Analysis of native carotenoid composition in orange juice using C30 columns in tandem

In the present contribution, a novel analytical approach based on using serial coupled conventional LC columns is proposed to the study of the native carotenoid composition of orange juice. The great difficulties that are found when analyzing complex carotenoid samples, due to the high natural variability of these compounds as well as to the presence of carotenoid esters are well documented. To overcome some of these limitations, we have developed a methodology including the study of both the saponified and the intact sample by means of two different LC-DAD/APCI-MS methods. The increase in the resolution and separation power obtained when using two serial coupled C(30) columns is demonstrated, and significant increases in peak capacity have been achieved. By using this new methodology, 44 different carotenoids have been tentatively identified. Among them, several violaxanthin diesters have been directly identified in orange juice for the first time. The main carotenoids in orange juice were violaxanthin, lutein, luteoxanthin, 9-cis-antheraxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Some of them were found in both their free and esterified forms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application of serial couplings of C(30) columns for the identification of the native carotenoid composition of natural matrices.     

Separation of structural,geometrical and optical isomers of epoxycarotenoids using triacontyl‐bonded stationary phases

The efficiency of C₃₀ stationary phases in the separation of carotenes and diverse hydroxycarotenoids has been the subject of several studies. However, little is known concerning their ability to resolve epoxycarotenoids isomers, whose study is of great importance due to the functions they serve and the information they can reveal concerning the processing of foods. We have concluded that C₃₀ columns provide an excellent separation of structural, geometrical and optical isomers of epoxycarotenoids and that the presence of 5,8‐epoxide groups leads to a better shape recognition, to the extent that over 10 geometrical–optical isomers of 5,8‐epoxycarotenoids have been separated. Additionally, it was observed that these carotenoids elute later than their 5,6‐epoxide counterparts, albeit the latter have a longer chromophore.     

Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography

Having nearly exhausted the possibilities for generating peak capacity through improvements in column technology, chromatographers are increasingly looking to alternative ways of maximising chromatographic separation. In recent years there has been increasing activity in the field of comprehensive multidimensional separations to meet analysis demands. Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC×LC) approaches offer high peak capacity which leads to significantly improved analytical performance over single-column liquid chromatography. There are several closely related avenues available for achieving an LC×LC separation and this review pays special attention to the different valve-based interfaces that have been used to comprehensively couple the first and second dimension columns in LC×LC systems. A brief discussion of column choices for selected applications and the conditions employed is also presented.     

Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry

In this review, instrumental aspects of comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry are presented. The milestones of LC×LC are briefly summarized. Instrument configuration, selection of experimental conditions, the different interfaces used in the system and the current applications of LC×LC–MS systems are described.     

Characterization and analysis of amino acids in orange juice by HPLC-MS/MS for authenticity assessment

Twenty protein α-amino acids have been used to detect adulterations in orange juices from Spanish oranges. An analytical method based on the use of normal-phase liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry has been performed for detection and quantification of these compounds in this complex matrix. MS and MS/MS parameters were optimized and most abundant product ion of each amino acid were selected to be monitorized. Method performance is improved with the use of an Allure Acidix column in which mobile phase composition and flux were optimized. Good separation was achieved using water/acetonitrile (20:80) and water/methanol (10:90) at pH 3, with elution gradient. The method has been used to assess the presence of amino acids in different kinds of orange juice: packing orange juice from both frozen concentrates and recently squeezed oranges, and fresh sweet orange juice hand-squeezed in the laboratory just before the analysis. The differences in composition between the juices and the potential adulteration practices have been evaluated and discussed.     

Highly sensitive and accurate profiling of carotenoids by supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry

We attempted to establish a high‐speed and high‐resolution profiling method for a carotenoid mixture as a highly selective and highly sensitive detection method; the analysis was carried out by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS). When an octadecyl‐bonded silica (ODS) particle‐packed column was used for separation, seven carotenoids including structural isomers were successfully separated within 15 min. This result indicated not only improved separation but also improved throughput compared to the separation and throughput in RP‐HPLC. The use of a monolithic ODS column resulted in additional improvement in both the resolution and the throughput; the analysis time was reduced to 4 min by increasing the flow rate. Furthermore, carotenoids in biological samples containing the complex matrices were separated effectively by using several monolithic columns whose back pressure was very low. The mass spectrometer allowed us to perform a more sensitive analysis than UV detection; the detection limit of each carotenoid was 50 pg or below. This is the first report of carotenoid analysis carried out by SFC‐MS. The profiling method developed in this study will be a powerful tool for carrying out accurate profiling of biological samples.     

