Screening of salbutamol residues in swine meat and animal feed by an enzyme immunoassay in Taiwan

An ELISA was developed for routine examination for extensive monitoring and screening programs for the residues of salbutamol in swine serum, animal feed, meat, and meat-related products destined for human consumption in Taiwan. Objectives of the study were to investigate the use of a new immunoassay for the detection of salbutamol residues in swine meat and animal feed samples, and to compare with a commercial kit in field test screens. A fast, simple and reliable sample preparation method for the determination of salbutamol was established. Field trials with 222 swine meat and 120 animal feed samples that were taken from local meat markets, auction markets and feed mills. The application and the results of two ELISA kits (a homemade and a commercial kit) for the screening of salbutamol were presented. Adopting 2 μg kg⁻¹ salbutamol as a cut-off value for swine meat, the commercial β-agonist ELISA had a sensitivity of 85.3% and a specificity of 95.2% versus GC-MS at a cut-off of 2 μg kg⁻¹. The homemade salbutamol ELISA had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 90.9% and gave no false-negative rate results. Furthermore, adopting 20 μg kg⁻¹ salbutamol as a cut-off value for animal feed, both the commercial and homemade ELISA showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity of the assays. In conclusion, a sensitive, specific salbutamol polyclonal antibody-based ELISA has been developed that could serve as a rapid screening assay, and the detection of positive samples at the place of sampling can result in more effective control of the illegal use of β-agonists.     

Multiplex dipstick immunoassay for semi-quantitative determination of Fusarium mycotoxins in cereals

A multiplex dipstick immunoassay based method for the simultaneous determination of major Fusarium toxins, namely zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxins, deoxynivalenol and fumonisins in wheat, oats and maize has been developed. The dipstick format was based on an indirect competitive approach. Four test lines (mycotoxin–BSA conjugates) and one control line were located on the strip membrane. Labelled antibodies were freeze-dried within the microwell. Two matrix-related sample preparation protocols have been developed for wheat/oats (not containing fumonisins) and maize (containing fumonisins) respectively. The use of a methanol/water mixture for sample preparation allowed recoveries in the range 73–109% for all mycotoxins in all tested cereals, with relative standard deviation less than 10%. The optimized immunoassay was able to detect target mycotoxins at cut off levels equal to 80% of EU maximum permitted levels, i.e. 280, 400, 1400 and 3200 μg kg⁻¹, respectively, for zearalenone, T-2/HT-2 toxins, deoxynivalenol and fumonisins in maize, and 80, 400 and 1400 μg kg⁻¹, respectively, for zearalenone, T-2/HT-2 toxins and deoxynivalenol in wheat and oats. Analysis of naturally contaminated samples resulted in a good agreement between multiplex dipstick and validated confirmatory LC–MS/MS. The percentage of false positive results was less than or equal to 13%, whereas no false negative results were obtained. Data on the presence/absence of 6 mycotoxins at levels close to EU regulatory levels were obtained within 30 min. The proposed immunoassay protocol is rapid, inexpensive, easy-to-use and fit for purpose of rapid screening of mycotoxins in cereals.     

A general method for the quantitative determination of catecholamines in body fluids using off-line sample pretreatment and HPLC-ED analysis

Summary Reversed phase HPLC with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED) was used for quantitative determination of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine in several complex biological matrices, including plasma, uremic plasma, and urine. Three different methods of sample preparation for use in this clinical chemistry were tested. These were adsorption of catecholamines on alumina, organic solvent extraction after complex formation with diphenylborate, and adsorption of catecholamines on a cation exchange gel followed by organic solvent extraction of the elute. The selectivity and precision of the three methods were evaluated. The organic solvent extraction proved to be more precise and selective than adsorption on alumina (adrenaline: cv=3.80% vs. 7.58%; noradrenaline: cv=1.70% vs. 4.26%); it also proved suitable for use in the routine quantitative determination of catecholamines in plasma from patients with normal renal function (creatinine <1.2 mg/dl). However when working with uremic plasma or urine, a more selective sample preparation was required. In this case the adsorption of catecholamines on a cation exchange gel followed by organic solvent extraction of the elute was sufficiently selective and precise and thus allowed a reliable quantitative determination of adrenaline and noradrenaline from rather complex biological matrices (adrenaline: cv=6.2%; noradrenaline: cv=2.8%). Use of this specific method showed that basal plasma catecholamine levels in dialysis patients are comparable to those found in patients with normal renal function (adrenaline: 47.7±22.2 pg/ml; noradrenaline: 310.3±121.4 pg/ml).     

New highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay for the determination of pravastatin in human plasma

New highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) has been developed and validated for the determination of pravastatin (PRV) in human plasma samples. PRV was coupled to keyhole limpt hemocyanin (KLH) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) via its terminal carboxylic acid group by carbodiimide reagent. PRV-KLH conjugate was used as an immunogen for raising anti-PRV polyclonal antibody in rabbits. The generated anti-PRV antibody recognized PRV with high affinity and selectivity. PRV-BSA conjugate was immobilized onto microwell plates and used as a solid phase. The assay involved a competitive binding reaction between PRV, in plasma sample, and the immobilized PRV-BSA for the binding sites on a limited amount of the anti-PRV antibody. The anti-PRV antibody bound to the plate wells was quantified with horseradish peroxidase-labeled anti-immunoglobulin second anti-rabbit IgG antibody and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine as a substrate for the peroxidase enzyme. The concentration of PRV in the sample was quantified by its ability to inhibit the binding of the anti-PRV antibody to the immobilized PRV-BSA and subsequently the color development in the assay wells. The conditions of the proposed EIA were investigated and the optimum conditions were employed in the determination of PRV in plasma samples. The assay limit of detection was 0.2 ng mL⁻¹ and the effective working range at relative standard deviation (RSD) of ≤5% was 0.5-20 ng mL⁻¹. The mean analytical recovery of PRV from spiked plasma was 100.9 ± 2.98%. The precision of the assay was satisfactory; RSD was 2.61-3.70 and 3.96-4.17% for intra- and inter-assay precision, respectively. The analytical procedure is convenient, and one can analyze ∼200 samples per working day, facilitating the processing of large-number batch of samples. The proposed EIA has a great value in the routine analysis of PRV in plasma samples for its therapeutic monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies.     

Simultaneous voltammetric determination of prednisone and prednisolone in human body fluids

A sensitive, rapid and reliable electrochemical method based on voltammetry at single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) modified edge plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (EPPGE) is proposed for the simultaneous determination of prednisolone and prednisone in human body fluids and pharmaceutical preparations. The electrochemical response of both the drugs was evaluated by osteryoung square wave voltammetry (OSWV) in phosphate buffer medium of pH 7.2. The modified electrode exhibited good electrocatalytic properties towards prednisone and prednisolone reduction with a peak potential of ∼−1230 and ∼−1332 mV respectively. The concentration versus peak current plots were linear for both the analytes in the range 0.01-100 μM and the detection limit (3σ/slope) observed for prednisone and prednisolone were 0.45 × 10⁻⁸, 0.90 × 10⁻⁸ M, respectively. The results of the quantitative estimation of prednisone and prednisolone in biological fluids were also compared with HPLC and the results were in good agreement.     

癌胚抗原毛细管电泳-化学发光均相免疫分析

设计了一种测定人血清中癌胚抗原的毛细管电泳-化学发光检测均相免疫分析新方法。采用四苯硼酸钠增强luminol-H2O2-HRP体系化学发光的原理,化学发光检测经毛细管电泳分离的,用辣根过氧化物酶(HRP)标记的癌胚抗体及免疫复合物。测定癌胚抗原的线性范围2.0~80.0μg/L(R=0.9921),检出限为0.1μg/L(绝对检出限为0.75 fg)。     

Validation of a high-performance liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection for the simultaneous determination of tetracyclines residues in bovine milk

A high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection method was optimized and validated to determine tetracyclines residues in bovine milk. Post-column derivatization using metal complexation in non-aqueous reagent increased the fluorescence of chelates by a factor up to 2.54 compared to water (signal-to-noise ratio enhancement). Overall recoveries ranged from 61 to 115%, with RSD_r from 5 to 15% (n = 54). Detection limits ranged from 5 to 35 μg kg⁻¹. Limits of quantification were established at 50 μg kg⁻¹. Decision limits (CCα) were 109, 108 and 124 μg kg⁻¹ and detection capabilities (CCβ) 119, 117 and 161 μg kg⁻¹ for oxytetracycline, tetracycline and chlortetracycline, respectively. The method was applied successfully in a national monitoring program.     

