Sixteen capillary electrophoresis applications for viral vaccine analysis

A broad range of CE applications from our organization is reviewed to give a flavor of the use of CE within the field of vaccine analyses. Applicability of CE for viral vaccine characterization, and release and stability testing of seasonal influenza virosomal vaccines, universal subunit influenza vaccines, Sabin inactivated polio vaccines (sIPV), and adenovirus vector vaccines were demonstrated. Diverse CZE, CE-SDS, CGE, and cIEF methods were developed, validated, and applied for virus, protein, posttranslational modifications, DNA, and excipient concentration determinations, as well as for the integrity and composition verifications, and identity testing (e.g., CZE for intact virus particles, CE-SDS application for hemagglutinin quantification and influenza strain identification, chloride or bromide determination in process samples). Results were supported by other methods such as RP-HPLC, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential measurements. Overall, 16 CE methods are presented that were developed and applied, comprising six adenovirus methods, five viral protein methods, and methods for antibodies determination of glycans, host cell-DNA, excipient chloride, and process impurity bromide. These methods were applied to support in-process control, release, stability, process- and product characterization and development, and critical reagent testing. Thirteen methods were validated. Intact virus particles were analyzed at concentrations as low as 0.8 pmol/L. Overall, CE took viral vaccine testing beyond what was previously possible, improved process and product understanding, and, in total, safety, efficacy, and quality.     

Spectrophotometric and fluorimetric determination of diazepam, bromazepam and clonazepam in pharmaceutical and urine samples

New spectrophotometric and fluorimetric methods have been developed to determine diazepam, bromazepam and clonazepam (1,4-benzodiazepines) in pure forms, pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluid. The new methods are based on measuring absorption or emission spectra in methanolic potassium hydroxide solution. Fluorimetric methods have proved selective with low detection limits, whereas photometric methods showed relatively high detection limits. Successive applications of developed methods for drugs determination in pharmaceutical preparations and urine samples were performed. Photometric methods gave linear calibration graphs in the ranges of 2.85-28.5, 0.316-3.16, and 0.316-3.16 microgml-1 with detection limits of 1.27, 0.08 and 0.13 microgml-1 for diazepam, bromazepam and clonazepam, respectively. Corresponding average errors of 2.60, 5.26 and 3.93 and relative standard deviations (R.S.D.s) of 2.79, 2.12 and 2.83, respectively, were obtained. Fluorimetric methods gave linear calibration graphs in the ranges of 0.03-0.34, 0.03-0.32 and 0.03-0.38 microgml-1 with detection limits of 7.13, 5.67 and 16.47 ngml-1 for diazepam, bromazepam and clonazepam, respectively. Corresponding average errors of 0.29, 4.33 and 5.42 and R.S.D.s of 1.27, 1.96 and 1.14 were obtained, respectively. Statistical Students t-test and F-test have been used and satisfactory results were obtained.     

Stress-induced increase in the amounts of maysin and maysin derivatives in world premium natural compounds from centipedegrass

The red leaves of centipedegrass are known to produce compounds with stronger antibiotic effects than those produced by green leaves. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify if stress methods (e.g., gamma irradiation, UV-B irradiation, and wounding) could effectively convert green leaves to red leaves, and thereby increase the production of maysin and maysin derivatives that have been known for antibiotic properties. Our results showed differential concentration changes for different compounds using these stress methods. The concentrations of luteolin increased from 0.014% to 0.019%, 0.022%, and 0.028% following gamma irradiation, UV-B irradiation, and wounding, respectively. The concentration of isoorientin increased from 0.898% to 1.938% and 2.538%, while the concentration of mixed rhamnosylisoorientin and orientin increased from 0.303% to 0.474% and 0.690%, following UV-B irradiation and wounding, respectively. Gamma irradiation produced concentrations of isoorientin, rhamnosylisoorientin, and orientin similar to those found in red leaves. The concentrations of derhamnosylmaysin increased from 0.004% to 0.009%, 0.015%, and 0.024% by gamma irradiation, UV-B irradiation, and wounding, respectively. The concentration of maysin increased from 0.515% to 0.714%, 0.583%, and 0.777% by gamma irradiation, UV-B irradiation, and wounding, respectively, while the concentration of luteolin-6-C-boivinopyranoside increased from 0.324% to 0.834%, 0.979%, and 1.493% by gamma irradiation, UV-B irradiation, and wounding, respectively. According to these results, wounding and gamma irradiation are promising methods for increasing the concentrations of maysin and maysin derivatives.     