基于代谢组学技术的快速蒸发电离质谱与智能手术刀联用实时鉴别果汁掺伪方法研究

近年来,果汁掺伪问题日益突出。作为一种新型的实时鉴别方法,智能手术刀(IKnife)与快速蒸发电离质谱(REIMS)联用技术无需样品前处理即可解决这一问题。该文采用代谢组学指纹识别技术建立橙汁、苹果汁和葡萄汁的实时鉴别方法,并对其掺假水平进行预测。主成分分析-线性判别分析联用法建立的判别模型能够区分不同类型的果汁,排除20%交叉验证法的正确率为97.28%,未知样品实时鉴别正确率高达100%。筛选出不同果汁中的标志物,并对部分化合物进行鉴定。结果表明,此方法能够成功区分掺有10%-50%苹果汁和葡萄汁的橙汁。通过对比分析REIMS单极质谱和串联质谱(REIMS/MS)的检测结果,两种方法建立的偏最小二乘分析模型均能准确预测掺假水平(所有模型的R 2和Q 2均大于0.82)。与传统的REIMS方法相比,REIMS/MS的预测值更加精确。     

Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography in the analysis of antioxidant phenolic compounds in wines and juices

A novel comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatographic (LC×LC) system was developed for the quantification of antioxidant phenolic compounds in wine and juice. The system allows parts of the sample that are well separated in the first column to pass directly to the detector after the first column, while the rest of the sample proceeds to the second column. The optimised LC×LC system employed a combination of two C18 columns, the latter column with an ion-pair reagent (tetrapentylammonium bromide). The relative standard deviations (RSD) for the retention times were better than 0.01% in the first dimension and on average 6.3% in the second. The RSD values of the peak volumes varied from 3% (protocatechuic acid) to 13% (caffeic acid, n = 3, 10 μg/ml).     

A new solid-phase extraction and HPLC method for determination of patulin in apple products and hawthorn juice in China

A new solid‐phase extraction (SPE) pretreatment method using a home‐made polyvinylpolypyrrolidone‐florisil (PVPP‐F) column was developed for the analysis of patulin in apple and hawthorn products in China. Fifty samples (25 apple juices, 12 apple jams, and 13 hawthorn juices) were prepared using the new method and then analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC‐DAD) on an Agela Venusil MP C₁₈ reversed‐phase column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm). The cleanup results for all samples using home‐made PVPP‐F column were compared with those obtained using a MycoSep®228 AflaPat column. The correlation coefficient R (0.9998) fulfilled the requirement of linearity for patulin in the concentration range of 2.5–250 μg/kg. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) of patulin were 3.99 and 9.64 μg/kg for PVPP‐F column, and 3.56 and 8.07 μg/kg for MycoSep®228 AflaPat column, respectively. Samples were spiked with patulin at levels ranging from 25 to 250 μg/kg, and recoveries using PVPP‐F and MycoSep®228 AflaPat columns were in the range of 81.9–100.9% and 86.4–103.9%, respectively. Naturally occurring patulin was found in 2 of 25 apple juice samples (8.0%) and 1 of 13 hawthorn juice samples (7.7%) at concentrations ranging from 12.26 to 36.81 μg/kg. The positive results were further confirmed by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS).     

