imFASP: An integrated approach combining in-situ filter-aided sample pretreatment with microwave-assisted protein digestion for fast and efficient proteome sample preparation

An integrated sample preparation method, termed “imFASP”, which combined in-situ filter-aided sample pretreatment and microwave-assisted trypsin digestion, was developed for preparation of microgram and even nanogram amounts of complex protein samples with high efficiency in 1 h. For imFASP method, proteins dissolved in 8 M urea were loaded onto a filter device with molecular weight cut off (MWCO) as 10 kDa, followed by in-situ protein preconcentration, denaturation, reduction, alkylation, and microwave-assisted tryptic digestion. Compared with traditional in-solution sample preparation method, imFASP method generated more protein and peptide identifications (IDs) from preparation of 45 μg Escherichia coli protein sample due to the higher efficiency, and the sample preparation throughput was significantly improved by 14 times (1 h vs. 15 h). More importantly, when the starting amounts of E. coli cell lysate decreased to nanogram level (50–500 ng), the protein and peptide identified by imFASP method were improved at least 30% and 44%, compared with traditional in-solution preparation method, suggesting dramatically higher peptide recovery of imFASP method for trace amounts of complex proteome samples. All these results demonstrate that the imFASP method developed here is of high potential for high efficient and high throughput preparation of trace amounts of complex proteome samples.     

Synthesis and characterization of 2,6-bis-hydrazinopyridine, and its conversion to 2,6-bis-pyrazolylpyridines

2,6-Bis-hydrazinopyridine has been prepared and characterized for the first time. This material is useful for the preparation of a wide variety of 2,6-bis-pyrazolylpyridines. This approach represents the most efficient preparation to date of sterically crowded 2,6-bis-pyrazolylpyridines, and the only method for the preparation of pyrazolylpyridines containing unsymmetrically 3′,5′-disubstituted pyrazoles with the larger groups in the 5′ positions.     

The synthetic preparation of naturally-occurring aromatase inhibitors,morachalcone A,isogemichalcone B,and isogemichalcone C

A convergent synthesis applicable to the preparation of oxidized prenylchalcones is reported that relies on key Claisen–Schmidt, Mitsunobu, and vinyl/benzyl Stille coupling operations. The synthetic strategy was applied towards the preparation of the natural products morachalcone A and isogemichalcones B & C, allowing their preparation in less than 10 steps and 6–8% overall yield.     

Pressurized liquid extraction-assisted mussel cytosol preparation for the determination of metals bound to metallothionein-like proteins

The possibilities of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) have been novelty tested to assist the cytosol preparation from wet mussel soft tissue before the determination of metals bound to metallothionein-like proteins (MLPs). Results obtained after PLE were compared with those obtained after a classical blending procedure for mussel cytosolic preparation. Isoforms MLP-1 (retention time of 4.1 min) and MLP-2 (retention time of 7.4 min) were separated by anion exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the concentrations of Ba, Cu, Mn, Sr and Zn bound to MLP isoforms were directly measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) as a multi-element detector. The optimized PLE-assisted mussel cytosol preparation has consisted of one extraction cycle at room temperature and 1500 psi for 2 min. Since separation between the solid mussel residue and the extract (cytosol) is performed by the PLE system, the cytosol preparation method is faster than conventional cytosol preparation methods by cutting/blending using Ultraturrax or Stomacher devices.     

Effect of Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique on the Stress Concentration of Endodontically Treated Upper Central Incisor Restored with Zirconia Crown: 3D-FEA

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of biologically oriented preparation technique on the stress concentration of endodontically treated upper central incisors restored with zirconia crown (yttria-stabilized zirconia polycrystalline ceramic) through finite element analysis (FEA). Four models of maxillary central incisors containing enamel, dentin, periodontal ligament, cortical and medullary bone were created in CAD. Each model received a polymeric core-build up with nanofilled dental resin composite. The evaluated models were SM—preparation in shoulder 90°; CM—chamfer preparation; BOPT—biologically oriented preparation technique and BOPTB—BOPT preparation 1 mm below the cement-enamel junction. All models received zirconia crowns (5Y-TZP), fiberglass post and 1 mm ferrule. The models were imported into the analysis software with parameters for mechanical structural testing using the maximum principal stress and the tensile strength as the analysis criteria. Then, load of 150 N was applied at the cingulum with 45° slope to the long axis of the tooth, with the fixed base for each model. The type of marginal preparation affected the stresses concentration in endodontically treated teeth and in the zirconia crown margin. Considering the stress magnitude only, BOPT is a viable option for anterior monolithic zirconia crowns; however, with the highest stress magnitude at the restoration margin.     

