A liposome immune lysis assay for enrofloxacin in carp and chicken muscle

A homogenous complement-mediated liposome immune lysis assay (LILA) was developed for the determination of enrofloxacin (ENRO) in carp and chicken muscle. ENRO was covalently coupled to DPPE, and then immobilized onto the surface of liposomes by reverse-phase evaporation method. The performed liposome would be specifically lysed by the sequential additions of anti-ENRO monoclonal antibody (MAb) and guinea pig complement. Through a competitive assay format, the performed liposome can be used to detect ENRO in a range of 5.0-20 ng mL⁻¹ in assay buffer. The limit of detection of ENRO in carp and chicken muscle was 1 ng g⁻¹ and the limit of quantification was 2 ng g⁻¹. Recoveries ranged from 58.3% to 65.2% for carp and 55.6-63.8% for chicken muscle at spiked levels of 2-8 ng g⁻¹, with intra-assay and inter-assay variations 5.6-12.3% and 7.1-19.2%, respectively.     

A new and direct method for the trace element determination in cauliflower by differential pulse polarography

Using the DPP polarograms of wet digested cauliflower sample in acetate buffer at pH values of 2, 4 and 6, Fe, Zn, Mo, Se, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ti and Cu quantities were determined. The best separation and determination conditions for Zn, Se and Mo was pH 2; for Cr, Zn, Mo and As was pH 4; for Pb pH 6, for Ti, Cu and Fe was pH 6-7 EDTA, for Cd pH 2 EDTA and for lead pH 6, all in acetate buffer. The trace element ranges for cauliflowers from two different seasons were (first figure for winter, the second for summer) for Se 120-250 μg g⁻¹, Fe 70-85 μg g⁻¹, Cu 320-150 μg g⁻¹, Ti 90-120 μg g⁻¹, Cr 130-630 μg g⁻¹, Zn 90-550 μg g⁻¹, Mo 170-230 μg g⁻¹, Cd 20 μg g⁻¹ (in winter) and Pb 130-300 μg g⁻¹ in dry sample. Cd was under the detection limit in summer. The length of digestion time had no effect on the recovery of copper, iron, molybdenum and zinc between 15 and 3 h of digestion.     

Ultrasonic extraction of veterinary antibiotics from soils and pig slurry with SPE clean-up and LC-UV and fluorescence detection

A simple and rapid analytical method is presented in which the three veterinary antibiotics oxytetracycline (OTC), sulfachloropyridazine (SCP) and tylosin (TYL) are simultaneously extracted and determined in four different soils. Extractions were carried out by a combination of ultrasonic agitation and vortex mixing using a mixture of methanol, EDTA and McIlvaine buffer at pH 7 as the extractant solution. The extracts were then cleaned-up by a tandem solid phase extraction (SPE) method using an Isolute SAX anion exchange cartridge to remove natural organic matter and an Oasis HLB polymeric cartridge to retain the study compounds. Analysis was by HPLC-UV with additional fluorescence detection for SCP. Recoveries were in the range 68-85% for SCP in all soil types, 58-75% for OTC in sandy soils, 27-51% for OTC in clay containing soils, 74-105% for TYL and 47-61% in a clay soil. OTC and SCP were also extracted from liquid pig manure using a mixture of EDTA and McIlvaine buffer at pH 7 with ultrasonic agitation and vortex mixing with SPE clean-up and HPLC-UV analysis. Recoveries were greater than 77% and 58% for OTC and SCP, respectively. Limits of detection were 18 μg kg⁻¹ for OTC and SCP and 40 μg kg⁻¹ for TYL in soils and 70 μg L⁻¹ for OTC and 140 μg L⁻¹ for SCP in pig slurry.     

A monoclonal antibody-based time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay for chloramphenicol in shrimp and chicken muscle

A time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA) for determination of chloramphenicol (CAP) in shrimp and chicken muscle was developed. The method was based on a direct competitive immunoassay using europium-labeled anti-CAP monoclonal antibody (MAb) and CAP-ovalbumin as coated antigen. The limit of detection was 0.05 ng g⁻¹ and limit of quantification was 0.1 ng g⁻¹. Recoveries ranged from 101.2 to 112.5% for shrimp and 104.9 to 115.3% for chicken muscle at spiked levels of 0.1-5 ng g⁻¹, with intra-assay and inter-assay variations 8.7-14.6 and 9.6-17.8%, respectively. The results obtained by the TR-FIA and ELISA correlated well. The established TR-FIA was validated for the determination of incurred shrimp samples and confirmed by gas chromatography with microcell electron capture detector (GC-μECD).     

