Stir bar sorptive extraction for trace analysis

Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) was introduced in 1999 as a solventless sample preparation method for the extraction and enrichment of organic compounds from aqueous matrices. The method is based on sorptive extraction, whereby the solutes are extracted into a polymer coating on a magnetic stirring rod. The extraction is controlled by the partitioning coefficient of the solutes between the polymer coating and the sample matrix and by the phase ratio between the polymer coating and the sample volume. For a polydimethylsiloxane coating and aqueous samples, this partitioning coefficient resembles the octanol-water partitioning coefficient. In comparison to solid phase micro-extraction, a larger amount of sorptive extraction phase is used and consequently extremely high sensitivities can be obtained as illustrated by several successful applications in trace analysis in environmental, food and biomedical fields. Initially SBSE was mostly used for the extraction of compounds from aqueous matrices. The technique has also been applied in headspace mode for liquid and solid samples and in passive air sampling mode. In this review article, the principles of stir bar sorptive extraction are described and an overview of SBSE applications is given.     

Coupling solid-phase microextraction to liquid chromatography. A review

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a technique for extraction of organic compounds from gaseous, aqueous, and solid matrices. SPME is rapid and simple, ideal for automation and for in situ measurements, and no harmful solvents are needed. The principle of SPME involves equilibration of the analytes between the sample matrix and an organic polymeric phase coated on a fused-silica fiber. SPME is traditionally combined with analysis by gas chromatography (GC) and this combination has proved sensitive, accurate, and precise for quantitative analysis of different classes of volatile compound. More recently SPME has been coupled with liquid chromatography to widen its range of application to non-volatile and thermally unstable compounds also. This article reviews the status of SPME coupled with liquid chromatography. It focuses on different applications of the technique, e.g. environmental samples, biological fluids, and food samples, to show that SPME-HPLC has great potential in the analysis of a wide range of compounds in different matrices.     

On-line LC-GC-AED and LC-GC-MS – multidimensional methods for the analysis of PAC in fuels,combustion emissions and atmospheric samples

The composition and concentration of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) in fuels. Theier combustion products and in the atmosphere remains a topic of considerable interest. Despite the wealth of literature on the identification of PAC, speciation at low concentrations remains difficult due to instrument limitation and the complexity of fuel and environmental samples. Consequently on line sample preparation procedures (SPE, SFE, LC, etc.) are becomeing an increasingly important step in the analysis procedure particularly where sample clean-up and fractionation are essential for improving analytical resolution. In this study a normal phase high pressure analytical resolution. In this study a normal phase high pressure liquid chromatography-gas chromatography (LC-GC) system has been developed to provide quantitative analysis of samples, as diverse as coal liquids, petroleum fuels, diesel exhaust particulates, and urban air particulates. Separation and identification of parent and alkylated PAH, hetercycline nitro-and oxy-PAC can be achieved by direct coupling to an atomic emission detector and a bech top mass spectrometer. For both systems the primary LC separation combined with the large sample volume transferred to GC vastly improves detection limits. Furthermore the complimentary nature of the two detectors used enables the positive indentification of many unknowns.     

1H HR-MAS NMR of carotenoids in aqueous samples and raw vegetables

Carotenoids are linear C40 tetraterpenoid hydrocarbons and represent a wide category of natural pigments. They are components of the pigment system of chloroplasts and are involved in the primary light absorption and the photon canalization of photosynthesis. Moreover, they also behave as quenchers of singlet oxygen, protecting cells and organisms against lipid peroxidation.Carotenoids have a strong lipophilic character and are usually analyzed in organic solvents. However, because of their biological activity, the characterization of these compounds in an aqueous environment or in the natural matrix is very important.One of the most important dietary carotenoids is beta-carotene, which has been extensively studied both in vivo and in model systems, but because of the low concentration and strong interaction with the biological matrix, beta-carotene has never been observed by NMR in solid aqueous samples.In the present work, a model system has been developed for the detection and identification of beta-carotene in solid aqueous samples by 1H HR-MAS NMR. The efficiency of the model has led to the identification of beta-carotene in a raw vegetable matrix.     