Ion exchange liquid chromatography method for the direct determination of small ribonucleic acids

Bioanalysis of siRNAs is challenging due to their size (5–14 kDa) and negative charge across the backbone, which complicates both sample preparation and chromatography. We present here a one step sample preparation combined with non-denaturing anion exchange chromatography with UV detection for the quantitation of siRNA and its chain shortened metabolites. The sample preparation uses a novel lysis buffer with proteinase K to effectively isolate siRNA from cells and formulated media with greater than 95% recovery. The ion exchange chromatography allows for a lower limit of quantitation of 6 ng mL⁻¹ in cells and media equivalent to 6 ng/200,000 cells. This method is applied to study the uptake of siRNA in prostate cancer cells and the disappearance in the media and siRNA metabolism. siRNA metabolites are identified by matching the retention time of standards to metabolite peaks. Identification is further confirmed by mass spectrometry. To our knowledge this is the first ion exchange method reported for the quantitation of siRNA from a biological matrix. It is also the first non-denaturing chromatographic method reported for siRNA quantitation.     

Optimized microwave preparation procedure for the elemental analysis of aquatic sediment

 This paper summarizes several key points in applying the microwave preparation technique to the elemental analysis of aquatic sediments and reports systematic experiments in searching for an optimal microwave preparation procedure for element analysis in sediment samples. The determination of the elements Cu, Pb and Cd in a standard reference aquatic sediment sample (CRM 280, COMEUR) was achieved by first digesting the samples in a microwave oven equipped with PFA advanced composite vessels, followed by AAS measurement. The influence of microwave power, digestion time, various dissolution reagents and the HF removing conditions was studied. It has been shown that for a 0.1 g sediment sample the optimal microwave preparation conditions are: 4–5ml HNO₃/HF/H₂O₂ as solvent, digesting time 30 min with 100% microwave power and evaporating the residual acid within 8 min in an open vessel at 80 °C. The element recovery rates with AAS measurement can reach up to 92.4–100.6%. Received: 23 July 1996/Revised: 23 September 1996/Accepted: 25 September 1996     

A simple and efficient sample preparation for taxanes in Taxus chinensis needles with natural menthol‐based aqueous deep eutectic solvent

Taxanes are natural anticancer constituents, and the sample preparation from matrix normally depends on organochlorine solvents. In this study, green and natural menthol‐based aqueous deep eutectic solvent was synthesized and used for sample preparation for taxanes. Five key parameters were optimized and the optimal preparation conditions were as follows: menthol/1‐propanol ratio 1:1 (mol/mol), solid–liquid ratio 1:30 g/mL, extraction time 30 min, ultrasonic power 250 W, and water content 80%. Under the above conditions, the total extraction efficiency of seven main taxanes was 1.25‐ to 1.44‐fold to the conventional methods. In addition, a high‐performance liquid chromatography method with C₁₈ column was established for quantitation of seven main taxanes in <25 min, which had excellent linearity (R² > 0.9986), precision (relative standard deviation < 3.00%), repeatability (relative standard deviation < 3.69%), and recovery (90.26–109.00%). This method performed the extraction, and enrichment processes simultaneously, and it had advantages such as high extraction efficiency, simple operation, low cost, and eco‐friendliness. This work indicated that the natural menthol‐based deep eutectic solvent aqueous could be an excellent alternative to the sample preparation from Taxus or other plants.     

Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of quaternary trifluoromethyl α- to ε-amino acid derivatives via umpolung allylation/2-aza-Cope rearrangement

In this study, we developed an efficient Ir-catalyzed cascade umpolung allylation/2-aza-Cope rearrangement of tertiary α-trifluoromethyl α-amino acid derivatives for the preparation of a variety of quaternary α-trifluoromethyl α-amino acids in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities. The umpolung reactivity empowered by the activation of the key isatin-ketoimine moiety obviates the intractable enantioselectivity control in Pd-catalyzed asymmetric linear α-allylation. In combination with quasi parallel kinetic resolution or kinetic resolution, the generality of this method is further demonstrated by the first preparation of enantioenriched quaternary trifluoromethyl β-, γ-, δ- and ε-amino acid derivatives.

In this study, we developed an efficient Ir-catalyzed cascade umpolung allylation/2-aza-Cope rearrangement for the preparation of a variety of quaternary trifluoromethyl α-ε-amino acids in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities.     

