1
Return

A Robust and Universal LC–MS/MS Method for Determination of N-Nitrosodimethylamine in Pharmaceuticals Using a C30 Column

delete2026-06-12
delete0
delete
OA
AI
B
Byungchan An
U
Unyong Kim
S
Sumin Seo
J
Jiyu Kim
C
Chohee Jeong
W
Woojin Jeong
E
Eunjin Ko
J
Juhyeon Kim
H
Hyun-Deok Cho
S
Sang Beom Han *
DOI:10.1002/jssc.70465delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Since the 2018 valsartan recall, the genotoxic impurity N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) has been frequently detected in various pharmaceuticals. Matrix variability often complicates routine testing, requiring customized analyses. We developed a universal LC–MS/MS method enabling consistent NDMA detection across diverse pharmaceuticals. Separation utilized a C30 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm I.D., 5 µm), offering superior retention and shape selectivity for polar nitrosamines compared to conventional reversed phases. Unlike C18 or pentafluorophenyl phases, which often exhibit limited retention for NDMA, the C30 phase provides exceptional shape selectivity and enhanced hydrophobic interactions. This structural advantage, supplemented by its resistance to phase dewetting under highly aqueous conditions further ensures robust resolution between NDMA and complex drug matrices. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% v/v formic acid in water and methanol under gradient elution at 1.0 mL/min. Detection used atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in positive ion mode. The method demonstrated a linear range of 2.0–100.0 ng/mL (r2 > 0.999), with a limit of detection of 1.0 ng/mL and a limit of quantification of 2.0 ng/mL. Validation per International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines confirmed accuracy (87.7%–115.5%) and precision (coefficient of variation, CV ≤ 10.7%). Application to 30 diverse pharmaceutical products, including sartans and ranitidine, showed robust resolution (> 2.0) between the analyte and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Notably, NDMA was quantified in historical batches of ranitidine (164.83 ± 5.68 ng/mL), nizatidine (10.25 ± 0.52 ng/mL), and amitriptyline (2.28 ± 0.19 ng/mL). While the histamine type 2 receptor antagonists significantly exceeded the acceptable daily intake limit, the remaining 27 products showed no detectable NDMA. These findings highlight the method's effectiveness for real-world surveillance and the critical risk of post-manufacturing NDMA generation during prolonged storage. This universal C30-based method provides a practical, reliable tool for routine screening, facilitating regulatory compliance and improved patient safety without drugspecific method development.
Keywords:
C30 (triacontyl) stationary phase
genotoxic impurity
LC–MS/MS
N-nitrosodimethylamine
universal method

Journal

Journal of Separation Science cover
Journal of Separation Science
IF:
2.8
Papers:
426
Citations:
1.2W

Organization

K
Korea Institute of Toxicology
Scholars:
974
Papers: 755
Citations: 934
C
chung-ang university
Scholars:
1.0K
Papers: 471
Citations: 0
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers