Summary
Introduction:
This text describes a study that aimed to establish a method for detecting and quantifying vaporized caffeine (Caf) in the smoke produced by electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The study also identified and quantified minor components related to Caf in cigarette smoke extract (CSE).
Key points:
* The study designed a sampling system for Caf using a suction pump and optimized sampling conditions.
* The optimized LC-MS/MS conditions allowed for the sensitive determination of Caf in smoke with a limit of detection of 0.03 ng/mL at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3.
* The method was applied to CSEs from five e-cigarette products, and the concentration of Caf ranged from 0.894 ± 0.090 to 3.32 ± 0.14 μg/mL smoke.
* Minor components related to Caf, such as theobromine, theophylline, and paraxanthine, were detected in CSE and in e-liquid at very low concentrations, indicating that they were impurities in e-liquid and vaporized along with Caf.
* This is the first report to determine the concentration of vaporized Caf using an LC-MS/MS method and to clarify several minor components in smoke from e-cigarettes.
Main message:
The study establishes a sensitive and reliable method for detecting and quantifying vaporized Caf in e-cigarette smoke, which is crucial for assessing the risk associated with Caf inhalation through e-cigarettes. The study also identifies and quantifies minor components related to Caf in CSE, which can provide insights into the thermal degradation products of Caf and other impurities present in e-cigarette smoke. The findings of this study can contribute to the development of safer e-cigarette products and risk assessment strategies.
Citation
Takada M, Saruwatari S, Yanagita Y, et al. analysis of vaporized caffeine in smoke from e-cigarettes using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and clarification of minor components. Forensic toxicology. 2023;41(1):135-141. doi:10.1007/s11419-022-00636-8