Multi-class,multi-residue analysis of pesticides,polychlorinated biphenyls,polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,polybrominated diphenyl ethers and novel flame retardants in fish using fast,low-pressure gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A multi-class, multi-residue method for the analysis of 13 novel flame retardants, 18 representative pesticides, 14 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and 7 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners in catfish muscle was developed and evaluated using fast low pressure gas chromatography triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LP-GC/MS–MS). The method was based on a QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe) extraction with acetonitrile and dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) clean-up with zirconium-based sorbent prior to LP-GC/MS–MS analysis. The developed method was evaluated at 4 spiking levels and further validated by analysis of NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) 1974B and 1947. Sample preparation for a batch of 10 homogenized samples took about 1 h/analyst, and LP-GC/MS–MS analysis provided fast separation of multiple analytes within 9 min achieving high throughput. With the use of isotopically labeled internal standards, recoveries of all but one analyte were between 70 and 120% with relative standard deviations less than 20% (n = 5). The measured values for both SRMs agreed with certified/reference values (72–119% accuracy) for the majority of analytes. The detection limits were 0.1–0.5 ng g⁻¹ for PCBs, 0.5–10 ng g⁻¹ for PBDEs, 0.5–5 ng g⁻¹ for select pesticides and PAHs and 1–10 ng g⁻¹ for flame retardants. The developed method was successfully applied for analysis of catfish samples from the market.     

Multiresidue method for the determination of 13 pesticides in three environmental matrices: water, sediments and fish muscle

Pesticides residues in aquatic ecosystems are an environmental concern which requires efficient analytical methods. In this study, we proposed a generic method for the quantification of 13 pesticides (azoxystrobin, clomazone, diflufenican, dimethachlor, carbendazim, iprodion, isoproturon, mesosulfuron-methyl, metazachlor, napropamid, quizalofop and thifensulfuron-methyl) in three environmental matrices. Pesticides from water were extracted using a solid phase extraction system and a single solid-liquid extraction method was optimized for sediment and fish muscle, followed by a unique analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Limits of quantification were below 5 ng L⁻¹ for water (except for fluroxypyr and iprodion) and ranged between 0.1 ng g⁻¹ and 57.7 ng g⁻¹ for sediments and regarding fish, were below 1 ng g⁻¹ for 8 molecules and were determined between 5 and 49 ng g⁻¹ for the 5 other compounds. This method was finally used as a new routine practice for environmental research.     

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection for the determination of carbendazim and thiabendazole in environmental samples

A rapid and sensitive method for the determination of carbendazim (methyl benzimidazole-2-ylcarbamate, MBC) and thiabendazole (TBZ) in water and soil samples was developed by using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) coupled with high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The water samples were directly used for the DLLME extraction. For soil samples, the target analytes were first extracted by 0.1 mol L⁻¹ HCl. Then, the pH of the extract was adjusted to 7.0 with 2 mol L⁻¹ NaOH before the DLLME extraction. In the DLLME extraction method, chloroform (CHCl₃) was used as extraction solvent and tetrahydrofuran (THF) as dispersive solvent. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factors for MBC and TBZ were ranged between 149 and 210, and the extraction recoveries were between 50.8 and 70.9%, respectively. The linearity of the method was obtained in the range of 5-800 ng mL⁻¹ for water sample analysis, and 10-1000 ng g⁻¹ for soil samples, respectively. The correlation coefficients (r) ranged from 0.9987 to 0.9997. The limits of detection were 0.5-1.0 ng mL⁻¹ for water samples, and 1.0-1.6 ng g⁻¹ for soil samples. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) varied from 3.5 to 6.8% (n = 5). The recoveries of the method for MBC and TBZ from water samples at spiking levels of 5 and 20 ng mL⁻¹ were 84.0-94.0% and 86.0-92.5%, respectively. The recoveries for soil samples at spiking levels of 10 and 100 ng g⁻¹ varied between 82.0 and 93.4%.     

