Determination of dimethyl sulphide in blood and adipose tissue by headspace gas analysis

A method for the headspace analysis of dimethyl sulphide in blood and adipose tissue has been established. Blood (0.2 ml) or adipose tissue (0.5 g) with added dimethyl sulphide was sealed in a 10-ml vial using PTFE sheet to prevent escape of dimethyl sulphide from the headspace. Equilibration was performed at 60 degrees C for 4 h, and 20 microliters of gaseous phase sampled from the headspace was subjected to gas chromatography (with flame photometric detection). Calibration curves were prepared for the two samples. Linearity was observed in the range from 5-10 micrograms to 2 mg.     

Solid-phase microextraction for the determination of haloanisoles in wines and other alcoholic beverages using gas chromatography and atomic emission detection

A headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method for the determination of 12 haloanisoles in wine and spirit samples using gas chromatography with atomic emission detection (GC-AED) was developed. The different factors affecting the efficiency of the extraction were carefully optimized. The divinylbenzene/Carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) fiber was the most suitable for preconcentrating the analytes from the headspace of the sample solution. Sample:water dilutions of 3:4 and 1:6 for wines and spirits, respectively, and the use of a mixed bromochloroanisole compound as internal standard allowed sample quantification against external standards prepared in the presence of 5% (v/v) ethanol. Detection limits ranged from 1.2 to 18.5ngL(-1), depending on the compound and the sample analyzed, with a fiber time exposure of 60min at 75 degrees C. The optimized method was successfully applied to different samples, and several of the studied haloanisoles were detected at concentration levels ranging from 10.3ngL(-1) to 1.14ngmL(-1).     

固相微萃取-气相色谱/质谱分析栀子花的头香成分

 分别用固相微萃取和动态顶空法分离栀子鲜花的头香成分,用GC/MS技术分析鉴定,并用GC/MS总离子流色谱峰的峰面积进行归一化定量。在固相微萃取方法中,共鉴定了54种化学成分,占总峰面积的99.98%。主要成分(质量分数)依次为金合欢烯（64.86%）、罗勒烯（29.33%）、芳樟醇（2.74%）、惕各酸顺式叶醇酯（1.34%）和苯甲酸甲酯（0.25%）等。经与动态顶空法的分析结果比较发现,固相微萃取法不仅操作简便,而且具有较高的采样灵敏度,获得的化学成分的信息量多于动态顶空法。     

Improved gas chromatography methods for micro-volume analysis of haloacetic acids in water and biological matrices

A fast headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography method for micro-volume (0.1 mL) samples was optimized for the analysis of haloacetic acids (HAAs) in aqueous and biological samples. It includes liquid-liquid microextraction (LLME), derivatization of the acids to their methyl esters using sulfuric acid and methanol after evaporation, followed by headspace solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography and electron capture detection (SPME-GC-ECD). The derivatization procedure was optimized to achieve maximum sensitivity using the following conditions: esterification for 20 min at 80 degrees C in 10 microL methanol, 10 microL sulfuric acid and 0.1 g anhydrous sodium sulfate. Multi-point standard addition method was used to determine the effect of the sample matrix by comparing with internal standard method. It was shown that the effect of the matrix for urine and blood samples in this method is insignificant. The method detection limits are in the range of 1 microg L(-1) for most of the HAAs, except for monobromoacetic acid (MBAA) (3 microg L(-1)) and for monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) (16 microg L(-1)). The optimized procedure was applied to the analysis of HAAs in water, urine and blood samples. All nine HAAs can be separated in < 13 min for biological samples and < 7 min for drinking water samples, with total sample preparation and analysis time < 50 min. Analytical uncertainty can increase dramatically as the sample volume decreases; however, similar precision was observed with our method using 0.1 mL samples as with a standard method using 40 mL samples.     

