Determination of Phenoxy Acid Pesticides in Frog and Fish Tissues by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

A gas chromatography-mass spectrometric GC-MS method has been developed for the determination of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) in frog and fish tissues. After homogenization and sonication of 5 g samples, purification was achieved by a liquid phase extraction procedure using methyl-tert-butyl ether. The extract was reacted for 30 min at 80 °C with 10 % H₂SO₄ in methanol to form the corresponding methyl esters, which were simultaneously extracted with petroleum ether, and analysed by GC-MS in selected ion monitoring mode. Detection limits were 1.0 and 0.5 μg. kg^?1 for 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T respectively in tissue samples and the calibration curves showed good linearity (r ≥ 0.999). Twenty-five frog samples and forty-six fish samples from various regions in Korea were analyzed. 2,4,5-T was detected up to a maximum concentration of 16.2 μg kg^?1 in frogs and fish. The developed method may be valuable for the national monitoring project of endocrine disruptors (EDs) in biota.     

Novel sensor based on carbon paste/Nafion? modified with gold nanoparticles for the determination of glutathione

Several problems for the direct electrochemical oxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH) challenge the usage of electroanalytical techniques for its determination. In this work, the electrochemical oxidation of GSH catalyzed by gold nanoparticles electrodeposited on Nafion modified carbon paste electrode in 0.04?mol?L^?1 universal buffer solution (pH?7.4) is proved successful. The effect of various experimental parameters including pH, scan rate and stability on the voltammetric response of GSH was investigated. At the optimum conditions, the concentration of GSH was determined using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in two concentration ranges: 0.1?×?10^?7 to 1.6?×?10^?5?mol?L^?1 and 2.0?×?10^?5 to 2.0?×?10^?4?mol?L^?1 with correlation coefficients 0.9988, 0.9949 and the limit of detections (LOD) are 3.9?×?10^?9?mol?L^?1 and 8.2?×?10^?8?mol?L^?1, respectively, which confirmed the sensitivity of the electrode. The high sensitivity, wide linear range, good stability and reproducibility, and the minimal surface fouling make this modified electrode useful for the determination of spiked GSH in urine samples and in tablet with excellent recovery results obtained.     

Determination of Blasticidin S in Spiked Rice Using SW Voltammetry with a Renewable Silver Amalgam Film Electrode

Blasticidin S (BS) was determined in spiked rice samples by square wave voltammetry (SWV) and square wave stripping voltammetry (SWSV) using a cyclic renewable silver amalgam film electrode (Hg(Ag)FE). It was found that the compound can act as an electrocatalyst. In Britton? Robinson buffer at pH 7.0 a signal connected with the hydrogen evolution reaction was detected at ?1.2 V versus Ag/AgCl. Validation of the method was carried out. The detection and quantification limits were found to be 2.13×10^?8 mol L^?1; 7.10×10^?8 mol L^?1 for SWV and 2.65×10^?9 mol L^?1; 8.85×10^?9 mol L^?1 for SWSV, respectively.     

Preliminary Screening Method for Dioxin Contamination Using Polarization Fluoroimmunoassay for Chlorinated Phenoxyacid Pesticides

Polarization fluoroimmunoassays (PFIA) were developed for the chlorinated pesticides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T). In order to optimize the PFIA procedures, a number of fluorescein-labeled 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T derivatives were synthesized and the influence of their structures on PFIA characteristics was studied. Also, several antisera were tested in developing the PFIA for 2,4,5-T. The assays were adapted for use with the Abbott TDx Analyzer and could be run in automatic mode by the adaptation of existing software and protocols. Dynamic ranges for 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T were 0.2-200 ng mL^–1 and 30-10 000 ng mL^–1, respectively. Total time for the automated assay of 20 samples was about 22 min. PFIA provides a suitable means for screening of a large number of samples. The rapid determination of 2,4,5-T, which is one of the precursors of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, one of the most toxic groups of pollutants, may potentially be used to provide preliminary evidence of dioxin contamination.     