Contactless conductivity detection of sodium monofluoroacetate in fruit juices on a CE microchip

Rapid and quantitative determination of sodium monofluoroacetate in diluted fruit juices (dilution 1:9 v/v in deionized water) and tap water was performed by microchip CE, using contactless conductivity detection. A separation buffer consisting of 20 mM citric acid and histidine at pH 3.5 enabled the detection of the monofluoroacetate (MFA) anion in diluted apple juice, cranberry juice, and orange juice without lengthy sample pretreatments. The analyte was very well separated from interfering anionic species present in juices and tap water. LODs in diluted juices and tap water were determined to be 125, 167, 138, and 173 microg/L for tap water, apple juice, cranberry juice, and orange juice, respectively, based upon an S/N of 3:1. Taking into account the dilution factor, the LODs for juice samples range from 1 to 2 mg/L, which is adequate for monitoring the toxicity of MFA in these juice beverages and tap water. The calibration curves for MFA in diluted fruit juices were linear over the range of 500 microg/L to 80 mg/L. The total analysis time for detecting the MFA anion in fruit juices was less than 5 min, which represents a considerable reduction in analysis time compared to other analytical methods currently used in food analysis.     

Atmospheric pressure glow discharge desorption mass spectrometry for rapid screening of pesticides in food

Flowing afterglow atmospheric pressure glow discharge tandem mass spectrometry (APGD-MS/MS) is used for the analysis of trace amounts of pesticides in fruit juices and on fruit peel. The APGD source was rebuilt after Andrade et al. (Andrade et al., Anal. Chem. 2008; 80: 2646-2653; 2654-2663) and mounted onto a hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Apple, cranberry, grape and orange juices as well as fruit peel and salad leafs were spiked with aqueous solutions containing trace amounts of the pesticides alachlor, atrazine, carbendazim, carbofuran, dinoseb, isoproturon, metolachlor, metolcarb, propoxur and simazine. Best limits of determination (LODs) of pesticides in the fruit juices were achieved for metolcarb (1 microg/L in apple juice), carbofuran and dinoseb (2 microg/L in apple juice); for the analysis of apple skin best LODs were 10 pg/cm(2) of atrazine, metolcarb and propoxur which corresponds to an estimated concentration of 0.01 microg/kg apple, taking into account the surface area and the weight of the apple. The measured LODs were within or below the allowed maximum residue levels (MRLs) decreed by the European Union (1-500 microg/kg for pesticides in fruit juice and 0.01-5 microg/kg for apple skin). No sample pretreatment (extraction, pre-concentration, chromatographic separation) was necessary to analyze these pesticides by direct desorption/ionization using APGD-MS and to identify them using MS/MS. This makes APGD-MS a powerful high-throughput tool for the investigation of very low amounts of pesticides in fruit juices and on fruit peel/vegetable skin. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determination of target fat‐soluble micronutrients in rainbow trout's muscle and liver tissues by liquid chromatography with diode array‐tandem mass spectrometry detection

This paper describes an analytical approach, based on LC‐diode array detector‐MS/MS (LC‐DAD‐MS/MS), for characterizing the fat‐soluble micronutrient fraction in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss ). Two different procedures were applied to isolate the analytes from liver and muscle tissue: overnight cold saponification to hydrolyze bound forms and to simplify the analysis; matrix solid‐phase dispersion to avoid artifacts and to maintain unaltered the naturally occurring forms. Analytes were separated on a C₃₀ analytical column by using a nonaqueous reversed mobile phase compatible with the atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. Compared to other works, the most relevant advantage of the here illustrated method is the large amount of information obtained with few analytical steps: nine fat‐soluble vitamins (3,4‐dehydroretinol, retinol, cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol, α‐tocopherol, γ‐tocopherol, δ‐tocopherol, phylloquinone, and menaquinone‐4) and eight carotenoids (all‐trans ‐lutein, all‐trans ‐astaxanthin, all‐trans ‐zeaxanthin, all‐trans ‐β‐cryptoxanthin, all‐trans ‐canthaxanthin, all‐trans ‐ζ‐carotene, all‐trans ‐β‐carotene, and all‐trans ‐γ‐carotene) were quantified after the method validation, while other untargeted carotenoids were tentatively identified by exploiting the identification power of the LC‐DAD‐MS/MS hyphenation.     

HPLC‐PAD‐atmospheric pressure chemical ionization‐MS metabolite profiling of cytotoxic carotenoids from the echinoderm Marthasterias glacialis (spiny sea‐star)

An HPLC‐PAD‐atmospheric pressure chemical ionization‐MS metabolite profiling analysis was conducted on the marine echinoderm Marthasterias glacialis (spiny sea‐star). Bio‐guided purification of the methanolic extract led to the isolation of several carotenoids, namely zeaxanthin, astaxanthin and lutein. These compounds were characterized using both UV–Vis characteristics and MS spectra interpretation. No previous works addressed the MS analysis of carotenoids present in this organism. The purified carotenoid fraction displayed a strong cell proliferation inhibition against rat basophilic leukemia RBL‐2H3 (IC₂₅=268 μg/mL) cancer cell line. Against healthy V79 (rat lung fibroblasts (IC₂₅=411 μg/mL)) cell line, however, toxicity was lower, as it is desired for anti‐cancer molecules. This study suggests that M. glacialis may constitute a good source of bioactive compounds that can be used as lead compounds for the pharmaceutical industry.     

Separation and identification of various carotenoids by C30 reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to UV and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometric detection.

In this paper the application of on-line HPLC-UV-APCI (atmospheric pressure chemical ionization) mass spectrometry (MS) coupling for the separation and determination of different carotenoids as well as cis/trans isomers of beta-carotene is reported. All HPLC separations were carried out under RP conditions on self-synthesized polymeric C30 phases. The analysis of a carotenoid mixture containing astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin, echinenone and beta-carotene by HPLC-APCI-MS was achieved by scanning the mass range from m/z 200 to 700. For the characterization of a sample containing cis/trans isomers of beta-carotene as well as their oxidation products, a photodiode-array UV-visible absorbance detector was used in addition between the column and the mass spectrometer for structural elucidation of the geometrical isomers. The detection limit for beta-carotene in positive-ion APCI-MS was determined to be 1 pmol. In addition, an extract of non-polar substances in vegetable juice has been analyzed by HPLC-APCI-MS. The included carotenoids could be identified by their masses and their retention times.     

Determination of allergenic hydroperoxides in essential oils using gas chromatography with electron ionization mass spectrometry

Fragrance monoterpenes are widely used commercially due to their pleasant scent. In previous studies, we have shown that air‐exposed monoterpenes form hydroperoxides that are strong skin sensitizers. Methods for detection and quantification of the hydroperoxides in essential oils and scented products are thus desirable. Due to thermolability and low UV absorbance, this is a complicated task. We have recently developed a sensitive LC–ESI‐MS method, but with limited structural information and separation efficiency for positional isomers and stereoisomers. In the present study, we investigated derivatization with a trimethyl silyl reagent and subsequent GC with electron ionization MS for the determination of monoterpene hydroperoxides. All investigated monoterpene hydroperoxides could be chromatographed as thermostable trimethyl silyl derivatives and yielded the fragment m/z 89 ([OSi(CH₃)₃]⁺) at a higher extent compared to corresponding alcohols. Limonene‐2‐hydroperoxide and four other hydroperoxide isomers of limonene were separated and detected in sweet orange oil autoxidized for two months. The concentration of limonene‐2‐hydroperoxide isomers was found to be 19 μg/mg in total. Also isomers of linalyl acetate hydroperoxide and linalool hydroperoxide were detected in autoxidized petitgrain oil (two months). The presented GC–MS method showed concentrations in the same order as previous LC–MS/MS analysis of the same type of oils.     

A sensitive method for determination of allergenic fragrance terpene hydroperoxides using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

Different compositions of monoterpenes are utilized for their pleasant scent in cosmetics and perfumes. However, the most commonly used fragrance terpenes easily oxidize upon contact with air, forming strongly skin‐sensitizing hydroperoxides. Due to their thermolability and low UV absorbance, detection methods for hydroperoxides are scarce. For the first time, a simple and sensitive method using LC/ESI‐MS/MS was developed to quantitatively determine hydroperoxides from the common fragrance compounds linalool, linalyl acetate, and limonene. The method was applied to autoxidized petitgrain oil and sweet orange oil. A separation was accomplished using a C₃ column. The method LOD for the investigated hydroperoxides in the essential oils was below 0.3 μg/mL, corresponding to 0.3 ppm. For prevention purposes and according to EU regulations, concentrations in cosmetics exceeding 100 ppm in “rinse‐off” and 10 ppm in “stay‐on” products of linalool and limonene must be labeled. However, the products may still contain allergens, such as hydroperoxides, formed by oxidative degradation of their parent terpenes. The sensitivity and selectivity of the presented LC/MS/MS method enables detection of hydroperoxides from the fragrance terpenes linalool, linalyl acetate, and limonene. However, for routine measurements, the method requires further validation.     

