New hydrazine sensors based on electropolymerized meso-tetra(4-sulphonatephenyl)porphyrinate manganese(III)/silver nanomaterial

A new electrocatalytic active porphyrin nanocomposite material was obtained by electropolymerization of meso-tetra(4-sulphonatephenyl)porphyrinate manganese(III) complex (MnTPPS) in alkaline solutions containing sub-micromolar concentrations of silver chloride. The modified glassy carbon electrodes efficiently oxidize hydrazine at 10mV versus Ag/AgCl, dramatically decreasing the overpotential of conventional carbon electrodes. The analytical characteristics of this amperometric sensor coupled with batch injection analysis (BIA) technique were explored. Wide linear dynamic range (2.5x10(-7) to 2.5x10(-4)molL(-1)), good repeatability (R.S.D.=0.84%, n=30) and low detection (3.1x10(-8)molL(-1)) and quantification (1.0x10(-7)molL(-1)) limits, as well as very fast sampling frequency (60 determinations per hour) were achieved.     

Sequential injection chromatographic determination of paracetamol, caffeine, and acetylsalicylic acid in pharmaceutical tablets

In this contribution, a new separation method for simultaneous determination of paracetamol, caffeine, acetylsalicylic acid, and internal standard benzoic acid was developed based on a novel reversed-phase sequential injection chromatography (SIC) technique with UV detection. A Chromolith Flash RP-18e, 25-4.6mm column (Merck, Germany) and a FIAlab 3000 system (USA) with an 8-port selection valve and a 5 mL syringe were used for sequential injection chromatographic separations in our study. The mobile phase used was acetonitrile-(0.01 M) phosphate buffer (10:90, v/v) pH 4.05, flow rate 0.6 mL min(-1). UV detection was at 210 and 230 nm. The validation parameters showed good results: linearity (r >0.999) for all compounds, detection limits in the range 0.3-0.8 microg mL(-1), repeatability (RSD) of peak heights between runs in the range 1.10-4.30% at three concentration levels and intra-day repeatability of the retention times in the range 0.28-0.43%. The analysis time was <6 min. The method was found to be applicable for the routine analysis of the active compounds paracetamol, caffeine, and acetylsalicylic acid in pharmaceutical tablets.     

Simultaneous determination of phenols (bibenzyl, phenanthrene, and fluorenone) in Dendrobium species by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection

A new method of analysis of 11 phenols, including five bibenzyls, three phenanthrenes, and three fluorenones, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detection (DAD) was described. The separation of 11 phenols was effected by RP-HPLC (Beckman Coulter ODS column, 5 microm, 250 mm x 4.6 mm) using linear gradient elution systems of acetonitrile-1/1000 trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Satisfactory separation of these compounds was obtained in less than 45 min. The method was validated for linearity, repeatability, limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ). Good results were obtained with respect to repeatability (relative standard deviation (RSD)<3.5%) and recovery (85.77-104.92%). The developed method was applied to the simultaneous determination of 11 phenols from totally 31 Dendrobium species (mainly of medicinal plants) as well as other four samples from the similar genera as Pholidota, Flickingeria and Bulbophyllum. The range of the total amounts of bibenzyl, phenanthrene and fluorenone were found to from trace: 4.00, not detected (nd): 0.42 and nd: 0.24 microg mg(-1), respectively.     

Fast batch injection analysis of H(2)O(2) using an array of Pt-modified gold microelectrodes obtained from split electronic chips

A fast and robust analytical method for amperometric determination of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) based on batch injection analysis (BIA) on an array of gold microelectrodes modified with platinum is proposed. The gold microelectrode array (n=14) was obtained from electronic chips developed for surface mounted device technology (SMD), whose size offers advantages to adapt them in batch cells. The effect of the dispensing rate, volume injected, distance between the platinum microelectrodes and the pipette tip, as well as the volume of solution in the cell on the analytical response were evaluated. The method allows the H(2)O(2) amperometric determination in the concentration range from 0.8 μmolL(-1) to 100 μmolL(-1). The analytical frequency can attain 300 determinations per hour and the detection limit was estimated in 0.34 μmolL(-1) (3σ). The anodic current peaks obtained after a series of 23 successive injections of 50 μL of 25 μmolL(-1) H(2)O(2) showed an RSD<0.9%. To ensure the good selectivity to detect H(2)O(2), its determination was performed in a differential mode, with selective destruction of the H(2)O(2) with catalase in 10 mmolL(-1) phosphate buffer solution. Practical application of the analytical procedure involved H(2)O(2) determination in rainwater of S?o Paulo City. A comparison of the results obtained by the proposed amperometric method with another one which combines flow injection analysis (FIA) with spectrophotometric detection showed good agreement.     

