Confirmatory determination of six penicillins in honey by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.

A confirmatory method for 6 penicillin antibiotics (amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin G, oxacillin, cloxacillin, and dicloxacillin) in honey is presented that allows determination and confirmation of identity of the antibiotics at trace levels. The method includes the use of a stable isotope-labeled internal standard benzyl (d7-phenyl) penicillate and removal of sugar and other substances by solvent and solid-phase extraction. The honey extracts are then analyzed for penicillin residues by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Mass spectral acquisition was achieved in an electrospray positive ion mode by applying multiple reaction monitoring of 2 or 3 fragment ion transitions to provide a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. Typical recoveries of 6 penicillins at fortification levels of 6, 16, 40, and 80 microg/kg ranged from 51.4 to 132.9%. The recoveries varied with the individual penicillins and were affected by different honey matrixes. The ion ratios were consistent and could be used for confirmation of identity of the penicillins. The method limits of detection (microg/kg) were 0.25 for amoxicillin, 0.19 for ampicillin, 0.068 for penicillin G, 0.028 for oxacillin, 0.052 for cloxacillin, and 0.085 for dicloxacillin. The method limits of confirmation (microg/kg) were 0.44 for amoxicillin, 0.52 for ampicillin, 0.23 for penicillin G, 0.14 for oxacillin, 0.14 for cloxacillin, and 0.15 for dicloxacillin when a sample size of 5 g honey was used.