Automation System for the Flexible Sample Preparation for Quantification of Δ9-THC-D3, THC-OH and THC-COOH from Serum, Saliva and Urine

Bhagya Wijayawardena,Kerstin Thurow,Heidi Fleischer,Anna Bach

doi:10.3390/app12062838

Bhagya Wijayawardena, Kerstin Thurow + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app12062838

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Abstract

In the life sciences, automation solutions are primarily established in the field of drug discovery. However, there is also an increasing need for automated solutions in the field of medical diagnostics, e.g., for the determination of vitamins, medication or drug abuse. While the actual metrological determination is highly automated today, the necessary sample preparation processes are still mainly carried out manually. In the laboratory, flexible solutions are required that can be used to determine different target substances in different matrices. A suitable system based on an automated liquid handler was implemented. It has been tested and validated for the determination of three cannabinoid metabolites in blood, urine and saliva. To extract Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-D3 (Δ9-THC-D3), 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-OH) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) from serum, urine and saliva both rapidly and cost-effectively, three sample preparation methods automated with a liquid handling robot are presented in this article, the basic framework of which is an identical SPE method so that they can be quickly exchanged against each other when the matrix is changed. If necessary, the three matrices could also be prepared in parallel. For the sensitive detection of analytes, protein precipitation is used when preparing serum before SPE and basic hydrolysis is used for urine to cleave the glucuronide conjugate. Recoveries of developed methods are >77%. Coefficients of variation are <4%. LODs are below 1 ng/mL and a comparison with the manual process shows a significant cost reduction.

Highlights

In contrast to industrial applications, automation solutions in life science applications are not yet widespread
Samples are stable for the 24 h period required for sample preparation and analysis
Depending on the cycle time of the method, this results in a maximum number of samples that can be processed per year, which is 72 T samples/year for serum and urine and 192 T samples/year for saliva

Summary

Introduction

In contrast to industrial applications, automation solutions in life science applications are not yet widespread. The automation of classic laboratory processes is still in its infancy. Extensive sample preparation processes are often used to ensure optimal separation of the target substances from the surrounding matrices and to protect the analytical devices used from contamination. These sample preparation methods include extractions, centrifugations, purifications, changing the composition of solvents or derivatizations. The preparation and processing of samples are still usually performed manually today. This limits the number of samples that can be processed, but on the other hand, personnel is brought into contact with sometimes dangerous or infectious materials. Due to the repetitive activities, there are problems regarding work ergonomic issues

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