Fluorescence detection of cytosine/guanine transversion based on a hydrogen bond forming ligand

In combination with abasic site (AP site)-containing oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs), we demonstrate potential use of a hydrogen bond forming ligand, 2-amino-7-methyl-1,8-naphthyridine (AMND), for the fluorescence detection of the cytosine (C)/guanine (G) mutation sequence of the cancer repression gene p53. Our method is based on construction of the AP site in ODN duplexes, which allows small synthetic ligands to bind to target nucleobases accompanied by fluorescence signaling: an AP site-containing ODN is hybridized with a target ODN so as to place the AP site toward a target nucleobase, by which hydrophobic microenvironments are provided for ligands to recognize target nucleobases through hydrogen-bonding. In 10 mM sodium cacodylate buffer solutions (pH, 7.0) containing 100 mM NaCl and 1.0 mM EDTA, AMND is found to strongly bind to C (K_d=1.5×10⁻⁶ M) in the target ODN while the binding affinity for G is relatively moderate (K_d=50×10⁻⁶ M). Significant fluorescence quenching of AMND is observed only when binding to C, making it possible to judge the C/G transversion with the naked eye.     

Glucose ferrocenyl-oxazolines: Coordination behavior toward [Pd(η-allyl)Cl]2 studied by ESI-MS

Several new oxazolin-2-yl-substituted ferrocenes based on 2-amino-2-deoxy-α-d-glucose were synthesized via the corresponding amides followed by closing the oxazoline-ring with SnCl₄.Coordination properties of representatives of the group of mono- and bis-oxazolinyl ferrocenes, 2-ferrocenyl-4,5-(3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-1,2-dideoxy-d-glucopyrano)-[2,1-d]-oxazoline and 1,1′-bis{4,5-(3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-1,2-dideoxy-d-glucopyrano)-[2,1-d]-oxazolin-2-yl}ferrocene, respectively, toward [Pd(η³-allyl)Cl]₂ were investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in positive ion mode and by MS/MS technique.With the monooxazoline derivative mainly a 1:1 complex with the Pd-moiety was found in the mass spectrum while the bisoxazoline yields a stoichiometry of 2:1 (oxazoline:Pd). The latter result is attributed to steric hindrance of the coordination of a second Pd-moiety to the bulky bisoxazolinyl-ferrocene.In the case of 1,1′-bis{4,5-(3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-1,2-dideoxy-d-glucopyrano)-[2,1-d]-oxazolin-2-yl}ferrocene 9 overlapping of two signals in the m/z range from 955-965 was found which can be assigned to the singly charged adduct [C₃₆H₄₀FeN₂O₁₆ + Pd(η³-C₃H₅)]⁺ and a doubly charged Pd-ligand cluster with the general formula Pd₂[L(9)]₂.In addition, the molecular structure of 1,1′-bis{4,5-(3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-1,2-dideoxy-d-glucopyrano)-[2,1-d]-oxazolin-2-yl}ferrocene was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Comparison of two extraction methods for evaluation of volatile constituents patterns in commercial whiskeys Elucidation of the main odour-active compounds

An analytical procedure based on manual dynamic headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method and the conventional extraction method by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), were compared for their effectiveness in the extraction and quantification of volatile compounds from commercial whiskey samples. Seven extraction solvents covering a wide range of polarities and two SPME fibres coatings, has been evaluated. The highest amounts extracted, were achieved using dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) by LLE method (LLECH₂Cl₂) and using a CAR/PDMS fibre (SPME_CAR/PDMS) in HS-SPME. Each method was used to determine the responses of 25 analytes from whiskeys and calibration standards, in order to provide sensitivity comparisons between the two methods. Calibration curves were established in a synthetic whiskey and linear correlation coefficient (r) were greater than 0.9929 for LLECH₂Cl₂ and 0.9935 for SPME_CAR/PDMS, for all target compounds. Recoveries greater than 80% were achieved. For most compounds, precision (expressed by relative standard deviation, R.S.D.) are very good, with R.S.D. values lower than 14.78% for HS-SPME method and than 19.42% for LLE method. The detection limits ranged from 0.13 to 19.03 μg L⁻¹ for SPME procedure and from 0.50 to 12.48 μg L⁻¹ for LLE.A tentative study to estimate the contribution of a specific compound to the aroma of a whiskey, on the basis of their odour activity values (OAV) was made. Ethyl octanoate followed by isoamyl acetate and isobutyl alcohol, were found the most potent odour-active compounds.     

