Sample preparation for the analysis of key metabolites from cannabinoids
biosynthesis in phytoplankton using GC-MS
Abstract
Cannabinoids biosynthesis in phytoplankton has attracted much attention
due to the rapid development of genetic tools and the optimization of
genetic transformation methods in microalgae. To monitor the
biosynthesis process, proper sample preparation and practical
instrumental methods are needed to measure the various precursors,
intermediates, cannabinoids, and their degradation products. The
objective of this study was to develop a sample preparation procedure
for the quantification of olivetolic acid (OA), cannabigerolic acid
(CBGA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA),
olivetol (OL), cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) using
single-quadrupole gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Isochrysis galbana was used as the model matrix. After methanol
extraction, samples were purified using solid phase extraction (SPE),
silylated with N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide, and
analyzed using GC-MS in electron ionization mode. A strong
anion-exchange SPE efficiently recovered OA, CBGA, CBDA, and THCA. A
graphitized carbon black SPE was necessary to purify OL, CBD, and THC.
Both columns removed amino acids, sugars, polyols, and pigments from the
algae extract and prepared samples that are suitable for silylation and
GC-MS analysis. The total protocol, including solvent extraction, SPE,
silylation, and GC-MS analysis, was validated in accordance with the ICH
guidelines. Performance characteristics of our method are superior to
existing protocols with similar complexity in the literature.