Sensitive determination of n-hexane and cyclohexane in human body fluids by capillary gas chromatography with cryogenic oven trapping

A sensitive method was developed for determination of n-hexane and cyclohexane in human body fluids by headspace capillary gas chromatography (GC) with cryogenic oven trapping. Whole blood and urine samples containing n-hexane and cyclohexane were heated in a 7.5 mL vial at 70 degrees C for 15 min, and 5 mL of the headspace vapor was drawn into a glass syringe. All vapor was introduced through an injection port of a GC instrument in the splitless mode into an Rtx-Volatiles middle-bore capillary column at an oven temperature of -40 degrees C for trapping volatile compounds. The oven temperature was programmed to 180 degrees C for GC with flame ionization detection. These conditions gave sharp peaks for both n-hexane and cyclohexane, a good separation of each peak, and low background impurities for whole blood and urine. The extraction efficiencies of n-hexane and cyclohexane were 13.2-30.3% for whole blood and 12.7-20.7% for urine. The coefficients of within-day variation in terms of extraction efficiency of both compounds were 5.0-9.5% for whole blood and 3.8-10.8% for urine; those of day-to-day variation for the compounds were not greater than 16.6%. The regression equations for n-hexane and cyclohexane showed good linearity in the range of 5-500 ng/0.5 mL for whole blood and urine. The detection limits (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) for both compounds were 1.2 and 0.5 ng/0.5 mL for whole blood and urine, respectively. The data on n-hexane or cyclohexane in rat blood after inhalation of each compound are also presented.     

Determination of aliphatic amines using N-succinimidyl benzoate as a new derivatization reagent in gas chromatography combined with solid-phase microextraction

A simple, selective and sensitive approach was developed for the quantitation of aliphatic amines in lake water applying a new reagent (N-succinimidyl benzoate, SIBA), synthesized in the laboratory of the authors. Derivatization of the n-C1-C6 aliphatic monoamines and dimethylamine in aqueous solution with SIBA was followed by headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME). Derivatives were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and determined by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. Both derivatization and SPME conditions have been optimized. Derivatizations were performed in borate buffer (pH 8.8), at 60 degrees C for 22 min. SPME was carried out from saturated sodium chloride solution, at 80 degrees C for 60 min, desorption at 250 degrees C for 2 min. Detection limit of derivatized amines proved to be 0.13-7.2 nmol/l, while recovery of amines from lake water samples, in the concentration range of 100-200 microg/l, varied from 94.1 to 102.7%.     

Impact of phase ratio, polydimethylsiloxane volume and size, and sampling temperature and time on headspace sorptive extraction recovery of some volatile compounds in the essential oil field

This study evaluates concentration capability of headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) and the influence of sampling conditions on HSSE recovery of an analyte. A standard mixture in water of six high-to-medium volatility analytes (isobutyl methyl ketone, 3-hexanol, isoamyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, linalool and carvone) was used to sample the headspace by HSSE with stir bars coated with different polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) volumes (20, 40, 55 and 110 microL, respectively), headspace vial volumes (8, 21.2, 40, 250 and 1000 mL), sampling temperatures (25, 50 and 75 degrees C) and sampling times (30, 60 and 120 min, and 4, 8 and 16 h). The concentration factors (CFs) of HSSE versus static headspace (S-HS) were also determined. Analytes sampled by the PDMS stir bars were recovered by thermal desorption (TDS) and analysed by capillary GC-MS. This study demonstrates how analyte recovery depends on its physico-chemical characteristics and affinity for PDMS (octanol-water partition coefficients), sampling temperatures (50 degrees C) and times (60 min), the volumes of headspace (40 mL) and of PDMS (in particular, for high volatility analytes). HSSE is also shown to be very effective for trace analysis. The HSSE CFs calculated versus S-HS with a 1000 mL headspace volumes at 25 degrees C during 4 h sampling ranged between 10(3) and 10(4) times for all analytes investigated while the limits of quantitation determined under the same conditions were in the nmol/L range.     