Use of vitamin B2 for fluorescence detection of thymidine-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms

In combination with abasic site (AP site)-containing DNAs, potential use of a biotic fluorescence compound, Vitamin B₂ (riboflavin), is demonstrated for the fluorescence detection of the thymine (T)-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Our method is based on construction of the AP site in DNA duplexes, which allows small ligands to bind to target nucleotides accompanied by fluorescence signaling: an AP site-containing probe DNA is hybridized with a target DNA so as to place the AP site toward a target nucleobase, by which hydrophobic microenvironments are provided for ligands to recognize target nucleotides through stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions. In 10 mM sodium cacodylate buffer solutions (pH 7.0) containing 100 mM NaCl and 1.0 mM EDTA, Vitamin B₂ is found to selectively bind to T (K₁₁ = 1.8 × 10⁶ M⁻¹ at 5 °C) over other nucleobases, and this is accompanied by significant quenching of its fluorescence. While the sensing functions depend on the flanking sequences to the AP site, Vitamin B₂ is applicable to the detection of T/C (cytosine), T/G (guanine) and T/A (adenine) mutation sequences of the CYP2A6 gene, where the flanking nucleobases are guanines in both positions (-GXG-, X = AP site).     

Sensitive and robotic determination of bromate in sea water and drinking deep-sea water by headspace solid-phase micro extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

A robotic method has been established for the determination of bromate in sea water and drinking deep-sea water. Bromate in water was converted into volatile derivative, which was measured with headspace solid-phase micro extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME GC–MS). Derivatization reagent and the HS-SPME parameters (selection of fibre, extraction/derivatization temperature, heating time and; the morality of HCl) were optimized and selected. Under the established conditions, the detection and the quantification limits were 0.016 μg L⁻¹ and 0.051 μg L⁻¹, respectively, and the intra- and inter-day relative standard deviation was less than 7% at concentrations of 1.0 and 10.0 μg L⁻¹. The calibration curve showed good linearity with r² = 0.9998. The common ions Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, HPO₄²⁻, H₂PO₄⁻, K⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ba²⁺, Mn⁴⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ did not interfere even when present in 1000-fold excess over the active species. The method was successfully applied to the determination of bromate in sea water and drinking deep-sea water.     

Determination of airborne isocyanates as di-n-butylamine derivatives using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry

A method for the determination of isocyanates as di-n-butyl amine (DBA) derivatives using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and electrospray ionisation (ESI) is presented. Multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) of the protonated molecular ions and corresponding deuterium-labelled d₉-DBA derivatives resulted in selective quantifications with correlation coefficients >0.998 for the DBA derivatives of isocyanic acid (ICA), methyl isocyanate (MIC), ethyl isocyanate (EIC), propyl isocyanate (PIC), phenyl isocyanate (PhI), 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), 2,4-, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (TDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), 4,4′-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), 3-ring MDI, 4-ring MDI, HDI-isocyanurate, HDI-diisocyanurate, HDI-biuret and HDI-dibiuret. The instrumental precision for 10 repeated injections of a solution containing 0.1 μg ml⁻¹ of the studied derivatives was <2%. Performing MRM of the product ion [DBA + H]⁺ (m/z = 130) from the protonated molecular ion resulted in the lowest detection limits, down to 10 amol (for TDI). Quantification of concentrations below 10⁻⁶ of the occupational exposure limit (OEL) for TDI during 10 min of air sampling was made possible. In an effort to control the formation of alkali adducts, addition of lithium acetate to the mobile phase and monitoring of lithium adducts was evaluated. Having lithium present in the mobile phase resulted in complete domination of [M + Li]⁺ adducts, but detection limits for the studied compounds were not improved. Different deuterium-labelled derivatives as internal standards were evaluated. (1) DBA derivatives of deuterium-labelled isocyanates (d₄-HDI, d₃-2,4-TDI, d₃-2,6-TDI and d₂-MDI), (2) d₉-DBA derivatives of the corresponding isocyanates and (3) d₁₈-DBA derivatives of the corresponding isocyanates. An increase in number of deuterium in the molecule of the internal standard resulted in an increase in instrumental precision and a decrease in correlation within calibration series.     