纳米纤维素的制备*

在纳米尺寸范围操控纤维素分子及其超分子聚集体,结构设计并组装出稳定的多重花样,由此创制出具有优异功能的新纳米精细化工品、新纳米材料,是纤维素科学的前沿领域和热点。为了研究当前制备纳米纤维素的现状和发展方向,简述了纳米纤维素化学基础,介绍了三类纳米纤维素：纳米纤维素晶体（晶须）、纳米纤维素复合物和纳米纤维素纤维,重点综述了纳米纤维素的五种制备方法：化学法制备纳米纤维素晶体和晶须、生物法制备细菌纤维素、物理法制备微纤化纳米纤维素、人工合成纳米纤维素和静电纺丝制备纤维素纤维,讨论了各种制备方法的优点和缺点,指出开展纳米纤维素超分子的可控结构设计、立体与位向选择性控制与制备、分子识别与位点识别等自组装过程机理、多尺度结构效应的形成机理等基础理论性研究是主要研究基础,新型的、绿色、低能耗、快速、高效的制备方法是纳米纤维素制备方法的发展方向。     

Synthesis, evaluation and incorporation into liposomes of 4-functionalised-2,5-diphenyloxazole derivatives for application in scintillation proximity assays

The preparation of a series of 4-functionalised-2,5-diphenyloxazoles is described. The scintillating efficiency of each of these ‘scintilipid’ molecules has been evaluated in the presence of ionising radiation. Each ‘scintilipid’ has been assessed for the ability to assemble, with other lipids, into liposomes, under a variety of preparative conditions. Each liposomal preparation has been monitored for the ability to scintillate in the presence of ionising radiation. The optimal ‘scintilipid’, both in terms of effective liposomal formation and scintillation efficiency, has been determined.     

A new sample preparation and separation combination for precise,accurate, rapid,and simultaneous determination of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B9 in infant formula and related nutritionals by LC-MS/MS

An improved method was developed for simultaneous determination of the fortified forms of thiamine (B₁), riboflavin (B₂), nicotinamide and nicotinic acid (B₃), pantothenic acid (B₅), pyridoxine (B₆), biotin (B₇), and folic acid (B₉) in infant formulas and related nutritionals. The method employed a simple, effective, and rapid sample preparation followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). It improved upon previous methodologies by offering facile and rugged sample preparation with improved chromatographic conditions, which culminated in a highly accurate and precise method for water-soluble vitamin determination in a wide range of formulas. The method was validated over six days in ten unique matrices with two analysts and on instruments in two different labs. Intermediate precision averaged 3.4 ± 2.6% relative standard deviation and over-spike recovery averaged 100.2 ± 2.4% (n = 160). Due to refinements in sample preparation, the method had high sample throughput capacity.     

The development of an approach toward sterically-hindered chiral 2′-aryl-1,1′-binaphthalenes functionalized at position 2

Several approaches were examined for the preparation of 1,1′-binaphthalene derivatives bearing sterically demanding ortho-substituted aryl at position 2′ which are suitable for further functionalization at position 2. Steric hindrance of ortho-substituted aryl groups was critical for the approach through BINOL monotriflate. Among variations of cross-coupling reactions of 2,2′-dihalo-1,1′-binaphthalenes, Negishi arylation of an enantiopure 2,2′-dibromide was found to be the method of choice for regioselective and stereoconservative preparation of the target 2′-monoarylated precursor. Functionalization of the latter at position 2 was demonstrated by bromine substitution via lithiation followed by the reaction with several electrophiles.     

An advanced LC-MS (Q-TOF) technique for the detection of amino acids in atmospheric aerosols

Methodology for detection of native (underivatized) amino acids (AA) in atmospheric aerosols has been developed. This article describes the use of LC-MS (Q-TOF) and microwave-assisted gas phase hydrolysis for detection of free and combined amino acids in aerosols collected in a Southeastern U.S. forest environment. Accurate mass detection and the addition of isotopically labeled surrogates prior to sample preparation allows for sensitive quantitation of target AA in a complex aerosol matrix. A total of 16 native AA were detected above the reporting threshold as water-soluble free AA, with an average concentration of 22 ± 9 ng m⁻³ (N = 13). Following microwave-assisted gas phase hydrolysis, the total AA concentration in the forest environment increased significantly (70 ± 35 ng m⁻³) and additional compounds (methionine, isoleucine) were detected above the reporting threshold. The ability to quantify AA in aerosol samples without derivatization reduces time-consuming preparation procedures while providing the advancement of selective mass determination for important organic nitrogen (ON) species. Details on sample preparation that eliminates the freeze-drying approach typically practiced for water removal with biological samples, and vapor phase microwave hydrolysis parameters are provided. Method application for determination of atmospheric ON is discussed.     

Determination of Nifedipine by Differential Pulse Adsorptive Stripping Polarography

The optimum conditions for sample preparation and electrolysis in detecting the electrochemical peak of nifedipine reduction were found. A procedure for determining 10^–9 to 5 × 10^–7 M of this preparation by differential pulse stripping polarography at a stationary mercury electrode using accumulation for 5 min was proposed.     

