Overview of Analytical Methodologies for Dioxin Analysis

Abstract

Poly(chlorinated) dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/PCDFs) are persistent organic pollutants which are globally distributed in practically all environmental compartments and which exert a broad spectrum of toxic and biochemical effects. Humans are exposed to these compounds mainly through the diet with food of animal origin usually being the predominant source.

Multiple step isolation and clean up procedures are necessary to determine trace levels of these analytes in complex environmental and biological samples. This article reviews some of the recent developments in the extraction procedures, such as SFE, PLE, HS‐SPME, MAE, SCWE, ASE; clean‐up areas and instrumental analysis of dioxins in biological/environmental samples. Due to its specificity and sensitivity gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (GC–HRMS), high‐resolution gas chromatography high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC‐HRMS), or GC‐MS/GC techniques have been extensively applied to environmental, medicinal, and biological studies.     

Profiling of grape monoterpene glycosides (aroma precursors) by ultra‐high performance‐liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTOF)

A ‘suspect screening analysis’ method for grape metabolomics by ultra‐high performance‐liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and high‐resolution quadrupole‐time of flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry was recently developed. This method was applied to study grape monoterpene glycosides, the main grape aroma precursors. Since standard compounds were not available, they were tentatively identified by overlapping various analytical approaches, in agreement with the indications recommended in mass spectrometry (MS)‐based metabolomics. Accurate mass and isotopic pattern, MS/MS fragmentation, correlation between fragments observed and putative structures and between liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry signals were studied. Seventeen monoterpene glycosides were identified without performing the hydrolytic artifacts commonly used to study these compounds which may affect sample profile. This is the first time that a detailed study of these aroma precursors has been carried out by direct LC/MS analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

液相色谱-高分辨质谱联用技术在食品欺诈检测鉴别中的应用

针对我国现阶段较为突出的违法使用农兽药、滥用食品添加剂、非法添加非食用物质和掺杂使假等食品欺诈问题,综述了近5年来液相色谱-高分辨质谱联用技术在该领域的应用情况。重点介绍了高分辨质谱,主要是飞行时间质谱和静电场轨道阱质谱技术的定向筛查和非定向筛查功能在食品欺诈检测鉴别中的应用,以期为解决该类食品安全问题提供有益的参考。     

Determination of multiple pesticide residues in teas by gas chromatography with accurate time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

In this work, gas chromatography tandem with electron ionization and full‐scan high‐resolution mass spectrometry with a time‐of‐flight mass analyzer was evaluated for analyzing pesticide residues in teas. The relevant aspects for mass spectrometry analysis, including the resolution and mass accuracy, acquisition rate, temperature of ion source, were investigated. Under acquisition condition in 2‐GHz extended dynamic range mode, accurate mass spectral library including 184 gas chromatography detectable pesticides was established and retrieval parameters were optimized. The mass spectra were consistent over a wide concentration range (three orders) with good match values to those of NIST (EI‐quadrupole). The methodology was verified by the validation of 184 pesticides in four tea matrices. A wide linear range (1–1000 μg/kg) was obtained for most compounds in four matrices. Limit of detection, limit of quantification, and limit of identification values acquired in this study could satisfy the requirements for maximum residue levels prescribed by the European Community. Recovery studies were performed at three concentrations (10, 50, and 100 μg/kg). Most of the analytes were recovered at an acceptable range of 70–120% with relative standard deviations ≤ 20% in four matrices. The potential extension of qualitative screening scope makes gas chromatography tandem with electron ionization and mass spectrometry with a time‐of‐flight mass analyzer a more powerful tool compared with gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.     

Identification of short‐chain poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrates in Saiga horn extracts using LC–MS/MS

Saiga horn extracts were analyzed with the goal of obtaining new information about compounds present in it. The purpose of this study is to find synthetic alternatives to Saiga horn extract, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine, by identifying potentially biologically active compounds in the extracts. Using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry, we have been able to identify a series of short‐chain polyhydroxybutyrates in alcoholic extracts of Saiga horn. Optimized high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry methods for analysis of short‐chain poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrates were developed and subsequently applied to investigate Saiga horn extract for the presence of these compounds, which might explain its biological actions, particularly for its antipyretic and procoagulant properties.     