Headspace solid phase microextraction (HSSPME) for the determination of volatile and semivolatile pollutants in soils

We have investigated the use of headspace solid phase microextraction (HSSPME) as a sample concentration and preparation technique for the analysis of volatile and semivolatile pollutants in soil samples. Soil samples were suspended in solvent and the SPME fibre suspended in the headspace above the slurry. Finally, the fibre was desorbed in the Gas Chromatograph (GC) injection port and the analysis of the samples was carried out. Since the transfer of contaminants from the soil to the SPME fibre involves four separate phases (soil-solvent-headspace and fibre coating), parameters affecting the distribution of the analytes were investigated. Using a well-aged artificially spiked garden soil, different solvents (both organic and aqueous) were used to enhance the release of the contaminants from the solid matrix to the headspace. It was found that simple addition of water is adequate for the purpose of analysing the target volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in soil. The addition of 1 ml of water to 1 g of soil yielded maximum response. Without water addition, the target VOCs were almost not released from the matrix and a poor response was observed. The effect of headspace volume on response as well as the addition of salt were also investigated. Comparison studies between conventional static headspace (HS) at high temperature (95 degrees C) and the new technology HSSPME at room temperature ( approximately 20 degrees C) were performed. The results obtained with both techniques were in good agreement. HSSPME precision and linearity were found to be better than automated headspace method and HSSPME also produced a significant enhancement in response. The detection and quantification limits for the target VOCs in soils were in the sub-ng g(-1) level. Finally, we tried to extend the applicability of the method to the analysis of semivolatiles. For these studies, two natural soils contaminated with diesel fuel and wood preservative, as well as a standard urban dust contaminated with polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were tested. Discrimination in the response for the heaviest compounds studied was clearly observed, due to the poor partition in the headspace and to the slow kinetics of all the processes involved in HSSPME.     

Sensitive analysis of alkyl alcohols as decomposition products of alkyl nitrites in human whole blood and urine by headspace capillary GC with cryogenic oven trapping

The abuse of alkyl nitrites is becoming a serious social problem worldwide. In this report, a simple and sensitive method is presented for the determination of n-butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, and isoamyl alcohol as decomposition products of alkyl nitrites in human whole blood and urine samples using capillary gas chromatography (GC) with cryogenic oven trapping. After heating a whole blood or urine sample containing each alkyl alcohol and t-butyl alcohol [the internal standard (IS)] in a 7-mL vial at 55 degrees C for 15 min, 5 mL of the headspace vapor is drawn into a gas-tight syringe and injected into a GC inlet port. The vapor is introduced into an Rtx-BAC2 medium-bore capillary column in the splitless mode at 0 degrees C oven temperature in order to trap the entire analytes, and then the oven temperature is programmed up to 240 degrees C for the GC measurements by flame ionization detection. These conditions give sharp peaks for each compound and the IS and low background noise for whole blood or urine samples. The detection limits of the analytes are 10 ng/mL for whole blood and 5 ng/mL for urine. Linearity and precision are also tested to confirm the reliability of this method. Isobutyl alcohol and methemoglobin could be determined from the whole blood samples of three male volunteers who had sniffed isobutyl nitrite.     

Fully automated determination of N-nitrosamines in environmental waters by headspace solid-phase microextraction followed by GC-MS-MS

A fully automated method for determining nine Environmental Protection Agency N-nitrosamines in several types of environmental waters at ng/L levels is presented. The method is based on a headspace solid-phase microextraction followed by GC-MS-MS using chemical ionization. Three different fibers (carboxen/PDMS, divinylbenzene/carboxen/PDMS, and PEG) were tested. Solid-phase microextraction conditions were best when a divinylbenzene/carboxen/PDMS fiber was exposed for 60?min in the headspace of 10?mL water samples at pH 7 containing 360?g/L of NaCl, at 45°C. All compounds were analyzed by GC-MS-MS within 18?min. The method was validated using effluent from an urban wastewater treatment plant and the LODs ranged from 1 to 5?ng/L. The method was then applied to determine the N-nitrosamines in samples of different complexities, such as tap water and several influent and effluent wastewater samples from urban and industrial wastewater treatment plants and a potable water treatment plant. Although the analysis of influent industrial wastewater revealed high concentrations of some compounds (N-nitrosomorpholine and N-nitrosodimethylamine at μg/L levels), in industrial effluents and other samples, the concentrations were substantially lower (ng/L levels). The new method is suitable for the simple and reliable determination of N-nitrosamines in highly complex water samples in a completely automated procedure.     