Polymer-surfactant and protein-surfactant interactions

The phase behavior and some physicochemical properties of homopolymers (HP) and hydrophobically modified (HMP) polymers, as well as of polyelectrolytes (PE) and proteins (PR), in the presence of aqueous surfactants, or their mixtures, are discussed. Mixing the above components gives rise to the formation of organized phases, whose properties are controlled by polymer and/or surfactant content, temperature, pH, and ionic strength. Depending on the nature, concentration, and net charge of both solutes, molecular solutions, polymer-surfactant complexes, adsorption onto micelles and vesicles, gels, liquid crystalline phases, and precipitates are observed. Such rich polymorphic behavior is the result of a complex balance between electrostatic, excluded volume, van der Waals, and other contributions to overall system stability. It is also modulated by the molecular details and architecture of both the polymer and the surfactant. Different experimental methods allow investigation of the above systems and getting information on the nature of polymer-surfactant interactions (PSI). Surface adsorption and thermodynamic methods, together with investigation of the phase diagrams, give information on the forces controlling PSI and on the existence of different phases. Conductivity, QELS and viscosity allow estimating the size and shape of polymer-surfactant (protein-surfactant) complexes. Optical microscopy, cryo-TEM, AFM, NMR, fluorescence, and relaxation methods give more information on the above systems. Use of the above mixtures in controlling gelation, surface covering, preparing dielectric layers, and drug release is suggested.     

含希夫碱侧基聚酯及其锌配合物的合成和性能

经多步反应合成2种新型含希夫碱侧基聚酯(P5,P6),进一步与醋酸锌反应得到2种聚酯锌配合物(P5-Zn,P6-Zn)。 采用元素分析、FT-IR、UV-Vis、¹H NMR、GPC、TG、DSC和荧光光谱等技术手段对其结构和性能进行表征。 P5和P6均溶于四氢呋喃(THF)、氯仿(CHCl₃)、N,N-二甲基甲酰胺(DMF)、N,N-二甲基乙酰胺(DMAc)、二甲基亚砜(DMSO)、N-甲基吡咯烷酮法(NMP)等有机溶剂,P5-Zn和P6-Zn部分溶于THF及CHCl₃,溶于DMF、DMAc、DMSO、NMP等有机溶剂。 P5和P6的重均相对分子质量M_w及相对分子质量分布指数PDI分别为4164、6148 g/mol和1.42、1.43。 P5、P6、P5-Zn和P6-Zn的5%失重温度分别为339、348、367和358℃。 P5、P6、P5-Zn和P6-Zn的玻璃化转变温度T_g分别为88.8、123.3、39.8和63.8 ℃。 P5和P6的DMF溶液(5×10^-5 mol/L)在418和416 nm处发射弱紫色荧光,P5-Zn和P6-Zn的DMF溶液(5×10^-5 mol/L)在505和506 nm处发射强绿色荧光,固体P5-Zn和P6-Zn在527和532 nm处发射强绿色荧光。     

Determination of carbohydrates and sweeteners in foods and biologically active additives by high-performance liquid chromatography

A method for the determination of large amounts of carbohydrates (glucose, lactose, maltose, mannose, sucrose, and fructose) and sweeteners (xylitol and sorbitol) by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with refractive index detection without derivatization has been developed. The limits of determination for glucose, fructose, and sucrose in liquid samples were 0.1 g/L, and for xylite, lactose, maltose, mannose, and sorbite, 1 g/L. In solid samples the limits of determination for glucose, fructose, and sucrose were 0.1%, and for xylite, lactose, maltose, mannose, and sorbite, 0.6%. The method is applicable to the analysis of samples of wine, juice, honey, cookies, dairy products, and biologically active additives. The developed method for the determination of carbohydrates and sweeteners in foods and biologically active additives was certified in the Mendeleev Institute for Metrology (St. Petersburg).     

