Identification of polymer building blocks by Py–GC/MS and MALDI-TOF MS

The main goal of this work is to identify polyurethane (PU) building blocks by pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) are widely used polymer building blocks. Py–GC/MS and MALDI-TOF MS were proved to be powerful methods to distinguish TDI-PU and MDI-PU according to the characteristic pyrolysis products and the different repeated units, respectively. In Py–GC/MS, the specific pyrolyzates are TDI for TDI-PU and MDI for MDI-PU. In MALDI-TOF MS, the weights of repeated units are 264?g/mol for TDI-PU and 340?g/mol for MDI-PU.     

Determination of steroid hormones in blood by GC–MS/MS

This paper presents the development, optimization and validation of a methodology to determine nine key steroid hormones (viz. pregnenolone, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone, 17α-estradiol and 17β-estradiol) expressed in the steroidogenesis in biological fluids. The analytical method allows for the determination of steroid hormones in blood plasma and serum down to 0.08–0.16 ng/mL for estrogens, 0.20–0.36 ng/mL for androgens and 0.36–0.43 ng/mL for progestagens. These limits of detection were obtainable using a two-step solid-phase clean-up for fractionation and elimination of interfering lipids (fatty acids, phospholipids, glycerides and sterols) from the steroid hormones. The accuracy of the method was 50–112% in the range 0.10 to 2.00 ng/mL.     

Characteristics Identification of Neutral Constituents in Cigarette Particulate Matter by GC × GC -TOF MS

建立了全二维气相色谱-飞行时间质谱( GC×GC - TOF MS)分析卷烟主流烟气中中性化学成分的方法.以较长的弱极性柱HP-5 MS(50 m×0.2 mm i.d.×0.33 μm)作为第一维柱,较短的薄液膜中等极性柱DB-17MS(1.7 m×0.1 mm i.d.×0.1 μm)作为第二维柱,对优质烟叶单料卷烟烟气的中性成分进行定性分析,经过人工纠错等分析初步鉴定出匹配度大于700的1 464种成分,重点讨论了中性香味羰基化合物全二维点阵的谱图特征,为烟气和复杂体系的深入研究提供了方法学基础.     

Determination of flurbiprofen in pharmaceutical preparations by GC–MS

This article describes a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method for the determination of flurbiprofen in pharmaceutical preparations. The method is based on the derivatization of flurbiprofen with N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA). For GC–MS, electron ionization mode (EI = 70 eV) and selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode were used for quantitative analysis (m/z 180 for flurbiprofen). Calibration curve was linear between the concentration range of 0.25–5.0 μg/mL. Intra- and inter-day precision values for flurbiprofen were less than 3.64, and accuracy (relative error) was better than 2.67%. The mean recovery of flurbiprofen was 99.4% for pharmaceutical preparations. The limits of detection and quantification of flurbiprofen were 0.05 and 0.15 μg/mL, respectively. No interference was found from tablet excipients at the selected assay conditions. Also, the method was applied for the quality control of five commercial flurbiprofen dosage forms to quantify the drug and to check the formulation content uniformity.     

Analysis of Volatile Compounds in Radix Bupleuri Injection by GC–MS–MS

Static headspace sampling, headspace solid-phase microextraction, and direct immersion solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry have been developed for determination of the volatile components in Radix bupleuri injection. A total of 78 compounds were identified from Radix bupleuri injection. Direct immersion solid-phase microextraction gave a better extraction efficiency for polar compounds, including organic acids and alcohols, than headspace solid-phase microextraction or static headspace sampling. Product ion isotope pattern analysis was applied to determine the elemental composition of the precursor ion, which could make the qualitative analysis more accurate and reliable.     

Pyrolysis–GC/MS for the identification of macromolecular components in historical recipes

Analytical pyrolysis with thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation was employed to investigate ancient ointments collected from Spanish vessels coming from the sixteenth century pharmacies. The ointments were reproduced on the basis of historical recipes and characterization was made in comparison with real samples. Characteristic markers indicate the presence of beeswax, of animal and plant lipids, and of natural resins. Analyses of old samples are consistent with the modern reproductions and with the analysis of raw materials. Multivariate data analysis was used to discriminate between the different types of lipidic materials, also in connection with their relative amount in the samples.     

