The determination of α- and β-thujone in human serum – Simple analysis of absinthe congener substance. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dybowski, Michal P.; Dawidowicz, Andrzej L.
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 259(2016)
• Page Start: 188
• Page End: 192
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: α- and β-Thujone -- Human serum -- SPE -- Alcohol congener analysis -- Gas chromatography; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.12.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Abstract : Graphical abstract: Highlights: The present study proposes a simple GC procedure of thujone analysis in human serum. The procedure involves protein precipitation process and SPE isolation of thujone. The method is characterized by low LOD and a very high recovery of the analyte. After slight tuning, it can be adapted for thujone determination in other bio-fluids. Abstract: Absinthe is a strong spirit beverage, mostly green in color, containing besides ethyl alcohol (main component), alcoholic macerate of wormwood and other plants such as star anise and fennel seed. Due to the potential risks associated with the presence of α- and β-thujone many countries have implemented strict rules limiting the content of these congeners in alcohol products. The presented paper describes a simple and sensitive method for the determination of α- and β-thujone in human serum using Solid Phase Extraction as a sample preparation method combined with GC/MS analysis. The procedure involves the protein precipitation process, which generally degrades the protein–analyte complex, and SPE isolation of thujone from the examined materials. The described method is characterized by a low LOD and a very high recovery of the analytes. The present method for the estimation of α- and β-thujone concentration in human fluids after the consumption of alcoholic beverages and other foods containing the substance is applicable in forensic and clinical toxicology because of its simplicity and rapidness with high sensitivity.