Determination of aflatoxins in cereal flours by solid-phase microextraction coupled with liquid chromatography and post-column photochemical derivatization-fluorescence detection

A new method for the determination of aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁, and G₂ (AFB₁, AFB₂, AFG₁, AFG₂) in cereal flours based on solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with high performance liquid chromatography with post-column photochemical derivatization and fluorescence detection (SPME–HPLC–PD–FD) has been developed. Aflatoxins were extracted from cereal flour samples by a methanol:phosphate buffer (pH 5.8, I = 0.1) (80:20, v/v) solution, followed by a SPME step. Different SPME and HPLC–PD–FD parameters (fiber polarity, temperature, pH, ionic strength, adsorption and desorption time, mobile phase) have been investigated and optimized. This method, which was assessed for the analysis of different cereal flours, showed interesting results in terms of LOD (from 0.035 to 0.2 ng g⁻¹), LOQ (from 0.1 to 0.63 ng g⁻¹, respectively), within and inter-day repeatability (2.27% and 5.38%, respectively) linear ranges (up to 20 ng g⁻¹ for AFB₁ and AFG₁ and 6 ng g⁻¹ for AFB₂ and AFG₂), and total raw extraction efficiency (in the range 55–59% at concentrations in the range 0.3–1 ng g⁻¹ and 49–52% at concentrations in the range 1–10 ng g⁻¹). The results were also compared with the purification step carried out by conventional immunoaffinity columns.     

Enantiomer-specific determination of hexabromocyclododecane in fish by supramolecular solvent-based single-step sample treatment and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A single-step, environmentally friendly sample treatment was developed and used in combination with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for the quantitation of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) stereoisomers in fish. It was based on the microextraction of the stereoisomers with a supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) made up of reverse aggregates of decanoic acid (DeA). The procedure involved the stirring of the fish sample (750 mg) with 600 μL of SUPRAS for five minutes, subsequent centrifugation for extract separation from matrix components and direct analysis of the extract after dilution 1:1 with methanol. Individual enantiomers of α-, β- and γ-HBCD were separated on a chiral stationary phase of β-cyclodextrin and quantified by monitoring of the [M−H]⁻ → Br⁻ transition at m/z 640.9→80.9. Driving forces for the microextraction of HBCD in the SUPRAS involved both dispersion and dipole–dipole interactions. Quantitation limits for the determination of individual HBCD enantiomers in hake, cod, sole, panga, whiting and sea bass were within the intervals 0.5–3.4 ng g⁻¹, 0.9–2.5 ng g⁻¹, 0.6–1.4 ng g⁻¹, 1.0–5.6 ng g⁻¹, 0.8–1.3 ng g⁻¹ and 0.5–3.5 ng g⁻¹, respectively. Recoveries for fish samples fortified at the ng g⁻¹ level ranged between 87 and 114% with relative standard deviations from 1 to 10%. The sample treatment proposed greatly simplifies current procedures for extraction of HBCD stereoisomers and is a useful tool for the development of a large scale database for their presence in fish.     

Coacervative microextraction ultrasound-assisted back-extraction technique for determination of organophosphates pesticides in honey samples by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Coacervative microextraction ultrasound-assisted back-extraction technique (CME-UABE) is proposed for the first time for extracting and preconcentrating organophosphates pesticides (OPPs) from honey samples prior to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. The extraction/preconcentration technique is supported on the micellar organized medium based on non-ionic surfactant. To enable coupling the proposed technique with GC, it was required to back extract the analytes into hexane. Several variables including, surfactant type and concentration, equilibration temperature and time, matrix modifiers, pH and buffers nature were studied and optimized over the relative response of the analytes. The best working conditions were as follows: an aliquot of 10 mL 50 g L⁻¹ honey blend solution was conditioned by adding 100 μL 0.1 mol L⁻¹ hydrochloric acid (pH 2) and finally extracted with 100 μL Triton X-114 100 g L⁻¹ at 85 °C for 5 min using CME technique. Under optimal experimental conditions, the enrichment factor (EF) was 167 and limits of detection (LODs), calculated as three times the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N = 3), ranged between 0.03 and 0.47 ng g⁻¹. The method precision was evaluated over five replicates at 1 ng g⁻¹ with RSDs ≤9.5%. The calibration graphs were linear within the concentration range of 0.3–1000 ng g⁻¹ for chlorpirifos; and 1–1000 ng g⁻¹ for fenitrothion, parathion and methidathion, respectively. The coefficients of correlation were ≥0.9992. Validation of the methodology was performed by standard addition method at two concentration levels (2 and 20 ng g⁻¹). The recoveries were ≥90%, indicating satisfactory robustness of the methodology, which could be successfully applied for determination of OPPs in honey samples of different Argentinean regions. Two of the analyzed samples showed levels of methidathion ranged between 1.2 and 2.3 ng g⁻¹.     

