Identification of drying oils used in pictorial works of art by liquid chromatography of the 2-nitrophenylhydrazides derivatives of fatty acids

A new HPLC-UV-Vis method for identification of drying oils from binding media or protective film used in pictorial works of art prior to conservation or restoration is proposed. Chromophore derivatization of fatty acids released by hydrolysis of structural drying oils is studied. The derivatization reagent selected was 2-nitrophenylhydrazine with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl animopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride/pyridine as catalyst. This reaction was carried out using microwave heating. Mobile phase was methanol/water/n-propanol/acetic acid (80:14:5:1) running in isocratic mode. Absorbance was measured at 400 nm. In these conditions, hydrazides of myristic, palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids were satisfactorily resolved. Method shows good sensitivity, with a detection limit of 15 μmol l⁻¹, and good linearity between 0.03 and 3 mmol l⁻¹. Peak area ratios among fatty acids derivatives allows identification of the drying oils. The stearic/palmitic ratio is the most important, because it allows to differentiate among the different drying oils. The proposed method has been successfully applied to real samples from items of the cultural heritage of Valencia (Spain).     

6-oxy-(acetyl piperazine) fluorescein as a new fluorescent labeling reagent for free fatty acids in serum using high-performance liquid chromatography

A new fluorescein-based fluorescent derivatizating reagent, 6-oxy-(acetyl piperazine) fluorescein (APF), has been designed, synthesized and developed for carboxylic acid labeling. It was used as a pre-column derivatizing reagent for the determination of seven free fatty acids (lauric acid, myristic acid, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid) with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The derivatization reaction of APF with seven fatty acids was completed at 60 degrees C for 1 h using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) as the condensing reagent. On a C18 column, the derivatives of APF with seven free fatty acids could be separated completely in 22 min using a mobile phase of methanol-water (88:12, v/v) containing 7 mmol L(-1) pH 6.5 Na2HPO4-H3Cit3 buffer with fluorescence detection at lambdaex/lambdaem=467/512 nm. The detection limits could reach 0.1-6.4 nmol L(-1) (signal-to-noise=3). This reagent was applied to the determination of the free fatty acids in human serum samples with satisfying recovery efficiencies varying from 93 to 105%.     

Study of the GC-MS determination of the palmitic-stearic acid ratio for the characterisation of drying oil in painting: La Encarnación by Alonso Cano as a case study

The correct identification of drying oils plays an essential role in providing an understanding of the conservation and deterioration of artistic materials in works of art. To this end, this work proposes the use of peak area ratios from fatty acids after ensuring that the linear responses of the detector are tested. A GC-MS method, previously reported in the literature, was revisited to its developed and validated in order to identify and quantify of eight fatty acids that are widely used as markers for drying oils in paintings, namely myristic acid (C(14:0)), palmitic acid (C(16:0)), stearic acid (C(18:0)), oleic acid (C(18:1)), linoleic acid (C(18:2)), suberic acid (2C(8)), azelaic acid, (2C(9)) and sebacic acid (2C(10)). The quaternary ammonium reagent m-(trifluoromethyl)phenyltrimethylammonium hydroxide (TMTFAH) was used for derivatization prior to GC-MS analysis of the oils. MS spectra were obtained for each methyl ester derivative of the fatty acids and the characteristic fragments were identified. The method was validated in terms of calibration functions, detection and quantification limits and reproducibility using the signal recorded in SIR mode, since two of the methyl derivatives were not totally separated in the chromatographic run. The proposed method was successfully applied to identify and characterise the most widely used drying oils (linseed oil, poppy seed oil and walnut oil) in the painting La Encarnación. This 17th century easel painting is located in the main chapel of the cathedral in Granada (Spain) and was painted by the well-known artist of the Spanish Golden Age, Alonso Cano (1601-1667).     