Determination of Volatile Nitrosamines in Latex Products by HS-SPME–GC–MS

Nitrosamines which have been detected in various latex products are carcinogens. The method for determination of volatile nitrosamines in latex products was developed using a combination of headspace solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS) fiber was used for HS-SPME involving the following variables: (1) agitation conditions, (2) extraction temperature (3) extraction time, and (4) salt concentration. The instrument performances of three detection systems including GC combined thermal energy analyzer, nitrogen chemiluminescence detector and MS were evaluated. The agitation conditions including magnetic stirring and ultrasonication were investigated by the comparison of extraction efficiency of HS-SPME for nitrosamines. Obtained optimal detection conditions of nitrosamines were HS-SPME at 45 °C for 60 min assisted with magnetic stirring and saturated NaCl followed by GC–MS. To evaluate this method performance, the commercial products including eleven latex products (gloves, balloons and condoms) and four liquid silicone nipples were analyzed with the method. The results revealed that the method is suitable for simple and effective determination of nitrosamines in latex products. The advantage of this HS-SPME–GC–MS method is simple treatment, fast analysis, adequate sensitivity and without organic solvent.

     

Bioactive textiles by sol–gel immobilised natural active agents

The sol–gel immobilisation and controlled release of various bioactive liquids (BL) from within modified silica coatings were investigated, in order to evaluate the suitability of functionalised textiles for the following applications: (1) skin-friendly textiles with antimicrobial and antiallergic effects due to immobilised natural oils such as evening primrose and perilla oil; (2) textiles for therapeutic treatment of the respiratory tract by means of immobilised mixtures of high volatility natural agents such as eucalyptol, camphor and menthol. Results indicating the antimicrobial properties, washfastness and medical activity of the bioactive textiles are presented. Of note is the transdermal resorption of the BL from the sol–gel coated textiles, determined by the time-dependent concentration of cineol, camphor and menthol in the air exhaled by test subjects after the application of coated textiles. When compared to the application of an ointment, not only does the use of coated textiles offer a more continuous and prolonged release of the embedded BL, but it is also more convenient.     

Detection and Confirmation of Ginsenosides in Horse Urine by GC–MS and LC–MS

Ginseng has been used by the Chinese as a traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years. In view of the growing popularity in the use of ginseng preparations as natural remedies and food supplements worldwide, there is an increasing concern for their abuse in both human and animal sports. Ginsenosides are considered the major constituents of ginseng responsible for its pharmacological properties. In this study, a method was developed for the detection and confirmation of a number of ginsenosides in horse urine. The intact ginsenosides were detected and confirmed at 5–100 ng mL^?1 by LC–MS², and two deglycosylation metabolites, namely protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol, could both be detected and confirmed at 2 ng mL^?1 by GC–MS² after trimethylsilylation. The above GC–MS and LC–MS methods were then applied to study the in vitro metabolism of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 and the in vivo urinary metabolites after oral administration of Rg1 to horses. Results obtained reveal the very first evidence for the existence of the metabolites, Rg1 and protopanaxatriol, as glucuronides in urine.     

Residue Analysis of Propionylbrassinolide in Fruit and Vegetables by GC–MS

A rapid and simple method for the determination of propionylbrassinolide residues in tomatoes, apples and grapes using GC–MS is reported. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile, and the extracts were analyzed without any further clean-up. The results showed good linearity (r ² > 0.99) with standard solutions over the concentration range of 0.5–50 mg L⁻¹. The LODs and LOQs of propionylbrassinolide were 0.15 and 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ in all samples. Recoveries were in the range of 81.9–111.2%, with corresponding RSDs of 4.6–12.9% for three fortified levels. Intra- and inter-day RSDs were in the ranges of 1.5–14.2% and 5.3–15.6%. It was demonstrated that the proposed method is simple and efficient, and particularly suitable for detecting propionylbrassinolide residues in fruit and vegetables.     

