Highly Efficient Analytical Cannabinoid Determination using an Automated Dispersive Pipette Extraction Method

Here, we demonstrate an automated dSPE sample preparation workflow (see Workflow at end) on the Microlab NIMBUS96 liquid handling workstation. The Microlab NIMBUS96 uses air displacement pipetting for high precision and accuracy when aspirating and dispensing volumes from 1–1,000 μL, while Compressed O-Ring Expansion (CO-RE®) Technology creates an air-tight seal between dSPE tips or other disposable pipetting tips and the pipetting channel mandrels to maximize performance. Cannabinoid levels from nine cannabis plant samples are determined using the automated sample preparation workflow followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. We show that the automated method is rapid and robust while enabling hands-free efficiencies.