Study of the GC–MS determination of the palmitic–stearic acid ratio for the characterisation of drying oil in painting: La Encarnación by Alonso Cano as a case study

The correct identification of drying oils plays an essential role in providing an understanding of the conservation and deterioration of artistic materials in works of art. To this end, this work proposes the use of peak area ratios from fatty acids after ensuring that the linear responses of the detector are tested. A GC-MS method, previously reported in the literature, was revisited to its developed and validated in order to identify and quantify of eight fatty acids that are widely used as markers for drying oils in paintings, namely myristic acid (C_14:0), palmitic acid (C_16:0), stearic acid (C_18:0), oleic acid (C_18:1), linoleic acid (C_18:2), suberic acid (2C₈), azelaic acid, (2C₉) and sebacic acid (2C₁₀). The quaternary ammonium reagent m-(trifluoromethyl)phenyltrimethylammonium hydroxide (TMTFAH) was used for derivatization prior to GC-MS analysis of the oils. MS spectra were obtained for each methyl ester derivative of the fatty acids and the characteristic fragments were identified. The method was validated in terms of calibration functions, detection and quantification limits and reproducibility using the signal recorded in SIR mode, since two of the methyl derivatives were not totally separated in the chromatographic run. The proposed method was successfully applied to identify and characterise the most widely used drying oils (linseed oil, poppy seed oil and walnut oil) in the painting La Encarnación. This 17th century easel painting is located in the main chapel of the cathedral in Granada (Spain) and was painted by the well-known artist of the Spanish Golden Age, Alonso Cano (1601-1667).     

超高效合相色谱-质谱法快速分析食用植物油中常见脂肪酸

建立了超高效合相色谱-质谱(UPC²-MS)快速分析6种食用植物油(玉米油、葵花籽油、大豆油、茶油、菜籽油、花生油)中棕榈酸、硬脂酸、油酸、亚油酸、亚麻酸等5种常见脂肪酸的方法,并比较了这6种食用油中上述5种脂肪酸的含量差异。采用皂化反应对植物油进行前处理,以ACQUITY UPC² BEH 2-EP色谱柱(100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm)为分析柱,以超临界CO₂-甲醇/乙腈(1:1, v/v)为流动相进行梯度洗脱,流速为0.8 mL/min。在电喷雾负离子模式下进行检测,外标法定量。结果表明:5种脂肪酸标准物质在0.5~100 mg/L范围内呈现良好的线性关系,相关系数为0.9985~0.9998,定量限(S/N≥10)为0.15~0.50 mg/L;在3个添加水平下,样品的加标回收率为89.61%~108.50%;方法重复性的相对标准偏差(RSD)为0.69%~3.01%。该方法简单、快速、分离效果好,无需对脂肪酸样品进行衍生化,已成功地用于玉米油、葵花籽油、橄榄油、茶油、大豆油和花生油等6种食用油中常见脂肪酸含量的测定。     

Infusion mass spectrometry as a fingerprint to characterize varnishes in oil pictorial artworks

Mass spectrometry methodology to characterize drying oil used as binding media and varnishes in pictorial artworks, prior to conservation or restoration treatment, is proposed. The analytical treatment requires prior basic hydrolysis of the samples to release the fatty acids: caprylic, pelargonic, capric, sebacic, azelaic, suberic, eicosanoic, lauric, mirystic, palmitic, linolenic, linoleic, oleic and stearic, followed by separation from the matrix by a hexane/water extraction. After removing the solvent, the remaining solid is dissolved in potassium hydroxide, propanol and methanol. The mixture is directly infused into a mass spectrometer without any previous derivatization or separation steps. The detector is operated in electrospray negative ion mode and the [M-H](-) ions of the fatty acids enable identification of the acids. Obtained data for fatty acid ion abundances are analyzed by linear discriminant analysis. The drying oils studied (linseed, poppy seed and walnut) were satisfactorily distinguished. The analytical method shows adequate sensitivity, reproducibility, speed and ease. The proposed methodology has been successfully applied to samples from artistic samples belonging to the Cultural Heritage of Valencia (Spain).     