Potentialities of two solventless extraction approaches—Stir bar sorptive extraction and headspace solid-phase microextraction for determination of higher alcohol acetates, isoamyl esters and ethyl esters in wines

A stir bar sorptive extraction with liquid desorption followed by large volume injection coupled to gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry (SBSE-LD/LVI-GC-qMS) was evaluated for the simultaneous determination of higher alcohol acetates (HAA), isoamyl esters (IsoE) and ethyl esters (EE) of fatty acids. The method performance was assessed and compared with other solventless technique, the solid-phase microextraction (SPME) in headspace mode (HS). For both techniques, influential experimental parameters were optimised to provide sensitive and robust methods. The SBSE-LD/LVI methodology was previously optimised in terms of extraction time, influence of ethanol in the matrix, liquid desorption (LD) conditions and instrumental settings. Higher extraction efficiency was obtained using 60 min of extraction time, 10% ethanol content, n-pentane as desorption solvent, 15 min for the back-extraction period, 10 mL min⁻¹ for the solvent vent flow rate and 10 °C for the inlet temperature. For HS-SPME, the fibre coated with 50/30 μm divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) afforded highest extraction efficiency, providing the best sensitivity for the target volatiles, particularly when the samples were extracted at 25 °C for 60 min under continuous stirring in the presence of sodium chloride (10% (w/v)). Both methodologies showed good linearity over the concentration range tested, with correlation coefficients higher than 0.984 for HS-SPME and 0.982 for SBES-LD approach, for all analytes. A good reproducibility was attained and low detection limits were achieved using both SBSE-LD (0.03-28.96 μg L⁻¹) and HS-SPME (0.02-20.29 μg L⁻¹) methodologies. The quantification limits for SBSE-LD approach ranging from 0.11 to 96.56 μg L⁻and from 0.06 to 67.63 μg L⁻¹ for HS-SPME. Using the HS-SPME approach an average recovery of about 70% was obtained whilst by using SBSE-LD obtained average recovery were close to 80%. The analytical and procedural advantages and disadvantages of these two methods have been compared.Both analytical methods were used to determine the HAA, IsoE and EE fatty acids content in “Terras Madeirenses” table wines. A total of 16 esters were identified and quantified from the wine extracts by HS-SPME whereas by SBSE-LD technique were found 25 esters which include 2 higher alcohol acetates, 4 isoamyl esters and 19 ethyl esters of fatty acids. Generally SBSE-LD provided higher sensitivity with decreased analysis time.     

Analysis of corky off-flavour compounds at ultra trace level with multidimensional gas chromatography-electron capture detection

A robust method for routine quality control of corky off-flavour compounds in wine and cork soak matrices has been established. Based on an automated headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME), the method needs only marginal sample preparation and achieves low (sub-ng L⁻¹) trace level detection limits (LODs) for the most relevant off-flavour compounds, such as 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), 2,3,4,6-tetrachloroanisole (TeCA) and 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA). Particularly for wine matrix, reliable trace level quantification had only been achieved after applying heart-cutting multidimensional gas chromatography (MDGC). Using a halogen-sensitive electron capture detector (ECD) and quantification with a stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA), LODs of 0.1 ng L⁻¹ for TCA, TeCA and TBA could be obtained. Since a SIDA based quantification method is used with a non-mass spectrometric detector, the necessary chromatographic resolution of internal standard and target analyte peaks resulted from the use of highly deuterated [²H₅]-isotopologues.     

