ambient mass spectrometry and near-infrared spectroscopy - a direct comparison of methods for the quantification of sucralose in e-liquids.

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the use of ambient mass spectrometry (MS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) for the quantification of sucralose in e-liquids. The study compares these two methods with a highly sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer method, to determine their suitability for this application. The text also highlights the advantages and limitations of ambient MS and NIR for the reliable quantification of sucralose.

Key Points:

* The study analyzed 100 commercially available e-liquids for sucralose content using ambient MS and NIR.
* a highly sensitive hPLC-MS/MS method was used as a reference method for comparison.
* Both ambient MS and NIR were found to be suitable for the quantification of sucralose in e-liquids.
* ambient MS offers economic and ecological benefits over classical analytical tools, including hPLC.
* NIR is a versatile and reliable tool for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of various analytical tasks.
* The study emphasizes the importance of reliable analytical methods for ensuring consumer protection and eliminating confusing package labeling.
* The results reveal the necessity for product quality due to the absence of declarations on many used products.
* The methods enable an essential contribution to ensuring consumer safety and eliminating confusing package labeling.

Main Message:
The study underscores the importance of reliable and easy-to-handle methods for implementing quality standards for the evaluation of regulations. The use of ambient MS and NIR for the quantification of sucralose in e-liquids provides a significant contribution to ensuring consumer protection and eliminating confusing package labeling. These methods offer economic and ecological benefits over classical analytical tools, making them attractive alternatives for regulatory compliance. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt and promote these methods to ensure consumer safety and maintain product quality standards.

Schlappack T, Kappacher C, Demetz M, et al. ambient mass spectrometry and near-infrared spectroscopy - a direct comparison of methods for the quantification of sucralose in e-liquids. analytical methods : advancing methods and applications. 2023;15(20):2448-2455. doi:10.1039/d3ay00380a