Analysis of selected phytotoxins and mycotoxins in environmental samples

Natural toxins such as phytotoxins and mycotoxins have been studied in food and feed for decades, but little attention has yet been paid to their occurrence in the environment. Because of increasing awareness of the presence and potential relevance of micropollutants in the environment, phytotoxins and mycotoxins should be considered and investigated as part of the chemical cocktail in natural samples. Here, we compile chemical analytical methods to determine important phytotoxins (i.e. phenolic acids, quinones, benzoxazinones, terpenoids, glycoalkaloids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, phytosterols, flavonoids, coumestans, lignans, and chalcones) and mycotoxins (i.e. resorcyclic acid lactones, trichothecenes, fumonisins, and aflatoxins) in environmentally relevant matrices such as surface water, waste water-treatment plant influent and effluent, soil, sediment, manure, and sewage sludge. The main problems encountered in many of the reviewed methods were the frequent unavailability of suitable internal standards (especially isotope-labelled analogues) and often absent or fragmentary method optimization and validation.     

Density,viscosity, and surface tension of binary liquid systems: Ethanoic acid,propanoic acid,and butanoic acid with nitrobenzene

Density, viscosity, and surface tension of three binary liquid systems: ethanoic acid+nitrobenzene, propanoic acid+nitrobenzene, and butanoic acid+nitrobenzene have been determined at 25, 35, and 45°C, over the whole composition range. The excess molar volumes, viscosities, Gibbs energies for the activation of flow, and surface tension were evaluated and fitted to a Redlich-Kister type of equation. The Grunberg-Nissan parameter d was also calculated. Binary viscosity data were fitted to the models of McAllister, Heric, Krishnan, and Laddha, Auslander, and Teja and Rice. Surface tension data were fitted to the models of Zihao and Jufu, Rice, and Teja, and an empirical two-constant model.     

Effect of certain chemical compounds on secondary metabolites of Penicillium janthinellum and P. duclauxii

The secondary metabolites of Penicillium janthinellum and P. duclauxii were affected by different concentrations of cadmium nitrate, sodium chloride, and sucrose. The fungal culture characteristics including mycelial fresh and dry weight, colony diameter, colony spore mass and reverse color, number of spores, and secondary metabolites were affected as well. Cyclopenin, carlosic acid, erythroskyrin, kojic acid, and patulin were produced by P. janthinellum on cadmium nitrate-free medium. However, cyclopenin, carlosic acid, frequentin, and islandicin were produced at 100 ppm, and cyclopenin at 500 ppm. On the other hand, the secondary metabolites produced by P. duclauxii were 9 on cadmium nitrate-free medium, 7 on medium containing 100 and 500 ppm of cadmium nitrate, and 4 at 1000 ppm cadmium nitrate concentration. Secondary metabolite brevianamide A was produced in the presence and absence of cadmium nitrate. The duclauxin, patulin, terrestic acid, and xanthomegin were produced only on cadmium nitrate-free medium. However, mycophenolic acid was produced only on cadmium nitrate-containing medium. The kojic acid was produced by P. janthinellum at 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, and 5.0% concentrations of sodium chloride. The carlosic acid, erythroskyrin, and patulin were produced only at 0.0% and 1.0%. While carolic acid and islandicin were produced at 1%, 2%, and 3% and frequentin was produced only at 2% and 3%. On the other hand, 8 secondary metabolites were produced by P. duclauxii at 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% concentration of sodium chloride and only 4 were produced at 3%. The secondary metabolites produced by P. janthinellum were 7 at 10% and 20%, 6 at 30%, and 2 only at 40% concentrations of sucrose. However, 8 secondary metabolites were produced by P. duclauxii at 10%, 20%, 30% and 3 at 40% concentrations of sucrose.     

A review on elastic graphene aerogels: Design,preparation, and applications

Graphene aerogels with unique properties, such as ultralow density, super-elasticity, high specific surface area, and excellent thermal stability, have undergone great progress in the past decades. Especially, super-elastic graphene aerogels provide a highly attention-catching platform for developing advanced energy devices, pressure sensors, contaminates adsorbents, and electromagnetic wave shielding and absorption materials, and so forth. In this review, we begin with the introduction and discussion of various fabrication techniques and compare their advantages and disadvantages, focusing on the template-free assembly process and template-assisted assembly process. Then, we summarize the factors influencing the compressibility and elasticity of graphene aerogels, including intrinsic properties of building blocks, constituent materials, and structure design, and their wide applications. At the end, we discuss the current challenges and future prospects of this field.     

