Development of a simple sample preparation technique for gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric determination of nicotine in edible nightshades (Solanaceae).

The purpose of this study was to develop a rapid analytical method for the reliable determination of low concentrations of nicotine in foods for large numbers of samples. Food material was extracted using a simple liquid-liquid extraction method. For processed foods, further clean-up steps had to be employed to eliminate interfering compounds. The determination of nicotine was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Quantitative analysis was accomplished using deuterium labeled nicotine as an internal standard. Recoveries of over 95% were obtained for a single step extraction, as well as for a multiple-stage extraction procedure, respectively. The method has been applied to the determination of nicotine in edible nightshades (i.e. tomatoes, potatoes and aubergines) and their processed products.