Black crusts and patinas on Pentelic marble from the Parthenon and Erechtheum (Acropolis, Athens): characterization and origin

This study describes an analytical approach for the characterization and origin of the encrustation formed on the surface of monuments from the Acropolis in Athens. The morphology of encrustation was investigated by optical and scanning electronic microscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS) identify and quantify the key elements and compounds associated with the genesis of encrustation. Black crusts (>200 μm thick), consisting of gypsum, calcite and elements such as Si, Al, Fe, Pb, Ti, Zn and Mn, were being formed from interaction between the marble surface and atmospheric pollutants. Orange-brown accretions on the Parthenon, called patinas (∼150 μm thick), comprise calcite, calcium oxalates, low amount of S, and both in the inner and outer parts significant and almost constant amounts of Si, P and Fe; P and Fe identified as hydroxyapatite and hematite, respectively. In the Parthenon patinas, the EDS distribution maps of Si, Fe and P indicate an origin that may be attributed to the residue and transformation of ancient treatments rich in these elements. Patinas from the Erechtheum (∼100 μm thick) resemble plasters consisting of calcite, siliceous sand, hydroxyapatite, calcium oxalates and hematite. EDXRF highlighted the presence of Pb in the patinas from the Erechtheum; FTIR revealed that Pb is in the form of cerussite most probably from the use of attic ochre. The patinas from the Parthenon and Erechtheum, as opposed to black crusts, are associated with the best-preserved surfaces and should remain intact during conservation interventions.     

Organic content evaluation of corrosion patinas in outdoor bronze monuments

Summary As opposed to inorganic composition, the characterization of organic content in patinas of bronze monuments has been neglected. Analytical pyrolysis coupled with gaschromatographyάss-spectrometry (Py/GC-MS) has been shown to be a valid and rapid technique to identify organic materials in corrosion patina of bronze monuments. In this paper six renaissance Italian outdoor bronze monuments were analyzed in order to determine organic composition of the patina. Results show the presence of both environmental organic compounds and chemicals coming from protective treatment.     

Renaissance patinas in Úbeda (Spain): mineralogic,petrographic and spectroscopic study

Different analytical techniques were used for microstructural and compositional analysis of the ochre-coloured patinas that appear on the calcarenite substrate of monuments in the historical settings of Úbeda and Baeza (Spain). Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX), x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) were employed and a critical comparison of their experimental requirements, strengths and weaknesses is presented. The study focussed on two churches in Úbeda where patinas were widespread in ornamental elements. These films contained calcite as the principal component, and traces of dolomite and feldspars. Clear identification of calcium oxalate, mainly in the form of whewellite, was achieved by infrared and Raman spectroscopic studies. Results from texture, distribution and composition of the patinas in ornamental elements suggest that ancient treatments were applied for protection of Renaissance façades and consolidation of weathered older façades. The patinas were seldom found on supporting elements. Their different composition, apatite was found together with oxalates, and location may suggest a biogenic origin here. Gypsum crusts were sometimes found over the patinas.     

脂肪酸的色谱保留时间规律与质谱特征研究及其在食品分析中的应用

用石油醚提取食品中的脂肪,经甲酯化反应后,采用HP-88(100m×0.25mm,0.33μm)弹性石英毛细管柱分离脂肪酸甲酯的同系物及异构体,GC/MS法测定。研究了不同链长脂肪酸的同系物及异构体的气相色谱出峰顺序,得到其保留时间规律;研究了不同脂肪酸的质谱断裂规律,选择3个特征离子来鉴定脂肪酸成分。建立了3个特征离子确定脂肪酸碳数及双键数目,色谱保留时间规律确定脂肪酸顺反异构体及双键位置异构体的方法。本法无需标准品即可快速测定脂肪酸同系物及异构体的含量,适用于脂肪酸组成的研究;及油脂、食品中脂肪酸,特别是反式脂肪酸的测定。     