The analysis of volatile trace compounds in landfill gases,compost heaps and forest air

Landfill gas, cryotrapped on a loop fashioned from a length of a capillary gas chromatography (GC) column, was examined for volatile organometallic compounds (VOMCs) and for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by using GC–mass spectrometry (MS). A large number of organic components were present and many were identified, but the only VOMCs present in high enough concentrations to be detected were trimethylstibine and tetramethyltin. The use of inductively coupled plasma (ICP)‐MS as an element‐specific detector allowed the identification of a number of other organometallic species in the landfill gas, including trimethylarsine and trimethylbismuth, and, for the first time, butyltrimethyltin and dibutyldimethyltin. The presence of molybdenum hexacarbonyl was confirmed. Gas from a large‐scale compost heap and from compost incubated in the laboratory contained iodomethane but no common VOMCs (GC–ICP‐MS). Only VOCs were present in forest air (GC–MS). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of gas and liquid chromatography coupled to time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in pesticides: Multiresidue analysis

Analysis of pesticide residues in water and food matrices is an active research area closely related to food safety and environmental issues. In this aspect mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) has been increasingly used in the analysis of pesticide residues in water and food. The increasing interest in application of high‐resolution mass spectrometry with time‐of‐flight (TOF) and hybrid triple quadrupole TOF in pesticide analysis is due to its capability of performing both targeted and nontargeted analysis. This article discusses an overview of the application of GC‐TOF‐MS and LC‐TOF‐MS in water and food matrices.     

Pseudotargeted screening and determination of constituents in Qishen granule based on compound biosynthetic correlation using UHPLC coupled with high‐resolution MS

Detection and determination of many known/unknown compounds in traditional Chinese medicines have always been challenging. To comprehensively identify compounds in Qishen granule, which is a widely prescribed herbal formula for treating chronic heart failure, a pseudotargeted screening method was proposed based on compound biosynthetic correlation using ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Firstly, all possible compounds of Qishen granule were classified into nine types according to their core skeletons, and potential analogue molecular formulas were predicted according to core compound‐related biosynthetic correlations, such as methylation, hydroxylation, and glucosidation. Secondly, nine pseudocompound databases consisting of core compounds, deduced biosynthetic correlations, and predicted analogue molecular formulas were established. Then, compounds of interest were directly located by pseudotargeted screening of high resolution mass spectrometry data and further verified by target tandem mass spectrometry. As a result, 213 constituents were identified and 21 of them were determined as potential new compounds. This demonstrated that pseudotargeted screening based on compound biosynthetic correlations significantly facilitated the processing of extremely large information data and improved the efficiency of compound identification. This research provided essential data for exploration of effective substances in Qishen granule and enriched the methodology for comprehensive characterization of constituents in complex traditional Chinese medicines.     

Low‐temperature headspace‐trap gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for the determination of trace volatile compounds from the fruit of Lycium barbarum L.

The total saccharides content of Lycium barbarum L. is very high, and a high temperature would result in saccharide decomposition and the emergence of a large amount of water. Moreover, the volatile compounds from the fruit of L. barbarum L. are rather low in concentration. Hence, it is difficult for a conventional headspace method to study the volatile compounds from the fruit of L. barbarum L. Since headspace‐trap gas chromatography with mass spectrometry is an excellent method for trace analysis, a headspace‐trap gas chromatography with mass spectrometry method based on low‐temperature (30°C) enrichment and multiple headspace extraction was developed to explore the volatile compounds from the fruit of L. barbarum L. The headspace of the sample was extracted in 17 cycles at 30°C. Each time, the compounds extracted were concentrated in the trap (Tenax TA and Tenax GR, 1:1). Finally, all the volatile compounds were delivered into the gas chromatograph after thermal desorption. With the method described above, a total of 57 compounds were identified. The identification was completed by mass spectral search, retention index, and accurate mass measurement.     

