Internal standard tracked dilution to overcome challenges in dried blood spots and robotic sample preparation for liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assays

Dried blood spot (DBS) technology is an emerging alternative for sample collection in bioanalysis. Dilution for DBS samples is a challenge due to its solid sample format. Currently, DBS samples requiring dilution were first extracted as regular samples and then diluted with extracted blank samples containing internal standard (IS). Since the dilution step is a volume-critical step, extra care has to be taken to achieve accurate dilution when dealing with limited volume extracted samples. Here, we introduce an alternative sample dilution for liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) assays using IS to track the dilution step. Dilution factor-adjusted IS working solution was first added to the sample requiring dilution before sample processing; subsequently, the processed sample was approximately diluted into the assay linear response range before LC/MS/MS analysis. We define this approach as "IS-tracked dilution". The advantage of this approach is that the diluting step is tracked by the IS and is no longer a volume-critical step. Another recognized challenge related to sample dilution is automatic sample dilution using a liquid handler. This "IS-tracked dilution" may also help address some of the challenges for automatic sample dilution of liquid samples. This new dilution approach was proven to be effective and convenient in both plasma assays and DBS assays using omeprazole as a probe compound.     

Global test for metabolic pathway differences between conditions

In many metabolomics applications there is a need to compare metabolite levels between different conditions, e.g., case versus control. There exist many statistical methods to perform such comparisons but only few of these explicitly take into account the fact that metabolites are connected in pathways or modules. Such a priori information on pathway structure can alleviate problems in, e.g., testing on individual metabolite level. In gene-expression analysis, Goeman's global test is used to this extent to determine whether a group of genes has a different expression pattern under changed conditions. We examined if this test can be generalized to metabolomics data. The goal is to determine if the behavior of a group of metabolites, belonging to the same pathway, is significantly related to a particular outcome of interest, e.g., case/control or environmental conditions. The results show that the global test can indeed be used in such situations. This is illustrated with extensive intracellular metabolomics data from Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae under different environmental conditions.     

Simultaneous evaluation of electroactive membranes on a four-function isfet by a constant dilution method

Multifunctional ISFETs are used in testing the performance of several nitrate-sensitive polymeric membranes simultaneously. By mounting the ISFET in a miniature flow-through cell, a continuous dilution technique can be used to obtain calibration curves and selectivity coefficient data for several membranes under identical conditions.     

Evaluation of preservative effectiveness of liquid crystalline systems with retynil palmitate by the challenge test and D-value

The objective of this work was to evaluate the preservative effectiveness of liquid crystalline systems containing retynil palmitate (RP) by the challenge test (CT) and D-value. A system was developed containing water, silicon glycol copolymer, and polyether functional siloxane with 1% RP added. The analyses were carried out by methods in the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP 31, 2008) using the microorganisms Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The CT showed that after 7 days, all microorganisms were eliminated except A. niger, which maintained viability for at least 28 days after inoculation. Moreover, the microorganisms E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, C. albicans, and A. niger presented different growth behaviors, evidenced by differences among the D-values calculated. It was concluded that the CT and D-value were efficient methods for evaluation of the preservative property of these formulations.     

Do multi-use cellulosic textiles provide safe protection against the contamination of sterilized items?

The aim of this study was to determine whether multiple use cellulosic medical textiles (cotton blends, Tencel^®) could provide protection against contamination after sterilization, regardless of the barrier system of only qualified materials, as per EN 868-2, used in the process. New methods for testing permeability and durability of the microbial barrier cellulosic textiles were developed. The most resistant endospores of two apathogenic bacteria of the Bacilllus genus (Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus atrophaeus) were used. Testing was conducted after 1, 10, 20, 30 and 50 washing and sterilization cycles under real hospital conditions of the University Hospital Centre Zagreb. The retention period of the microbial barrier of the diagonally packaged packages (one layer; EN ISO 11607-1:2009) after sterilization was tested after the time period of 1, 2 and 3 months of storage under controlled conditions. Bacterial permeability occurred in cellulosic medical textiles when they were contaminated with an extremely high quantity of aerobe bacterial spores. During the testing of microbial barrier durability, the package remained uncontaminated after 1, 2 and 3 months of storage. Medical cellulose textiles used under real hospital conditions functioned properly as a microbial barrier system after 50 cycles of washing and sterilization and 3 months of storage, as the sterilized content was not contaminated at all; they could be used as a microbe barrier system for packing in sterilization, regardless of the fact that they did not meet the standard EN 868-02:2009 Packaging materials for terminally sterilized medical devices. Part 2: sterilization wrap—requirements and test methods or the International standard, for example EN ISO 11607-1:2009 Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices, part 1: requirements for materials, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems.     