Discrimination of almonds (Prunus dulcis) geographical origin by minerals and fatty acids profiling

Twenty-one almond samples from three different geographical origins (Sicily, Spain and California) were investigated by determining minerals and fatty acids compositions. Data were used to discriminate by chemometry almond origin by linear discriminant analysis. With respect to previous PCA profiling studies, this work provides a simpler analytical protocol for the identification of almonds geographical origin. Classification by using mineral contents data only was correct in 77% of the samples, while, by using fatty acid profiles, the percentages of samples correctly classified reached 82%. The coupling of mineral contents and fatty acid profiles lead to an increased efficiency of the classification with 87% of samples correctly classified.     

Imaging mass spectrometry with silver naeoparticles reveals the distribution of fatty acids in mouse retinal sections

A new approach to the visualization of fatty acids in mouse liver and retinal samples has been developed using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in nanoparticle-assisted laser desorption/ ionization imaging mass spectrometry (nano-PALDI-IMS) in negative ion mode. So far, IMS analysis has concentrated on main cell components, such as cell membrane phospholipids and cytoskeletal peptides. AgNPs modified with alkylcarboxylate and alkylamine were used for nano-PALDI-IMS to identify fatty acids, such as stearic, oleic, linoleic, arachidonic, and eicosapentaenoic acids, as well as palmitic acid, in mouse liver sections; these fatty acids are not detected using 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) as a matrix. The limit of detection for the determination of palmitic acid was 50 pmol using nano-PALDI-IMS. The nano-PALDI-IMS method is successfully applied to the reconstruction of the ion images of fatty acids in mouse liver sections. We verified the detection of fatty acids in liver tissue sections of mice by analyzing standard lipid samples, which showed that fatty acids were from free fatty acids and dissociated fatty acids from lipids when irradiated with a laser. Additionally, we applied the proposed method to the identification of fatty acids in mouse retinal tissue sections, which enabled us to learn the six-zonal distribution of fatty acids in different layers of the retina. We believe that the current approach using AgNPs in nano-PALDI-IMS could lead to a new strategy to analyze basic biological mechanisms and several diseases through the distribution of fatty acids.     

Automated Trimethyl Sulfonium Hydroxide Derivatization Method for High-Throughput Fatty Acid Profiling by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

Fatty acid profiling on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) platforms is typically performed offline by manually derivatizing and analyzing small batches of samples. A GC–MS system with a fully integrated robotic autosampler can significantly improve sample handling, standardize data collection, and reduce the total hands-on time required for sample analysis. In this study, we report an optimized high-throughput GC–MS-based methodology that utilizes trimethyl sulfonium hydroxide (TMSH) as a derivatization reagent to convert fatty acids into fatty acid methyl esters. An automated online derivatization method was developed, in which the robotic autosampler derivatizes each sample individually and injects it into the GC–MS system in a high-throughput manner. This study investigated the robustness of automated TMSH derivatization by comparing fatty acid standards and lipid extracts, derivatized manually in batches and online automatically from four biological matrices. Automated derivatization improved reproducibility in 19 of 33 fatty acid standards, with nearly half of the 33 confirmed fatty acids in biological samples demonstrating improved reproducibility when compared to manually derivatized samples. In summary, we show that the online TMSH-based derivatization methodology is ideal for high-throughput fatty acid analysis, allowing rapid and efficient fatty acid profiling, with reduced sample handling, faster data acquisition, and, ultimately, improved data reproducibility.     

