Analysis of 14 β‐agonists in pork using an automated wooden tip‐based solid‐phase microextraction device and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract

This study introduces a cost‐effective, automated ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the detection of 14 β‐agonists in pork using a novel solid‐phase microextraction probe composed of polyacrylonitrile and molecularly imprinted polymer. Integrated into an automated extraction device, the probe optimizes extraction prior to analysis while reducing expenses and time compared to traditional solid‐phase extraction procedures. The method validation followed the Chinese National Standard (GB/T 27404‐2008) and examined limits of detection, limits of quantification, matrix effects, linearity, intraday, and interday precision. Average recovery rates ranged from 71.6% to 82.2%, with relative standard deviations less than 15%. Limits of detection and limits of quantification ranged from 0.09 to 0.39 and 0.27 to 0.99 μg/kg, respectively. The new method identified positive samples more accurately than the current National Standard GB/T 31658.22‐2022 and demonstrated its potential for routine assessment and regulatory compliance in the detection of β‐agonists in pork.