The Book Corner

Abstract

Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, Techniques and Applications, A. L. Yergey, C. G. Edmonds, I. A. S. Lewis, and M. L. Vestal, Modern Analytical Chemistry Series, D. Hercules, Editor, 306 pages, Plenum Press, New York and London, 1989. $65.00; price 20% higher outside USA and Canada.

Analytical Microbiology Methods, Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry, A. Fox, S. L. Morgan, L. Larsson and G. Odham, Editors, Plenum Press, New York and London, 1920, 280 pages. $65.00; prices 20% higher outside USA and Canada.

Ion Chromatography, H. Small, Modern Analytical Chemistry Series, D. Hercules, Editor, Plenum Press, New York and London, 1990, 376 pages. $49.50; prices 20% higher outside USA and Canada.     

Lipidic Matrixes Containing Clove Essential Oil: Biological Activity,Microstructural and Textural Studies

Clove essential oil (CEO) is known for having excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, but the poor stability of its components to light and temperature compromise this activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the textural, antioxidant, antimicrobial and microstructural properties of matrixes produced with representative natural waxes and CEO. Thus, waxy emulsifiers, such as beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, and ozokerite wax, were employed to create such matrixes. The thermal, microstructural, textural, wetting, antioxidant, antimicrobial and infrared characteristics of the matrixes were then studied. The diverse chemical composition (long-chain wax esters in carnauba wax and short-chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons in beeswax and ozokerite wax, respectively) explained the differences in wetting, texture, melting, and crystallization characteristics. Crystal forms of these matrix systems varied from grainy, oval, to needle-like shape, but keeping an orthorhombic allomorph. The alignment and reorganization of beeswax and ozokerite wax into needle-like crystals increased the matrix strength and adhesion force compared to those of carnauba and candelilla matrixes, which showed weak strength and grainy morphology. The former two waxes and their matrixes also showed the largest plasticity. These lipidic matrixes show potential use for topical applications having acceptable antioxidant and textural properties.     

3D printing to innovate biopolymer materials for demanding applications: A review

Biopolymers are widely available, low-/nontoxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, chemically versatile, and inherently functional, making them highly potential for a broad range of applications such as biomedicine, food, textile, and cosmetics. 3D printing (3DP) is capable of fabricating some customized, complex material structures composed of single or multiple material constituents that cannot be achieved by conventional methodologies (e.g. internal structures design); thus, 3DP can greatly expand the application of biopolymer materials. This review presents a comprehensive survey of the latest literature in 3DP technology for materials from biopolymers such as polysaccharides and proteins. The most commonly used 3DP techniques (i.e. inkjet printing, extrusion-based printing, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, and binder jetting) in biomedical and food fields are discussed. Critical factors affecting the quality and accuracy of 3D-printed constructs, including rheological characteristics, printing parameters (e.g. printing rate, and nozzle diameter, movement rate, and height), and post-printing processes (e.g. baking, drying, and crosslinking) are analyzed. The properties and the emerging applications of 3D-printed biopolymer materials in biomedical, food, and even wider applications (e.g. wastewater treatment and sensing) are summarized and evaluated. Finally, challenges and future perspectives are discussed. This review can provide insights into the development of new biopolymer-based inks and new biopolymer-based 3D-printed materials with enhanced properties and functionality.     

天然化合物芦丁的治疗潜力

芦丁属于类黄酮化合物,广泛存在于人们日常食用的各种蔬菜、水果和中草药中。 芦丁是天然的抗氧化剂,有清除自由基的特性,可调节众多疾病有关的细胞内和细胞外信号通路,影响细胞的生长,分化及其功能,对人们的健康,防病治病起着重要作用。芦丁具有广泛的药理活性,抗氧化、抗炎、抗病毒、抗癌、预防和治疗心脑血管疾病。以芦丁为原料的药品有多种,使用芦丁毒副作用小,安全,成本低。由于芦丁的生物利用度低,在临床上应用受到一定的限制。克服芦丁溶解性差的问题已经有各种方法,例如使用环糊精的络合,磷脂等,改善水溶性,从而增加生物利用度。本文综述了芦丁的多种潜在用途和治疗作用的信息,与药物输送相关的问题,以及改善药物生物利用度的可能方法。重点介绍了芦丁的抗炎、抗癌、降糖、对心血管的保护作用,为天然化合物的开发和利用奠定基础。     