Observation of a combined dilution and salting effect in buffers under conditions of high dilution and high ionic strength

The pH value of buffer solutions is crucially dependent on the relative concentrations of all species in solution. The addition of water or neutral salt can have a significant effect on the pH of a buffer solution. This study examines the magnitude of the "dilution effect" and the "salt effect" for several commonly used inorganic and biological buffers. Novel data are obtained for the change in pH observed upon dilution or addition of neutral salt to these buffers which add to, complement and extend existing literature values. The validity of considering the dilution and salt effects as a combined ionic strength effect is also considered as well as the ability of the pH measuring device to perform valid measurements in these extreme conditions.     

On-line Monitoring of Continuous Flow Chemical Synthesis Using a Portable,Small Footprint Mass Spectrometer

For on-line monitoring of chemical reactions (batch or continuous flow), mass spectrometry (MS) can provide data to (1) determine the fate of starting materials and reagents, (2) confirm the presence of the desired product, (3) identify intermediates and impurities, (4) determine steady state conditions and point of completion, and (5) speed up process optimization. Recent developments in small footprint atmospheric pressure ionization portable mass spectrometers further enable this coupling, as the mass spectrometer can be easily positioned with the reaction system to be studied. A major issue for this combination is the transfer of a sample that is representative of the reaction and also compatible with the mass spectrometer. This is particularly challenging as high concentrations of reagents and products can be encountered in organic synthesis. The application of a portable mass spectrometer for on-line characterization of flow chemical synthesis has been evaluated by coupling a Microsaic 4000 MiD to the Future Chemistry Flow Start EVO chemistry system. Specifically, the Hofmann rearrangement has been studied using the on-line mass spectrometry approach. Sample transfer from the flow reactor is achieved using a mass rate attenuator (MRA) and a sampling make-up flow from a high pressure pump. This enables the appropriate sample dilution, transfer, and preparation for electrospray ionization. The capability of this approach to provide process understanding is described using an industrial pharmaceutical process that is currently under development. The effect of a number of key experimental parameters, such as the composition of the sampling make-up flow and the dilution factor on the mass spectrometry data, is also discussed. Figure

?     

Recent advances in round-the-clock photocatalytic system: Mechanisms,characterization techniques and applications

Solar energy-driven semiconductor photocatalysis has gathered increasing interest in the field of energy and environmental applications. However, a vital problem that limits its application is that photocatalysis requires a continuous light source to perform redox reaction. The ability of keeping catalytic activity in the dark has been the ultimate goal for the wide application of photocatalysis. More and more efforts have been paid to develop photocatalysts to perform photocatalytic reactions under both light and dark conditions, which is so called “round-the-clock photocatalytic system” (RTCPS). RTCPS with an ability of energy storage can work well under both daytime and nighttime, which widely used in the removal of heavy metal ion, the degradation of organic pollutant, disinfection and hydrogen generation. The important potential of RTCPS necessitate timely reviews of the recent advances to streamline efforts. Thus, this review aimed to summarize the recent advances in RTCPS, including the mechanism, characterization techniques and applications. Moreover, future challenge and research direction on the mechanistic study, material design and potential applications are also discussed.     