6-Oxy-(acetyl ethylenediamine) fluorescein, a novel fluorescent derivatization reagent for carboxylic acids and its application in HPLC

A novel fluorescent derivatization reagent for carboxylic acids, 6-oxy-(acetyl ethylenediamine) fluorescein (AEF), was well designed, synthesized, and applied to HPLC. The derivatization reaction with 12 fatty acids, including n-valeric acid (C5), n-hexanoic acid (C6), n-heptanoic acid (C7), n-octanoic acid (C8), n-nonanoic acid (C9), n-decanoic acid (C10), lauric acid (C12), myristic acid (C14), palmitic acid (C16), stearic acid (C18), oleic acid (C18:1), and linoleic acid (C18:2), was completed at 55 degrees C within 40 min. The derivatives of fatty acids were separated on a C18 RP column and detected by fluorescence detection. The LODs attained were 0.4-1.2 nM (S/N of 3). It has been demonstrated that AEF is a prominent derivatization reagent for carboxylic acids which is suitable for HPLC.     

Characterization of waxes used in pictorial artworks according to their relative amount of fatty acids and hydrocarbons by gas chromatography

A study attempted to characterize natural waxes used in pictorial works of art was carried out by means of gas chromatography. The analytical treatment requires prior hydrolysis of the waxes to release the fatty acids (FA) (myristic (myr), palmitic (pal), oleic (ole), stearic (ste), araquidic (ara), behenic (beh), lignoceric (lig), cerotic (cer)) from the main esters of the waxes. The formation of volatile derivatives of the fatty acids was carried out by derivatization with ethyl choroformate (ECF). This derivatization reagent was chosen due to the speed, safety and quantitativity of the reaction. The analyzed hydrocarbons were n-eicosane, n-heneicosane, n-docosane, n-tricosane, n-tetracosane, n-pentacosane, n-hexacosane, n-heptacosane, n-octacosane, n-nonacosane, n-tricontane n-hentriacontane, n-dotriacontane, n-tritriacontane, n-tetratriacontane, n-pentatriacontane, main constituents of the waxes. No derivatization is needed to analyze the hydrocarbons. Ethyl ester derivatives and hydrocarbons are adequately separated by gas chromatography, identified by flame ionization detection and confirmed by mass spectrometry. To characterize natural waxes, peak area ratios of each fatty acids with respect to the palmitic acid and peak area ratios of each hydrocarbons with respect to n-heptacosane were calculated. The proposed method provides a good characterization of different waxes most frequently used in artworks, such as beeswax, carnauba wax and ceresin, and has been successfully applied to real samples. This is the first report on the application of ECF to the analysis of fatty acids in wax.     

植物油中脂肪酸不同定量方法的比较分析

比较峰面积归一化法与标准曲线法两种方法分析植物油中脂肪酸百分比含量的差异。利用气相色谱-质谱联用仪(GC-MS)检测10种市售食用植物油中的8种主要脂肪酸,峰面积归一化法和标准曲线法计算脂肪酸的百分比含量。结果表明,标准曲线法与峰面积归一化法相比,肉豆蔻酸、棕榈酸、十七烷酸、硬脂酸和棕榈油酸所占的百分比升高,而油酸、亚油酸和亚麻酸比例降低;饱和脂肪酸比例升高,不饱和脂肪酸百分比降低。利用峰面积归一化法计算植物油中脂肪酸百分比时,降低了饱和脂肪酸比例,升高了不饱和脂肪酸比例,可能对健康有潜在的不利影响。建议使用标准曲线法计算不同植物油中脂肪酸的百分比。     

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of oils and oil binders in paintings

A GC/MS procedure has been developed, optimized, and applied to characterization of oil binders in paintings. The procedure involves hydrolysis of lipids to fatty acids (FAs) and derivatization of FAs to fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) by a solution of sodium methanolate in methanol at an elevated temperature. FAMEs are analyzed by temperature-programed GC followed by full-scan MS. Old and dried samples are subjected to extraction of nonpolymerized FAMEs into dichloromethane prior to hydrolysis. The method provides a good repeatability of results and has been applied to the characterization of common plant oils used in paintings, to commercial oil and tempera paints, to model painting samples, and to samples taken from real paintings. The fresh oils and binders can readily be identified and characterized. The ratio of the methyl esters of palmitic and stearic acids can be used to characterize oil binders in old works of art.     

