Biosensor analysis of beta-lactams in milk using the carboxypeptidase activity of a bacterial penicillin binding protein

The applicability of a beta-lactam receptor protein for detection of beta-lactam antibiotics in milk using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor technology was investigated. The advantage of using a receptor protein instead of antibodies for detection of beta-lactams is that a generic assay, specific for the active form of the beta-lactam structure, is obtained. Two assays based on the enzymatic activity of the DD-carboxypeptidase from Actinomadura R39 were developed, using a Biacore SPR biosensor. The carboxypeptidase converts a tri-peptide into a di-peptide, a reaction which is inhibited in the presence of beta-lactams. Polyclonal antibodies against the 2 peptides were developed and used to measure the amount of enzymatic product formed (di-peptide assay) or the amount of remaining enzymatic substrate (tri-peptide assay), respectively. The 2 assays showed similar performances with respect to detection limits (1.2 and 1.5 microg/kg, respectively) and precision (coefficient of variation <5%) for penicillin G in milk. Several other beta-lactams were detected at or near their respective maximum residue limit. Furthermore, the 2 peptide assays were evaluated against 5 commercial kit tests in the screening of 195 producer milk samples. The biosensor assays showed 0% false-negative and 27% false-positive results, whereas the figures were 0% false-negative and 27-53% false-positive results for other screening tests investigated.     

Elements analysis of infant milk formula by ICP-OES: a comparison of pretreatment methods

Sample pretreatments are critical steps for achieving true and precise results in element analysis for infant milk formula. In this study, we made a comparative study of four pretreatment methods: dry ashing (DA), wet ashing (WA), microwave ashing (MA) and slurry dispersion analysis. Nine elements (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P and Zn) were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Infant formula (GBW08509) with certified values was used for assessment of trueness and precision. The data showed that all relative standard deviations (RSD) of the observed values were <15 %. In contrast to other pretreatment, results for MA had the lowest RSD (≤5 %) for all the elements. For Cu and Mn, there was no significant difference between measurement results and certified values in four pretreatments. But, after DA and WA the results for Ca, K, Na, P and Zn differed significantly from the certified values.     

Biased retrieval of chemical series in receptor-based virtual screening

Using the kinases in the DUD dataset and an in-house HTS dataset from PI3K-γ, receptor-based virtual screening experiments were performed using Glide SP docking. While significant enrichments were observed for eight of the nine targets in the set, more detailed analyses highlighted that much of the early enrichment (10–80%) is the result of retrieval of a single cluster of active compounds. This biased retrieval was not necessarily due to early enrichment of the cluster containing the co-crystallized ligand. Virtual screening validation studies could thus benefit from including cluster-based analyses to assess enrichment of diverse chemotypes.     

Biosensor immunoassay of ivermectin in bovine milk

A rapid and sensitive biosensor immunoassay was developed for determination of ivermectin residues in bovine milk. A detection limit of 16.2 ng/mL was achieved. A Biacore optical biosensor based on surface plasmon resonance was used, and a range of extraction techniques was investigated. In the final assay procedure, ivermectin was extracted with acetonitrile followed by C8 solid-phase extraction cleanup. It was proven experimentally that 2 methods of milk storage, freezing or addition of mercury-containing compounds as preservatives, could be used without considerable change in detected concentrations (samples were fortified with ivermectin after storage). The average values for milk samples spiked at 100 and 50 ng/mL concentrations were 102.6 and 51.5 ng/mL, respectively. Extraction and analysis of 20 milk samples were performed within a single working day.     

Quantification methods of Black Carbon: comparison of Rock-Eval analysis with traditional methods

Black Carbon (BC) quantification methods are reviewed, including new Rock-Eval 6 data on BC reference materials. BC has been reported to have major impacts on climate, human health and environmental quality. Especially for risk assessment of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) it is important to account for risk reduction caused by BC, as suggested for POP safety assessment in the framework of the new European Community Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Four major classes of BC quantification methods are reviewed including application to BC reference materials. Methods include chemical oxidation, thermal oxidation, molecular marker, optical methods and Rock-Eval analyses. Residual carbon from Rock-Eval 6 analysis correlated well with BC data from 'gentle' methods like optical and molecular marker methods, which capture a major part of the BC continuum including labile fractions (e.g. char). In contrast, the temperature at which 50% of the organic matter was oxidized (T(50%)) in an oxidation-only Rock-Eval analysis, correlated well with data from chemothermal oxidation (CTO), which captures only refractory BC fractions (e.g. soot). Rock-Eval analysis can further be used for BC characterization through deconvolution of the dominant peaks of the thermogram and appears to be a powerful tool in BC analysis.     