Development and application of the tartrazine voltammetric sensors based on molecularly imprinted polymers

A modified glassy carbon electrode was prepared as an electrochemical voltammetric sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer film for tartrazine (TT) detection. The sensitive film was prepared by copolymerization of tartrazine and acrylamide on the carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode. The performance of the imprinted sensor was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in detail. Under the optimum conditions, two dynamic linear ranges of 8?×?10^?8 to 1?×?10^?6?mol?L^?1 and 1?×?10^?6 to 1?×?10^?5?mol?L^?1 were obtained, with a detection limit of 2.74?×?10^?8?mol?L^?1(S/N?=?3). This sensor was used successfully for tartrazine determination in beverages.     

A Fast,Simple Method for Analysis of Phenoxy Acid Salt and Ester Formulations by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

Salt formulations of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), 2,4,5-T (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and dichlorprop [2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)propanoic acid] have been analysed by reversed-phase HPLC using a C18-column with 50:50 (v/v) acetonitrile/2% acetic acid as eluant. Internal and external standard HPLC methods are compared.

Ester formulations of 2,4-D and 2,4,5–T are analysed, without hydrolysis, on the same column using 60:40 (v/v) acetonitrile/2% acetic acid as eluant. The method has been used in this laboratory to determine free phenoxy acid in ester formulations, and for the identification of esters in mixed ester formulations.

The methods are fast and accurate, and offer some advantages over previously-described methods.     

Sensitive determination of bisphenol A in plastic products by derivative voltammetry using an acetylene black paste electrode coated with salicylaldehyde-modified chitosan

A sensitive and reliable electrochemical method was developed for determination of bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic products using an acetylene black paste electrode coated with salicylaldehyde-modified chitosan (denoted as S-CHIT/ABPE). In the second-order derivative linear sweep voltammetry technique, BPA yielded a very sensitive and well-defined oxidation peak at 842?mV in 0.2?mol?L^?1 HCl solution. Owing to its unique structure and extraordinary properties, S-CHIT/ABPE showed higher accumulation efficiency toward BPA compared with bare ABPE, and significantly enhanced the oxidation peak current of BPA. Under the optimum conditions, the oxidation peak current was proportional to the concentration of BPA over the range of 4.0?×?10^?8?mol?L^?1?～?1.0?× 10^?5?mol?L^?1. The detection limit (S/N?=?3) was 2.0?×?10^?8?mol?L^?1. The fabricated S-CHIT/ABPE not only exhibited strong adsorption capacity toward BPA, but also provided remarkable stable and quantitatively reproducible analytical performance. Additionally, this newly-developed method possesses some obvious advantages including high sensitivity, extreme simplicity, rapid response and low cost.     

Determination of Ethambutol in Aqueous Medium Using an Inexpensive Gold Microelectrode Array as Amperometric Sensor

In this paper, gold microelectrode array (Au‐MEA) were employed to determination of ethambutol in aqueous medium. Au‐MEA was constructed with an electronic microchip integrated circuit. The standard curve (analytical curve) was constructed for a single microelectrode (ME) in a concentration range of 5.0×10^?5 to 2.0×10^?3 mol L^?1, allowing estimation of both the limit of detection (LOD) (4.73×10^?5 mol L^?1) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) (1.57×10^?4 mol L^?1) for ethambutol. When the MEA was utilized, the LOD and LOQ were 1.55×10^?7 and 5.18×10^?7 mol L^?1, respectively. Our results indicated that Au‐MEA can be utilized as amperometric sensors for ethambutol determination in aqueous media.     

Direct Electroanalytical Determination of Fluvastatin in a Pharmaceutical Dosage Form: Batch and Flow Analysis

Abstract

The reduction of luvastatin (FLV) at a hanging mercury-drop electrode (HMDE) was studied by square-wave adsorptive-stripping voltammetry (SWAdSV). FLV can be accumulated and reduced at the electrode, with a maximum peak current intensity at a potential of approximately ?1.26 V vs. AgCl/Ag, in an aqueous electrolyte solution of pH 5.25. The method shows linearity between peak current intensity and FLV concentration between 1.0 × 10^?8 and 2.7 × 10^?6 mol L^?1. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were found to be 9.9 × 10^?9 mol L^?1 and 3.3 × 10^?8 mol L^?1, respectively.

