Targeting of DEC to the lymphatics is possible through SLNs and the retention time in the lymphatics can also be enhanced.

A new microwave-assisted derivatisation and LC-MS/MS method has been developed for the analysis of nitrofuran metabolites - 3-amino-5-morpholino-methyl-1,3-oxa-zolidinone (AMOZ), 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), 1-aminohydantoin (AHD) and semicarbazide (SEM) - in farm-raised prawns (Penaeus monodon) from the coastal regions of South India. Analysis was carried out by reverse-phase column (Phenomenex Luna C18) with gradient elution using mobile phase A (0.02% acetic acid in water) and mobile phase B (0.02% acetic acid in acetonitrile), at a flow rate of 200 μl min(-1) and an injection volume of 20 μl. Microwave-assisted derivatisation was achieved in 6 min with good recovery. The results showed that the samples collected from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka contained residues of nitrofuran metabolites in the range from 5.0 to 40 ng g(-1). This work emphasises the importance of ensuring the safety of seafood and that a new method of derivatisation is applicable for the analysis of nitrofuran metabolites in seafood.

Sulphonamides and chloramphenicol antibiotics were analysed by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in sea and farmed prawn (Penaeus monodon) samples obtained from the coastal region of southern India during 2011-2012. Average recoveries were 77-99% and precision was between 1% and 8%. The results revealed that in sea prawn samples neither of the two antibiotics was detected, but in farmed samples from coastal Andhra Pradesh some sulphonamides were detected in a concentration range greater than the maximum residual limit as set by Council Directive 2377/90 EC.