Supercritical fluid extraction/enzyme assay: a novel technique to screen for pesticide residues in meat products.

The novel combination of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with an enzyme assay system has been used to screen meat products to detect the presence of pesticides. Analytes are collected in water by expanding supercritical carbon dioxide to atmospheric pressure through a restrictor and into an aqueous phase. The solution is then tested for the presence of pesticide residues by enzyme assay. Two experimental approaches have been used. Alachlor-fortified lard and bovine liver were monitored by static SFE coupled with an enzyme immunoassay. SFE of carbofuran-fortified frankfurters was coupled with an enzyme assay based on cholinesterase inhibition. A major benefit of the SFE/enzyme assay technique over conventional screening techniques is that the analyst is not exposed to organic solvents.