Analysis by fast-atom bombardment tandem mass spectrometry of phosphatidylcholine isolated from heart mitochondrial fractions: Evidence of incorporation of monohydroxylated fatty acyl moieties

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is one of the main phospholipids present in mitochondrial membranes. According to current knowledge, the predominant fatty acyl moieties in this phospholipid are 16, 18, 20, or 22 carbon atoms long with chains that contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms. We have conducted a detailed analysis of the fatty acid substituents of the phospholipids present in mitochondrial fractions by using fast-atom bombardment tandem PC extracted from mitochondrial fractions of rat heart. The structure of one of these monohydroxylated fatty acids has been elucidated and corresponded to 12-hydroxy 9-octadecenoic acid. Indications that concern the structure of the five other monohydroxylated fatty acids are presented. These monohydroxylated fatty acyl groups are preferentially associated in the PC molecule with C-18 and C-20 fatty acyl moieties. We present arguments to suggest that the formation of these compounds is probably not due to a free-radical initiated mechanism. The potential implication of these monohydroxylated fatty acids in several physiological functions is suggested by the fact that free hydroxylated fatty acids that are identical or closely related to those found in the mitochondrial fractions possess various biological activities.     

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of bonded long chain fatty acids in a single zebrafish egg by ultrasound-assisted one-step transmethylation and extraction

Changes in the level of lipid composition in a single zebrafish egg have been involved in biological responses to chemical exposures. In this paper, an one-step transmethylation of lipids and simultaneous extraction of resultant fatty acid methyl esters followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis was developed for the identification of bonded long chain fatty acids in a single zebrafish egg. The efficiency of transmethylation under different experimental conditions has been investigated. Dried egg homogenates were directly mixed with either 0.5 M NaOH or 1% H₂SO₄ or 4% HCl solution of methanol and then an n-hexane solution was added on the top. Ultrasonication of this immiscible liquid-liquid-solid system produces high velocity impacts between solid particles and liquid phases and thus promotes mass transfer among phases. It was demonstrated that ultrasound irradiation has strong effect on the alkaline-catalyzed transmethylation of lipids but cannot significantly change the acid-catalyzed transmethylation of lipids. With the aid of ultrasonication, transmethylation can be combined with simultaneous extraction of the resultant fatty acid methyl esters into n-hexane phase. This approach simplifies the sample preparation procedure, shortens the reaction time but improves the efficiency of the transmethylation of lipids and reduces sample losses, especially for small size samples. It has been applied to determine bonded fatty acids in a single zebrafish egg. In total, 28 fatty acids from a single zebrafish egg have been identified reproducibly.     

A novel derivatization reagent possessing a bromoquinolinium structure for biological carboxylic acids in HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS

A novel bromoquinolinium reagent, i.e. 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)‐3‐bromoquinolinium bromide (APBQ), was synthesized for the analysis of carboxylic acids. A simple and practical precolumn derivatization procedure using the APBQ in RP chromatography and MS (HPLC‐MS) has been developed using bile acids and free fatty acids, as the representative carboxylic acids in biological samples. The APBQ efficiently reacted with carboxylic acids at 60°C for 60 min in the presence of N,N‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and pyridine as the activation reagents. Because the APBQ possesses a bromine atom in the structure, the identification of a series of carboxylic acids was easily achieved due to the characteristic bromine isotope pattern in the mass spectra. The APBQ also has a quaternary amine structure, thus the positively charged derivatives are predominate for the highly sensitive detection of carboxylic acids. The APBQ was successfully applied to the selective determination of biological carboxylic acids in human plasma. The bile acids (chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid) and several saturated (stearic acid and palmitic acid) and unsaturated free fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid) were reasonably determined by HPLC‐MS under the proposed procedure. Based on the results of analyses of human plasma and saliva, the proposed procedure using APBQ seems to be applicable for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of a series of carboxylic acids in biological samples.     