Applications of solid‐phase micro‐extraction with mass spectrometry in pesticide analysis

Pesticides, widely applied in agriculture, can produce a variety of transformation products and their continuous use causes deleterious effects to ecosystem. Efficient and sensitive analytical techniques for enrichment and analysis of pesticides samples are highly required. Compared with other extraction methods, solid‐phase micro extraction is a solvent free, cost effective, robust, versatile, and high throughput sample preparation technique, especially for the analysis of pesticides from complicated matrices. Coupling of solid‐phase micro extraction with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry has been extensively applied in pesticide analysis. On the other hand, in recent years, combination of fast separation using solid‐phase micro extraction and rapid detection using ambient mass spectrometry is providing highly efficient pesticide screening. This article summarizes the applications of solid‐phase micro extraction coupled to mass spectrometry for pesticides analysis.     

Application of characteristic fragment filtering with ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry for comprehensive identification of components in Schisandrae chinensis Fructus

An integrated strategy of characteristic fragment filtering combined with target database screening based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry was proposed for comprehensive profiling of components in Schisandrae chinensis Fructus. The strategy consisted of following five steps: (1) Representative standards were analyzed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer for characteristic fragments and fragmentation rules of each structure type. (2) The raw data of 70% methanol extract was collected by ultra high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. (3) The chemical components database that consisted of names, chemical formulas and structures of potential components in Schisandrae chinensis Fructus was established by summarizing previous literature to screen the collected liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry data and obtain matched compounds. (4) Characteristic fragments, literature, and reference standards were used to verify the matches. (5) Characteristic fragment filtering combined with online database querying was used to deduce potential new compounds. As a result, a total of 94 compounds were identified or characterized and 16 of them were potential new compounds. The study provided a reference for comprehensive characterization of ingredients in herbal medicine and formed the foundation for pharmacodynamic study of Schisandrae chinensis Fructus.     

Identification of chemical components in Baidianling Capsule based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Baidianling Capsule, which is made from 16 Chinese herbs, has been widely used for treating vitiligo clinically. In this study, the sensitive and rapid method has been developed for the analysis of chemical components in Baidianling Capsule by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in combination with retention indices and high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Firstly, a total of 110 potential volatile compounds obtained from different extraction procedures including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, ketones, ethers, aldehydes, alcohols, phenols, organic acids, esters, furans, pyrrole, acid amides, heterocycles, and oxides were detected from Baidianling Capsule by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, of which 75 were identified by mass spectrometry in combination with the retention index. Then, a total of 124 components were tentatively identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Fifteen constituents from Baidianling Capsule were accurately identified by comparing the retention times with those of reference compounds, others were identified by comparing the retention times and mass spectrometry data, as well as retrieving the reference literature. This study provides a practical strategy for rapidly screening and identifying the multiple constituents of a complex traditional Chinese medicine.     

Identification of chemical constituents in traditional Chinese medicine formula using HPLC coupled with linear ion trap‐Orbitrap MS from high doses of medicinal materials to equivalent doses of formula: Study on Xiang‐Sha‐Liu‐Jun‐Zi‐Jia‐Jian granules

High‐resolution mass spectrometry has been a powerful tool for the research of chemical constituents in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas. However, the chromatographic peaks were difficult to discriminate clearly in data collection or analysis because of the complexity and the greatly different content of the constituents in TCM formula, which increased the difficulty of identification. In this study, a high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry based strategy focused on the comprehensive identification of TCM formula constituents was developed. Identification was carried out from a high dose of medicinal materials to equivalent dose of formula. Meanwhile, combined with mass spectrometry data, chromatographic behaviors, reference standards and previous reports, the identification of constituents in Xiang‐Sha‐Liu‐Jun‐Zi‐Jia‐Jian granules was described. 169 compounds were unambiguously or tentatively characterized, mainly including flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenic acids, triterpene saponins, lactones, sesquiterpenoids and some other compounds. Among them, 11 compounds were unambiguously confirmed by comparing with reference standards. These results demonstrated that the method was effective and reliable for comprehensive identification of constituents of Xiang‐Sha‐Liu‐Jun‐Zi‐Jia‐Jian granules extracts and reveal the material basis of its therapeutic effects. This strategy might propose a research idea for the characterization of multi‐constituents in TCM formula.     