Headspace solid-phase microextraction using a dodecylsulfate-doped polypyrrole film coupled to ion mobility spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of atrazine and ametryn in soil and water samples

A simple and rapid headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) based method is presented for the simultaneous determination of atrazine and ametryn in soil and water samples by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). A dodecylsulfate-doped polypyrrole (PPy-DS), synthesized by electrochemical method, was applied as a laboratory-made fiber for SPME. The HS-SPME system was designed with a cooling device on the upper part of the sample vial and a circulating water bath for adjusting the sample temperature. The extraction properties of the fiber to spiked soil and water samples with atrazine and ametryn were examined, using a HS-SPME device and thermal desorption in injection port of IMS. Parameters affecting the extraction efficiency such as the volume of water added to the soil, pH effect, extraction time, extraction temperature, salt effect, desorption time, and desorption temperature were investigated. The HS-SPME-IMS method with PPy-DS fiber, provided good repeatability (RSDs < 10 %), simplicity, good sensitivity and short analysis times for spiked soil (200 ng g⁻¹) and water samples (100 and 200 ng mL⁻¹). The calibration graphs were linear in the range of 200-4000 ng g⁻¹ and 50-2800 ng mL⁻¹ for soil and water respectively (R² > 0.99). Detection limits for atrazine and ametryn were 37 ng g⁻¹ (soil) and 23 ng g⁻¹ (soil) and 15 ng mL⁻¹ (water) and 10 ng mL⁻¹ (water), respectively. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method, atrazine and ametryn in the three kinds of soils and two well water samples were determined. Finally, comparing the HS-SPME results for extraction and determination of selected triazines using PPy-DS fiber with the other methods in literature shows that the proposed method has comparable detection limits and RSDs and good linear ranges.     

Improvement of analytical performances for mercury speciation by on-line derivatization, cryofocussing and atomic fluorescence spectrometry

A modified automated on-line hyphenated system for simultaneous inorganic ionic mercury (Hg²⁺) and monomethylmercury (MeHg⁺) analysis by hydride generation (HG) or ethylation (Eth), cryofocussing, gas chromatography (GC) separation and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) detection has been improved. Both derivatization methods are investigated with respect to the chromatographic and analytical performances. They can be both affected by interferences when the AFS detection system is used. Water vapor removal using a soda lime moisture trap improves significantly the chromatographic performances, the reproducibility and the detection limits for Hg²⁺ and MeHg⁺ analyzed with both methods. For ethylation (Eth) derivatization, a scattering interference generated from low-quality ethylation reagent has also been eliminated. For HG, improved detection limits are 0.13 ng l⁻¹ and 0.01 ng l⁻¹ for Hg²⁺ and MeHg⁺, respectively (0.1 l water sample), and reproducibility are 5% for Hg²⁺ (20 ng l⁻¹) and MeHg⁺ (5 ng l⁻¹). Improved detection limits for Eth are 0.22 ng g⁻¹ for Hg²⁺ and 0.02 ng g⁻¹ for MeHg⁺ (1 g dry sediment sample) and the reproducibility are 5-6% for Hg²⁺ and MeHg⁺ (1-2 ng g⁻¹).     

Simultaneous determination of tetracyclines in poultry muscle by capillary zone electrophoresis

A capillary zone electrophoresis method with UV detection was developed for the simultaneous detection and quantification of three tetracyclines in chicken meat samples: tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC) and doxycycline (DOC). The separation conditions were: a running buffer containing 30 mM sodium phosphate, 2 mM EDTA disodium salt and 2.5% 2-propanol, pH 12.0, a 5 s hydrodynamic injection and a 14 kV separation voltage. Two different clean-up methodologies were employed: solid-phase extraction with C₁₈ cartridges and ion exchange with Amberlite XAD7 resin. Analytes were detected at 360 nm in less than 12 min. LODs ranged from 61 μg kg⁻¹ for OTC to 68 μg kg⁻¹ for DOC with C₁₈ cartridges, and 81 μg kg⁻¹ for DOC to 89 μg kg⁻¹ for TC with Amberlite XAD7 resin. The recoveries for TC, OTC and DOC obtained by both methods were between 85 and 95%, and the peak area repeatability for all of the samples was below 5% in all cases. Twenty-four samples of commercial chicken drumsticks were examined with both clean-up methodologies. In nine cases (37.5%) TC was detected, in a range from 197.8 to 2564.3 μg kg⁻¹, and in seven cases (29.2%) OTC was detected in a range from 83.0 to 2049.3 μg kg⁻¹. DOC was not detected in any of the tested samples. This method would be useful for the routine monitoring of TCs residues in poultry muscle.     