激光剥蚀串联电感耦合等离子体质谱在环境分析中的应用进展

激光剥蚀串联电感耦合等离子体质谱法(LA-ICP-MS)是一种功能强大的化学元素检测方法,它具有样品前处理简单、多元素同时测定、高通量、高灵敏度、宽线性范围以及原位分析等优点。同时,激光剥蚀可以与多接收器电感耦合等离子体质谱仪(MC-ICP-MS)串联用于稳定同位素组成测定,不仅避免了繁琐的样品前处理,同时还可应用于固体样品的微区原位同位素分析,揭示微观尺度上稳定同位素组成的变化。LA-ICP-MS已广泛应用于地质、考古等领域,其在环境科学领域应用相对起步较晚,但近年来发展迅速。该文总结了近年来LA-ICP-MS的环境分析方法开发及其在环境科学中的应用进展,并对其未来发展趋势进行了展望。     

Techniques and procedures for preparation of aquatic samples for chromatographic analyses

The measurement of low levels of organic compounds in environmental samples presents the researcher with a number of possible pathways to effectively obtain and analyze samples. Numerous sampling methods, sample preparation techniques, and extraction procedures are available. A number of different approaches to sampling strategy, isolation, concentration, cleanup and fractionation will be discussed. Objectives for collecting environmental samples differ from those for many other types of samples because reliable measurements at very low levels are frequently required. Often, specific analytes need to be measured at the μg/kg and even ng/kg levels in complex matrices. Advances in analytical methodology continue to lower the levels at which reliable measurements can be made. At these levels, many factors that are of little or no concern in other analytical measurements are of critical importance in influencing the outcome and reliability of environmental analyses. Analytical measurements are used for determining the composition and the quantities of analytes in the defined system at various concentration levels. Environmental analytical measurements provide data about the transportation and transformation of an environmental contraminant and for determination of its concentration in a sample.     

Determination of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in milk using molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction

A molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction procedure was developed for the simultaneous identification of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite, ciprofloxacin, in milk samples. Water-compatible molecularly imprinted polymers synthesized in a water-methanol system show a high degree of cross-reactivity for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in aqueous environments. The imprinted particles were applied as selective sorbents in a solid-phase extraction process focusing upon complex milk matrices, which allowed the matrix compounds present in milk samples to be removed effectively. The extracts were sufficiently clean for further chromatographic analysis, and no interference originating from the biological matrix was observed. The mean recoveries of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin from milk sample were 82.6-93.5% and 81.2-94.8%, respectively, with the RSD less than 7.5%. This method is simple and sensitive, and is therefore an alternative tool to the existing HPLC methods for analyzing residual enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in biological samples.     

Determination of polycyclic aromatic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography with simultaneous mass spectrometry and ultraviolet diode array detection

A major problem in the determination of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in environmental samples is the extreme complexity of the extracts, even after extensive fractionation. The combination of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with simultaneous mass spectrometry (MS) and ultraviolet diode array detection (DAD) is a powerful tool for the identification and quantitation of such species with a high degree of confidence. HPLC allows the selective separation of a wide variety of PACs, including thermally labile and high molecular weight compounds. Electron ionization MS with the moving belt interface provides high sensitivity and selectivity, as well as structural information such as molecular weight, functional groups, and elemental composition. The diode array detector helps to differentiate isomeric structures and confirm compound identity.     

An LC-MS method for the determination of pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater treatment plant influent and effluent samples

Pharmaceuticals are continually introduced into the environment as a result of industrial and domestic use. In recent years they have emerged as environmental pollutants. An analytical method has been developed allowing for simultaneous detection and identification of 20 pharmaceutical compounds from various therapeutic classes using solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The limits of detection and limits of quantitation for the method were in the ng/L-microg/L range. The method was applied to influent and effluent samples from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Fifteen compounds were identified in the sample matrix with salicylic acid and ibuprofen being the most abundant at 9.17 and 3.20 microg/L respectively.     

冷冻干燥技术在环境水样有机新污染物前处理中的应用进展

有机新污染物是一类在先进分析技术帮助下新鉴定的、现有法规未管制的、人为源的有机污染物.有机新污染物主要包括药品与个人护理、农药、全氟化合物、内分泌干扰物等,其会产生内分泌干扰效应、诱发抗性基因传播,还对人类和野生生物的生存与发展构成潜在威胁,因此检测环境样品中的有机新污染物浓度对生态环境和人体健康具有重大意义.由于环境...     