Ionic liquid for high temperature headspace liquid-phase microextraction of chlorinated anilines in environmental water samples

Based on the non-volatility of room temperature ionic liquids (IL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C4MIM][PF6]) IL was employed as an advantageous extraction solvent for high temperature headspace liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) of chloroanilines in environmental water samples. At high temperature of 90 degrees C, 4-chloroaniline, 2-chloroaniline, 3,4-dichloroaniline, and 2,4-dichloroaniline were extracted into a 10 microl drop of [C4MIM][PF6] suspended on the needle of a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) microsyringe held at the headspace of the samples. Then, the IL was injected directly into the HPLC system for determination. Parameters related to LPME were optimized, and high selectivity and low detection limits of the four chlorinated anilines were obtained because the extraction was performed at high temperature in headspace mode and the very high affinity between IL and chlorinated anilines. The proposed procedure was applied for the analysis of the real samples including tap water, river water and wastewater samples from a petrochemical plant and a printworks, and only 3,4-dichloroaniline was detected in the printworks wastewater at 88.2 microg l(-1) level. The recoveries for the four chlorinated anilines in the four samples were all in the range of 81.9-99.6% at 25 microg l(-1) spiked level.     

Simultaneous quantitative determination of cyclosporine A and its three main metabolites (AM1, AM4N and AM9) in human blood by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry using a rapid sample processing method

We have developed a sensitive and specific liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of cyclosporine A (CsA) and its three main metabolites (AM1, AM4N and AM9) in human blood. Following protein precipitation, supernatant was directly injected into the LC/MS system. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a Symmetry C8 (4.6 x 75 mm, 3.5 microm) column with a linear gradient elution prior to detection by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) MS using selected ion monitoring (SIM) in positive mode. This method can be applied to single mass equipment. The analytical range for each analyte was set at 1-2500 ng/mL using 100 microL of blood sample. The analytical method was fully validated according to FDA guidance. Intra-day mean accuracy and precision were 95.2-113.5% and 0.9-8.9%, respectively. Inter-day mean accuracy and precision were 95.8-107.0% and 1.5-10.7%, respectively. In blood all analytes were stable during three freeze/thaw cycles, for 24 h at room temperature and for 12 months at or below -15 degrees C. Stability was also confirmed in processed samples for 24 h at 10 degrees C and for 6 months at 4 degrees C in methanol. In addition, we confirmed the method could avoid matrix effects from transplant subjects' samples. This LC/MS technique provided an excellent method for simultaneous quantitative determination of CsA and its three metabolites for evaluation of their pharmacokinetic profiles.     

Determination of fluvoxamine in rat plasma by HPLC with pre-column derivatization and fluorescence detection using 4-fluoro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole

A sensitive, simple and reliable method using high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay of fluvoxamine (FLU), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), in rat plasma after pre-column derivatization with 4-fluoro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD-F) was developed in this study. Extracted plasma samples were mixed with NBD-F at 60 degrees C for 5 min and injected into HPLC. Retention times of FLU and an internal standard (propafenone) derivative were 15.5 and 13.5 min, respectively. The calibration curve was linear over the range 0.015-1.5 microg/mL (r2 = 0.9985) and the lower limits of detection and quantification of FLU were 0.008 and 0.015 microg/mL, respectively, in 100 microL of plasma. The derivative sample was stable at 4 degrees C for 1 day. The coefficients of variation for intra-day and inter-day assay of FLU were less than 8.3 and 9.6%, respectively. Other SSRIs and centrally acting drugs did not interfere with the peak of the FLU derivative. The method was applied for analysis of the plasma samples from rats treated with FLU. These results indicate that the method presented is useful to determine the FLU levels in rat plasma of volumes as small as 100 microL and can be applied to pharmacokinetic studies.     