Use of the diphasic dialysis as a new extraction procedure in the determination of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in egg

We have developed a new method for the analysis of the fluoroquinolones enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in eggs using a diphasic dialysis procedure as extraction and purification method. High pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was used for the confirmatory determination of these compounds. The method was found to be linear between 10 and 800 ng g⁻¹ for enrofloxacin, and between 20 and 1600 ng g⁻¹ for ciprofloxacin. The recovery percentages were in the 70-104% range for enrofloxacin, and 55-97% for ciprofloxacin. The assay described was repeatable and reproducible with a limit of quantitation of 2 and 4 ng g⁻¹ for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin from egg, respectively.     

Determination of tetrabromobisphenol-A,tetrachlorobisphenol-A and bisphenol-A in soil by ultrasonic assisted extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

In this work, an isotope dilution method for the determination, in agricultural and industrial soil samples, of tetrabromobisphenol-A, tetrachlorobisphenol-A and bisphenol-A by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was developed. The compounds were extracted from soil by sonication assisted extraction in small columns (SAESC) with a low volume of ethyl acetate as extraction solvent. For dirty soil samples, such as industrial soils, a simultaneous clean-up on an acidified Florisil–anhydrous sodium sulfate mixture was carried out to remove interferences. After extraction, solvent was evaporated and analytes were derivatized with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) and determined by isotope dilution gas chromatography with electron impact mass spectrometric detection in the selected ion monitoring mode (GC–MS–SIM), using ¹³C₁₂ labeled compounds as internal standards. Recoveries from spiked samples were between 88% and 108% and the estimated limits of detection (S/N = 3) varied from 30 pg g⁻¹ to 90 pg g⁻¹. The response obtained with this method was linear over the range assayed, 5–300 ng ml⁻¹, with correlation coefficients equal or higher than 0.999. The validated method was used to investigate the levels of these phenolic compounds in soil samples collected from different locations in Spain. Bisphenol-A was detected in all samples at concentrations from 0.7 ng g⁻¹ to 4.6 ng g⁻¹ in agricultural soils and from 1.1 ng g⁻¹ to 44.5 ng g⁻¹ in industrial soils. Tetrabromobisphenol-A was found in various soil samples at levels in the range of 3.4–32.2 ng g⁻¹ in industrial soils and at 0.3 ng g⁻¹ in one agricultural soil, whereas tetrachlorobisphenol-A was not detected.     

Ultrasound-assisted leaching-dispersive solid-phase extraction followed by liquid-liquid microextraction for the determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sediment samples by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Ultrasound-assisted leaching-dispersive solid-phase extraction followed by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (USAL-DSPE-DLLME) technique has been developed as a new analytical approach for extracting, cleaning up and preconcentrating polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from sediment samples prior gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) analysis. In the first place, PBDEs were leached from sediment samples by using acetone. This extract was cleaned-up by DSPE using activated silica gel as sorbent material. After clean-up, PBDEs were preconcentrated by using DLLME technique. Thus, 1 mL acetone extract (disperser solvent) and 60 μL carbon tetrachloride (extraction solvent) were added to 5 mL ultrapure water and a DLLME technique was applied. Several variables that govern the proposed technique were studied and optimized. Under optimum conditions, the method detection limits (MDLs) of PBDEs calculated as three times the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) were within the range 0.02-0.06 ng g⁻¹. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for five replicates were <9.8%. The calibration graphs were linear within the concentration range of 0.07-1000 ng g⁻¹ for BDE-47, 0.09-1000 ng g⁻¹ for BDE-100, 0.10-1000 ng g⁻¹ for BDE-99 and 0.19-1000 ng g⁻¹ for BDE-153 and the coefficients of estimation were ≥0.9991. Validation of the methodology was carried out by standard addition method at two concentration levels (0.25 and 1 ng g⁻¹) and by comparing with a reference Soxhlet technique. Recovery values were ≥80%, which showed a satisfactory robustness of the analytical methodology for determination of low PBDEs concentration in sediment samples.     

