Comparison of AFS and ICP-MS detection coupled with gas chromatography for the determination of methylmercury in marine samples

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) coupled with gas chromatography (GC) have been evaluated as element specific detectors for the determination of methylmercury in marine samples. Detection limits for methylmercury chloride, obtained using ICP-MS and AFS, were 0.9 and 0.25 pg as Hg, respectively. Methylmercury was determined in marine tissue reference materials IAEA 142 and NIST 8044 mussel homogenate, and DOLT-2 dogfish liver by GC–AFS, with found values of 45±7, 26±4, and 671±41 ng g⁻¹, compared with certified values of 47±4, 28±2, and 693±53 ng g⁻¹. The analyses of IAEA 142 and NIST 8044 were repeated using GC–ICP-MS, with found values of 48±9 and 30±3 ng g⁻¹, respectively. Methylmercury was determined in real samples of ringed seal and beluga whale, with found values of 801±62 and 2830±113 ng g⁻¹, respectively.     

Titanium as a chemical modifier for the determination of cobalt in marine sediments

The determination of cobalt in marine sediments by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry was studied using no modifier and magnesium and titanium as modifiers. Titanium is one of the major sediment constituents, which widely affects the cobalt determination and it was studied as a chemical modifier since it was the only concomitant that increased the cobalt signal in the concentration range usually found in sediments. The performance of Mg and Ti as chemical modifiers was compared relative to maximum pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, linear calibration range, sensitivity and matrix effects. The pyrolysis curves showed that the analyte could be stabilized up to 1400 °C when either Ti or Mg(NO₃)₂ was present, while only 1000 °C could be used in the absence of a modifier. The optimum atomization temperature was 2500 °C in all cases. Analytical curves were compared using no modifier, 5 μg Ti and 100 μg Mg(NO₃)₂ as modifiers, and the linear range found was up to approximately 4 ng Co whether a modifier was used or not. With Ti as a chemical modifier, analytical curves for cobalt in aqueous solution and in a synthetic matrix resulted in the same sensitivity (m₀=55 pg), whereas the use of Mg led to characteristic mass values of 59 and 72 pg in aqueous solution and in a synthetic matrix, respectively, showing some matrix effect. The detection limits (3σ, n=10) were 0.4 μg g⁻¹ using no modifier and 0.3 μg g⁻¹ with Ti as a modifier in the original matrix. A reference estuarine sediment NIST 1646 with a non-certified content of 10.5 μg g⁻¹ Co was analyzed and the found value of 10.9±2.4 μg g⁻¹, (n=3), using Ti as chemical modifier and calibration against aqueous standards, was in good agreement with the recommended value.     

A new isobenzofuranone derivative from a marine Streptomyces sp.

One new isobenzofuranone derivative,1,4-dimethoxy-3-(3R*-hydroxy-3R*-methyl-1-tetralone)-1(3H)-isobenzofuran(1),was isolated from the broth of marine Streptomyces sp.M268.The structure was elucidated by spectroscopy characteristics as well as comparison with the literature.Compound 1 exhibited cytotoxicities against human cancer cell,HL-60,A549,and BEL-7402.     

Two efficient four-step routes to marine toxin tanikolide

We have presented two facile four-step syntheses of (±)-tanikolide from ethyl 2-oxocyclopentanecarboxylate. The overall chemical yields of the two sequences reached as high as 76 and 85%, respectively. The first strategy involved alkylation, Baeyer-Villiger reaction, saponification, and reduction/lactonization. The second approach for synthesizing tanikolide took advantage of the same intermediate, the alkylated ketoester 2, which was converted to the target molecule in such three steps as deethoxycarbonylation, hydroxymethylation, and Baeyer-Villiger reaction. Our strategies are advantageous because of their high yields and suitability for the preparation of 1 in multigram or larger quantities.     

Sesquiterpenes from the marine algicolous fungus Drechslera sp.

A marine fungal isolate, identified as Drechslera sp., was mass cultivated and found to produce a new naturally occurring seco-sativene type sesquiterpene helminthosporic acid (1) and three known sesquiterpenes, helminthosporol (2), drechslerine A (3) and (+) secolongifolene-diol (4). The structures of all compounds were determined by interpretation of their spectroscopic data 1D (¹H and ¹³C), 2D (COSY, DQF, NOE, HSQC and HMBC) NMR, MS, UV and IR analyses. All compounds have been tested toward antioxidants, antimicrobial and antifouling effects.     

New bromopyrrole alkaloids from the marine sponge Agelas sp.