Multiple headspace solid-phase microextraction after matrix modification for avoiding matrix effect in the determination of ethyl carbamate in bread

This study presents the potential of multiple headspace solid-phase microextraction (multiple HS-SPME) for the quantification of analytes in solid samples. Multiple HS-SPME shares the same advantages as SPME. It also enables a complete recovery of the target compound and therefore the matrix effect, which commonly appears in SPME-based analysis, is avoided. A method based on multiple HS-SPME for the determination of the toxic contaminant ethyl carbamate (EC) in bread samples has been developed and validated, using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. A novel polyethylene glycol/hydroxy-terminated silicone oil fiber was prepared for the first time and subsequently used instead of commercial ones because of its high extraction ability and good operational stability. An important problem still remained in multiple HS-SPME of EC in fresh bread samples. The adsorption of EC by water in the samples caused low transport of analyte to the headspace, which made multiple HS-SPME invalidated. Mixing with anhydrous sodium sulphate, the sensitivity of the method was improved and the problem was solved. The proposed method showed satisfactory linearity (0.15–1500 μg g⁻¹), precision (1.6%, n = 5) and limit of detection (0.041 μg g⁻¹). Good recoveries, from 92.5 to 103.4%, were observed at three spiking levels. The method was applied to 14 bread samples. The multiple HS-SPME technique offers several advantages including reducing the manipulation time and cost, and avoiding analyte losses, especially in the analysis of a large number of samples in different matrices.     

Synthesis of 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid from 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene using NHPI as a key catalyst

A new strategy to 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (HNPA) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid from 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene and p-cymene, respectively, was developed using the NHPI-catalyzed aerobic oxidation as a principal reaction. 2,6-Diisopropylnaphthalene was oxidized by the oxidation with O₂ (1 atm) by NHPI (10 mol %) combined with Co(OAc)₂ (0.5 mol %) to give 6-acetyl-2-isopropylnaphthalene, which then was converted to 6-isopropyl-2-naphthoic acid under O₂ (1 atm) in the presence of Co(OAc)₂ (0.5 mol %) and Mn(OAc)₂ (0.5 mol %). Esterification of the resulting acid followed by the aerobic oxidation produced methyl 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoate whose hydrolysis led to the desired HNPA. An alternative route involves the oxidation of 6-acetyl-2-isopropylnaphthalene to 6-acetyl-2-naphthol on which subsequent oxidation and deacetylation gave HNPA. This method was successfully extended to the synthesis of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid from p-cymene.     

Synthesis and characterization of organophosphine/phosphite stabilized silver(I) complexes bearing 2-acetyl-1,3-indandione ligand,crystal structure of [Ph3P·AgC11H7O3]

Six organophosphine/phosphite stabilized silver(I) complexes of 2-acetyl-1,3-indandione (2-AID) of type L_n·AgC₁₁H₇O₃ (L = PPh₃; n = 1, 2a; n = 2, 2b; L = P(OMe)₃; n = 1, 2c; n = 2, 2d; L = P(OEt)₃; n = 1, 2e; n = 2, 2f) have been prepared by reacting of [AgC₁₁H₇O₃], which could be obtained by reacting of 2-AID with AgNO₃, with triphenylphosphine, trimethylphosphite, or triethylphosphite in 1:1–2 M ratio. These complexes were obtained in high yields and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H, ¹³C{H} NMR, IR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis (TG and DSC), respectively. The molecular structure of 2a has been determined by X-ray single crystal analysis in which the silver atom is in a distorted trigonal geometry.     

Magnetic single-component molecular conductors exhibiting strong π-d interactions