Development of an analytical procedure for evaluation of the protective behaviour of innovative fungal patinas on archaeological and artistic metal artefacts

In the literature, the ability to transform metal compounds into metal oxalates has been reported for different species of fungi. This could be an innovative conservation method for archaeological and artistic metal artefacts. In fact, with a high degree of insolubility and chemical stability even in acid atmospheres (pH 3), metal oxalates provide the surface with good protection. Within the framework of the EU-ARTECH project, different fungal strains have been used to transform existing corrosion patinas on outdoor bronze monuments into copper oxalates, while preserving the physical appearance of these artefacts. Given the promising results obtained with this first attempt, the same approach is now applied within the BAHAMAS (Marie Curie Intra European Fellowship action) project, but extended to other metal substrates, for example iron and silver, which are frequently found in cultural heritage artworks and also encounter several problems of active corrosion. The research is investigating the formation mechanisms and adhesion properties of the newly formed metal oxalates by means of complementary analytical techniques (X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR microscopy, Raman microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), colorimetry). For each metal substrate, the most appropriate fungal strain is going to be identified and applied to corroded sheets and the novel fungal treatment compared with those used so far. Treated metal sheets will be monitored during 1-year exposure to different cycles of artificial ageing, to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the fungal patinas obtained. The objective of this contribution is to present the first results achieved so far on naturally corroded bronze sheets during the EU-ARTECH project and the analytical procedure used for the testing of the proposed treatment performances during the BAHAMAS project.     

Occurrence of Cis-11,12-Methylene-Hexadecanoic Acid in the Red Alga Solieria pacifica (Yamada) Yoshida

Fatty acids in marine algae have attracted the attention of natural chemists because of their biological activity. The fatty acid compositions of the Solieriaceae families (Rhodophyceae, Gaigartinales) provide interesting information that unusual cyclic fatty acids have been occasionally found. A survey was conducted to profile the characteristic fatty acid composition of the red alga Solieria pacifica (Yamada) Yoshida using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR). In S. pacifica, two cyclopentyl fatty acids, 11-cyclopentylundecanoic acid (7.0%), and 13-cyclopentyltridecanoic acid (4.9%), and a cyclopropane fatty acid, cis-11,12-methylene-hexadecanoic acid (7.9%) contributed significantly to the overall fatty acid profile. In particular, this cyclopropane fatty acid has been primarily found in bacteria, rumen microorganisms or foods of animal origin, and has not previously been found in any other algae. In addition, this alga contains a significant amount of the monoenoic acid cis-11-hexadecenoic acid (9.0%). Therefore, cis-11,12-methylene-hexadecanoic acid in S. pacifica was likely produced by methylene addition to cis-11-hexadecenoic acid.     

类二十烷酸分析方法及应用的研究进展

类二十烷酸是一大类由二十碳多不饱和脂肪酸氧化产生的具有生物活性的不饱和脂肪酸,是重要的炎症因子,广泛存在于体液和组织中,调节体内众多生理和病理过程。类二十烷酸在生物体内种类众多,含量较低,并且存在大量同分异构体,因此生物体内类二十烷酸的分离和分析具有较大的挑战。本文对近5年来类二十烷酸的分析方法和其在生物样品分析中的应用进行归纳总结,重点介绍了不同分析方法的特点及其在生物样品分析中的最新进展,旨在为类二十烷酸的体内药物分析及应用研究提供参考。     

Analysis of volatile fatty acids in biological specimens by capillary gas chromatography

A method was developed to analyze and quantitate volatile fatty acids such as acetic, propionic, butyric, iso-butyric, valeric, and iso-valeric acid from samples of biological origin. A capillary column system including an automatic on-column injection device as well as a precolumn of larger internal diameter than the analytical column was elaborated for this purpose. In order to obtain well resolved and correctly quantifiable chromatographic peaks it turned out to be essential to work under acidic/aqueous conditions. To achieve a better sample transfer into the chromatographic system an organic solvent had to be used together with the aqueous milieu, thus improving wetting properties of the liquid sample plug introduced into the column. Cold on-column injection was applied in order to avoid discrimination of the various acids due to sample splitting and the automatic technique was chosen in view of the large number of samples from biological extractions which had to be analyzed.     