Chemical investigation of the marine sponge Agelas sp. collected from the South China Sea resulted in the isolation of four new dimeric bromopyrrole alkaloids, including hexazosceptrin (1) with a rare cyclohexane-fused-cyclobutane skeleton, agelestes A and B (2–3), the sceptrin analogues without any aminoimidazole substitution, and (9S, 10R, 9′S, 10′R)-nakamuric acid (4), of which the absolute configuration was confirmed for the first time. The structure elucidation and absolute configuration assignments were unambiguously determined via extensive spectroscopic analyses and the comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroic spectra. Compounds 1 and 4 exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity.     

Poecillastrin E,F, and G,cytotoxic chondropsin-type macrolides from a marine sponge Poecillastra sp.

Poecillastrin E (1), F (2), and G (3) were isolated from a marine sponge Poecillastra sp. as the cytotoxic constituents. Their planar structures were determined by analyzing the MS and NMR spectra. They are closely related to the known poecillastrin C (4). The absolute configuration of the β-hydroxyaspartic acid (OHAsp) residue was determined to be D-threo by Marfey's analysis of the hydrolysate. The mode of lactone ring formation of OHAsp residue in 1–3 was determined by selective reduction of the ester linkage followed by acid hydrolysis.     

Myrmekiosides a and b, novel mono-o-alkyl-diglycosylglycerols reversing tumor cell morphology of ras-transformed cells from a marine sponge of myrmekioderma sp

Novel mono-O-alkyl-diglycosylglycerols named myrmekiosides A (1) and B (2) were isolated from a marine sponge of Myrmekioderma sp. and their absolute stereostructures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. Myrmekiosides A (1) and B (2) reversed the phenotype of melanoma H-ras transformed NIH3T3 cells at 5 μg/ml.     

Synthesis of the marine furanoditerpene (−)-marginatone

A synthesis of the marine labdane furanoditerpene (−)-marginatone 1 has been accomplished by a short sequence of reactions starting from (+)-coronarin E 5. The key step is the stereocontrolled-intramolecular electrophilic cyclisation of the (+)-dihydrocoronarin E 6, to the tetracyclic marginatane skeleton 7, which is subsequently functionalized by allylic oxidation to give 1. As (+)-coronarin E 5 was previously synthesized from (−)-sclareol 10, the herein reported preparation constitutes the first formal total synthesis of (−)-marginatone 1, by which its absolute configuration has been confirmed.     

Netamines A-G: seven new tricyclic guanidine alkaloids from the marine sponge Biemna laboutei

In our continuing program to identify bioactive compounds from marine invertebrates, the MeOH/EtOAc (1:1) extract of three collections of the Madagascar sponge, Biemna laboutei, was found to be cytotoxic to a series of human tumor cells. From the two sponges, seven new guanidine alkaloids, designated netamines A-G (1-7), have been isolated and their structures elucidated. Compounds 3 and 4 were found to be cytotoxic against three tumor cells with GI₅₀ values in the micromolar range.     

Antiadhesive action of a marine microbial surfactant

The antiadhesive action of a lipopeptide biosurfactant from a marine bacterium was investigated. The effect of cultivation conditions on the adhesion property of few bacterial strains was studied. It was observed that the static cultures showed greater adhesion due to scarcity of oxygen. The biosurfactant upon surface conditioning was found to be effective in removal of the microbial adhesion at a concentration as low as 0.1 g L⁻¹. The percentages of inhibition of adhesion against different test bacterial strains ranged from 15 to 89% using 0.1–10 g L⁻¹ of purified biosurfactant. These percentages of adhesion inhibition were found to be significantly higher than the previously reported values. The antiadhesive efficacy of the biosurfactant was also evident from confocal laser scanning microscopy studies.     

Halichonic acid,a new rearranged bisabolene-type sesquiterpene from a marine sponge Halichondria sp.

A new compound, halichonic acid (1), was isolated from a marine sponge Halichondria sp., together with (6R,7S)-7-amino-7,8-dihydro-α-bisabolene (2). The structure of 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and ECD spectrum calculation to be a rearranged bisabolene-type sesquiterpene having a 3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonene moiety. Compound 2 was cytotoxic against HeLa cells with an IC₅₀ value of 50?μM, whereas 1 did not show cytotoxicity even at 50?μM. It is possible that 1 is biosynthesized from farnesyl pyrophosphate and glycine, with rearrangement.     

Synthesis of the marine alkaloid caulersin

A three-step synthesis of caulersin (3) from indole-2-acetic acid methyl ester and indole-2-carbonyl chloride is described. As the spectral data of the synthetic sample differed from those reported for the natural product, the structure was determined by X-ray crystallography.     