Application of solid-phase microextraction to the analysis of volatile compounds in virgin olive oils

Solid-phase microextraction was used as a technique for headspace sampling of extra virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil samples with different off-flavours. A 100 microm coated polydimethylsiloxane fiber was used to extract volatile aldehydes, the sampling temperature was 45 degrees C and the fiber has been exposed to the headspace for 15 min. Nonanal and 2-decenal were present in all the olive oils with extraction off-flavours but were not in extra virgin olive oil sample.     

Development of an SPME-GC-MS/MS procedure for the monitoring of 2-phenoxyethanol in anaesthetised fish

2-Phenoxyethanol (ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, C(8)H(10)O(2)) is a promising anaesthetic agent used in fisheries and aquaculture. The aim of this study was to develop a fast and easy method to determine 2-phenoxyethanol residue levels in fish tissue and blood plasma, and, subsequently, to use the method to monitor the dynamics of 2-phenoxyethanol residues in fish treated with anaesthetic. We developed a new procedure that employs solid phase microextraction (SPME) of the target analyte from the sample headspace followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Both sample handling, aimed at maximum transfer of 2-phenoxyethanol into the headspace, and SPME-GC-MS conditions were carefully optimised. Using a divinylbenzene/Carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS/CAR/DVB) fiber for 60 min sampling at 30 degrees C and an ion trap detector operated in MS/MS mode, we obtained detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) limits of 0.03 and 0.1 mg kg(-1) of sample, respectively. The method was linear in a range of 0.1-250 mg kg(-1) and, depending on the sample matrix and spiking level, a repeatability (expressed as relative standard deviation, R.S.D.) of between 3% and 11% was obtained.     

Flavour analysis of Greek white wine by solid-phase microextraction-capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was optimised for the qualitative determination of the volatile flavour compounds responsible for the aroma of Greek Boutari wine. Several factors influencing the equilibrium of the aroma compounds between the sample and the SPME fiber were taken into account, including the extraction time, the extraction temperature, the sampling mode (headspace and direct immersion or liquid SPME), and the presence of salt. Four different SPME fibers were used in this study. namely poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), poly(acrylate), carbowax-divinylbenzene and divinylbenzene-carboxen on poly(dimethylsiloxane). The best results were obtained using the PDMS fiber during headspace extraction at 25 degrees C for 30 min after saturating the samples with salt. The optimised SPME method was then applied to investigate the qualitative aroma composition of three other Greek wines, namely Zitsa, Limnos and Filoni.     

Sensitive determination of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidine, a metabolite of haloperidol, in a rat biological sample by HPLC with fluorescence detection after pre-column derivatization using 4-fluoro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole

4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidine (CPHP), one of the metabolites of haloperidol, is considered to exhibit brain toxicity. CPHP concentrations in plasma and tissue homogenates (each 200 microL) from rats were analyzed by HPLC fluorescence detection after pre-column derivatization with 4-fluoro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD-F). After basic extraction of the samples with benzene, the derivatization with NBD-F was conducted in borate buffer (pH 8.0) at 60 degrees C for 3 min. Mexiletine was carried through the procedure as an internal standard. The regression equation for CPHP showed a good linearity in the range of 0.03-1 microg/mL with a detection limit of 0.008 microg/mL. The coefficient of variation was less than 11.6%. Plasma concentration-time courses of CPHP after intraperitoneal or per oral administration of CPHP, haloperidol or reduced haloperidol were examined, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated. Additionally, CPHP levels in various tissues at 8 h after intraperitoneal administration of these compounds were compared. The method was simple and sensitive, useful for determination of CPHP in rat biological samples using as little as 200 microL of sample volume and could be applied for pharmacokinetic study.     

