Squalene and Squalane Quantification in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Using GCMS

Electronic cigarettes and vaping goods contain chemicals with uncertain inhalational toxicity. Nicotine and other hydrophilic chemicals are commonly found in e-cigarettes, whereas cannabis and other hydrophobic substances are commonly found in vaping goods. Hydrophobic terpenes like squalane (SQA) and squalene (SQE), for example, can be found in vaping goods. Yet, little is known about the transport of SQA and SQE from liquid to aerosol. SQA and SQE are utilised in commercial goods that are applied to the skin and consumed orally. However, there seems to be little information on their inhalational exposure and toxicity.

Researchers developed and validated a quantitative method for measuring SQE and SQA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in order to determine if these compounds accumulate in lung epithelial lining fluid after inhalation. The calibration curves ranged from 0.50 to 30.0 g of analyte per mL of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. SQE recovered at a rate of 97–105 percent, while SQA recovered at a rate of 81–106 percent. SQE and S

trol BAL fluids (relative standards deviations 15 percent for both analytes). Further uses of this technology may aid in determining the possible toxicity of SQA and SQE breathed chronically from EVPs.

Keywords: electronic cigarettes, electronic vaping products, Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid, gas-chromatography mass spectrometry, Squalene, Squalane

Reference: Elizabeth Cowan1*, Hang Tran1, Clifford H. Watson1, Ben C. Blount1 and Liza Valentín- Blasini1; The Quantitation of Squalene and Squalane in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry; Frontiers in chemistry