Methods for determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in environmental samples - review

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of persistent organic pollutants. They are used as flame retardants in plastics, paints, varnishes and textile materials. PBDEs pose great risk to the environment because of their high persistence and ability to get into the environment easily due to the lack of chemical bonds with the matrix of materials, to which they are added. Global research studies confirmed the occurrence of those compounds in the majority of elements of water and land environment. Analysis of PBDEs in environmental samples is one of the specific analytical methods of criteria that comprise low detection limits and high selectivity. The analysis of PBDEs in environmental samples is one of the specific analytical methods, in which the main criteria are low detection limits and high selectivity. In this article, a literature review of methods for environmental sample preparation and analysis of the PBDE content was presented. The article discusses the potential of modern extraction techniques such as: solid-phase microextraction, single-drop microextraction, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, microwave-assisted extraction, cloud point extraction, hollow fibre-liquid phase microextraction and others for the separation of PBDEs from environmental samples with a complex matrix. Among the methods for qualitative and quantitative determination of PBDEs, a particular focus was put on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with various injection techniques and different types of sample ionisation.     

Sample handling strategies for the determination of persistent trace organic contaminants from biota samples

Even after emergence of most advanced instrumental techniques for the final separation, detection, identification and determination of analytes, sample handling continues to play a basic role in environmental analysis of complex matrices. In fact, sample preparation steps are often the bottleneck for combined time and efficiency in many overall analytical procedures. Thus, it is not surprising that, in the last two decades, a lot of effort has been devoted to the development of faster, safer, and more environment friendly techniques for sample extraction and extract clean up, prior to actual instrumental analysis. This article focuses on the state of the art in sample preparation of environmental solid biological samples dedicated to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) analysis. Extraction techniques such as Soxhlet extraction, sonication-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) and matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) are reviewed and their most recent applications to the determination of POPs in biota samples are provided. Additionally, classical as well as promising novel extraction/clean-up techniques such as solid phase microextraction (SPME) are also summarized. Finally, emerging trends in sample preparation able to integrate analytes extraction and their adequate clean-up are presented.     

Impact of prefractionation using Gradiflow on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and protein identification by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry

Prefractionation of protein samples prior to two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) has the potential to increase the dynamic detection range for proteomic analysis. We evaluated a membrane-based electrophoretic separation technique (Gradiflow) for its ability to fractionate an exoproteome sample from the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei. The sample was separated on the basis of size and charge. Buffer optimization was found to be necessary for successful size fractionation. Fractionation by charge was used to resolve the sample into four fractions that were subjected to analysis by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). Enhanced detection of low-abundance proteins with selective removal of high-abundance species was achieved. Fractionated and unfractionated samples were examined for differences in the ability to identify proteins following 2-DE using trypsin in-gel digestion followed by peptide mass fingerprinting using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Fractionated samples showed marked improvement in protein identification ability and sequence coverage. This study demonstrates the utility of the Gradiflow for fractionation, resulting in an enhancement of resolution and characterization of a moderately complex proteome.     

Integration of ion-exchange chromatography fractionation with reversed-phase liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometer and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for isolation and identification of compounds in Psoralea corylifolia

An approach for the separation and identification of components in a traditional Chinese medicine Psoralea corylifolia was developed. Ion-exchange chromatography (IEC) was applied for the fractionation of P. corylifolia extract, and then followed by concentration of all the fractions with rotary vacuum evaporator. Each of the enriched fractions was then further separated on an ODS column with detection of UV absorbance and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometer (APCI/MS), respectively, and also analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) with matrix of oxidized carbon nanotubes. Totally more than 188 components in P. corylifolia extract were detected with this integrated approach, and 12 of them were preliminary identified according to their UV spectra and mass spectra performed by APCI/MS and MALDI-TOF/MS. The obtained analytical results not only demonstrated the powerful resolution of integration IEC fractionation with reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC)-APCI/MS and MALDI-TOF/MS for analysis of compounds in a complex sample, but also exhibited the superiority of APCI/MS and MALDI-TOF/MS for identification of low-mass compounds, such as for study of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and metabolome.     

Stratigraphic analysis of organic materials in wall painting samples using micro-FTIR attenuated total reflectance and a novel sample preparation technique

Wall paintings typically contain low concentrations of organic materials within a largely inorganic matrix and are characterised by their high porosity and long-term exposure to severe environmental conditions. The identification of organic materials within specific paint or plaster layers is challenging and the inherent characteristics of wall painting samples present further complications. Embedding materials (such as epoxy, polyester and acrylic-based resins) used to produce cross-sections often infiltrate porous and leanly bound samples, and compromise the interpretation of Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectra and the qualitative identification of natural organic materials. An alternative method for the preparation of cross-sections of wall painting samples was developed using cyclododecane (C(12)H(24)) as a temporary consolidant and barrier coating to encapsulate the sample, and to provide necessary support to produce a cross-section through microtoming. Impacts of traditional and novel sample preparation techniques on the identification of organic materials with micro-FTIR-ATR were examined for both replica and real wall painting samples.     