Optimization and validation of an LC-fLD method for biotin in infant formula, infant cereals, cocoa-malt beverages, and clinical nutrition products

A fast and simple chromatographic method to determine biotin in foods is presented. Biotin is extracted using papain (60 degrees C, 1 h). After pH adjustment and filtration, biotin is determined by LC with fluorescence detection using postcolumn reagent avidin-FITC (avidin labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate). The method has been validated in a large range of products: milk- and soy-based infant formulas, cereals, cocoa-malt beverages, and clinical nutrition products. The method showed recovery rates of 98.1 +/- 5.7% (average +/- SD) in a large range of concentrations. Biotin concentrations determined in infant formula standard reference materials 1846 and 1849 were in agreement with reference values. RSD of repeatability (RSDr) varied from 2.0 to 4.5%, and intermediate reproducibility (RSD(iR)) from 5.8 to 9.4%. LOD and LOQ were 3.0 and 5.0 microg/100 g, respectively. The proposed method is suitable for routine analysis of biotin in fortified foods (infant formulas, infant cereals, cocoa-malt beverages, and clinical nutrition products). It can be used as a faster, more selective, and precise alternative to the classical microbiological determination, and is easily transferable among laboratories.     

Development and single-laboratory validation of a reversed-phase liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry method for identification and determination of acrylamide in foods

A rapid and accurate method using reversed-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry interfaced with electrospray was developed for determination of acrylamide in cooked food samples. A simplified sample treatment procedure using an extraction step with acidified water without cleanup was developed. A C18 column with an aqueous formic acid-methanol mixture as the mobile phase was used under isocratic conditions. The method was validated in-house for robustness, limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ), linearity, recovery, and accuracy both on standard and baked-product and potato flour matrixes. Good results in the low ppb level were obtained for LOD (< 15 microg/kg) and LOQ (< 25 microg/kg) of acrylamide in samples. Excellent linearity (r2 = 0.999-1.000) was established over 2 orders of magnitude by performing statistical tests. The absence of both constant and proportional systematic errors demonstrated good method accuracy. Excellent results were obtained for intraday repeatability (RSD < 1.5%) and between-day precision (RSD < 5%). Extraction recoveries from food products were calculated in the 97 +/- 3-99 +/- 2% (n = 6) range with a labeled internal standard (13C3-acrylamide). The applicability of the method to determination of acrylamide in cooked food products was demonstrated.     

Validation of a multi-residue method for the determination of several antibiotic groups in honey by LC-MS/MS

The presented multi-method was developed for the confirmation of 37 antibiotic substances from the six antibiotic groups: macrolides, lincosamides, quinolones, tetracyclines, pleuromutilines and diamino-pyrimidine derivatives. All substances were analysed simultaneously in a single analytical run with the same procedure, including an extraction with buffer, a clean-up by solid-phase extraction, and the measurement by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in ESI+ mode. The method was validated on the basis of an in-house validation concept with factorial design by combination of seven factors to check the robustness in a concentration range of 5-50 μg kg(-1). The honeys used were of different types with regard to colour and origin. The values calculated for the validation parameters-decision limit CCα (range, 7.5-12.9 μg kg(-1)), detection capability CCβ (range, 9.4-19.9 μg kg(-1)), within-laboratory reproducibility RSD(wR) (<20% except for tulathromycin with 23.5% and tylvalosin with 21.4 %), repeatability RSD(r) (<20% except for tylvalosin with 21.1%), and recovery (range, 92-106%)-were acceptable and in agreement with the criteria of Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The validation results showed that the method was applicable for the residue analysis of antibiotics in honey to substances with and without recommended concentrations, although some changes had been tested during validation to determine the robustness of the method.     

