Prediction of the chromatographic signal in gradient elution ion chromatography

This study describes the development of a signal prediction model in gradient elution ion chromatography. The proposed model is based on a retention model and generalized logistic peak shape function which guarantees simplicity of the model and its easy implementation in method development process. Extensive analysis of the model predictive ability has been performed for ion chromatographic determination of bromate, nitrite, bromide, iodide, and perchlorate, using KOH solutions as eluent. The developed model shows good predictive ability (average relative error of gradient predictions 1.94%). The developed model offers short calculation times as well as low experimental effort (only nine isocratic runs are used for modeling).     

Characterization of the Engineering Flow in a Miniaturised Bioreactor by Computational Fluid Dynamics

Three approaches based on computational fluid dynamics(CFD) techniques have been assessed for their ability to describe the engineering flow environment in a miniaturized mechanically agitated bioreactor. The three approaches tested were the source-sink(SS), the multiple reference frames (MRF) and the sliding grids(SG). In all the cases, the predictions of the velocity components agree with reported experimental data. However, the analysis of the results of the turbulent intensities predicted by the three approaches indicates the MRF and the SG techniques under predicted turbulent intensities are comparable to both experimental measurements and the SS method. The predicted power number and pumping number based on the SS ap-proach are closer to typical reported experimental values compared to those obtained from the MRF and SG methods.     

Determination of trace inorganic anions in seawater samples by ion chromatography using silica columns modified with cetyltrimethylammonium ion

Conventional silica columns dynamically modified with cetyltrimethylammonium ions were evaluated for the determination of UV-absorbing bromide, nitrate, and nitrite in seawater samples. Cetyltrimethylammonium, which is a quaternary ammonium ion, was dynamically introduced onto silica surfaces. The first layer of the modifier was introduced by electrostatic interaction, whereas the second layer was introduced by hydrophobic interaction. The latter layer worked as the anion-exchange sites. The modified conventional silica columns could be used for separation of inorganic anions. Separation of authentic mixture of five anions was achieved within 17 min. The addition of 0.1 mM cetyltrimethylammonium ion to the eluent improved the repeatability of the retention time. Seawater samples could be directly injected onto the prepared conventional silica columns, and bromide, nitrate, and nitrite levels were determined to be 69, 0.13, and 0.016 ppm, respectively.     

Rapid determination of bromide in seawater samples by capillary ion chromatography using monolithic silica columns modified with cetyltrimethylammonium ion

Monolithic silica capillary columns dynamically modified with quaternary ammonium ions were evaluated for the determination of bromide in seawater samples. A quaternary ammonium ion such as cetyltrimethylammonium ion was dynamically introduced onto monolithic silica surfaces. The first layer of the modifier was introduced by electrostatic interaction, whereas the second layer was introduced by hydrophobic interaction. The latter layer worked as the anion-exchange sites. The modified monolithic silica capillary columns could be used for rapid separation of inorganic anions. Separation of authentic mixture of five anions was achieved within a few minutes. The addition of small amount of the modifier in the eluent improved the repeatability of the retention time. Seawater samples could be directly injected onto the prepared capillary columns, and bromide could be determined to be 63 mg/L.     

BROMOC suite: Monte Carlo/Brownian dynamics suite for studies of ion permeation and DNA transport in biological and artificial pores with effective potentials

The transport of ions and solutes by biological pores is central for cellular processes and has a variety of applications in modern biotechnology. The time scale involved in the polymer transport across a nanopore is beyond the accessibility of conventional MD simulations. Moreover, experimental studies lack sufficient resolution to provide details on the molecular underpinning of the transport mechanisms. BROMOC, the code presented herein, performs Brownian dynamics simulations, both serial and parallel, up to several milliseconds long. BROMOC can be used to model large biological systems. IMC‐MACRO software allows for the development of effective potentials for solute–ion interactions based on radial distribution function from all‐atom MD. BROMOC Suite also provides a versatile set of tools to do a wide variety of preprocessing and postsimulation analysis. We illustrate a potential application with ion and ssDNA transport in MspA nanopore. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Speciation analysis of arsenic compounds in edible oil by ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) was used as an ion chromatographic (IC) detector for the speciation analysis of arsenic in edible oil. The arsenic species studied include arsenite, arsenate, monomethylarsonic acid, dimethylarsinic acid, arsenobetaine and arsenocholine. Gradient elution using (NH(4))(2)CO(3) and methanol at pH 8.5 allowed the chromatographic separation of all species in less than 8 min. Effluents from the IC column were delivered to the nebulizer of ICP-MS for the determination of arsenic. The concentrations of arsenic species have been determined in several used and fresh vegetable oil samples. In this study, a microwave-assisted extraction method was used for the extraction of arsenic species from oil samples. The extraction efficiency was better than 92% and the recoveries from spiked samples were in the range of 90-105%. The precision between sample replicates was better than 8% for all determinations. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.008-0.024 ng mL(-1) for various arsenic species based on peak height, which corresponded to 0.08-0.24 ng g(-1) in the original oil sample. The major arsenic species in the used oil samples varied based on the food items cooked.     