Method development for the analysis of trans-fatty acids in hydrogenated oils by capillary electrophoresis

A novel capillary electrophoresis methodology using UV indirect detection (224 nm) for the analysis of trans-fatty acids in hydrogenated oils was proposed. The electrolyte consisted of a pH 7 phosphate buffer at 15 mmol x L(-1) concentration containing 4 mmol.L(-1) sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, 10 mmol x L(-1) polyoxyethylene 23 lauryl ether (Brij 35), 2% 1-octanol and 45% acetonitrile. Under the optimized conditions, ten fatty acids, C12:0, C13:0 (internal standard), C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1c, C18:1t, C18:2cc, C18:2tt and C18:3ccc were baseline-separated in less than 12 min. The proposed methodology was applied to monitor the formation of trans-fatty acids during hydrogenation of Brazilnut oil. A crude oil sample (42.1% linoleic acid, 37.3% oleic acid, 13.4% palmitic acid, and 7.0% stearic acid) was mixed with 0.25% of a nickel-based catalyst and submitted to two independent hydrogenation conditions: 175 degrees C, 3 atm, 545 rpm for 60 min (GH(1) sample), and 150 degrees C, 1 atm, 545 rpm for 30 min (GH(2) sample). For the most severe hydrogenation condition (higher temperature and pressure, under longer reactional period), a more complete conversion of linoleic and oleic acids into stearic acid occurred with concomitant formation of the trans-species, elaidic acid (C18:1t). For the milder hydrogenation procedure that generated sample GH(2), larger amounts of linoleic and oleic acids remained, in addition to the transformations already observed in the GH(1) sample.     

High performance liquid chromatography determination of fatty acids in drying oils following lipase action

This paper describes a quantitative analytical procedure to determine the fatty acid composition in drying oils like linseed, walnut and poppy seed. The procedure required the enzymatic hydrolysis of the oil triacylglycerol families by the action of Candida rugosa lipase. The fatty acids (FFAs) produced (linolenic, myristic, linoleic, palmitic, oleic and stearic) were extracted with n-heptane and derivatized with α-bromoacetophenone. Their separation and quantitative determination were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography employing a C18 column and an isocratic elution method coupled to ultraviolet detection. The analytical enzymatic procedure is sensitive for < 0.5 μg/mL of FFAs in a reduced sample of 0.1 mg of drying oil.     

Analysis of fatty oil in Semen Ziziphi Spinosae by capillary gas chromatography

A simple and fast capillary gas chromatographic (CGC) method with flame ionization detection is developed for the analysis of fatty oil in Semen Ziziphi Spinosae. After methyl-esterification, eight components are identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The derivatization condition is investigated in order to validate this method. Palmitic acid and stearic acid are quantitated simultaneously. The limits of detection are 5.024 microg/mL for palmitic acid and 6.957 microg/mL for stearic acid, respectively. The limits of quantitation are 16.76 microg/mL for palmitic acid and 23.19 microg/mL for stearic acid, respectively. The percent recoveries of palmitic and stearic acid are 97.4% and 96.6%. CGC is shown to be a quick and informative tool for the analysis of fatty oil in Semen Ziziphi Spinosae.     