Residue Analysis of Propionylbrassinolide in Fruit and Vegetables by GC–MS

A rapid and simple method for the determination of propionylbrassinolide residues in tomatoes, apples and grapes using GC–MS is reported. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile, and the extracts were analyzed without any further clean-up. The results showed good linearity (r ² > 0.99) with standard solutions over the concentration range of 0.5–50 mg L^?1. The LODs and LOQs of propionylbrassinolide were 0.15 and 0.5 mg kg^?1 in all samples. Recoveries were in the range of 81.9–111.2%, with corresponding RSDs of 4.6–12.9% for three fortified levels. Intra- and inter-day RSDs were in the ranges of 1.5–14.2% and 5.3–15.6%. It was demonstrated that the proposed method is simple and efficient, and particularly suitable for detecting propionylbrassinolide residues in fruit and vegetables.     

Determination of carbamates and organophosphorus pesticides by SDME–GC in natural water

Water contamination due to the wide variety of pesticides used in agriculture practices is a global environmental pollution problem. Analytical methods with low quantification limits are necessary. The application of a new extraction technique, solvent drop microextraction (SDME), followed by gas chromatography with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector, was assessed for determining carbamates and organophosphorus pesticides in natural water. Experimental parameters which control the performance of SDME such as selection of microextraction solvent, optimization of organic drop volume, effects of sample stirring, salt addition, and, finally, sorption time profiles were studied. Once SDME was optimized, analytical parameters such as linearity (r ²>0.99), precision (<13%), and detection limits (0.2 to 5 μg/L), plus matrix effects were evaluated (no matrix effects were found). SDME is a dynamic technique able to extract pesticides from water in 14 min; the use of organic solvents and water samples for SDME is negligible compared to other extraction techniques.     

Determination of Six Resorcylic Acid Lactones in Feed by GC–MS

A method was developed to simultaneously detect six resorcylic acid lactones in feed by GC–MS. Samples were extracted with methanol followed by a two step liquid–liquid extraction and an HLB SPE clean-up. The samples were derivatized with BSTFA + TMCS (99/1; v/v) and determined by GC–MS. For all analytes, the ranges of recoveries were 81.2–98.2%, with RSDs of 3.2–15.2%, and the LODs were 0.2–0.6 μg kg⁻¹.

     

GC–MS Determination of Sucralose in Splenda

Sucralose (1,6-dichloro-1,6-dideoxy-β-d-fructofuranosyl-4-chloro-4-deoxy-α-d-galactopyranoside) is a high-intensity non-nutritive sweetener derived from sucrose. Determination of sucralose in food is important to ensure consistent product quality. The authors have developed a new method for determination of sucralose. The sucralose was converted into its trimethylsilyl (TMS) ether and qualitative and quantitative analysis were achieved by GC–MS and GC–FID, respectively, using myo-inositol ester as the internal standard. A good linear relationship between response and amount of sucralose TMS ether was obtained in the range 0.005–0.06 mg mL^?1 (r = 0.9994). The detection limit was 0.25 ng.     

Determination of butyltin compounds in environmental samples by isotope-dilution GC–ICP–MS

Isotope-dilution analysis in combination with GC-ICP-MS detection has been applied to the determination of butyltin species in environmental samples. Different spikes containing the isotopically labeled butyltin species have been synthesized in the laboratory after optimization of the reaction conditions. The isotopic compositions of the tin species in the different spike solutions were determined by GC-ICP-MS after derivatization by aqueous ethylation with sodium tetraethylborate. Reverse isotope-dilution analysis was used for quantitation of the spike solutions by means of natural MBT, DBT, and TBT standards. The mixed spikes were used for simultaneous analysis of MBT, DBT and TBT in the certified reference materials, PACS-2, CRM 462, and CRM 646, with satisfactory results. The excellent agreement of the different speciation results obtained by use of the different spikes is a good indicator of the precision, accuracy, and reliability which can be achieved by using isotope-dilution analysis for trace metal speciation.Application of a double spike containing (119)Sn-enriched MBT (79.7 At%), (118)Sn-enriched DBT (86.7 At%), and (119)Sn-enriched TBT (83.1 At%) also enabled evaluation of the conditions resulting in quantitative extraction of the species from the solid matrix, in combination with possible alterations depending on the different extraction procedures used (mechanical shaking, ultrasounds, and microwaves). Mathematical equations used for this purpose computed the correct species concentrations directly and, additionally, the decomposition factors (from TBT to DBT and from DBT to MBT) after precise measurement of the (119)Sn/(120)Sn and (118)Sn/(120)Sn ratios for all butyltin species by GC-ICP-MS.     

