Multicomponent Analysis of Replacement Liquids of Electronic Cigarettes Using Chromatographic Techniques

Abstract

The electronic cigarette (e-cig) is an invention of the past few years and its popularity is rapidly growing all over the world. A rapid multicomponent analytical protocol for the analysis of the replacement liquids (e-liquids) of e-cig was developed using gas (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS). GC-MS-based methods were developed for the determination of the main humectants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). For the determination and quantification of nicotine (NIC) and nitrosamines, appropriate LC-MS-based methods were developed. The approbated methods were applied for the analysis of 263 e-liquid samples obtained from the Greek market. The instruments response was linear; the limits of quantification ranged from 0.003 μg/mL for three PAHs to 1.187 μg/mL for glycerol. The precision was <16% for all analytes, while the mean accuracy ranged from 99.1% for NIC to 106.6% for the flavor 2,5-dimethylpyrazine. The measured concentrations of NIC were correlated with the theoretical concentrations as reported by the manufacturers. An analog relation between the concentration of the glycerol and of propylene glycol was noticed. The frequency of detection of flavors ranged from 30.4% for the methyl cyclopentenolone to 5.3% for 3.4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde. Nitrosamines and PAHs were not detected in any sample. Because a similar analytical protocol was not available from the existing literature so far, our study offers the advantage of complete analytical methods for rapid and simultaneous multicomponent identification.

Concentration of Nicotine and Glycols in 27 Electronic Cigarette Formulations

“…The correlation between the labeled and measured nicotine concentrations is similar to the reported results by Kavvalakis et al, who studied 263 e-liquids purchased in Greece (14). The variability observed in this study was also consistent with the other studies on the subject (9-13), with most formulations having slightly less nicotine than stated on the product label.…”

Electronic cigarettes: what are they and what do they do?

“…While the flavorants are often identified by manufacturers as generally recognized as safe food additives, they may not have been tested for safety when inhaled. Several studies have investigated the effects of flavorants in ECIG liquids . However, because users inhale the aerosol, and not the liquid, systematic study of flavorant contribution to ECIG aerosol yields is required …”

Evaluation of Two Commercially Available Cannabidiol Formulations for Use in Electronic Cigarettes

“…Two studies by Goniewicz et al (2013, 2014) involved the analysis of the concentration of nicotine in cartridges and e-liquids from the UK, Poland, and the United States while Kavvalakis et al (2015) evaluated products available on the Greek market. Etter et al (2013), Lisko et al (2015), and Trehy et al (2011) analyzed e-liquids and cartridges for flavoring agents, nicotine, and potential nicotine impurities.…”

“…A significant reason to do so was to address the quality assurance of e-cigarette products, from the devices to the nicotine-based e-liquids contained within. The e-liquid formulations have been found to vary significantly from the labeled content around the world (Etter et al, 2013; Goniewicz et al, 2013; Kavvalakis et al, 2015; Pagano et al, 2015; Peace et al, 2016a). Since the legalization of marijuana in some form in 24 states and the U.S. District of Columbia, e-liquids containing cannabinoids have emerged in the market place.…”