Computational fluid dynamics simulation of the adsorption separation of three components in high performance liquid chromatography

Summary The four stereoisomers of nadolol were successfully separated into three groups (SRS)-nadolol and (SSR)-nadolol, (RRS)-nadolol and (RSR)-nadolol using HPLC. The adsorption equilibrium coefficients, mass transfer coefficients of the three groups and the bed voidage were experimentally determined. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of the separation was carried out using FEMLAB, which is application software from MATLAB. The simulation visualized the processes of dispersion and separation occurring inside the column. The curvature of the concentration profiles within the column were observed using the simulation. The simulated chromatogram correctly predicted the peak behavior of the eluted compounds except dispersion was overestimated, which is due to the limitation of the software used.     

Determination of polar organic compounds in atmospheric aerosols by gas chromatography with ion trap tandem mass spectrometry

A gas chromatography with ion trap mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated for the analysis of 27 polar organic compounds in atmospheric aerosols. The target analytes were low‐molecular‐weight carboxylic acids and methoxyphenols, as relevant markers of source emissions and photochemical processes of organic aerosols. The operative parameters were optimized in order to achieve the best sensitivity and selectivity for the analysis. In comparison with the previous gas chromatography with mass spectrometry procedure based on single ion monitoring detection, the tandem mass spectrometry technique increased the analytical sensitivity by reducing detection limits for standard solutions from 1–2.6 to 0.1–0.4 ng/μL ranges (concentrations in the injected solution). In addition, it enhanced selectivity by reducing matrix interferences and chemical noise in the chromatogram. The applicability of the developed method in air quality monitoring campaigns was effectively checked by analyzing environmental samples collected in the Po Valley (Northern Italy) in different seasons. The obtained results indicate that the ion trap mass spectrometer may be an ideal alternative to high‐resolution mass spectrometers for the user‐friendly and cost‐effective determination of a wide range of molecular tracers in airborne particulate matter.     

A gate mechanism indicated in the selectivity filter of the potassium channel KscA

Classical molecular dynamics (MD) and non-equilibrium steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations were performed on the molecular structure of the potassium channel KcsA using the GROMOS 87 force fields. Our simulations focused on mechanistic and dynamic properties of the permeation of potassium ions through the selectivity filter of the channel. According to the SMD simulations a concerted movement of ions inside the selectivity filter from the cavity to extracellular side depends on the conformation of the peptide linkage between Val76 and Gly77 residues in one subunit of the channel. In SMD simulations, if the carbonyl oxygen of Val76 is positioned toward the ion bound at the S3 site (gate-opened conformation) the net flux of ions through the filter is observed. When the carbonyl oxygen leaped out from the filter (gate-closed conformation), ions were blocked at the S3 site and no flux occurred. A reorientation of the Thr75-Val76 linkage indicated by the CHARMM-based MD simulations performed Berneche and Roux [(2005) Structure 13:591–600; (2000) Biophys J 78:2900–2917] as a concomitant process of the Val76-Gly77 conformational interconversion was not observed in our GROMOS-based MD simulations.     

Analysis of perfluorinated compounds in biota by microextraction with tetrahydrofuran and liquid chromatography/ion isolation-based ion-trap mass spectrometry

An analytical method combining both a simple, fast and efficient solvent microextraction and a sensitive and selective monitoring mode, based on ion isolation ion-trap mass spectrometry (MS), was developed for analysis of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in biota. The method involved the vortex-shaking of 0.2 g of tissue sample and 800 μL of tetrahydrofuran (THF):water (75:25, v/v) for 7 min, subsequent centrifugation for 13 min and direct quantitation of PFCs in the extract against solvent-based calibration curves. Selection of solvent composition was based on Hildebrand solubility parameters and their components (i.e. dispersion, dipole–dipole and hydrogen bonding forces). Recoveries in samples for PFCs with hydrocarbon chain lengths between C₄ and C₁₄ ranged from 85 to 111%, with relative standard deviations between 1 and 11%. The ion isolation monitoring mode, proposed for the first time for ion-trap-MS quantitation, proved to be effective in avoiding space-charge effects caused by co-eluting matrix components while keeping the sensitivity of full scan MS operation. Detection limits of the method were in the range 0.8−6 ng g⁻¹ for perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFACs) and 0.4–0.8 ng g⁻¹ for perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFASs) in wet weight samples. The method was validated using a reference material made up of flounder muscle and by comparison with triple quadrupole MS measurements and it was applied to the determination of PFCs in liver and muscle samples from sea birds and fishes. Only PFASs were found in samples at quantifiable levels (2.9 and 13.1 ng g⁻¹) while PFACs were below the respective quantitation limits. This method allows quick and simple microextraction of PFCs with minimal solvent consumption, while delivering accurate and precise data.     