Single-component molecular conductors [M(tmdt)₂] (tmdt = trimethylenetetrathiafulvalenedithiolate; M = Ni, Au, Pt, Cu), exhibit a variety of electromagnetic properties, which originate from the differences of the metal’s d-orbitals role in the band structure formation. The [Au(tmdt)₂] crystal undergoes an antiferromagnetic transition at 110 K, while maintaining a metallic state at lower temperatures. The Au analog has a high magnetic transition temperature as compared to traditional magnetic molecular conductors due to the strong three-dimensional (3-D) structure and the contribution of the metal d-orbitals. The single-component molecular conductor, [Cu(tmdt)₂], with π- and d-like frontier orbitals is isostructural with other metallic [M(tmdt)₂] systems (M = Ni, Pt, Au). The Cu(tmdt)₂ molecule is planar, which strikingly contrasts the tetrahedral coordination of Cu(dmdt)₂ (dmdt = dimethyltetrathiafulvalenedithiolate) with similarly extended TTF type ligands. Interestingly, unlike other [M(tmdt)₂] with metallic behavior, [Cu(tmdt)₂] shows semiconducting behavior at room temperature (σ(RT) = ∼7 S cm⁻¹). The RT conductivity increased linearly with increased pressure to 110 S cm⁻¹ at 15 kbar despite the compressed pellet sample. The magnetic susceptibility indicates one-dimensional (1-D) Heisenberg behavior with J = 117 cm⁻¹ and shows antiferromagnetic ordering at 13 K. The [Cu(tmdt)₂] is a new multi-frontier π-d system, which introduces a d(σ)-type frontier orbital around the Fermi level of the π-like metal bands.     

Analysis of ochratoxin A in grapes,musts and wines by LC–MS/MS: First comparison of stable isotope dilution assay and diastereomeric dilution assay methods

Ochratoxin A (OTA) exhibits potent nephrotoxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic effects and its maximum level in wines has been set to 2 μg L⁻¹ by regulation. Consequently, the analytical procedures for OTA determination in wines have to be both very sensitive and reliable. In this paper, we compared two quantification methods: the stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA) and the diastereomeric dilution assay (DIDA). For this purpose, non-natural analogues of OTA were synthesized: the labeled OTA (OTA-d₄) as a diastereomeric mixture for the SIDA and one non-natural OTA’s diastereomer (OTA-dia) for the DIDA. To quantify OTA in red grapes, musts or wines, the sample preparation was optimized using immunoaffinity column extraction and the analysis was performed by LC–MS/MS in Multiple Reaction Monitoring mode. A validation procedure in agreement with the International Organization of Vine and Wine recommendations was conducted. It appeared that SIDA quantification exhibited excellent sensitivity (LOD < 1 ng L⁻¹), accuracy (recovery = 98%), repeatability (RSD < 3%) and intermediate reproducibility (RSD < 4%) compared to quantification by DIDA. Indeed, DIDA method did not provide satisfactory results demonstrating that immunoaffinity extraction is exclusively selective for the natural OTA and not for its diastereomer, which therefore cannot be considered as a good internal standard for this particular method.     

Citrinin (CIT) determination in rice samples using a micro fluidic electrochemical immunosensor

The development of an electrochemical immunosensor incorporated in a micro fluidic cell for quantification of citrinin (CIT) mycotoxin in rice samples is described for the first time. Both CIT present in rice samples and immobilized on a gold surface electrodeposited on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with a cysteamine self-assembled monolayer were allowed to compete for the monoclonal mouse anti-CIT IgG antibody (mAb-CIT) present in solution. Then, an excess of rabbit anti mouse IgG (H + L) labelled with the horseradish peroxidase (secAb-HRP) was added, which reacts with the mAb-CIT which is in the immuno-complex formed with the immobilized CIT on the electrode surface. The HPR, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) catalyzes the oxidation of catechol (H₂Q) whose back electrochemical reduction was detected on a GC electrode at −0.15 V vs Ag/AgCl by amperometric measurements. The current measured is proportional to the enzymatic activity and inversely proportional to the amount of CIT present in the rice samples. This immunosensor for CIT showed a range of work between 0.5 and 50 ng mL⁻¹. The detection (LOD) and the quantification (LOQ) limits were 0.1 and 0.5 ng mL⁻¹, respectively. The coefficients of variation intra- and inter-assays were less than 6%. The electrochemical detection could be done within 2 min and the assay total time was 45 min. The immunosensor was provided to undertake at least 80 determinations for different samples with a minimum previous pre-treatment. Our electrochemical immunosensor showed a higher sensitivity and reduced analysis time compared to other analytical methods such as chromatographic methods. This methodology is fast, selective and very sensitive. Thus, the immunosensor showed to be a very useful tool to determine CIT in samples of cereals, mainly rice samples.     