Microchemostat-microbial continuous culture in a polymer-based, instrumented microbioreactor

In a chemostat, microbial cells reach a steady state condition at which cell biomass production, substrates and the product concentrations remain constant. These features make continuous culture a unique and powerful tool for biological and physiological research. We present a polymer-based microbioreactor system integrated with optical density (OD), pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) real-time measurements for continuous cultivation of microbial cells. Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells are continuously cultured in a 150 microL, membrane-aerated, well-mixed microbioreactor fed by a pressure-driven flow of fresh medium through a microchannel. Chemotaxisial back growth of bacterial cells into the medium feed channel is prevented by local heating. Using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-grafted poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) copolymer films, the inner surfaces of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) of the microbioreactor are modified to generate bio-inert surfaces resistant to non-specific protein adsorption and cell adhesion. The modified surfaces of microbioreactor effectively reduce wall growth of E. coli for a prolonged period of cultivation. Steady state conditions at different dilution rates are demonstrated and characterized by steady OD, pH, and DO levels.     

Development of a natural ingredient – Natural preservative: A case study

Lately, the cosmetic and personal care market has been more and more driven toward natural ingredients by the rising consumers' awareness about personal health and safety and their will for safer cosmetics free of harmful chemicals. Preservatives are no exception to the rule: evidence or suspicion of the toxicity of certain synthetic preservatives that have been around for decades pushed the cosmetic industry forward to seek for natural alternatives, as the selection of natural preservatives already available is quite limited. Sourcing active metabolites and developing new natural ingredients are long-term procedures that are thoroughly described in the present paper, via the example of the design of a natural preservative based on the Santolina chamaecyparissus extract, and of the assessments of its preservative effectiveness.     

Toward a Greener World—Cyclodextrin Derivatization by Mechanochemistry

Cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives are a challenge, mainly due to solubility problems. In many cases, the synthesis of CD derivatives requires high-boiling solvents, whereas the product isolation from the aqueous methods often requires energy-intensive processes. Complex formation faces similar challenges in that it involves interacting materials with conflicting properties. However, many authors also refer to the formation of non-covalent bonds, such as the formation of inclusion complexes or metal–organic networks, as reactions or synthesis, which makes it difficult to classify the technical papers. In many cases, the solubility of both the starting material and the product in the same solvent differs significantly. The sweetest point of mechanochemistry is the reduced demand or complete elimination of solvents from the synthesis. The lack of solvents can make syntheses more economical and greener. The limited molecular movements in solid-state allow the preparation of CD derivatives, which are difficult to produce under solvent reaction conditions. A mechanochemical reaction generally has a higher reagent utilization rate. When the reaction yields a good guest co-product, solvent-free conditions can be slower than in solution conditions. Regioselective syntheses of per-6-amino and alkylthio-CD derivatives or insoluble cyclodextrin polymers and nanosponges are good examples of what a greener technology can offer through solvent-free reaction conditions. In the case of thiolated CD derivatives, the absence of solvents results in significant suppression of the thiol group oxidation, too. The insoluble polymer synthesis is also more efficient when using the same molar ratio of the reagents as the solution reaction. Solid reactants not only reduce the chance of hydrolysis of multifunctional reactants or side reactions, but the spatial proximity of macrocycles also reduces the length of the spacing formed by the crosslinker. The structure of insoluble polymers of the mechanochemical reactions generally is more compact, with fewer and shorter hydrophilic arms than the products of the solution reactions.     

Interrogating HIV integrase for compounds that bind- a SAMPL challenge

Tremendous gains and novel methods are often developed when people are challenged to do something new or difficult. This process is enhanced when people compete against each other-this can be seen in sport as well as in science and technology (e.g. the space race). The SAMPL challenges, like the CASP challenges, aim to challenge modellers and software developers to develop new ways of looking at molecular interactions so the community as a whole can progress in the accurate prediction of these interactions. In order for this challenge to occur, data must be supplied so the prospective test can be done. We have supplied unpublished data related to a drug discovery program run several years ago on HIV integrase for the SAMPL4 challenge. This paper describes the methods used to obtain these data and the chemistry involved.     