Non-chromatographic speciation of toxic arsenic in fish

A rapid, sensitive and economic method has been developed for the direct determination of toxic species of arsenic present in fish and mussel samples. As(III), As(V), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) were determined by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry using a series of proportional equations without the need of a chromatographic previous separation. The method is based on the extraction of arsenic species from fish through sonication with HNO₃ 3 mol l⁻¹ and 0.1% (m/v) Triton and washing of the solid phase with 0.1% (m/v) EDTA, followed by direct measurement of the corresponding hydrides in four different experimental conditions. The limit of detection of the method was 0.62 ng g⁻¹ for As(III), 2.1 ng g⁻¹ for As(V), 1.8 ng g⁻¹ for MMA and 5.4 ng g⁻¹ for DMA, in all cases expressed in terms of sample dry weight. The mean relative standard deviation values (R.S.D.) in actual sample analysis were: 6.8% for As(III), 10.3% for As(V), 8.5% for MMA and 7.4% for DMA at concentration levels from 0.08 mg kg⁻¹ As(III) to 1.3 mg kg⁻¹ DMA. Recovery studies provided percentages greater than 93% for all species in spiked samples. The analysis of SRM DORM-2 and CRM 627 certified materials evidenced that the method is suitable for the accurate determination of arsenic species in fish.     

Determination of tadalafil in pharmaceutical preparation by HPLC using monolithic silica column

The simple, reliable and reproducible HPLC and extraction methods were developed for the analysis of tadalafil in pharmaceutical preparation. The column used was monolithic silica column, Chromolith Performance RP-18e (100 mm × 4.6 mm, i.d.). The mobile phase used was phosphate buffer (100 mM, pH 3.0)-acetonitrile (80:20, v/v) at the flow rate of 5 mL min⁻¹ with UV detection at 230 nm at ambient temperature. Extraction of tadalafil from tablet was carried out using methanol. Linearity was observed in the concentration range from 100 to 5000 ng mL⁻¹ for tadalafil with a correlation coefficient (R²) 0.9999 and 100 ng mL⁻¹ as the limit of detection. The values of linearity range, correlation coefficient (R²) and limit of detection were 50-5000 ng mL⁻¹, 0.9999-50 ng mL⁻¹, respectively for sildenafil. Parameters of validation prove the precision of the method and its applicability for the determination of tadalafil in pharmaceutical tablet formulation. The method is suitable for high throughput analysis of the drug.     

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay for the simultaneous quantitation of microcystin-RR and its metabolites in fish liver

A novel method for identification and quantification of microcystin-RR (MC-RR) and its metabolites (MC-RR-GSH and MC-RR-Cys) in the fish liver was developed and validated. These analytes were simultaneously extracted from fish liver using water containing EDTA with 5% acetic acid, followed by a mixed-mode cation-exchange SPE (Oasis MCX) and subsequently determined by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-ITMS). Extraction parameters including volume and pH of eluting solvents, were optimized. Best recoveries were obtained by using 10 mL of 15% ammonia solution in methanol. The mean recoveries at three concentrations (0.2, 1.0, and 5.0 μg g⁻¹ dry weight [DW]) for MC-RR, MC-RR-GSH and MC-RR-Cys were 93.6–99%, 68.1–73.6% and 90.0–95.2%, respectively. Method detection limit (MDL) were 4, 7 and 5 ng g⁻¹ DW for MC-RR, MC-RR-GSH and MC-RR-Cys, respectively. Limits of quantification (LOQs) for MC-RR, MC-RR-GSH and MC-RR-Cys were calculated to be 10, 18 and 13 ng g⁻¹ DW, respectively. Finally, this method was successfully applied to the identification and quantification of MC-RR, MC-RR-GSH and MC-RR-Cys in the liver of bighead carp with acute exposure of MCs.     

Development of a method for the analysis of seven banned azo-dyes in chilli and hot chilli food samples by pressurised liquid extraction and liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry

An automated, confirmatory and sensitive procedure has been developed and validated for the determination of Sudan (I-IV), Sudan Orange G, Sudan Red 7B and Para Red in hot chilli food samples. The proposed method includes pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) with acetone, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) clean-up and detection by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to electrospray ionization in positive mode tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS-MS). The main parameters affecting the performance of the different ionization sources and PLE parameters were previously optimised using statistical design of experiments (DOE). The method was in-house validated on chilli powder and chilli meat. Linear calibrations were obtained with correlation coefficients R² > 0.999. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of the method were in the ranges of 0.002-0.012 ng g⁻¹ and 0.006-0.036 ng g⁻¹, respectively for chilli powder. The decision limit and detection capability were between 0.005-0.022 ng g⁻¹ and 0.007-0.026 ng g⁻¹, respectively for chilli meat. Recoveries ranged from 94% to 105%. The applicability of the method to the determination of azo-dyes in hot chilli products was demonstrated.