Direct insertion membrane probe for selective introduction of organic compounds into a mass spectrometer

A direct insertion membrane probe for the direct determination of organic compounds in aqueous samples has been designed and built. This device allows the transportation of analyte solution over a sheet membrane via which pervaporation transports compounds directly into the heated ion source of a mass spectrometer. This configuration, together with the possibility of temperature control at the solution/membrane interface, decreases response times (typically <10 s) and memory effects and gives very good sensitivity and low detection limits (down to 10 μg l^?1). Optimization of different parameters which affect the performance of the device is reported. High probe temperatures and high flow-rates are generally preferred, giving increased sensitivity. A knowledge of the sample matrix is essential in precise quantitative analysis, because matrix components can change permeation rates and ionization efficiencies. The usefulness of the device in bioreactor monitoring and in environmental analysis is demonstrated.     

高效液相色谱/电感耦合等离子体质谱联用技术用于元素形态分析的研究进展

介绍了高效液相色谱与电感耦合等离子体质谱（HPLC－ICP－MS）联用技术在环境、材料和生命科学样品的元素形态分析中的研究进展，着重介绍该联用方法的接口技术及几种与ICP－MS联用的主要色谱类型，阐述了几种样品预处理方法，并对样品引入系统、复杂基体分离和元素形态定量和结构分析等联用技术在元素形态分析中所面临的问题进行讨论。     

Masking effect of anti-androgens on androgenic activity in European river sediment unveiled by effect-directed analysis

This study shows that the androgen receptor agonistic potency is clearly concealed by the effects of androgen receptor antagonists in a total sediment extract, demonstrating that toxicity screening of total extracts is not enough to evaluate the full in vitro endocrine disrupting potential of a complex chemical mixture, as encountered in the environment. The anti-androgenic compounds were masking the activity of androgenic compounds in the extract with relatively high anti-androgenic potency, equivalent to 200 nmol flutamide equivalents/g dry weight. A two-step serial liquid chromatography fractionation of the extract successfully separated anti-androgenic compounds from androgenic compounds, resulting in a total androgenic potency of 3,820 pmol dihydrotestosterone equivalents/g dry weight. The fractionation simplified the chemical identification analysis of the original complex sample matrix. Seventeen chemical structures were tentatively identified. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons, a technical mixture of nonylphenol and dibutyl phthalate were identified to contribute to the anti-androgenic potency observed in the river sediment sample. With the GC/MS screening method applied here, no compounds with AR agonistic disrupting potencies could be identified. Seventy-one unidentified peaks, which represent potentially new endocrine disrupters, have been added to a database for future investigation.     

Automated sample preparation using in-tube solid-phase microextraction and its application -- a review

Sample preparation, such as extraction, concentration, and isolation of analytes, greatly influences their reliable and accurate analysis. In-tube solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a new effective sample preparation technique using an open tubular fused-silica capillary column as an extraction device. Organic compounds in aqueous samples are directly extracted and concentrated into the stationary phase of capillary columns by repeated draw/eject cycles of sample solution, and they can be directly transferred to the liquid chromatographic column. In-tube SPME is an ideal sample preparation technique because it is fast to operate, easy to automate, solvent-free, and inexpensive. On-line in-tube SPME-performed continuous extraction, concentration, desorption, and injection using an autosampler, is usually used in combination with high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. This technique has successfully been applied to the determination of various compounds such as pesticides, drugs, environmental pollutants, and food contaminants. In this review, an overview of the development of in-tube SPME technique and its applications to environmental, clinical, forensic, and food analyses are described.     

Sample handling strategies for the analysis of non-volatile organic compounds from environmental water samples

There is a need for faster, simpler and automated methods for concentration and isolation of organic compounds from environmental water samples. On-line coupling of sample preparation to chromatographic analysis is a powerful strategy but trace-level determination requires selective solid-phase extractions to remove matrix interferences. Means for achieving selective sample handling are reviewed.