Bis(tributyltin) oxide as a wood preservative: Its chemical nature in timber

Tributyltin compounds have been used for many years as wood preservatives. This study has provided, for the first time, an explanation for the previously reported dealkylation and/or volatilization of the tributyltin species in, and from, timber. Thus ¹¹⁹Sn NMR studies have shown that, on impregnation into timber, bis(tributyltin) oxide, (Bu₃Sn)₂O, is rapidly converted to other tributyltin species, Bu₃SnOX, and that these subsequently undergo disproportionation to Bu₄Sn and Bu₂Sn(OX)₂ compounds. We have additionally demonstrated that Bu₄Sn, so produced, is not persistent in timber and is lost by volatilization. Since the rate of disproportionation of the Bu₃SnOX species should be dependent upon the nature of the X group, it should be possible to affect significantly, if not to stop, this process by the use of alternative tributyltin fungicides, e.g. tributyltin methanesulphonate. However, tributyltin fungicides have been used successfully in wood preservation for at least 25 years. Therefore, it must be concluded that, even after disproportionation in timber, in service, sufficient preservative action is retained to prevent decay of wood under the conditions of natural exposure.     

Recovering incomplete data using Statistical Multiple Imputations (SMI): a case study in environmental chemistry

This paper presents a statistical technique that can be applied to environmental chemistry data where missing values and limit of detection levels prevent the application of statistics. A working example is taken from an environmental leaching study that was set up to determine if there were significant differences in levels of leached arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) between lysimeters containing preservative treated wood waste and those containing untreated wood. Fourteen lysimeters were setup and left in natural conditions for 21 weeks. The resultant leachate was analysed by ICP-OES to determine the As, Cr and Cu concentrations. However, due to the variation inherent in each lysimeter combined with the limits of detection offered by ICP-OES, the collected quantitative data was somewhat incomplete. Initial data analysis was hampered by the number of ‘missing values’ in the data. To recover the dataset, the statistical tool of Statistical Multiple Imputation (SMI) was applied, and the data was re-analysed successfully. It was demonstrated that using SMI did not affect the variance in the data, but facilitated analysis of the complete dataset.     

Extending the Curtin–Hammett principle: the relative rates of intramolecular cyclisation versus intermolecular processes

A common tactic for synthetic chemists is to employ high dilution to ensure cyclisation is favoured over intermolecular processes. This intuitive strategy is ubiquitous in synthesis, although a quantitative analysis of these systems has not previously been proposed. In this Letter a theoretical analysis of the Curtin–Hammett principle when applied to systems in which the two equilibrating reactive species each undergo reactions of different orders is reported. This quantitative analysis predicts that a change in product distribution will be observed over time (under fixed conditions). However, the product ratios may be controlled by the addition of excess reagent(s) or by altering their concentration(s), consistent with established best practice (i.e., high dilution to maximise the formation of cyclised products, and high concentrations of reagents to maximise the formation of products resulting from intermolecular reactions).     

Peak purity assessment in a triple‐active fixed‐dose combination drug product related substances method using a commercial two‐dimensional liquid chromatography system

Pharmaceutical formulations containing multiple active components challenge the development of analytical methods, especially as the individual active ingredients diverge in their physicochemical properties. Establishing specificity, especially peak purity, is one of the major evaluation criteria when developing a related substances method for drug substances or products. Fixed‐dose combination products may not be amenable to common strategies for assessing peak purity, such as performing orthogonal separations, due to the complexity of the separation and/or diversity of the active ingredients. An alternate approach to evaluating peak purity is demonstrated for a triple‐active component fixed‐dose combination product under development. A commercially available automated two‐dimensional liquid chromatography system was used to perform a selective comprehensive multidimensional separation of an active ingredient peak. The first dimension performed the drug product impurity/degradant profiling method; the second dimension assayed these fractions using the drug substance profiling method, which was pseudo‐orthogonal to the first dimension. A total of 14 targeted fractions were sampled across the first dimension main peak, with 11 containing detectable analytes and the remaining fractions bracketing the main peak. This degree of sampling allowed profiling of a coeluting degradant present at a 0.2% w/w level throughout the main peak.     