Prediction of the effects of methanol and competing ion concentration on retention in the ion chromatographic separation of anionic and cationic pharmaceutically related compounds

The mixed-mode separation of a selection of anionic and cationic pharmaceutically related compounds is studied using ion-exchange columns and eluents consisting of ionic salts (potassium hydroxide or methanesulfonic acid) and an organic modifier (methanol). All separations were performed using commercially available ion-exchange columns and an ion chromatography instrument modified to allow introduction of methanol into the eluent without introducing compatibility problems with the eluent generation system. Isocratic retention prediction was undertaken over the two-dimensional space defined by the concentration of the competing ion and the percentage of organic modifier in the eluent. Various empirical models describing the observed relationships between analyte retention and both the competing ion concentration and the percentage of methanol were evaluated, with the resultant model being capable of describing the separation, including peak width, over the entire experimental space based on six initial experiments. Average errors in retention time and peak width were less than 6% and 27%, respectively, for runs taken from both inside and outside of the experimental space. Separations performed under methanol gradient conditions (while holding the competing ion concentration constant) were also modelled. The observed effect on retention of varying the methanol composition differed between analytes with several analytes exhibiting increased retention with increased percentage methanol in the eluent. An empirical model was derived based on integration of the observed t_R vs. %methanol plot for each analyte. A combination of the isocratic and gradient models allowed for the prediction of retention time using multi-step methanol gradient profiles with average errors in predicted retention times being less than 4% over 30 different 2- and 3-step gradient profiles for anions and less than 6% over 14 different 2- and 3-step gradient profiles for cations. A modified peak compression model was used to estimate peak widths under these conditions. This provided adequate width prediction with the average error between observed and predicted peak widths being less than 15% for 40 1-, 2- and 3-step gradients for anions and less than 13% over 14 1-, 2- and 3-step gradients for cations.     

Brownian dynamics simulations of the β2-adrenergic receptor extracellular loops: evidence for helix movement in ligand binding?

Brownian dynamics simulations of the gating mechanism of the extracellular loops of the β₂-adrenergic receptor suggest that loop gating alone will not permit the larger ligands to bind and hence suggests that lateral helix movement is also required in the binding process.     

离子色谱法检测幼兔尿样中的乳果糖与甘露醇

测定尿液中乳果糖(L)、甘露醇(M)的含量以及乳果糖/甘露醇排除率(L/M)可以检测肠道通透性,评估肠粘膜屏障功能。采用离子色谱法检测幼兔尿样中的乳果糖和甘露醇,并运用MATLAB软件对数据进行微分处理计算,得出样本中乳果糖和甘露醇的含量以及乳果糖/甘露醇排除率(L/M)。     

Rapid separation and binding configuration prediction of the components in Danshen decoction to endothelin A receptor using affinity chromatography and molecular dynamics simulation

As a famous traditional Chinese formula, Danshen Decoction has the potential to relieve the pain of pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, however, the functional components remain unknown. Herein, we reported a method to screen the functional components in Danshen Decoction targeting endothelin receptor A, an accepted target for the treatment of the disease. The receptor was functionalized on the macroporous silica gel through an epidermal growth factor receptor fusion tag and its covalent inhibitor. Using the affinity gel as the stationary phase, the bioactive compound was identified as salvianolic acid B by mass spectrometry. The binding kinetic parameter (dissociation rate constants k_d) of salvianolic acid B with the receptor was determined via peak profiling. Using the specific ligands of the receptor as probes, the binding configuration prediction of salvianolic acid B with the receptor was performed by molecular dynamics simulation. Our results indicated that salvianolic acid B is a potential bioactive compound in Danshen Decoction targeting the receptor. This work showed that receptor chromatography in combination with molecular dynamics simulation is applicable to predicting the binding kinetics and configuration of a ligand to a receptor, providing crucial insight for the rational design of drugs that recognize functional proteins.     

Time-of-flight ion mobility spectrometry and differential mobility spectrometry: A comparative study of their efficiency in the analysis of halogenated compounds

The ion mobilities of halogenated aromatics which are of interest in environmental chemistry and process monitoring were characterized with field-deployable ion mobility spectrometers and differential mobility spectrometers. The dependence of mobility of gas-phase ions formed by atmospheric-pressure photoionization (APPI) on the electric field was determined for a number of structural isomers. The structure of the product ions formed was identified by investigations using the coupling of ion mobility spectrometry with mass spectrometry (APPI-IMS-MS) and APPI-MS. In contrast to conventional time-of-flight ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) with constant linear voltage gradients in drift tubes, differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) employs the field dependence of ion mobility. Depending on the position of substituents, differences in field dependence were established for the isomeric compounds in contrast to conventional IMS in which comparable reduced mobility values were detected for the isomers investigated. These findings permit the differentiation between most of the investigated isomeric aromatics with a different constitution using DMS.     