Quantitative analysis of trace‐level benzene,toluene, ethylbenzene,and xylene in cellulose acetate tow using headspace heart‐cutting multidimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometry

This study describes a method for the quantification of trace‐level benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene in cellulose acetate tow by heart‐cutting multidimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometry in selected ion monitoring mode. As the major volatile component in cellulose acetate tow samples, acetone would be overloaded when attempting to perform a high‐resolution separation to analyze trace benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. With heart‐cutting technology, a larger volume injection was achieved and acetone was easily cut off by employing a capillary column with inner diameter of 0.32 mm in the primary gas chromatography. Only benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were directed to the secondary column to result in an effective separation. The matrix interference was minimized and the peak shapes were greatly improved. Finally, quantitative analysis of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene was performed using an isotopically labeled internal standard. The headspace multidimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry system was proved to be a powerful tool for analyzing trace volatile organic compounds in complex samples.     

Analysis of nitrogenous organic compounds from mainstream cigarette smoke using low‐temperature solvent extraction followed by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

A method involving comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was developed and applied to the analysis of nitrogenous organic compounds present in mainstream cigarette smoke trapped on self‐designed equipment. The samples were prepared using low‐temperature solvent extraction under liquid nitrogen and analyzed by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Important experimental parameters, such as the type and volume of the extraction solvent and flow rate of smoking, were optimized to improve the analysis parameter. The results indicated that 180 mL of diethyl ether in the low‐temperature solvent extraction apparatus system with a 4 mL/min smoke flow rate were the optimal conditions. Then, 85 nitrogenous organic compounds were identified and quantified using a mass spectral library search, accurate mass ion and N‐rules of a molecular formula for nitrogen compounds. Finally, a comparison of the low temperature solvent extraction method and Cambridge filter pad method indicated that more peaks, a higher peak volume and better repeatability were obtained using the low‐temperature solvent extraction method.     

Chemometrics comparison of gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry Daphnia magna metabolic profiles exposed to salinity

The performances of gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and of comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry are examined through the comparison of Daphnia magna metabolic profiles. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometry were used to compare the concentration changes of metabolites under saline conditions. In this regard, a chemometric strategy based on wavelet compression and multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares is used to compare the performances of gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for the untargeted metabolic profiling of Daphnia magna in control and salinity‐exposed samples. Examination of the results confirmed the outperformance of comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry over gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for the detection of metabolites in D. magna samples. The peak areas of multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares resolved elution profiles in every sample analyzed by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry were arranged in a new data matrix that was then modeled by partial least squares discriminant analysis. The control and salt‐exposed daphnids samples were discriminated and the most relevant metabolites were estimated using variable importance in projection and selectivity ratio values. Salinity de‐regulated 18 metabolites from metabolic pathways involved in protein translation, transmembrane cell transport, carbon metabolism, secondary metabolism, glycolysis, and osmoregulation.     

Characterization of crude oil biomarkers using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

Oil samples from Recôncavo basin (NE Brazil), previously analyzed by traditional techniques such as gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, were evaluated using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to quadrupole mass spectrometry and comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry along with simplified methods of samples preparation to evaluate the differences and advantages of these analytical techniques to better understand the development of the organic matter in this basin without altering the normal distribution of the compounds in the samples. As a result, the geochemical parameters calculated by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry described better the origin, maturity, and biodegradation of both samples probably by increased selectivity, resolution, and sensitivity inherent of the multidimensional technique. Additionally, the detection of the compounds such as, the C(14α‐) homo‐26‐nor‐17α‐hopane series, diamoretanes, nor‐spergulanes, C₁₉–C₂₆ A‐nor‐steranes and 4α‐methylsteranes resolved and detected by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry were key to classify and differentiate these lacustrine samples according to their maturity and deposition conditions.     

Liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA) of food surfaces employing chip‐based nano‐electrospray mass spectrometry

An automated surface‐sampling technique called liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA), coupled with infusion nano‐electrospray high‐resolution mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), is described and applied to the qualitative determination of surface chemical residues resulting from the artificial spraying of selected fresh fruits and vegetables with representative pesticides. Each of the targeted pesticides was readily detected with both high‐resolution and full‐scan collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra. In the case of simazine and sevin, a mass resolution of 100 000 was insufficient to distinguish the isobaric protonated molecules for these compounds. When the surface of a spinach leaf was analyzed by LESA, trace levels of diazinon were readily detected on the spinach purchased directly from a supermarket before they were sprayed with the five‐pesticide mixture. A 30 s rinse under hot running tap water appeared to quantitatively remove all remaining residues of this pesticide. Diazinon was readily detected by LESA analysis on the skin of the artificially sprayed spinach. Finally, incurred pyrimethanil at a level of 169 ppb in a batch slurry of homogenized apples was analyzed by LESA and this pesticide was readily detected by both high‐resolution mass spectrometry and full‐scan CID mass spectrometry, thus showing that pesticides may also be detected in whole fruit homogenized samples. This report shows that representative pesticides on fruit and vegetable surfaces present at levels 20‐fold below generally allowed EPA tolerance levels are readily detected and confirmed by the title technologies making LESA‐MS as interesting screening method for food safety purposes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Targeted and nontargeted screening and identification of 50 antihypertensive adulterants in dietary supplements and herbal medicines using quadrupole–orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry with compound database

In the present work, a novel database of drug compounds and a rapid screening method based on ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution orbitrap mass spectrometry were developed and applied in the screening and identification of targeted and nontargeted antihypertensive adulterants in dietary supplements and herbal medicines. The established screening database includes retention time, exact mass, fragments, isotopic pattern, and MS² spectra library of the target compounds and thus provides automated search and identification of the targets with a single injection. The nontargeted compounds in the samples are identified through the full MS scan and MS² data by using the Chemspider database and the data analysis in XCalibur, MassFrontier and TraceFinder software. In addition, this method possesses excellent quantitative capacity. The novel approach was applied to 65 batches of samples that are claimed as “all‐natural” products having the antihypertensive function, among which nine batches were found to be positive. Multiple targeted and nontargeted antihypertensive adulterants were detected at levels ranging from 2.8 to 27.9 mg/g. The novel database and screening method demonstrated herein will be promising and powerful tools for rapid screening of antihypertensive adulterants in dietary supplements and herbal medicines.     

Comprehensive chemical profiling of Guizhi Fuling capsule by the combined use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with a deconvolution software and rapid-resolution liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

Herbal formulations are complex natural mixtures. Researchers usually tend to focus more on analysis of nonvolatile components but pay less attention to volatile compounds. In this study, an analytical strategy combining two approaches was established for comprehensive analysis of herbal formulations. Guizhi Fuling capsule (GFC), a drug approved by the FDA to enter phase II clinical trial for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, was taken as a case for analysis. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) with automated mass spectral deconvolution and identification system (AMDIS) led to rapid identification of 48 volatile components including four acetophenones, three fatty acid esters, 13 phenylpropanoids and 19 sesquiterpenes. Most of them were found from Guizhi. The volatile oils of Guizhi have been proved to exhibit many pharmacological activities. This is helpful in understanding the pharmacological mechanism of GFC. Furthermore, AMDIS turned out to be efficient and reliable for analysis of complex herbal formulations. Rapid‐resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC) coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐Q‐TOF MS/MS) allowed the identification of 70 nonvolatile components including six acetophenones, 12 galloyl glucoses, 31 monoterpene glycosides, three phenols and 12 triterpene acids. Fragmentation behaviors of assigned components, especially triterpene acids, which are hard to identify by low‐resolution MS, were first investigated by TOF MS/MS. Characteristic ions and typical loss of assigned triterpene acids were summarized. Combinatorial use of GC‐MS‐AMDIS and RRLC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF MS/MS could be of great help in global qualitative analysis of GFC, as well as other herbal products. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.