基于微生物作为智能模板的电催化剂制备与应用研究进展

通过电催化实现可再生能源的存储与转化对于改善能源结构、保护生态环境、实现碳达峰和碳中和的国家战略具有重大意义。而开发低成本、高效的电催化剂成为全世界科学家共同面对的挑战。微生物在自然界中广泛存在,具有结构、组成和代谢丰富的特点,可以成为电催化剂的模板以及碳、磷、硫等非金属元素以及金属元素的来源,而且具有无毒、生产可重复性好、易于规模化等优点,已成为电催化剂制备的新趋势。对此,本文综述了微生物“智能”引导制备电催化剂的发展及在电催化析氢(HER)、电催化析氧(OER)、氧还原反应(ORR)、二氧化碳还原(CO₂RR)、锂电池(LBs)等领域的应用现状。希望有助于推动微生物代谢与催化剂微纳结构关系以及与催化反应的构效关系的深入理解,最后针对这类材料的问题挑战及其未来发展方向进行了探讨与展望。     

Application of a new focused microwave technology with species-specific isotope dilution analysis for the quantitative extraction of organometallic contaminants in solid environmental matrices

A new self-tuning single-mode-focused microwave technology has been evaluated in this work to perform the quantitative routine extraction of organometallic species from solid matrices of environmental interest. Species-specific isotope dilution analysis has been employed to better investigate the real influence of the microwave-assisted extractions on the final results. The advantages of such methodology in comparison with other established microwave units for the routine speciation analysis of organomercury and organotin compounds are discussed (such as the capability of using disposable glass vials, a self-tuning mode to provide an accurate control of the temperature and pressure inside of the vials, and the possibility of performing automated sequence of extractions with low sample size). The results obtained in this work demonstrated that such technology provides a fast and reliable quantitative extraction of the organometallic species in a wide range of extraction conditions even when the multi-elemental (Sn and Hg) species-specific determination is carried out.     

Minimizing material damage using low temperature irradiation

Scientific advancements in healthcare driven both by technological breakthroughs and an aging and increasingly obese population have lead to a changing medical device market. Complex products and devices are being developed to meet the demands of leading edge medical procedures.Specialized materials in these medical devices, including pharmaceuticals and biologics as well as exotic polymers present a challenge for radiation sterilization as many of these components cannot withstand conventional irradiation methods. The irradiation of materials at dry ice temperatures has emerged as a technique that can be used to decrease the radiation sensitivity of materials.The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of low temperature irradiation on a variety of polymer materials, and over a range of temperatures from 0 °C down to ?80 °C. The effectiveness of microbial kill is also investigated under each of these conditions.The results of the study show that the effect of low temperature irradiation is material dependent and can alter the balance between crosslinking and chain scission of the polymer. Low temperatures also increase the dose required to achieve an equivalent microbiological kill, therefore dose setting exercises must be performed under the environmental conditions of use.     

Recent advances in polyhydroxyalkanoate production by mixed aerobic cultures: from the substrate to the final product

Numerous bacteria have been found to exhibit the capacity for intracellular polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) accumulation. Current methods for PHA production at the industrial scale are based on their synthesis from microbial isolates in either their wild form or by recombinant strains. High production costs are associated with these methods; thus, attempts have been made to develop more cost-effective processes. Reducing the cost of the carbon substrates (e.g., through feeding renewable wastes) and increasing the efficiency of production technologies (including both fermentation and downstream extraction and recovery) are two such examples of these attempts. PHA production processes based on mixed microbial cultures are being investigated as a possible technology to decrease production costs, since no sterilization is required and bacteria can adapt quite well to the complex substrates that may be present in waste material. PHA accumulation by mixed cultures has been found under various operational conditions and configurations at both bench-scale and full-scale production. The process known as "feast and famine" or as "aerobic dynamic feeding" seems to have a high potential for PHA production by mixed cultures. Enriched cultures submitted to a transient carbon supply can synthesize PHA at levels comparable to those of pure cultures. Indeed, the intracellular PHA content can reach around 70% of the cell dry weight, suggesting that this process could be competitive with pure culture PHA production when fully developed. Basic and applied research of the PHA production process by mixed cultures has been carried out in the past decade, focusing on areas such as microbial characterization, process configuration, reactor operational strategies, process modeling and control, and polymer characterization. This paper presents a review of the PHA production process with mixed cultures, encompassing the findings reported in the literature as well as our own experimental results in relation to each of these areas.