Determination of trace level chemical warfare agents in water and slurry samples using hollow fibre-protected liquid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A simple and solvent-minimised sample preparation technique based on hollow fibre-protected liquid-phase microextraction was investigated for the gas chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis of chemical warfare agents in water and slurry samples. The chemical warfare agents included four nerve agents and a blister agent. Parameters such as extraction solvent, salt concentration, stirring speed and extraction time were optimised using spiked deionised water samples. The technique provided a linear range of two orders of magnitude, good repeatability (RSDs < 10%, n = 6), good linearity (r2 >or= 0.995) and limits of detection (LODs) in the range of 0.02-0.09 microg l(-1) (S/N = 3) under full scan mode. The optimised technique was also applied to more complex slurry samples and similar precision (RSD < 15%, n = 3) and limits of detection (0.02-0.2 microgl(-1), S/N = 3) were obtained.     

Simultaneous determination of dissolved anthracene and pyrene in aqueous solution by synchronous fluorimetry

A synchronous fluorimetry for simultaneous determination of dissolved anthracene and pyrene in aqueous solution has been established. The linear ranges for determination of dissolved anthracene and pyrene were 1.00x10(-8) to 4.50x10(-7)molL(-1) and 5.00x10(-9) to 6.50x10(-7)molL(-1), and the limits of detection (LOD) for anthracene and pyrene were 2.23x10(-9) and 8.24x10(-10)molL(-1) with relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) of 2.90 and 2.34% (n=5), respectively. Satisfactory results were obtained when the established method was used to simultaneously determine anthracene and pyrene in spiked water samples.     

Voltammetric determination of indium in alumina supported catalysts

A sensitive and rapid method for the estimation of trace levels of indium in alumina supported catalysts using square wave voltammetry (SWV) is discussed. The SWV method for indium in the alumina matrix is standardized using synthetic samples and good recoveries were obtained. Calibration graphs are linear in the range 1-5 mug/ml and the detection limit is 3.57 x 10(-8) g/ml. In order to determine the accuracy of the proposed method, the results obtained have been compared with those given by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Statistical analysis shows no significant bias between the two methods. This technique is found suitable for the estimation of indium in the range 0.1-1.0% (w/w) in the catalyst samples with an RSD < 1.5%.     

Determination of selenium in nutritional supplements and shampoos by flow injection-hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry

A method for the determination of Se in pharmaceutical samples (nutritional supplements and shampoos) is proposed. The method involves two steps: (1) digestion of the samples and reduction of all forms of Se to Se(IV), which is complete in only 10 min by the use of a focused microwave digestor; and (2) continuous derivatisation (hydride formation) and spectrometry detection by atomic fluorescence. The method can be applied over a wide range of concentrations (0.3-1300 ng ml(-1) of Se) with good repeatability (RSD values lower than 4.6%). The method has been applied successfully to a reference material, and two different types of pharmaceuticals (namely, five different nutritional supplements-with Se present as sodium selenite and Se-methionine-and two shampoos, with selenium sulphide), in agreements with the certified and nominal values, respectively. Yields ranged between 86.5 and 104.8%, and good precision (RSD values lower than 4.2%) were obtained in all instances.     

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/4,4′-Dihydroxybiphenyl Nanolayered Composite for Voltammetric Detection of Phenol

This paper reports the preparation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/4,4′-dihydroxybiphenyl (MWCNTs-DHB) nanolayered composite as a new modifier for modification of carbon paste electrode (CPE/MWCNTs-DHB). CPE/MWCNTs-DHB shows linear responses for phenol in the concentrations range of 0.04–220 μM with a current sensitivity of 0.67 μA μM⁻¹ and a detection limit of 8.0 nM (S/N=3). The electrode shows high selectivity, good repeatability (RSD=4.1 %), excellent reproducibility (RSD=3.5 %), and acceptable stability (91.2 % over one-month storage). Moreover, the modified CPE exhibits appreciable recoveries (93.0–104.0 %) indicating its acceptable performance for determination of phenol in tap and river water samples.     