Analysis of pyrethroid pesticides in Chinese vegetables and fruits by GC–MS/MS

A rapid and economical method using modified QuEChERS sample pretreatment coupled with high-sensitivity gas chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was established to simultaneously determine ten pyrethroid pesticides in fruits and vegetables. All pesticides were detected within 20 min of one injection. Concurrent backflushing provided column protection, greatly facilitating instrument maintenance. For quantitation, matrix-matched calibration was used to compensate for signal-enhancement effects and to ensure the precision of the method. The limit of detection (LOD) was in the range of 0.3–4.9 μg/kg. The recovery rate was from 78.8 to 118.6%, with relative standard deviation (RSD) below 14.8%. The developed method is suitable for rapid and sensitive multi-residue analysis of pyrethroid pesticides in fruits and vegetables. It is good for users in professional institutions that implement safety controls for testing hundreds of agricultural product samples everyday.     

Determination of methylisothiocyanate in soil and water by HS-SPME followed by GC–MS–MS with a triple quadrupole

Methylisothiocyanate (MITC) is the main degradation product of metam sodium, a soil disinfectant widely used in agriculture, and is responsible for its disinfectant properties. Because MITC is highly toxic and volatile, metam sodium has to be applied in a manner that tries to reduce atmospheric emissions but still maintains adequate concentration of MITC in soil to ensure its disinfectant effect. Thus, monitoring of MITC concentrations in soil is required, and to this end sensitive, fast, and reliable analytical methods must be developed. In this work, a headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method was developed for MITC determination in water and soil samples using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS–MS) with a triple-quadrupole analyzer. Two MS–MS transitions were acquired to ensure the reliable quantification and confirmation of the analyte. The method had linear behavior in the range tested (0.026–2.6 ng mL^?1 in water, 1–100 ng g^?1 in soil) with r ² over 0.999. Detection limits were 0.017 ng mL^?1 and 0.1 ng g^?1 in water and soil, respectively. Recoveries for five replicates were in the range 76–92 %, and RSD was below 7 % at the two spiking levels tested for each matrix (0.1 and 1 ng mL^?1 for water, 4 and 40 ng g^?1 for soil). The potential of using multiple HS-SPME for analyzing soil samples was also investigated, and its feasibility for quantification of MITC evaluated. The developed HS-SPME method was applied to soil samples from experimental plots treated with metam sodium following good agriculture practices. Figure

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Quantitation by GC–MS of Methylglyoxal as a Marker in Anxiety-Related Studies

Methylglyoxal (MG) is present in the human system. In the cell, MG is degraded by glyoxalase 1 (Glo 1), an enzyme differentially expressed in several mouse models of anxiety-related behavior. It has also been associated with the formation of advanced glycation and lipoxidation end products, contributing to diabetes-related complications. Approaches developed for accurate quantitation of MG in this study include the synthesis of a deuterated MG analog to serve as an internal standard; skillful application of the standard addition protocol (with “reiteration”) to quantitate MG in “blank” samples, allowing the preparation of calibration standards using the same test specimen matrix system; and various pretreatment methods, including extraction and derivatization, to prepare complex brain tissue specimens for gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Using our method, brain MG levels in high- and low-anxiety-related behavior (HAB and LAB) mice were determined as 5.11 ± 0.89 and 13.05 ± 0.89 μg g^?1, respectively. These data supported the conclusion that MG level in brain is negatively correlated with anxiety in mouse models of anxiety-related studies, contributing to better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying reported observations.