Determination of cyclosporine A in whole blood: comparison of a chromatographic method with three different immunological methods

Cyclosporine A is potent immunosuppressive agent characterized by a narrow therapeutic range, inter- and intra-individual variability and a lack of correlation between drug dosage and blood levels. In view of these facts, blood levels of CyA should be routinely monitored to assess organ rejection and toxicity.

We evaluated CyA as well as its metabolites (AM9, AM19, AMl, and AM4N) in whole blood samples from 117 patients using commercially available immunological assays (AxSYM, EMIT, Dimension) and HPLC.

Cross-reactivity of the immunological assays was evaluated using different concentrations of the CyA metabolites (in vitro cross-reactivity) and by statistical analysis of patient data (in vivo cross-reactivity). Cross-reactivity was seen in all immunological assays, with differences in in vitro and in vivo cross-reactivity.

The statistical analysis showed a classical correlation between HPLC and AxSYM of r² = 0.89, HPLC versus EMIT of r² = 0.93, and HPLC versus Dimension of r² = 0.93.

The percentage metabolite cross-reactivity (%) by immunological assays for four metabolites at two concentrations each (250 and 1000 ng ml⁻¹) was lowest with the Dimension assay.

Of the immunological methods examined, the new Dimension for CyA determination can be relied on to produce results comparable to HPLC; other advantages are its simplicity, practicability and ease of handling.     

Biosensor analysis of penicillin G in milk based on the inhibition of carboxypeptidase activity

The β-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, are the most important antimicrobial substances used for mastitis treatment. Consequently, this is also the most frequently occurring type of antibiotic residues in milk. Today, in addition to the traditional microbial inhibitor tests, rapid and sensitive receptor and immunoassays are used in residue control. Due to the limitations in throughput capacity of these tests, recent applications of automated biosensor technology in food analysis are of great interest.A surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensor (Biacore) was used to design an inhibition assay to detect β-lactam antibiotics in milk. A microbial receptor protein with carboxypeptidase activity was used as detection molecule. One advantage of using this receptor protein over antibodies that are more commonly used is that only the active, intact β-lactam structure is recognized, whereas most antibodies detect both active and inactive forms. In the presence of β-lactam antibiotics the formation of a stable complex between receptor protein and antibiotic inhibits the enzymatic activity of the protein. The decrease in enzymatic activity was measured using an antibody against the degraded substrate and penicillin G in milk samples was quantitatively determined. The limit of detection of the assay for penicillin G was determined to 2.6 μg kg⁻¹ for antibiotic-free producer milk, which is below the European maximum residue limit (MRL) of 4 μg kg⁻¹. The coefficient of variation at 4 μg kg⁻¹ penicillin G, ranged between 7.3 and 16% on three different days.     

Analysis of chloramphenicol residues in swine tissues and milk: comparative study using different screening and quantitative methods

Both screening and quantitative methods for chloramphenicol residues in swine tissues and milk were compared, using samples from animals treated with chloramphenicol. For screening purposes a previously developed streptavidin-biotin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a commercially available immunochemical card test were used. For quantitative purposes two previously developed high-performance liquid chromatographic procedures were applied using antibody-mediated clean-up and solid-phase extraction. Some improvements in both methods were also described. The results obtained with the screening tests and those obtained with the quantitative methods correspond well with each other. Using a combination of these methods, an effective control of residues of chloramphenicol can be performed in milk from the 1 microgram/kg level and in swine tissues from the 10 micrograms/kg level.     

Multi-class, multi-residue liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry screening and confirmation methods for drug residues in milk

This paper describes the development and optimization of a multi-residue veterinary drug screening method for whole milk. The drug residues of regulatory interest in milk include beta-lactams, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides. Milk samples were extracted with acetonitrile and the samples were then subjected to a clean-up procedure using a bonded solid-phase extraction cartridge and a molecular weight cut-off filter. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) triple quadrupole electrospray methods were developed to monitor for the drugs in milk. Since established tolerance levels are set for most of these drugs in milk, the initial screening procedure was semi-quantitative, where samples were compared to the response of a positive control. The positive control, consisting of an extract from a portion of milk fortified with the drugs at half their allowed levels, was used to set the laboratory's minimum response criteria for unknown samples. Confirmatory analyses, with additional ion transitions for each residue, were performed on the same extracts.     