Sensitive detection of trifluoperazine using a poly-ABSA/SWNTs film-modified glassy carbon electrode

A poly-ABSA/SWNTs composite-modified electrode was fabricated by electropolymerizing aminobenzene sulphonic acid (ABSA) on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). SWNTs provide a 3D porous and conductive network for the polymer immobilization. The nanocomposite film was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicated that this composite-modified electrode had strong electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of trifluoperazine (TFP). TFP could effectively accumulate on the modified electrode and generate a sensitive anodic peak at 0.72V (versus SCE) in pH 6.1 phosphate buffer solution. Under the selected conditions, the anodic peak current of TFP was linear with its concentration within the range from 1.0x10(-7) to 1.0x10(-5)molL(-1) and 1.0x10(-5) to 1.0x10(-4)molL(-1), and the detection limit was 1.0x10(-9)molL(-1) (S/N=3). This method was successfully applied to the detection of trifluoperazine in drug samples and the recovery was satisfactory. In comparison with the SWNTs/GCE or poly-ABSA/GCE prepared in the similar way, this composite-modified electrode exhibited better catalytic activity.     

Determination of flavanol and procyanidin (by degree of polymerization 1-10) content of chocolate, cocoa liquors, powder(s), and cocoa flavanol extracts by normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography: collaborative study

An international collaborative study was conducted on an HPLC method with fluorescent detection (FLD) for the determination of flavanols and procyanidins in materials containing chocolate and cocoa. The sum of the oligomeric fractions with degree of polymerization 1-10 was the determined content value. Sample materials included dark and milk chocolates, cocoa powder, cocoa liquors, and cocoa extracts. The content ranged from approximately 2 to 500 mg/g (defatted basis). Thirteen laboratories representing commercial, industrial, and academic institutions in six countries participated in the study. Fourteen samples were sent as blind duplicates to the collaborators. Results from 12 laboratories yielded repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr) values that were below 10% for all materials analyzed, ranging from 4.17 to 9.61%. The reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSD(R)) values ranged from 5.03 to 12.9% for samples containing 8.07 to 484.7 mg/g. In one sample containing a low content of flavanols and procyanidins (approximately 2 mg/g), the RSD(R) was 17.68%. Based on these results, the method is recommended for Official First Action for the determination of flavanols and procyanidins in chocolate, cocoa liquors, powder(s), and cocoa extracts.     

Liquid chromatographic analysis of vitamin B6 in reconstituted infant formula: collaborative study

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method was validated for the determination of total vitamin B6 in infant formula. Total vitamin B6 was quantified by converting the phosphorylated and free vitamers into pyridoxine. Pyridoxine was determined by ion pair reversed-phase LC with fluorescence detection. The method was subjected to an AOAC collaborative study involving a factory-manufactured, milk- and soy-based infant formula. Each was spiked at 3 concentrations in the range of 0-1 microg/g and sent as blind duplicate to participant laboratories. Nine laboratories returned valid data which were statistically analyzed for outliers and precision parameters. The repeatability relative standard deviation (RSD(r)) ranges were 2.0-4.0 and 3.5-5.9% for fortified milk- and soy-based formulas, respectively. The reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSD(R)) ranges were 8.2-8.4 and 6.7-11.2% for fortified milk- and soy-based formulas, respectively. HORRAT values ranged from 0.42 to 0.53, indicating that the precision of the method is acceptable. The mean RSD(r):RSD(R) values were 0.60 and 0.55 for milk- and soy-based formulas, respectively. As expected, RSDs for the unfortified samples were higher, but their HORRAT values (0.81 and 2.06) helped define a realistic limit of quantitation as 0.05 microg/g. Recovery data were quantitative and varied between 81.4 and 98.0% (mean = 89.8%) for each of 6 spiked materials.     

Multivariate optimization of a solid phase microextraction-headspace procedure for the determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes in effluent samples from a waste treatment plant

A method based on solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) has been optimized for the determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) in water released from a waste treatment plant. The extraction step was optimized using fractional factorial and central composite designs including the following experimental factors: saline concentration; extraction time; desorption time; agitation velocity; headspace volume. A multiple function was used to describe the experimental conditions for simultaneous extraction of the compounds. The procedure, based on direct SPME at 50 degrees C, using a polydimethylsiloxane fiber, showed good linearity (r>0.997 over a concentration range 2-200 microg L(-1)) and repeatability (relative standard deviation (RSD)<4.23%) for all compounds, with limits of detection ranging from 0.05 to 0.28 microg L(-1), and limits of quantification ranging from 0.14 to 0.84 microg L(-1). Concentrations of the target compounds in these samples were between 145.8 and 1891 microg L(-1).     