Monolithic silica spin column extraction and simultaneous derivatization of amphetamines and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamines in human urine for gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric detection

A simple, sensitive, and specific method with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed for simultaneous extraction and derivatization of amphetamines (APs) and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamines (MDAs) in human urine by using a monolithic silica spin column. All the procedures, such as sample loading, washing, and elution were performed by centrifugation. APs and MDAs in urine were adsorbed on the monolithic silica and derivatized with propyl chloroformate in the column. Methamphetamine-d₅ was used as an internal standard. The linear ranges were 0.01-5.0 μg mL⁻¹ for methamphetamine (MA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 0.02-5.0 μg mL⁻¹ for amphetamine (AP) and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) (coefficient of correlation ≧0.995). The recovery of APs and MDAs in urine was 84-94%, and the relative standard deviation of the intra- and interday reproducibility for urine samples containing 0.1, 1.0, and 4.0 μg mL⁻¹ of APs and MDAs ranged from 1.4% to 13.6%. The lowest detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio ≧ 3) in urine was 5 ng mL⁻¹ for MA and MDMA and 10 ng mL⁻¹ for AP and MDA. The proposed method can be used to perform simultaneous extraction and derivatization on spin columns that have been loaded with a small quantity of solvent by using centrifugation.     

Tetrazole derivatives and matrices as novel cobalamin coordinating compounds

Cobalamin (Cbl, vitamin B₁₂) consists of two moieties: (i) the corrin ring with the central Co-ion in the oxidation states Co^3+/2+/1+ and (ii) the nucleotide side chain. The lower position of the ring is typically occupied by the nucleotide base (Bzm), whereas the upper surface coordinates exchangeable ligands. We have found that amino-tetrazole can coordinate to H₂O · Cbl (Co³⁺) with K_d = 10⁻⁵-10⁻⁶ M. A specific group (presumably tetrazole, TZ) can be easily created in CNBr-activated Sepharose by treatment with . The prepared matrix (STZ) contained ≈10 mM of the active groups, which bound H₂O · corrinoids with K_d = 10⁻⁵-10⁻⁶ M. Stability of STZ-Cbl bonds gradually increased and reached K_d = 10⁻⁷ M over 10-20 h (20 °C, pH 6-7). This effect can be ascribed to partial displacement of Bzm and coordination of TZ to the lower position. The binding was most efficient at pH 4-7 and low ionic strength, yet, noticeable adsorption took place even at extreme conditions, pH 1-9 and I = 0-2 M. Reduced corrins (Co²⁺) also exhibited high affinity for STZ. The bound ligands could be eluted as H₂O · Cbl (pH 0), HO · Cbl (pH 14) or diCN · Cbl (pH 9-12, CN⁻). The adsorbent is applicable for one-step purification of corrins from a crude extract; separation of aquo- and diaquo-forms; specific capturing of H₂O · Cbl from a mixture containing organo-Cbls or protein-bound Cbl, analysis of peptide-Cbl dissociation kinetics, etc.     

Development and validation of a new analytical method for the determination of 1,4-dichlorobenzene in honey by gas chromatography-isotope dilution mass spectrometry after steam-distillation

A simple, fast, sensitive and robust analytical method using gas chromatography (GC)-isotope dilution mass spectrometry (MS) was developed and validated for the identification and quantification of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) residues in honey samples. The proposed methodology is based on steam-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode employing the isotopically labeled analogue d₄-1,4-dichlorobenzene (d₄-p-DCB) as internal standard (IS). Validation of the method was performed in two different GC-MS systems, using quadrupole MS (QMS) and ion-trap MS (ITMS) detectors, with no statistically significant differences between two. Recoveries were better than 91% with percent relative standard deviations lower than 12%. The instrumental limits of detection were 1 μg kg⁻¹ in the GC-ITMS system and 0.6 μg kg⁻¹ in the GC-QMS system. The expanded uncertainty was estimated as 17% at the currently accepted “action level” of 10 μg kg⁻¹. The method was applied to the analysis of 310 honey samples in an extensive national monitoring study. A quality control (QC) system applied during the assays has demonstrated a good performance and long-term stability over a period of more than 8 months of continuous operation.     