Gas Chromatographic Determination of Glycerides in Potato Crisps Fried in Different Oils

Summary Glycerides in eight commercial potato crisps were identified after conversion to fatty acids. The profiles were analysed and compared, with regard to 14 fatty acids, by use of a gas chromatographic method. Results showed that the fatty acid profile is quite variable among brands and depends on the type of oil used in the frying process. To provide a means of identifying the frying oil correctly, brands were classified into three groups depending on the main fatty acid present. After the first analysis samples were stored at room temperature in the dark and analysed again 1 and 3 months later.Presented at: International Symposium on Seperation and Characterization of Natural and Synthetic Macromolecules, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, February 5–7, 2003     

Presence and racemisation of amino acids in calcium oxalate patinas. A case study from the Baptistery in Parma,Italy

The organic material present in oxalate patinas, collected from the stone external surfaces of the Baptistery in Parma (Italy), was analysed by GC-MS. The high racemisation levels determined for several specific amino acids indicate that microbial activity could contribute to the formation and modification of the organic material leading to the calcium oxalate patinas.     

Evaluation of a sensitive HPLC method for the determination of Malondialdehyde, and application of the method to different biological materials

Summary Reactive oxygen species (ROS), important mediators of cell and tissue injury during inflammation, are produced by several types of inflammatory cells. The formation of ROS can be monitored by detection of lipid peroxidation products. The extremely broad spectrum of biological effects of aldehydic lipid peroxidation products has necessitated the development of a technique that enables the sensitive routine quantitation of aldehydes formed in biological materials. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a by-product of enzymatic eicosanoid formation and an end-product of nonenzymatic peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids with three or more bisallylic double bonds. The determination of the thiobarbituric acid derivative of MDA (TBA-MDA) is a widely used method for estimating overall lipid peroxidation. We describe a rapid, isocratic, simple, and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with spectrofluorimetric detection for measurement of MDA-TBA in human biological samples such as plasma, urine, wound secretions, amniotic fluid, sputum and tissue samples. By use of this method, picomole quantities of MDA can be readily and specifically detected in different biological materials. Coefficients of variation of repeated MDA-TBA assays were 4.4% within run and 6.9% from run to run. Reference values are given for a variety of human body fluids and for rat tissues.     

Simultaneous separation and sensitive determination of free fatty acids in blood plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography

The quantitative determination of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (ranging from acetic acid to lignoceric acid) in biological samples is presented. The secondary amine group of 5-(dimethylamino)-1-naphthalenesulponyl-semipiperazide (dansyl-semipiperazide) reacts with the carboxyl group of the fatty acids to form an amide linkage in order to obtain fluorescent derivatives of the acids. The fluorescent derivatives are analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using an internal standard.     

硒化合物对不饱和脂肪酸过氧自由基的作用

本文用电子自旋共振谱技术研究了硒代二乙酸和硒代二丙酸对不饱和脂肪酸过氧自由基的作用。结果表明,硒化合物清除不饱和度为2和2以上的脂肪酸的过氧自由基,但促进仅含一个双键的不饱和脂肪酸的过氧自由基的生成。     

Study of the inhibitory effect of ferulic acid on short-chain fatty acids in milk samples by dispersive liquid–liquid micro-extraction in combination with fluorescence derivatization

A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to study the influence of ferulic acid on the formation of volatile fatty acids and lactic acid in milk and soybean milk samples. Volatile fatty acids were extracted by liquid–liquid micro-extraction using chloroform and acetonitrile as the extraction and disperser solvents, respectively. The analytes were derivatized with 2-(5-benzoacridine)ethyl-p-toluenesulfonate that showed excellent fluorescence property and made the sensitive HPLC analysis of short-chain fatty acids become possible. The optimized HPLC sensitivity was in the range of 1.1–1.9?µg?L^?1. Ferulic acid was added in milk and soybean milk samples to study its preservative effect. The results indicated that ferulic acid with concentration of 0.2% (m/v) could effectively reduce the formation of short-chain fatty acids.