Comparative study of the whisky aroma profile based on headspace solid phase microextraction using different fibre coatings

A dynamic headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography coupled to ion trap mass spectrometry (GC-(IT)MS) method was developed and applied for the qualitative determination of the volatile compounds present in commercial whisky samples which alcoholic content was previously adjusted to 13% (v/v). Headspace SPME experimental conditions, such as fibre coating, extraction temperature and extraction time, were optimized in order to improve the extraction process. Five different SPME fibres were used in this study, namely, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), poly(acrylate) (PA), Carboxen-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (CAR/PDMS), Carbowax-divinylbenzene (CW/DVB) and Carboxen-poly(dimethylsiloxane)-divinylbenzene (CAR/PDMS/DVB). The best results were obtained using a 75 microm CAR/PDMS fibre during headspace extraction at 40 degrees C with stirring at 750 rpm for 60 min, after saturating the samples with salt. The optimised methodology was then applied to investigate the volatile composition profile of three Scotch whisky samples--Black Label, Ballantines and Highland Clan. Approximately seventy volatile compounds were identified in the these samples, pertaining at several chemical groups, mainly fatty acids ethyl esters, higher alcohols, fatty acids, carbonyl compounds, monoterpenols, C13 norisoprenoids and some volatile phenols. The ethyl esters form an essential group of aroma components in whisky, to which they confer a pleasant aroma, with "fruity" odours. Qualitatively, the isoamyl acetate, with "banana" aroma, was the most interesting. Quantitatively, significant components are ethyl esters of caprilic, capric and lauric acids. The highest concentration of fatty acids, were observed for caprilic and capric acids. From the higher alcohols the fusel oils (3-methylbutan-1-ol and 2.phenyletanol) are the most important ones.     

顶空固相微萃取-气相色谱-质谱联用测定香水中5种合成麝香

建立了香水中5种合成麝香的顶空固相微萃取-气相色谱-质谱联用分析方法。实验选用65 μm的聚二甲基硅氧烷-二乙烯基苯(PDMS-DVB)萃取纤维,在磁力搅拌600 r/min条件下,考察了萃取温度、平衡时间、萃取时间、解吸时间、进样口温度和盐效应6个方面对实验结果的影响。优化后的条件为: 10 mL顶空瓶中加入适量用水稀释过的样品,于60 ℃平衡3 min后,顶空萃取20 min,随即插入气相色谱进样口,于250 ℃解吸3 min进行定性、定量分析。5种合成麝香在0.05～1.00 μg/g范围内线性关系良好,检出限(LOD)为0.6～2.1 ng/g。空白样品在3个浓度加标水平下(0.05, 0.50, 1.00 μg/g)的回收率为82.0%～103.3%,相对标准偏差(RSD)为1.8%～9.4%。本方法简便、准确、快速、灵敏,适用于香水中合成麝香的分析检验工作。     

Determination of organotin compounds in-water by headspace solid phase microextraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

This investigation evaluates headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine trace levels of organotins in water. The organotins were derivatized in situ with sodium tetraethylborate and adsorbed on a poly(dimethysiloxane) (PDMS)-coated fused silica fiber. The SPME experimental procedures to extract organotins in water were at pH 5, with extraction and derivatization simultaneously at 45 degrees C for 30 min in a 2% sodium tetraethylborate solution and a sample solution volume in the ratio of 1:1, and desorption in the splitless injection port of the GC at 260 degrees C for 2 min. Detection limits are determined to be in the low ng/L range. According to the analysis, the linearity range is from 10 to 10,000 ng/L with R.S.D. values below 12% except triphenyltin (24%). The proposed method was tested by analyzing surface seawater from the harbors on the Taiwanese coast for organotins residues. Some organotins studied were detected in the analyzed samples. Results of this study demonstrate the adequacy of the headspace SPME-GC-MS method for analyzing organotins in sea water samples.