管式磁微粒化学发光免疫分析法测定玉米样品中的黄曲霉毒素B1

开发了一种管式磁微粒化学发光免疫分析法测定玉米样品中黄曲霉毒素B1的方法,该方法使待测玉米样品中的黄曲霉毒素B1、辣根过氧化物酶标记的黄曲霉毒素B1与异硫氰酸荧光素(FITC)标记的黄曲霉毒素B1单克隆抗体在均相体系中发生竞争性免疫反应,再加入用抗FITC抗体包被的磁微粒作分离剂,抗原抗体复合物结合在磁微粒上,在磁场中经分离、洗涤后加发光底物,检测发光强度,测定玉米样品中黄曲霉毒素B1的含量.此方法标准曲线线性范围为0.05～5ng/mL,检测限为0.02ng/mL,批内相对标准偏差小于9%,批间相对标准偏差小于15%,具有良好的稳定性和重现性.     

癌胚抗原毛细管电泳-化学发光均相免疫分析

建立了一种测定人血清中癌胚抗原的毛细管电泳-化学发光检测的均相免疫分析新方法.采用四苯硼钠增强luminol-H2 O2-HRP体系化学发光的原理,化学发光检测经毛细管电泳分离的,用辣根过氧化物酶(HRP)标记的癌胚抗体及免疫复合物.测定癌胚抗原的线性范围2.0～80.0 μg/L(R=0.9921),检出限为0.1 μg/L(绝对检出限为0.75 fg).     

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with acetonitrile stacking through capillary electrophoresis for the determination of three selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs in body fluids

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was combined with acetonitrile stacking in capillary electrophoresis for the identification of three selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (citalopram, fluoxetine, and fluvoxamine) in human fluids such as urine and plasma. Parameters that affect the extraction and stacking efficiency, such as the type and volume of the extraction and disperser solvent, extraction time, salt addition for dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, and sample matrices, pH, and concentration of the separation buffer for stacking, were investigated and optimized. Under optimum conditions, the enrichment factors were in the range of 1195–1441. Limits of detection ranged from 1.4 to 1.7 nM for the target analytes. Calibration graphs displayed satisfied linearity with R² greater than or equal to 0.9978, and relative standard deviations of the peak area analysis were in the range of 2.9–5.0% (n = 3). The recoveries of all tricyclic antidepressant drugs from urine and plasma were in the range of 77–117 and 79–106%, respectively. The findings of this study show that dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction acetonitrile‐stacking capillary electrophoresis is a rapid and convenient method for identifying tricyclic antidepressant drugs in urine and plasma.     

Flow-injection enhanced chemiluminescence method for determination of ciprofloxacin in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids

A novel rapid and sensitive analytical method, enhanced chemiluminescence with flow-injection sampling, is described for determination of ciprofloxacin. The method is based on the chemiluminescence reaction of the potassium permanganate–sodium thiosulfate–ciprofloxacin system. An enhanced chemiluminescence reaction was developed, and optimum conditions for CL emission were investigated. The chemiluminescence intensity was linearly dependent on ciprofloxacin concentration in the range 1.0×10⁻⁸–1.0×10⁻⁵ g mL⁻¹. The detection limit was 4×10⁻⁹ g mL⁻¹. The relative standard deviation was 1.8% for eleven measurements of 2.0×10⁻⁷ g mL⁻¹ ciprofloxacin standard solution. The new method enables simple, sensitive, and rapid determination of ciprofloxacin and has been successfully used for determination of ciprofloxacin in biological fluids and in ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablet and injection.     

A rapid gas chromatographic method for the determination of diazepam and metabolites in body fluids

A rapid method is described for the extraction of diazepam and its metabolites from plasma and urine. The procedure is applicable to subsequent analysis by electron capture gas chromatography, and has been used for the analysis of clinical samples. The detection limit for diazepam is about 0.01 μg/ml, using a 2-ml sample. Quantification of lower levels of benzodiazepines requires a sample clean-up procedure, and the method is not suitable for this purpose.     

