Veterinary drugs: development and validation of bioanalytical methods using LC-MS/MS and MALDI-TOF-MS and its applications in sanitary surveillance and the development of fish farming in Brazil

Abstract

Analytical methods using mass spectrometry detection technique (LC-MS/MS and MALDI-TOF-MS) will be developed and validated for the determination of veterinary drugs residues in fish. In this context, chromatographic methods coupled with mass spectrometry have been successfully applied. Thus, in this project, Identification and / or quantification of veterinary drugs will also be studied using the MALDI-TOF-MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption / lonization - Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry) technique. MALDI-TOF-MS technique is a well-known tool mainly used for analysis of biomolecules such as proteins, but has timidly been employed in the analysis of small molecules, such as the veterinary drugs used for the treatment of fish diseases. Thus, scientific studies to verify the application of this technique in the determination of veterinary drugs residues in foods must be of great value to the scientific community, regulators and industry. The methods developed and validated must be directed to the determination of an analyte in different matrices, as well as different analytes in a matrix (multiresidue method). Validation will be performed considering the official guides of the European Union (EC 2002) and the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA (MAPA 2012). In addition to the publication of scientific papers, validated methods will be transferred through practical training courses, to officers of official laboratories that carrying out this type of analysis, such as The National Plan for Control of Residues and Contaminants (PNCRC/MAPA) and the States Laboratories Public Health such as the Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL). Thus, we intend to strengthen action and scientific competence of laboratories in the official surveillance of veterinary drug residues in food for human consumption, in particular, food from fish farming. On the other hand, although Brazil has a tremendous potential for the development of aquaculture, there are only three veterinary drugs licensed for use in this agricultural activity, being two antibiotics which the active principles are florfenicol and oxytetracycline, and antiparasitic based trichlorfon. The lack of therapeutic alternatives has forced producers to use in fish, drugs legislated for other animal species or even chemotherapy not legislated (prohibited), endangering the entire production chain, due to environmental hazards and public health order, so as the ability to exportation. Thus, the validated methods will be used to solve safety feeding aspects in fish farming in Brazil. The development of analytical methods are simple, fast and with a minimum use of organic solvents for the determination of residues of veterinary drugs in fish and its derivatives, using the techniques LC-MS/MS and MALDI-TOF-MS, as well as studies to aid the development of alternative therapies in the national fish is innovative and will provide the reduction of losses related to the lack of quality of final products (processed fish and fish products) and at the same time, reduce the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and antiparasitic drugs in the productive chain. Knowing and controlling the appropriate use of veterinary drugs in fish farming and waste levels of these substances in fish is a prerequisite for compliance and certification of products aimed at the consumer's health and environment, marketing and exportation. (AU)