Study of diffusion-controlled and activation-diffusion-controlled electron-transfer processes from quenching measurements

The diffusion-controlled rate constants, k_d, of various quenching reactions, [Ru(L)₃]^2+∗ (L = bpy, phen and 4,7-(CH₃)₂phen) + [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻, were measured through fluorescence measurements. From them, the effective values of viscosity coefficients for several methanol + water mixtures were calculated. These coefficients were checked through calculations of the rate constants of the reaction [IrCl₆]²⁻ + [Ru(bpy)₃]^2+∗, which were also obtained by fluorescence quenching measurements. The agreement between the two sets of data (experimental and predicted) is excellent. Besides, the trends of association, k_d, and dissociation, k_−d, rate constants for 2+/3−, 2+/2− and 2+/2+ reactions in methanol-water mixtures are discussed. The use of effective diffusion coefficients for estimating k_d and k_−d allowed us to obtain the intrinsic electron transfer rate constant, k_et, for the activation-diffusion-controlled process between [Ru(bpy)₃]^2+∗ and [Co(NH₃)₅Cl]²⁺ complexes from the observed (quenching) rate constant. The influence of methanol-water mixtures on k_et was rationalized by using the Marcus electron-transfer treatment.     

Headspace solid-phase microextraction using a dodecylsulfate-doped polypyrrole film coupled to ion mobility spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of atrazine and ametryn in soil and water samples

A simple and rapid headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) based method is presented for the simultaneous determination of atrazine and ametryn in soil and water samples by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). A dodecylsulfate-doped polypyrrole (PPy-DS), synthesized by electrochemical method, was applied as a laboratory-made fiber for SPME. The HS-SPME system was designed with a cooling device on the upper part of the sample vial and a circulating water bath for adjusting the sample temperature. The extraction properties of the fiber to spiked soil and water samples with atrazine and ametryn were examined, using a HS-SPME device and thermal desorption in injection port of IMS. Parameters affecting the extraction efficiency such as the volume of water added to the soil, pH effect, extraction time, extraction temperature, salt effect, desorption time, and desorption temperature were investigated. The HS-SPME-IMS method with PPy-DS fiber, provided good repeatability (RSDs < 10 %), simplicity, good sensitivity and short analysis times for spiked soil (200 ng g⁻¹) and water samples (100 and 200 ng mL⁻¹). The calibration graphs were linear in the range of 200-4000 ng g⁻¹ and 50-2800 ng mL⁻¹ for soil and water respectively (R² > 0.99). Detection limits for atrazine and ametryn were 37 ng g⁻¹ (soil) and 23 ng g⁻¹ (soil) and 15 ng mL⁻¹ (water) and 10 ng mL⁻¹ (water), respectively. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method, atrazine and ametryn in the three kinds of soils and two well water samples were determined. Finally, comparing the HS-SPME results for extraction and determination of selected triazines using PPy-DS fiber with the other methods in literature shows that the proposed method has comparable detection limits and RSDs and good linear ranges.     

Rapid and simultaneous analysis of dichlorvos, malathion, carbaryl, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid in citrus fruit by flow-injection ion spray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A simple method for the rapid and simultaneous analysis of dichlorvos (DDVP), malathion, carbaryl, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) in citrus fruit, which uses flow-injection ion spray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, has been developed for the first time. The method involves the combined use of stable isotopically labeled internal standards (DDVP-d₆, malathion-d₁₀, carbaryl-d₇, and 2,4-D-d₅) and a multiple reaction monitoring technique. The average recoveries for the pesticides at the same concentrations as their tolerance levels (DDVP: 0.1-0.2 μg g⁻¹; malathion: 0.5-4.0 μg g⁻¹; carbaryl: 1.0 μg g⁻¹; 2,4-D: 1.0-2.0 μg g⁻¹) ranged from 90 to 119% with the relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) ranging from 1.0 to 13.1% (n = 5). Analysis time, including sample preparation and determination, was only 15 min. The present method is effective for screening DDVP, malathion, carbaryl, and 2,4-D in citrus fruit.