A new nine-membered lactone from a marine fungus Cladosporium sp. F14

A new nine-membered lactone, cladospolide E (1), was isolated from a culture broth of a marine fungus Cladosporium sp. F14. The structure of compound 1 was determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR data.       

Total synthesis of the marine pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloid tsitsikammamine A

A concise route to the marine pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloid tsitsikammamine A and a regioisomer was developed. The synthesis was based on a Michael reaction between the indole dione 6 and 2′-amino-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanol.     

Phospholipids in marine environments: a review

This paper provides a brief summary of environmental and ecological concepts, and analytical techniques for marine phospholipids (PL). These compounds have been recognized to be a major component of lipids which play a vital role as structural and functional components of biological membranes in all marine organisms from viruses to large animals. Major areas discussed are developed methods of PL analysis and their limitations and implications. Another important aspect of PL in marine ecosystems is also discussed here, that is, the role and dynamics of PL as a significant component of the nutrient phosphorus (P). However, information on PL as a P component in marine environments, such as their spatial and temporal distribution, their contribution to the total P pool, and their biological availability as the nutrient P source, is still limited. It is argued that this is due to the separation of marine PL studies into either “lipid studies” or “nutrient P studies”. New techniques are reviewed that can be developed as a powerful tool to unite the two aspects of PL studies.     

Diplopuupehenone, a new unsymmetrical puupehenone-related dimer from the marine sponge Dysidea sp.

A new unsymmetrical puupehenone-related dimer, diplopuupehenone, comprising puupehenone and puupehenol segments, was isolated from the marine sponge Dysidea sp., along with the known metabolites, puupehenone and bispuupehenone. The structure of diplopuupehenone was established from spectroscopic data and by spectroscopic analysis of an acetoxy derivative. Diplopuupehenone showed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 8 μM.     

Eremophilane sesquiterenes from the marine fungus Penicillium sp. BL27-2

Six eremophilane sesquiterpenes were obtained from a marine fungus Penicillium sp. BL27-2. Their structures were elucidated as 3-acetyl-9, 7 （11）-dien-7a-hydroxy-8-oxoeremophilane （1）, 3-acetyl-13-deoxyphomenone （2）, Sporogen-AO 1 （3）, 7-hydro- xypetasol （4）, 8a-hydroxy-13-deo -xyphomenone （5） and 6-dehydropetasol （6） based on detailed NMR analysis. 1 was a new compound and 2 was obtained as a new natural compound. These compounds were assayed for their cytotoxic activity on P388, A549, HL60, BEL7402 and K562 cell lines by the MTT method. The assay results suggested the epoxide rings in eremophilane molecules were essential for their activity, and acetylation could enhance their activity.     

Axiplyns A-E, new sesquiterpene isothiocyanates from the marine sponge Axinyssa aplysinoides

Five new isothiocyanate sesquiterpenes, designated axiplyns A-E (1-5) have been isolated, together with two known isothiocyanate sesquiterpenes (6, 7), from the sponge Axinyssa aplysinoides collected at Misali Island, Tanzania. Axiplyns 4 and 5 embody a new indane sesquiterpene skeleton, and compounds 1, 2, and 5 contain unprecedented ring systems, namely a 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane and a 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane. Axiplyns A, B, and C are potent brine shrimp toxins with LD₅₀ values between 1.5 and 1.8 μg/mL.     

Determination of nanomolar concentrations of phosphate in freshwaters using flow injection with luminol chemiluminescence detection

A simple and rapid flow injection (FI) method is reported for the determination of phosphate (as molybdate reactive P) in freshwaters based on luminol chemiluminescence (CL) detection. The molybdophosphoric heteropoly acid formed by phosphate and ammonium molybdate in acidic conditions generated chemiluminescence emission via the oxidation of luminol. The detection limit (3× standard deviation of blank) was 0.03 μg P l⁻¹ (1.0 nM), with a sample throughput of 180 h⁻¹. The calibration graph was linear over the range 0.032–3.26 μg P l⁻¹ (r²=0.9880) with relative standard deviations (n=4) in the range 1.2–4.7%. Interfering cations (Ca(II), Mg(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), Co(II), Fe(II) and Fe(III)) were removed by passing the sample through an in-line iminodiacetate chelating column. Silicate interference (at 5 mg Si l⁻¹) was effectively masked by the addition of tartaric acid and other common anions (Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, HCO₃⁻, NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻) did not interfere at their maximum admissible concentrations in freshwaters. The method was applied to freshwater samples and the results (26.1±1.1–62.0±0.4 μg P l⁻¹) were not significantly different (P=0.05) from results obtained using a segmented flow analyser method with spectrophotometric detection (24.4±4.45–84.0±16.0 μg P l⁻¹).