Development of fast screening methods for the analysis of veterinary drug residues in milk by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

Two rapid multi-residue screening methods for the determination of 21 veterinary drugs in milk by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) have been developed and compared. For both methods, veterinary drugs were extracted from milk samples using a rapid extraction procedure based on the modification of the well-known QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method, and no further clean-up steps were necessary. One screening method was based on the selection of a characteristic neutral loss or product ion of the various families of compounds, whereas another one was based on the choice of a selected reaction monitoring (SRM) for each compound. These methods were compared with regards to false negatives, cut-off values and the unreliability region. The total run time for both methods was 3 min, allowing quick selection of samples that contained veterinary drugs. Non-negative samples were re-analyzed by the UHPLC-MS/MS confirmation/quantification method, which consisted in the monitoring of two SRM for each compound. The methods were validated according to international guides. The proposed analytical methods allow for the identification and confirmation of the target veterinary drugs at trace levels employing quick analysis time.     

AOAC International methods committee guidelines for validation of qualitative and quantitative food microbiological official methods of analysis

Responding to a need for a guide for conducting Official Method validation studies of microbiological methods, AOAC utilized the experience of three microbiologists who have been active in the field of method validation. In collaboration, a document was prepared which covered the following areas: terms and their definitions associated with the Official Methods program (e.g., reference methods, alternative methods, and ruggedness testing), protocols and validation requirements for qualitative methods versus those for quantitative methods, the concept of the precollaborative study, ruggedness testing, tests for significant differences, performance indicators, and the approval process. After its preparation, this document was reviewed by the members of the Methods Committee on Microbiology and Extraneous Materials and by members of the Official Methods Board. Herein is presented the approved version of that document.     

Statistical comparison of calibration methods in multicomponent analysis

Spectrophotometric multicomponent analysis is considerd on the basis of inverse multivariate calibration with linear methods (ordinary least squares, principal component, ridge and partial least squares regression) and with the non-linear methods ACE and the non-linear partial least squares. The performance of the different methods is compared by paired F-tests. As an estimate of the error variance the residual mean sum of squares in the analysis of variance table is used. The comparison is demonstrated for the infrared spectrometric analysis of the hydroxyl group content of brown coal measured in diffuse reflectance. Although the error variances among the calibration methods differ gradually, the differences are much less pronounced at statistical level.     

Gas analytical methods of thermal analysis in comparison

The undisputed advantages of simultaneous detection and analysis of released gases are today frequently utilized in thermoanalytical experiments. Some aspects of the function principles, the coupling systems and the applicability of different gas detectors are discussed. Both, sufficient qualitative and quantitative informations can be expected from the use of mass spectrometry. The coupling techniques between a quadrupole mass filter and a simultaneous high temperature TG-DTA equipment is described as to some theoretical points of view and verified by test results on complex compounds. It has shown, that for universally usable apparatus gas inlet systems with pressure reducing two-stage orifice arrangements as well as direct sample evaporation in high vacuum should be mutually realized.     

Stable competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for rapid measurement of 11 active beta-lactams in milk, tissue, urine, and serum

Beta-lactams are used as veterinary drugs for the treatment of food-producing animals. For consumer protection, legislation is in place to set limits for their residues. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed which allowed, in a single reaction, the class-specific measurement of 11 beta-lactams, with limits of detection below European maximum residue limits. Determinations were feasible in milk, tissue, urine, and serum with simple and rapid sample preparation. In this format, the specific capture antibodies were precoated on the microtiter plate and horseradish peroxidase-labeled conjugate was used to compete with free beta-lactams. The stability of the precoated microtiter plate and conjugate was at least 1 year when stored at 2 to 8 degrees C; upon reconstitution, the conjugate was stable for 6 days at 2 to 8 degrees C. The stability of lyophilized ampicillin standards was at least 6 months when stored at 2 to 8 degrees C and at least 1 year when stored at -20 degrees C. A low cross-reactivity, 3.6%, was observed with ampicillin with open beta-lactam ring relative to 100% for intact ampicillin. Generic recognition was shown by relative cross-reactivity values ranging from 22 (penicillin V) to 144% (nafcillin). Cross-reactivity for cephalosporins was <0.1%. Intra- and interassay precisions expressed as coefficient of variation were typically 2-8%. The inhibitory concentration with 50% binding for ampicillin was typically 2 ppb. Recovery for different spiked levels was >70% with all the matrixes.     

Chromatographic and electrophoretic methods used for analysis of milk proteins.

Current knowledge of milk proteins and their behavior in dairy foods is based on early applications of chromatography and electrophoresis. Electrophoretic identification of the number and genetic variety of milk proteins inaugurated a research effort in which chromatographic techniques were successfully applied to the isolation of each milk protein, thus facilitating the characterization and further study of milk and dairy products. This review focuses on recent applications of chromatography for separations and analysis and on analytical applications of electrophoresis.     