Furthermore, FLV oxidation at a glassy carbon electrode surface was used for its hydrodynamic monitoring by amperometric detection in a flow-injection system. The amperometric signal was linear with FLV concentration over the range 1.0 × 10^?6 to 1.0 × 10^?5 mol L^?1, with an LOD of 2.4 × 10^?7 mol L^?1 and an LOQ of 8.0 × 10^?7 mol L^?1. A sample rate of 50 injections per hour was achieved.

Both methods were validated and showed to be precise and accurate, being satisfactorily applied to the determination of FLV in a commercial pharmaceutical.     

Simultaneous determination of dopamine and serotonin by use of covalent modification of 5-hydroxytryptophan on glassy carbon electrode

An electrochemical biosensor was fabricated by covalent modification of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrode, denoted as 5-HTP/GCE, was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. For comparison, tryptophan modified GCE (TRP/GCE) and serotonin modified GCE (5-HT/GCE) were prepared by the same method. It was found that electrocatalytic ability of these electrodes was in the order of 5-HTP/GCE?>?TRP/GCE?>?5-HT/GCE for the oxidation of dopamine (DA) and 5-HT. The sensor was effective to simultaneously determine DA and 5-HT in a mixture. It can resolve the overlapping anodic peaks into two well-defined voltammetric peaks at 0.24 and 0.39 V (versus SCE). The linear response is in the range of 5.0?×?10^?7–3.5?×?10^?5 mol L^?1 with a detection limit of 3.1?×?10^?7 mol L^?1 for DA, and in the range of 5.0?×?10^?6–3.5?×?10^?5 mol L^?1 with a detection limit of 1.7?×?10^?6 mol L^?1 for 5-HT (s/n?=?3), respectively.     

Development and Comparative Study of Different Immunoenzyme Techniques for Pesticides Detection

Abstract

Different ELISA techniques have been developed for the detemination of four widely used pesticides: 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), simazine and atrazine. Dependences between the assay scheme and the limiting detectable concentration of the pesticide were studied. The cases of preferential applying of the scheme with immobilized antibodies or one with immobilized pesticide-protein conjugate have been revealed. The following approaches resulting in lowering of ELISA sensitivity were proposed: preliminary incubation of the tested sample with antibodies, immobilization of antibodies via staphylococcal protein A, usage of monovalent fragments of antibodies instead of native ones and chemical modification of the pesticide molecules in the sample. Optimal combinations of these approaches permitted to lower the detection limit of the assays in about 5–30 times. The achieved sensitivities were 3 ng/mL for 2,4-D, 5 ng/mL for 2,4,5-T, 0.05 ng/mL for simazine, and 0.1 ng/mL for atrazine, being acceptable for purposes of ecological monitoring.     

Cytotoxicity,apoptosis, interaction with DNA,cellular uptake,and cell cycle arrest of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes containing 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine as ancillary ligand

Two new ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes, [Ru(dmb)₂(DNPIP)](ClO₄)₂ (1) (DNPIP?=?2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, dmb?=?4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) and [Ru(dmb)₂(DAPIP)](ClO₄)₂ (2) (DAPIP?=?2-(2,4-diaminophenyl)imidazo[4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline), were synthesized and characterized. The DNA-binding behaviors of these complexes have been studied by UV-Vis absorption titration, viscosity measurements, and photocleavage. The DNA-binding constants are 7.39 (±0.16)?×?10⁴ (s?=?2.68) and 2.73 (±0.16)?×?10^4?(mol?L^?1)^?1 (s?=?0.64) for 1 and 2, respectively. Their evaluation as cytotoxic agents on different cancer cell lines was investigated with IC₅₀ values of 59.5, 51.3, and 70.3?µmol?L^?1 for 1, >100, 87.9, and 77.9?µmol?L^?1 for 2 against BEL-7402, HepG-2, and MCF-7 cells, respectively. Complex 1 is more active than 2 against selected cancer cell lines. The apoptosis induced by these complexes was studied. Cellular uptake showed that these complexes could enter into the cytoplasm and accumulate in the nuclei. The cell cycle arrest and antioxidant activity against hydroxyl radicals were also investigated.     