Determination of zidovudine using anion exchange chromatography with integrated pulsed amperometric detection

A rapid and practical method for direct detection of zidovudine in high performance anion exchange chromatography(HPAEC) has been developed with integrated pulsed amperometric detection(IPAD).Dionex AS 18(250 mm×2 mm) and AG 18 (50 mm x 2 mm) columns and 11 mmol/L NaOH solution were used for separation.Multi-step potential waveform parameters were optimized to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio(S/N).Utilizing an optimized waveform,the repeatability(intra-day) precision and intermediate(inter-day) precision are obtained with relative standard deviation(RSD) of 1.88,2.27,respectively.The limit of quantification(LOQ) and limit of detection(LOD) were found to be 9.70,3.0 ng/mL,respectively,with correlation coefficients of 0.9992 over concentration range 0.01-10μg/mL.The present method was successfully applied to the determination of zidovudine in human plasma.The recoveries of plasma sample spiked by 0.7μg/mL,2.7μg/mL obtained were 95.3-101.5%, with relative standard deviation(RSD) of 2.54%,2.21%,respectively.     

Determination of primary aromatic amine in quality control of X-ray contrast media by flow-injection analysis

An automated flow-injection method for determination of primary aromatic amines based on the Bratton-Marshall reaction is described. This method is used for analysis quality control of three different X-ray contrast media (Omnipaque, Imagopaque and Visipaque) which are viscous solutions. In flow-injection analysis, such samples cause refractive index effects and low. broad peaks due to prolonged residence time, these interferences are minimized by the use of a carrier solution (7 w/v % NaCl in 1 M HCl) with same refractive index as the samples, careful pH adjustment, use of knotted coils, and a specially designed detector. Validation of the method in the concentration range 4-40 microg ml(-1) (injected samples) shows a repeatability (n = 6) and day-to-day reproducibility (n = 9) of 0.4-9.2 and 2.3-17.5% RSD respectively. The accuracy is 81(near the lower limit of detection)-101%, with a limit of detection of 1 microg ml(-1). Linearity was shown in the concentration range tested. The method is well suited for in-process analysis, release control and stability testing of both drug substance and drug product. The cost of analysis is reduced compared to the manual method.     

高碘酸钾氧化酚藏花红催化光度法测定痕量钴(Ⅱ)

在HAc-NaAc(pH=4.0)缓冲溶液中,以氨三乙酸为活化剂,痕量钴(Ⅱ)可催化KIO4氧化酚藏花红褪色反应。研究了反应的最佳条件,测得反应表观活化能为65.23kJ.moL-1,据此建立了一种测定痕量钴(Ⅱ)的新方法。方法线性范围为0.010～1.20μg/25mL,检出限为8.84×10-10 g.mL-1,回收率为94%～103%,相对标准偏差(RSD)为3.6%～5.1%。该法用于粮食样品中钴(Ⅱ)的测定,结果满意。     

Introduction of HPLC/orbitrap mass spectrometry as screening method for doping control

A new doping control screening method has been developed, for the analysis of doping agents in human urine, using HPLC/orbitrap with in-source collision-induced dissociation and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. The developed method allows the detection of 29 compounds, including agents with antiestrogenic activity, beta(2) agonists, exogenous anabolic steroids, and other anabolic agents. The mass accuracy of this method is better at 2 ppm using an external reference. The detection limit for all compounds tested was better than 100 pg/ml. The recoveries of most analytes were above 70%. The measured median repeatability values for doping agents included in the method at concentrations of 1 and 10 ng/ml were 21 and 17%, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the intraday precision (n = 6) ranged from RSD = 16-22%, whereas the interday precision (n = 18), ranged from RSD = 17-26%, depending on the solute concentration investigated.