A comparison of a gas chromatographic with electron-capture detection and a gas chromatographic with mass spectrometric detection screening methods for the analysis of famoxadone in grapes and wines

Famoxadone is a recent oxazolidinedione fungicide widely used in viticulture and in Integrated Pest Management strategies. In this work, after a simple and fast liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), two new gas chromatographic methods were developed to analyze famoxadone residues in grapes and wines, one with electron-capture detection (GC-ECD) and the other with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Global uncertainties for validation parameters of both methods were compared. Limits of detection (LODs) were 0.06 and 0.02 mg/L, precision was not above 11.7 and 6.8% and recoveries were, on average, 103%+/-12 and 96%+/-12, respectively, for the GC-ECD and GC-MS methods. Similar expanded uncertainties in the range from 0.25 to 1.00 mg/L were below 35%, with increasing values for lower levels of famoxadone. GC-MS method had a lower LOD and a lower uncertainty if compared with the GC-ECD method.     

Spiro beta-lactams as beta-turn mimetics. Design, synthesis, and NMR conformational analysis

Molecular modeling calculations using high-level ab initio methods (MP2/6-31+G) of a new type of spiro beta-lactams predict that these systems could adopt a beta-turn secondary structure in solution. Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds stabilize the beta-turn conformation with a geometry that is very close to the ideal type II beta-turns. The synthesis of the spiro beta-lactams is achieved by Staudinger reaction of a cyclic ketene derived from N-bencyloxycarbonyl-L-proline acid chloride with an imine. This reaction allows the formation of the spiranic backbone in a single-step with high diastereoselectivity and good yields. The new spiro beta-lactams obtained are the core for the preparation of different types of peptidomimetics using well-established peptide chemistry. The NMR conformational analysis shows that these compounds adopt beta-turn conformation as predicted by the theoretical studies.     

Conformational analysis of methylphenidate: comparison of molecular orbital and molecular mechanics methods

Summary Methylphenidate (MP) binds to the cocaine binding site on the dopamine transporter and inhibits reuptake of dopamine, but does not appear to have the same abuse potential as cocaine. This study, part of a comprehensive effort to identify a drug treatment for cocaine abuse, investigates the effect of choice of calculation technique and of solvent model on the conformational potential energy surface (PES) of MP and a rigid methylphenidate (RMP) analogue which exhibits the same dopamine transporter binding affinity as MP. Conformational analysis was carried out by the AM1 and AM1/SM5.4 semiempirical molecular orbital methods, a molecular mechanics method (Tripos force field with the dielectric set equal to that of vacuum or water) and the HF/6-31G* molecular orbital method in vacuum phase. Although all three methods differ somewhat in the local details of the PES, the general trends are the same for neutral and protonated MP. In vacuum phase, protonation has a distinctive effect in decreasing the regions of space available to the local conformational minima. Solvent has little effect on the PES of the neutral molecule and tends to stabilize the protonated species. The random search (RS) conformational analysis technique using the Tripos force field was found to be capable of locating the minima found by the molecular orbital methods using systematic grid search. This suggests that the RS/Tripos force field/vacuum phase protocol is a reasonable choice for locating the local minima of MP. However, the Tripos force field gave significantly larger phenyl ring rotational barriers than the molecular orbital methods for MP and RMP. For both the neutral and protonated cases, all three methods found the phenyl ring rotational barriers for the RMP conformers/invertamers (denoted as cte, tte, and cta) to be: cte, tte> MP > cta. Solvation has negligible effect on the phenyl ring rotational barrier of RMP. The B3LYP/6-31G* density functional method was used to calculate the phenyl ring rotational barrier for neutral MP and gave results very similar to those of the HF/6-31G* method.     

Immunobiosensor detection of domoic acid as a screening test in bivalve molluscs: comparison with liquid chromatography-based analysis

A rapid and sensitive immuno-based screening method was developed to detect domoic acid (DA) present in extracts of shellfish species using a surface plasmon resonance-based optical biosensor. A rabbit polyclonal antibody raised against DA was mixed with standard or sample extracts and allowed to interact with DA immobilized onto a sensor chip surface. The characterization of the antibody strongly suggested high cross-reactivity with DA and important isomers of the toxin. The binding of this antibody to the sensor chip surface was inhibited in the presence of DA in either standard solutions or sample extracts. The DA chip surface proved to be highly stable, achieving approximately 800 analyses per chip without any loss of surface activity. A single analytical cycle (sample injection, chip regeneration, and system wash) took 10 min to complete. Sample analysis (scallops, mussels, cockles, oysters) was achieved by simple extraction with methanol. These extracts were then filtered and diluted before analysis. Detection limits in the ng/g range were achieved by the assay; however, the assay parameters chosen allowed the test to be performed most accurately at the European Union's official action limit for DA of 20 microg/g. At this concentration, intra- and interassay variations were measured for a range of shellfish species and ranged from 4.5 to 7.4% and 2.3 to 9.7%, respectively.