The electrochemistry of uric acid at a gold electrode modified with L-cysteine, and its application to sensing uric urine

The electrochemistry of uric acid at a gold electrode modified with a self-assembled film of L-cysteine was studied by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Compared to the bare gold electrode, uric acid showed better electrochemical response in that the anodic peak current is stronger and the peak potential is negatively shifted by about 100 mV. The effects of experimental conditions on the oxidation of uric acid were tested and a calibration plot was established. The differential pulse response to uric acid is linear in the concentration range from 1.0?×?10^?6 to ~?1.0?×?10^?4 mol?L^?1 (r?=?0.9995) and from 1.0?×?10^?4 to ~?5.0?×?10^?4 mol?L^?1 (r?=?0.9990), the detection limit being 1.0?×?10^?7 mol?L^?1 (at S/N?=?3). The high sensitivity and good selectivity of the electrode was demonstrated by its practical application to the determination of uric acid in urine samples.

An Experimental Design for Simultaneous Determination of Carbendazim and Fenamiphos by Electrochemical Method

This study is aimed to develop an electroanalytical methodology using a boron‐doped diamond electrode (BDD) associated with experimental design in order to determine simultaneously and selectively carbendazin (CBZ) and fenamiphos (FNP) pesticides. In previous studies oxidation peaks were observed at 1.10 V (CBZ) and 1.20 V (FNP), respectively, with characteristics of irreversible processes controlled by diffusion of species (in pH 2.0 (CBZ) and pH 3.5 (FNP)) using a BR buffer 0.1 mol L^?1 as support electrolyte. The differences between the potentials for both pesticides, (about 100 mV) indicate the possibility of selective determination of FNP and CBZ. However, employing an equimolar mixture of analytes, the peaks overlap to form a single oxidation peak. Thus, we used a 3⁴ full factorial design with four parameters to be analyzed in three levels, in order to obtain the optimized parameters for the separation of the peaks. The best separation conditions were pH 5.0, square wave frequency of 300 s^?1, pulse amplitude of 10 mV and scan increment of 2 mV. These parameters were used to obtain the calibration curves of CBZ and FNP. For CBZ the analytical curve was obtained in the concentration range of 4.95×10^?6 to 6.90×10^?5 mol L^?1 with good sensitivity and linearity (0.175 A/mol L^?1 and 0.999, respectively). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 1.6×10^?6 mol L^?1 and 5.5×10^?6 mol L^?1, respectively. For FNP the linear concentration interval was 4.95×10^?6 to 3.67×10^?5 mol L^?1, with a sensitivity of 0,207 A/mol L^?1 and linearity of 0.996. The LOD and LOQ were 4.1×10^?6 mol L^?1 and 13.7×10^?6 mol L^?1, respectively. Using these experimental conditions it was possible to separate the oxidation peaks of CBZ (E_p=1.08 V) and FNP (E_p=1.23 V). The electroanlytical method was applied in lemon juice samples. The recovery values were 110.0 % and 92.5 % for CBZ and FNP, respectively. The results showed that the developed method is suitable for application in foodstuff samples.     

Trace determination of vardenafil hydrochloride in commercial formulation and human serum by adsorptive anodic stripping voltammetry at a carbon paste electrode

The electrochemical behavior of vardenafil HCl (VRL) at a carbon paste electrode (CPE) was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, and the mechanism of its oxidation was suggested and discussed. A simple Nujol-based CPE in combination with a sensitive square-wave adsorption anodic stripping voltammetry method was described for trace determination of VRL. The described method showed excellent performance for trace determination of VRL in its formulation “Levitra® tablets” without interference from excipients. The results were statistically compared with those obtained with an established HPLC method; nonsignificant differences were found between the described voltammetric and HPLC methods. The described stripping voltammetric method is highly sensitive (limit of detection?=?3?×?10^?10?mol?L^?1 and limit of quantitation?=?1?×?10^?9?mol?L^?1). It was successfully applied for the determination of VRL in spiked human serum without the necessity for pretreatment and/or time-consuming extraction steps prior to the analysis.     