Rapid and sensitive lateral flow immunoassay method for determining alpha fetoprotein in serum using europium (III) chelate microparticles-based lateral flow test strips

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a primary marker for many diseases including various cancers, is important in clinical tumor diagnosis and antenatal screening. Most immunoassays provide high sensitivity and accuracy for determining AFP, but they are expensive, often complex, time-consuming procedures. A simple and rapid point-of-care system that integrates Eu (III) chelate microparticles with lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) has been developed to determine AFP in serum with an assay time of 15 min. The approach is based on a sandwich immunoassay performed on lateral flow test strips. A fluorescence strip reader was used to measure the fluorescence peak heights of the test line (H_T) and the control line (H_C); the H_T/H_C ratio was used for quantitation. The Eu (III) chelate microparticles-based LFIA assay exhibited a wide linear range (1.0–1000 IU mL⁻¹) for AFP with a low limit of detection (0.1 IU mL⁻¹) based on 5ul of serum. Satisfactory specificity and accuracy were demonstrated and the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CV) for AFP were both <10%. Furthermore, in the analysis of human serum samples, excellent correlation (n = 284, r = 0.9860, p < 0.0001) was obtained between the proposed method and a commercially available CLIA kit. Results indicated that the Eu (III) chelate microparticles-based LFIA system provided a rapid, sensitive and reliable method for determining AFP in serum, indicating that it would be suitable for development in point-of-care testing.     

An overview of the analytical methods for the determination of organic ultraviolet filters in biological fluids and tissues

Organic UV filters are chemical compounds added to cosmetic sunscreen products in order to protect users from UV solar radiation. The need of broad-spectrum protection to avoid the deleterious effects of solar radiation has triggered a trend in the cosmetic market of including these compounds not only in those exclusively designed for sun protection but also in all types of cosmetic products.     

基于抗原包被的微孔板式化学发光酶免疫分析法测定人尿中的雌三醇

将雌三醇-6-(O-羧甲基)肟(E3-6-CMO)与牛血清白蛋白(BSA)形成的偶联物E3-6-CMO-BSA物理吸附于聚苯乙烯微孔板孔内作为固相抗原,与雌三醇(E3)标准溶液或者水解尿样中待测E3通过竞争法进行免疫反应.以对碘苯酚增强的辣根过氧化物酶(HRP)催化鲁米诺-过氧化氢化学发光体系作为信号检测系统,建立了一种高通量、简便快速、灵敏稳定的化学发光酶免疫分析方法用于测定人尿中E3的含量.考察和优化了包被液的酸碱性、抗原包被浓度、酶标抗体稀释比例及用量、温育时间、化学发光底物用量及化学发光反应时间的影响.在最优实验条件下,方法的灵敏度为0.20ng/mL,批内和批间变异系数均在15%之内,低、中、高浓度加标水解尿样的平均回收率分别为107.9%、100.9%和91.2%.使用抗原包被法和抗体包被法同时对10份水解尿样进行测定,结果显示相关性良好,相关系数为0.9984,表明本方法可以满足临床检测的要求.     

Rapid and sensitive method for the determination of albendazole and albendazole sulphoxide in biological fluids

A sensitive and selective reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of albendazole and its active metabolite albendazole sulphoxide in plasma has been developed. It involves single-step extraction of plasma with dichloromethane, evaporation of the solvent and chromatography on a muBondapak phenyl column with a mobile phase of water containing 1% (v/v) triethylamine-methanol-acetonitrile (70:10:20, v/v) at pH 3.1. Run time is 12 min. The assay satisfies all of the criteria required for use in clinical pharmacokinetic studies and possesses important advantages, notably speed and expense, over current methods.     

Stuffer‐free multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification based on conformation‐sensitive capillary electrophoresis: A novel technology for robust multiplex determination of copy number variation

Developing diagnostic tools based on the application of known disease/phenotype‐associated copy number variations (CNVs) requires the capacity to measure CNVs in a multiplex format with sufficient reliability and methodological simplicity. In this study, we developed a reliable and user‐friendly multiplex CNV detection method, termed stuffer‐free MLPA‐CE‐SSCP, that combines a variation of multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) with CE‐SSCP. In this variation, MLPA probes were designed without the conventionally required stuffer sequences. To separate the similar‐sized stuffer‐free MLPA products, we adopted CE‐SSCP rather than length‐dependent conventional CE analysis. An examination of the genomic DNA from five cell lines known to vary in X‐chromosome copy number (1–5) revealed that copy number determinations using stuffer‐free MLPA‐CE‐SSCP were more accurate than those of conventional MLPA, and the CV of the measured copy numbers was significantly lower. Applying our system to measure the CNVs on autosomes between two HapMap individuals, we found that all peaks for CNV targets showed the expected copy number changes. Taken together, our results indicate that this new strategy can overcome the limitations of conventional MLPA, which are mainly related to long probe length and difficulties of probe preparation.