• Micro-QuEChERS provides an environmentally sustainable approach, reducing solvent and reagent use.
• The method is suitable for both clinical and forensic applications, promoting green analytical toxicology.