Determination of the fatty acid composition of saponified vegetable oils using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A method using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) for the determination of the fatty acid composition of vegetable oils is described and illustrated with the analysis of palm kernel oil, palm oil, olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil, vernonia oil, and castor oil. Solutions of the saponified oils, mixed with the matrix, meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin, provided reproducible MALDI-TOF spectra in which the ions were dominated by sodiated sodium carboxylates [RCOONa + Na]+. Thus, palm kernel oil was found to contain capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid. Palm oil had a fatty acid profile including palmitic, linoleic, oleic, and stearic. The relative percentages of the fatty acids in olive oil were palmitoleic (1.2 +/- 0.5), palmitic (10.9 +/- 0.8), linoleic (0.6 +/- 0.1), linoleic (16.5 +/- 0.8), and oleic (70.5 +/- 1.2). For soybean oil, the relative percentages were: palmitoleic (0.4 +/- 0.4), palmitic (6.0 +/- 1.3), linolenic (14.5 +/- 1.8), linoleic (50.1 +/- 4.0), oleic (26.1 +/- 1.2), and stearic (2.2 +/- 0.7). This method was also applied to the analysis of two commercial soap formulations. The first soap gave a fatty acid profile that included: lauric (19.4% +/- 0.8), myristic (9.6% +/- 0.5), palmitoleic (1.9% +/- 0.3), palmitic (16.3% +/- 0.9), linoleic (5.6% +/- 0.4), oleic (37.1% +/- 0.8), and stearic (10.1% +/- 0.7) and that of the second soap was: lauric (9.3% +/- 0.3), myristic (3.8% +/- 0.5), palmitoleic (3.1% +/- 0.8), palmitic (19.4% +/- 0.8), linoleic (4.9% +/- 0.7), oleic (49.5% +/- 1.1), and stearic (10.0% +/- 0.9). The MALDI-TOFMS method described in this communication is simpler and less time-consuming than the established transesterification method that is coupled with analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The new method could be used routinely to determine the qualitative fatty acid composition of vegetable oils, and, when fully validated by comparison with standard analytical methodologies, should provide a relatively fast quantitative measurement of fatty acid mixtures and/or soap formulations that contain saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon moieties.     

气相色谱法测定中华绒螯蟹中脂肪酸组成与含量

中华绒螯蟹中脂肪酸组成与含量的测定对评估其营养价值与品质具有重要意义,但面对种类繁多的脂肪酸提取试剂和甲酯化试剂,测定结果参差不齐,很难对中华绒螯蟹中丰富的脂肪酸准确定量。研究通过比较4种常见的脂肪提取试剂、2种脂肪酸甲酯化试剂,确定以氯仿-甲醇(1∶1, v/v)为提取试剂,含2%硫酸的甲醇溶液为甲酯化试剂,建立了测定中华绒螯蟹肌肉中脂肪酸组成与含量的气相色谱分析方法。实验按照程序升温的条件,采用DM-2560毛细管色谱柱(100 m×0.25 mm×0.20 μm)分离37种脂肪酸,氢火焰离子化检测器(FID)检测,外标法定量。37种脂肪酸在0.5~100.0 μg/mL范围内线性关系良好,其相关系数(R²)为0.9981~0.9999,检出限(LOD)与定量限(LOQ)分别为0.01~0.02 mg/100 g和0.04~0.06 mg/100 g;以棕榈酸和硬脂酸进行加标回收验证,在1、2、10 mg/100 g 3个加标水平下的加标回收率为76.0%~97.5%,相对标准偏差(RSD, n=5)为3.31%~7.90%。该方法应用于中华绒螯蟹肌肉中脂肪酸组成与含量的测定,肌肉中共测得31种脂肪酸,碳链长度为12~24,脂肪酸总含量为281.03 mg/100 g,其中油酸、二十二碳六烯酸、二十碳五烯酸等为中华绒螯蟹肌肉中主要脂肪酸。该方法操作简便,试剂、样品用量少,且定性可靠,定量准确,能检测较多的脂肪酸种类,适用于中华绒螯蟹肌肉中脂肪酸组成与含量的快速检测。     

快速气相色谱法测定食用油中的未衍生化长链脂肪酸

建立了利用短的微径色谱柱直接测定食用油中未衍生化长链脂肪酸的快速气相色谱方法。C12~C22脂肪酸在2 min之内实现基线分离，定量标准曲线的相关系数大于0.988，最低检测限（S/N=3）为2.80~9.60 mg/L,回收率为74.5%~86.5%。该方法快速、简便、准确，分析通量大，已成功地用于香油、色拉油及调和油等3种食用油中长链脂肪酸含量的测定。     