凝胶渗透色谱-高效液相色谱-线性离子阱质谱法测定膳食样品中的氨基甲酸酯类农药残留

建立了高效液相色谱-线性离子阱质谱（HPLC-LIT-MS）测定膳食样品中氨基甲酸酯类农药的检测方法。样品中加入同位素内标,用正己烷饱和的乙腈超声提取,凝胶渗透色谱净化。以乙腈和含5 mmol/L甲酸铵和0.1%（v/v）甲酸的水溶液为流动相,目标化合物经CAPCELL PAK CR （100 mm×2.1 mm,5 μm;SCX-C₁₈ （1：4））色谱柱分离,梯度洗脱,流速0.2 mL/min。采用电喷雾电离,选择反应监测（SRM）正离子模式三级离子监测。内标法定量。膳食类样品中氨基甲酸酯农药的平均加标回收率在60.4%~114%之间;相对标准偏差在3.46%~16.2%范围内;检出限（LODs）在0.001~0.010 mg/kg之间。应用所建立的方法对2007年第四次中国总膳食研究项目的9类膳食样品基质中的氨基甲酸酯类农药进行了检测,在少量样品中检出了涕灭威和克百威。     

Speciation analysis of organoarsenical compounds in biological matrices by coupling ion chromatography to atomic fluorescence spectrometry with on-line photooxidation and hydride generation

The optimisation of an on-line decomposition based on UV photooxidation for the analysis of organoarsenic species by coupling cation-exchange chromatography and atomic fluorescence spectrometry with hydride generation, is described. In this study, special consideration is given to the compatibility of mobile phases with post-column treatments. Results show that the most commonly used mobile phase, aqueous pyridine solutions, decreases species conversion efficiency, leading to a significant loss of sensitivity. New fully-compatible chromatographic conditions are proposed to separate arsenobetaine, arsenocholine, trimethylarsine oxide and tetramethylarsonium ion within 20 min. The very low absolute limits of detection, 4-12 pg(As), allow speciation at trace levels. Analysis of a certified reference fish tissue (DORM-2) and other seafood samples (French and Chilean oysters and mussel) highlights the robustness and the accuracy of the optimised system.     

Interferences elimination in ion chromatography by inclusion of the interfering ion into the mobile phase—Analysis of fluoride in chloride rich dietary samples

New approach to the chloride interferences elimination by addition of the interfering ion to the mobile phase is proposed and evaluated. Different eluents for the non-suppressed ion chromatographic analysis of fluorides in chlorides rich samples were tested and compared with eluent recommended by the column manufacturer. The limit of detection, linearity range and resistance to matrix effects caused by chlorides were the comparison criteria. The applicability of the selected eluent was demonstrated through the analysis of the edible salts and various tea samples. The employment of the proposed eluent shorten the time of the analysis since the only required preparation steps for edible salts were the dissolution and appropriate dilution of the samples. The recovery test was employed to verify the obtained results.     

Multi-residue analysis of pharmaceutical compounds in wastewaters by dual solid-phase microextraction coupled to liquid chromatography electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry

The aim of this article is to present a new procedure based on dual solid-phase microextraction (dSPME) for the simultaneous extraction of 16 pharmaceutical compounds with acidic and basic characteristics in urban wastewaters. Water samples are divided into two aliquots of 2 mL each extracted by two CW-TPR fibers at different pH values (pH 3 and 11) and with a NaCl concentration of 300 g L⁻¹ at 75 °C for 30 min. The analytes in both fibers are desorbed one after the other in the desorption chamber in static mode with mobile phase for 10 min. The extracts are injected into an LC system coupled to an ion trap mass spectrometer, leading to the accurate quantification of 16 pharmaceutical compounds in wastewaters, in MS² mode. All the target compounds found in wastewaters provide good signals corresponding to the protonated precursor ion [M+H]⁺. The parameters influencing adsorption and desorption of the analytes on fiber were optimized. The assessment of the analytical method was performed by studying the linearity (LOQ to 10 ng mL⁻¹) and the intra- and interday accuracy (89.2–109.7%) and precision (RSD <13.6%). The quantification limits obtained ranged between 0.005 and 0.05 μg L⁻¹. The application of the method to real samples proves its effectiveness in identifying and detecting naproxen, valsartan, bezafibrate, torasemide, diclofenac, carbamazepine, citalopram, lorazepan, fluoxetine, imipramine and amitriptyline in influent and effluent wastewater treatment plant samples.