Matrix pre-coated MALDI MS targets for small molecule imaging in tissues

A new sample preparation method for MALDI tissue imaging has been developed for the analysis of low molecular weight compounds that employs matrix pre-coated MALDI targets. Tissue sections need only to be transferred onto the pre-coated target before analysis for fast and easy sample preparation. Pre-coated targets have a homogenous matrix coating with uniform crystals of approximately 1–2 μm and do not require solvents that may lead to analyte delocalization within a tissue section. We report here the use of matrix pre-coated targets for imaging of lipids, peptides, and pharmaceuticals in tissues.     

Modification of silica surfaces by grafting of alkyl chains. I — Characterization of silica surfaces by inverse gas-solid chromatography at zero surface coverage

Summary The surface properties of fumed and precipitated silicas were modified by esterifying their surface silanol groups with methanol and hexadecanol. Characterization of the silicas by inverse gas-solid chromatography at zero surface coverage revealed that the surface properties of the initial solids varied with their method of preparation. Thermodynamic functions (ΔG, ΔH, ΔS) changed significantly with grafting. Grafting resulted in an significant decrease in the dispersive and specific components of the surface free energy of the solid. The changes were shown to be dependent on the method of preparation of the filler (the biggest effects being particularly observed with fumed silicas) and on the size of the grafted chain (hexadecyl grafts yielding the largest change).     

A new approach to 3-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxylic acid

Quinoline-2-carboxylic acid derivatives cap the N-terminal of several natural cyclic peptides with antitumoral activity. A new and convenient route for the preparation of 3-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxylic acid is discussed. The preparation of the title compound is accomplished by a four-step procedure from 3-hydroxyquinoline via MOM protection of the hydroxyl group, followed by a 1,2-addition of methyllithium to the quinoline ring with concomitant oxidation, and, finally, a two-step oxidation procedure for the transformation of the methyl group to the carboxylic acid along with removal of the MOM group. Furthermore, different attempts to its preparation led to other interesting quinolines, such as 2-chloro-3-hydroxyquinoline-4-carboxylic acid and a protected 3,3′-dihydroxy-2,2′-biquinoline.     

Optimization of a capillary zone electrophoresis–contactless conductivity detection method for the determination of nisin

Determination of natural preservatives using electrophoretic or chromatographic techniques in fermented milk products is a complex task due to the following reasons: (i) the concentrations of the analytes can be below the detection limits, (ii) complex matrix and comigrating/coeluting compounds in the sample can interfere with the analytes of the interest, (iii) low recovery of the analytes, and (iv) the necessity of complex sample preparation. The aim of this study was to apply capillary zone electrophoresis coupled with contactless conductivity detection for the separation and determination of nisin in fermented milk products. In this work, separation and determination of natural preservative–nisin in fermented milk products is described. Optimized conditions using capillary zone electrophoresis coupled with capacitance‐to‐digital technology based contactless conductivity detector and data conditioning, which filter the noise of the electropherogram adaptively to the peak migration time, allowed precise, accurate, sensitive (limit of quantification: 0.02 μg/mL), and most importantly requiring very minute sample preparation, determination of nisin. Sample preparation includes following steps: (i) extraction/dilution and (ii) centrifugation. This method was applied for the determination of nisin in real samples, i.e. fermented milk products. The values of different nisin forms were ranging from 0.056 ± 0.003 μg/mL to 9.307 ± 0.437 μg/g.     

High-throughput salting-out assisted liquid/liquid extraction with acetonitrile for the simultaneous determination of simvastatin and simvastatin acid in human plasma with liquid chromatography

Simvastatin (SS) is an effective cholesterol-lowering medicine, and is hydrolyzed to simvastatin acid (SSA) after oral administration. Due to SS and SSA inter-conversion and its pH and temperature dependence, SS and SSA quantitation is analytically challenging. Here we report a high-throughput salting-out assisted liquid/liquid extraction (SALLE) method with acetonitrile and mass spectrometry compatible salts for simultaneous LC-MS/MS analysis of SS and SSA. The sample preparation of a 96-well plate using SALLE was completed within 20 min, and the SALLE extract was diluted and injected into an LC-MS/MS system with a cycle time of 2.0 min/sample. The seamless interface of SALLE and LC-MS eliminated drying down step and thus potential sample exposure to room or higher temperature. The stability of SS and SSA in various concentration ratios in plasma was evaluated at room and low (4 °C) temperature and the low temperature (4 °C) was found necessary to maintain sample integrity. The short sample preparation time along with controlled temperature (2-4 °C) and acidity (pH 4.5) throughout sample preparation minimized the conversion of SS → SSA to ≤0.10% and the conversion of SSA → SS to 0.00% The method was validated with a lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of 0.094 ng mL⁻¹ for both SS and SSA and a sample volume of 100 μL. The method was used for a bioequivalence study with 4048 samples. Incurred sample reproducibility (ISR) analysis of 362 samples from the study exceeded ISR requirement with 99% re-analysis results within 100 ± 20% of the original analysis results.