Meldonium determination in milk and meat through UHPLC-HRMS

Abstract

A simple and sensitive procedure for the quantification of meldonium in milk and meat by UHPLC-HRMS is presented. Some products were investigated to contain this substance due to using a veterinary drug called “Emidonol”. According to the instruction for this drug, it can be used for injection (for cows) and as an additive in drinking water for chickens. Although meldonium is not a threat for human health, it is strictly prohibited in professional sports according to WADA Prohibited List. Sample preparation conditions were optimized for both matrices that allowed to eliminate matrix effects and achieve reproducible and accurate results. Protein precipitation with dilution were applied for milk samples, while chicken meat and liver were homogenized with quartz sand to achieve satisfactory meldonium recovery. The results of milk and meat samples analysis purchased at the farmers’ fair are presented in this article. Meldonium concentration in raw milk was investigated to be up to 880 ng/mL. However, pasteurization can be used for partial cleanup from meldonium (up to 2 times). The same research was conducted for chicken meat and liver. Thermal treatment shows a good result for a meat cleanup. The proposed method was partially validated, limits of detection and quantification were established for each matrix.