Evaluation of the suitability of low hazard surfactants for the separation of phenols and carotenoids from red‐flesh orange juice and olive mill wastewater using cloud point extraction

Natural antioxidants derived from plant sources attract considerable scientific interest. While classic extraction methods consume high volumes of toxic organic solvents, cloud point extraction requires surfactant not exceeding 15% of the waste volume. In preliminary tests, the suitability of various low hazard surfactants (Span 20, PEG 400, Tween 80 and 20) was explored for separation of phenols and carotenoids from olive mill wastewater and red‐flesh orange juice. Tween 80 showed the highest recovery and further applied to the next experiments. The most appropriate surfactant concentrations were 5% (for olive mill wastewater) and 7% (for orange juice) as indicated by recovery % and the rest cloud point extraction parameters (analyte concentration, concentration factor, and phase volume ratio). A double step CPE with 5% + 5% of Tween 80 recovered up to 94.4% of the total phenols from olive mill wastewater, while a 7% + 7% of Tween 80 recovered up to 72.4% of the total carotenoids from orange juice. Evaluation of the final effects and extraction efficiency of single and double step cloud point extraction shows that double step scheme seems to be preferable in both cases. Finally, phenols and carotenoids recovered by Tween 80 maintained high antiradical activity (DPPH test).     

Quantitative determination of limonin in citrus juices by HPLC using computerized solvent optimization

The commercially available computer program, Drylab, for optimization of separations by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using binary solvent mixtures is used to improve an HPLC method for separation of the bitter principle, limonin, in grapefruit and navel orange juices. Best conditions for separation of limonin in a reasonable time are 30 to 32% acetonitrile in water at 0.9 mL/min using a 5-micron C18 column 10 cm long. These conditions are used to analyze grapefruit and navel orange juice samples, and these HPLC results are compared with values determined by enzyme immunoassay or thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on the same samples.     

Serial coupled columns reversed-phase separations in high-performance liquid chromatography. Tool for analysis of complex real samples

High-performance liquid chromatography is considered as the selected analytical tool for a huge number of applications, including the carotenoid analysis. However, due to the great complexity of some natural samples containing this kind of compounds, conventional LC could not have enough separation power. In this work, serial connection of several columns is proposed as an alternative to LC and also to comprehensive two-dimensional LC for the analysis of carotenoids from complex real matrices. Different parameters regarding these separation procedures are studied and discussed, such as the stationary phase used or the application of high separation temperatures. The applicability of connecting two C30 columns to significantly increase the separation power, resolution and peak capacity for the analysis of carotenoids has been demonstrated for the first time. In fact, a peak capacity of 79 was obtained when using two C30 serial coupled columns, compared to 61 achieved using a single column. Similar improvements were also observed for the other serial couplings studied. The present methodology could be applied to the analysis of carotenoids in a great variety of samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first development carried out to study natural products such as carotenoids using columns coupled in series.     

Comparison of High-Temperature Gradient Heart-Cutting and Comprehensive LC × LC Systems for the Separation of Phenolic Antioxidants

Natural phenolic antioxidants were separated using comprehensive 2D HPLC on a Purospher Star RP-18e column in the first dimension and on two parallel Zirconia Carbon columns working in alternating cycles in the second dimension. The combination of the two columns provides great differences in separation selectivity in each dimension and an almost orthogonal 2D system. Temperature and solvent gradients were compared for the separation of the first-dimension fraction in the stop-flow heart-cutting 2D setup. Temperature gradients provide shorter separation times in comparison with solvent gradients. However, the time required for post-run column equilibration is too long for comprehensive LC × LC. High-temperature isocratic separation was employed in the second dimension of the comprehensive setup, allowing improvement of the fraction transfer frequency between the two dimensions and shorter 2D separation time in comparison to the earlier published method. The approach was applied to the analysis of beer and wine.