On-line determination of palladium by flame atomic absorption spectrometry coupled with a separation/preconcentration minicolumn containing a new sorbent

A method was developed for the on-line determination of palladium in complex matrices with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) using Amberlite XAD-16 resin functionalized with 2-[2-(5-thiol-1,3,4-thiadiazolyl)]-azonaphthol (TTAN) reagent. Optimum experimental conditions such as pH of sample, type of eluent, amount of resin, volumes of sample and eluent solution, flow rates of sample and eluent, and effect of interfering ions were established. A 0.1?mol?L^?1 thiourea solution in 0.5?mol?L^?1 HCl was used as the eluent and subsequently transportation the analyte ions into the nebulizer–burner system for atomization. The synthesized chelating resin material showed excellent chemical and mechanical resistance, fast adsorption kinetics permitting the use of high sample flow rates without significant losses of retention efficiency. The detection limit of the method was 1.5?µg?L^?1 while the relative standard deviation (RSD%) was 2.4% at 0.1?mg?L^?1 Pd(II) level. The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of palladium in the catalytic converter and water samples.     

On-line continuous-flow extraction system in liqud chromatography with ultraviolet and mass spectrometric detection for the determination of selected organic pollutants

An on-line extraction system with completely continuous-flow analysis prior to the liquid chromatographic (LC) column was used for the determination of the organophosphorus pesticides tetrachlorvinphos and parathion-methyl and their degradation products 2,4,5-trichlorophenol and 4-nitrophenol, respectively, and the chlorinated phenoxy acids 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T and silvex in water samples. The extent of extraction varied from 100% for chlorinated phenoxy acids to 60% for organophosphorus pesticides and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol. The extraction of 4-nitrophenol was less than 10% under these conditions. By employing positive-ion mode thermospray LC-mass spectrometry, the characterization of tetrachlorvinphos was feasible, indicating [M + NH₄]⁺ as the base peak and a second peak with 20% relative intensity corresponding to [M + H]⁺. When the negative-ion mode was used, the chlorinated phenoxy acids and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol exhibited [M + HCOO]^? as the base peak and a second peak with 30% relative intensity corresponding to [M ? H]^?. The determination of 1 mg l^?1 of tetrachlorvinphos spiked in a surface water sample is reported.     

A method based on electrodeposition of reduced graphene oxide on glassy carbon electrode for sensitive detection of theophylline

Graphene nanosheets were directly electrodeposited onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) from the electrolyte solution containing graphene oxide (GO); the resulting electrode (ED-GO/GCE) was characterized with scanning electron microscopy. A simple and rapid electrochemical method was developed for the determination of theophylline (TP), based on the excellent properties of ED-GO film. The result indicated that ED-GO film-modified GCE exhibited efficient electrocatalytic oxidation for TP with relatively high sensitivity and stability. The electrochemical behavior of TP at ED-GO/GCE was investigated in detail. Under the optimized conditions, the oxidation peak current was proportional to the TP concentration in the range of 8.0?×?10^?7 to 6.0?×?10^?5 mol?L^?1 with the detection limit of 1.0?×?10^?7 mol?L^?1 (S/N?=?3). The proposed method was successfully applied to green tea samples with satisfactory results.     

Cloud-point extraction,preconcentration, and spectrophotometric determination of palladium in water samples

The possibility of using Thio-Michler's Ketone (TMK), 4,4′-bis(dimethylamino) thiobenzophenone, for palladium(II) concentrated by micellar extraction at the cloud-point temperature, and later spectrophotometric determination, was investigated. Under the optimum conditions, preconcentration of 50?mL of water samples in the presence of 0.1% (w/v) octylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol (Triton X-114), 2?×?10^?6?mol?L^?1?TMK and 1?×?10^–3?mol?L^?1 buffer solution (pH?=?3.0) gave the limit of detection of 0.47?ng?mL^?1, and the calibration graph was linear in the range of 2–50?ng?mL^–1. The recovery under optimum working conditions was higher than 97%. The proposed method has been applied to the spectrophotometric determination of palladium(II) in natural water samples after cloud-point extraction with satisfactory results.     

Synthesis,structure, photochromic,and fluorescent imaging properties of sodium-3,3′-azobis(1,2,4-triazole)

A crystal of [Na₂(ABT)?·?5H₂O] (ABT?=?3,3′-azobis(1,2,4-triazole)) (1) was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 features a 1-D chain and each ABT^2? is a µ_1,2,6 bridge with three triazole nitrogen atoms coordinating to three different sodium(I). Aqueous solution of 1 (6.0?×?10^?5?mol?L^?1) shows photochromism. Fluorescence of solid 1 displays green photoluminescence under UV-light or laser irradiation and can be employed to label onion cell.