Identification by GC-FID and GC-MS of amino acids, fatty and bile acids in binding media used in works of art

GC-FID was used as single methodology for the identification and differentiation of proteins, lipids and ox bile from binders used in artistic paintings. The samples were hydrolyzed by HCl. Subsequently, the simultaneous formation of volatile derivatives of the amino, fatty and bile acids with ethyl chloroformate was performed quickly and safely in an aqueous medium. The derivatives were separated by capillary GC and characterized by GC-MS. The ageing of drying oils was studied, identifying pelargonic acid among other degradation products. Proteinaceous and lipoid binding media were characterized by means of the quotients between the areas of the peaks for each amino or fatty acid with respect to the area of the peak for alanine or palmitic acid. Fatty acids from ox bile were easily identified by their retention times characteristic for eicosanoic, docosanoic and pentadecanoic acids. The suggested method was applied to the analysis of binders in baroque paintings by Palomino in Valencia (Spain). Animal gelatine and linseed oil were found. Received: 27 September 2000 / Revised: 16 January 2001 / Accepted: 17 January 2001     

Identification by GC-FID and GC-MS of amino acids, fatty and bile acids in binding media used in works of art

GC-FID was used as single methodology for the identification and differentiation of proteins, lipids and ox bile from binders used in artistic paintings. The samples were hydrolyzed by HCl. Subsequently, the simultaneous formation of volatile derivatives of the amino, fatty and bile acids with ethyl chloroformate was performed quickly and safely in an aqueous medium. The derivatives were separated by capillary GC and characterized by GC-MS. The ageing of drying oils was studied, identifying pelargonic acid among other degradation products. Proteinaceous and lipoid binding media were characterized by means of the quotients between the areas of the peaks for each amino or fatty acid with respect to the area of the peak for alanine or palmitic acid. Fatty acids from ox bile were easily identified by their retention times characteristic for eicosanoic, docosanoic and pentadecanoic acids. The suggested method was applied to the analysis of binders in baroque paintings by Palomino in Valencia (Spain). Animal gelatine and linseed oil were found.     

Study on a new precolumn derivatization method in the determination of metformin hydrochloride

Metformin hydrochloride is successfully determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with a new precolumn derivatization method using 9,10-anthraquinone-2-sulfonyl chloride as the derivatization agent. Several derivatization systems are tried to optimize the derivatization conditions, and a new post-derivatization treatment method is established. The derivatization product is analyzed on a Lichrosper C18 column (6.0 mm x 150 mm, 5 microm) at 256 nm with methanol-water (70:30, v/v) as the mobile phase. The calibration curves of the derivatives for the UV detector (0.01-4 mg/L) are linear with respect to peak area. The detection limit (peak area) for the metformin hydrochloride is 0.01 mg/L for a signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1. In human plasma, the detection limit is 0.02 mg/L. This assay is rapid, sensitive, and highly reproducible.     

Characterization of proteinaceous glues in old paintings by separation of the o-phtalaldehyde derivatives of their amino acids by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A HPLC-fluorescence method for characterization of proteinaceous glues from binding media used in pictorial works of art prior to conservation or restoration treatment is proposed. Fluorescence derivatization of amino acids released by acid hydrolysis of standard proteins is studied. The derivatization reagent was o-phtalaldehyde with 2-mercaptoethanol as catalyst. Mobile phase was a programmed gradient among two eluents (water buffered at pH 5.8 wit 5% THF, and methanol) and is able to satisfactorily resolve the amino acid derivatives in 45 min. Peak area ratios among amino acid derivatives and the leucine derivative are useful to characterize the proteins. The method shows good sensitivity and adequate linearity between 2.0 × 10⁻³ and 3.3 mmol/l of each amino acid, with a limit of detection of 6.0 × 10⁻⁴ mmol/l. The proposed method has been successfully applied to artistic samples from items of the cultural heritage of Valencia (Spain).