Using TLC-MS for the Direct Analysis of CBD – AZoM

The utilization of cannabis and its derivatives in nutritional supplements and medicine has increased worldwide, primarily because of the favorable regulatory status for medicinal use. As new compounds continue to arrive on the market, accessible techniques are needed to analyze product quality quickly and efficiently.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular health supplement in the UK, while multiple studies have reported analgesic anti-depressant effects. CBD is derived from the Cannabaceae genus of flowering hemp, and during the extraction process, the essential oils that create the body of the sample matrix are released.

This complex matrix presents a challenge when testing product quality. This article discusses how a QA scientist can extract CBD from the starting matrix, utilizing a hyphenated technique of CAMAG's planar chromatography technology and Microsaic's point-of-need mass spectrometer (MS) and fluidics handling platform.

Samples of CBD were acquired in three forms: 5% hemp oil droplets, 2.75% hemp oil droplets, and 10 mg capsules. These samples were mixed with methanol and injected into HPLC vials, which were then placed into the CAMAG Automatic TLC Sampler 4.

Samples were applied onto HPTLC plates (HPTLC Si RP-18 F254, 20x10) in narrow bands. Vision CATS software was employed, and plates were developed using the CAMAG Automatic Developing Chamber 2.

A developing solvent mixture of methanol, water, and acetic acid (in the respective ratio of 70:15:15) was utilized and then presented with the CAMAG TLC Visualizer 2. The CAMAG TLC 2 Interface extracted bands from the developed plate.

The extraction solvent consisted of methanol and water in a ratio of 80:20 at 0.5 ml/min. This solvent was provided by the Microsaic MiDasTM, with the extracted sample passing directly into the Microsaic 4500 MiD.

Figure 1. System configuration showing the TLC2 interface connected to the 4500 MiD. Image Credit: Microsaic Systems plc

Figure 2 presents the developed plates alongside a CBD standard for comparison. Good agreement is observed with the developed band around 0.3 rf, providing confidence that the separation has been successful.

Figure 2. Developed plate showing separated samples. Band at 0.3 rf corresponds well with reported rf value for CBD. Image Credit: Microsaic Systems plc

Mass detection is favored since it provides direct confirmation while removing the need for expensive, difficult-to-obtain reference standards. Information-rich data that contains co-eluting compounds and matrix impurities is acquired.

The developed plate was transferred to the TLC Interface 2, and the targeting laser was aligned onto the band at 0.3 rf. The sample was extracted and passed through the solvent stream via an inline filter to the MiD mass detector.

Figure 3 presents the MS data from the developed plate. A good response is observed from a full scan total ion count (TIC) over the full mass range (50-1400 m/z) in tandem with a SIM acquisition that is run concurrently (MaSScope; 315.2 m/z).

Figure 3. MaSScope data showing combination of TIC over 50-1400u mass rage and SIM scan @ 315.2. Bottom shows the mass spectrum extracted from the TIC *CBD peak (m/z 315.2; [M+H]+). Image Credit: Microsaic Systems plc

Figure 4. Mass spectrum of extracted band @ 0.3 rf CBD 315.2 m/z; [CBD+H]+. Image Credit: Microsaic Systems plc

In Figure 4, the signal in the mass spectrum, which corresponds to [CBD+H]+ is visible, which shows the sensitivity of the MiD and the flexibility to run two methods concurrently.

CAMAG planar chromatography equipment and Microsaic point-of-need technology have been employed to extract mass data from popular high-street health supplements. The accessibility of the MiD complements the CAMAG planar technology.

The intrinsic usability minimizes the time required from setup to analysis, allowing the study of developed plates to occur in line with established workflows.

As cannabis becomes more accepted in nutritional supplements and medicine, flexible methods are required to overcome these challenges. Microsaic Systems Plc and Omicron Research Ltd are committed to delivering these solutions to the point of need.

Produced from materials originally authored by Microsaic Systems Plc. The original authors wish to thank the University of Westminster and Omicron Research Ltd for access to chromatography equipment and application support.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Microsaic Systems plc.

For more information on this source, please visit Microsaic Systems plc.

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Using TLC-MS for the Direct Analysis of CBD - AZoM