Simultaneous Determination of Cadmium,Mercury, Lead,Arsenic, Copper,and Zinc in Human Breast Milk by ICP‐MS/Microwave Digestion

Abstract

An analytical method using microwave digestion and inductively coupled argon plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) analysis was developed for the measurement of Cd, Hg, Pb, As, Cu, and Zn in human breast milk. We applied external calibration, internal calibration, and standard addition for reference material and pooled milk analysis. Method performances were defined in terms of detection limits, accuracy, and precision. Accuracy varied between 93% and 105% and precision between 3% and 8%. External calibration and background interferences were checked through a calibrator addition procedure. Our method has shown high accuracy, precision, and sensitivity, as well as linearity within a wide range of values. Our methodology, developed by treatment of reference material and pooled milk samples, was applied for determination of Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in 120 human breast milk samples.     

Changes in Whey Proteome between Mediterranean and Murrah Buffalo Colostrum and Mature Milk Reflect Their Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Value

Milk represents an integrated meal for newborns; its whey protein is rich in many health beneficial components and proteins. The current study aimed to investigate the differences between colostrum and mature milk from Mediterranean and Murrah buffaloes using labeled proteomics and bioinformatics tools. In the current work, LC-MS/MS analysis led to identification of 780 proteins from which 638 were shared among three independent TMT experiments. The significantly changed proteins between the studied types were analyzed using gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathways, and their interactions were generated using STRING database. Results indicated that immunological, muscular development and function, blood coagulation, heme related, neuronal, translation, metabolic process, and binding proteins were the main terms. Overall, colostrum showed higher levels of immunoglobulins, myosins, actin, neurofascin, syntaxins, thyroglobulins, and RNA-binding proteins, reflecting its importance in the development and activity of immunological, muscular, cardiac, neuronal, and thyroid systems, while lactoferrin and ferritin were increased in mature milk, highlighting its role in iron storage and hemoglobin formation.     

High-performance column liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of buclizine, tryptophan, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin in tablets and oral suspension

An HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of buclizine, tryptophan, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin in pharmaceutical formulations. The chromatographic separation was carried out on an RP-C18 column using a mobile phase gradient of methanol, 0.015 M phosphate buffer (pH 3.0), and 0.03 M phosphoric acid at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and UV detection at 230, 280, and 360 nm, respectively, for buclizine, tryptophan, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin. The method validation yielded good results with respect to linearity (r>0.999), specificity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. The RSD values for intraday and interday precision were below 1.82 and 0.63%, respectively, and recoveries ranged from 98.11 to 101.95%. The method was successfully applied for the QC analysis of buclizine, tryptophan, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin in tablets and oral suspension.     

A confirmatory method for the simultaneous extraction,separation, identification and quantification of Tetracycline,Sulphonamide, Trimethoprim and Dapsone residues in muscle by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC

A rapid confirmatory multi-residue method for the analysis of tetracyclines, sulphonamides, trimethoprim and dapsone by UPLC-MS/MS is described. The method is able to quantify and confirm the following 19 compounds, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, doxycycline, sulfadiazine, sulfathiazole, sulfapyridine, trimethoprim, sulfamerazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxypyridazine, sulfamonomethoxine, sulfachlorpyridazine, dapsone, sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole, sulfaquinoxaline and sulfadimethoxine. Samples are extracted with 0.1 M EDTA and acetonitrile, which is then evaporated under a stream of nitrogen and reconstituted in water. Following centrifugation and filtering, an aliquot is analysed by UPLC-MS/MS using positive electrospray ionisation and multiple reaction monitoring. The method is deemed rapid as all analytes are extracted by a single extraction technique, with no solid-phase extraction clean up required. Validation is according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and was carried out for bovine, porcine, ovine and poultry species. Specificity, recovery, repeatability, reproducibility, CCα and CCβ data is presented.