Detection and characterization by mass spectrometry of radical adducts produced by linoleic acid oxidation

The formation of linoleic acid radical species under the oxidative conditions of the Fenton reaction (using hydrogen peroxide and Fe (II)) was monitored by FAB-MS and ES-MS using the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrrolidine-N-oxide, DMPO. Both the FAB and ES mass spectra were very similar and showed the presence of ions corresponding to carbon- and oxygen centered spin adducts (DMPO/L*, DMPO/LO*, and DMPO/LOO*). Cyclic structures, formed between the DMPO oxygen and the neighboring carbon of the fatty acid, were also observed. Electrospray tandem mass spectrometry of these ions was performed to confirm the proposed structure of these adducts. All MS/MS spectra showed an ion at m/z 114, correspondent to the [DMPO + H]+, and a fragment ion due to loss of DMPO (loss of 113 Da), confirming that they are DMPO adducts. ES-MS/MS spectra of alkoxyl radical adducts (DMPO/LO*) showed an additional ion at m/z 130 [DMPO - O + H]+, while ES MS/MS of peroxyl radical adducts (DMPO/LOO*) showed a fragment ion at m/z 146 [DMPO - OO + H]+, confirming both structures. Other fragment ions were observed, such as alkyl acylium radical ions, formed by cleavage of the alkyl chain after loss of water and the DMPO molecule. The identification of fragment ions observed in the MS/MS spectra of the different DMPO adducts suggests the occurrence of structural isomers containing the DMPO moiety both at C9 and C13. The use of ES tandem mass spectrometry, associated with spin trapping experiments, has been shown to be a valuable tool for the structural characterization of carbon and oxygen-centered spin adducts of lipid radicals.     

In vitro mimicry of metabolic oxidation reactions by electrochemistry/mass spectrometry

The aim of these studies was to investigate the scope and limitations of electrochemistry on-line with mass spectrometry as a quick and convenient way to mimic phase I oxidative reactions in drug metabolism. A compound with previously reported in vitro and in vivo metabolism, the dopamine agonist 2-(N-propyl-N-2-thienylethylamino)-5-hydroxytetralin, was examined in an electrochemistry/mass spectrometry (EC/MS) system. The previously reported N-dealkylation was mimicked by the electrochemical cell while the oxidation of the phenol function was not fully mimicked by the EC/MS system, since the catechol and p-hydroquinone formed were immediately oxidized to the corresponding quinones. Since cytochrome P450 isoenzymes are the most important enzymes in phase I oxidative metabolism, two standard substrates used for the characterization of those enzymes, lidocaine and 7-ethoxycoumarin, were tested in the EC/MS system. The electrochemical cell was capable of mimicking the N-dealkylation of lidocaine but, under the conditions used in our experiments, the O-deethylation of 7-ethoxycoumarin could not be simulated in the electrochemical cell.     

Antioxidant activity of olive phenols: mechanistic investigation and characterization of oxidation products by mass spectrometry

In this work, the antioxidant activity of olive phenols is first characterized by their stoichiometries n(tot)(number of radicals trapped per antioxidant molecule) and their rate constants for the first H-atom abstraction k(1) by the stable radical DPPH. It appears that oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and caffeic acid have the largest k(1) values, whereas dihydrocaffeic acid, an intestinal metabolite of caffeic acid, is the best antioxidant in terms of n(tot). For phenols with a catechol moiety n(tot) is higher than two, implying an antioxidant effect of their primarily formed oxidation products. A HPLC-MS analysis of the main products formed in the AAPH-induced oxidation of olive phenols reveals the presence of dimers and trimers. With hydroxytyrosol and dihydrocaffeic acid, oligomerization can take place with the addition of water molecules.The antioxidant activity of olive phenols is then evaluated by their ability to inhibit the AAPH-induced peroxidation of linoleic acid in SDS micelles. It is shown that olive phenols and quercetin act as retardants rather than chain breakers like alpha-tocopherol. From a detailed mechanistic investigation, it appears that the inhibition of lipid peroxidation by olive phenols can be satisfactorily interpreted by assuming that they essentially reduce the AAPH-derived initiating radicals. Overall, olive phenols prove to be efficient scavengers of hydrophilic peroxyl radicals with a long lasting antioxidant effect owing to the residual activity of some of their oxidation products.     

Determination of aflatoxins B1, G1, B2 and G2 in medicinal herbs by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

An easy method for the determination of aflatoxins B1, G1, B2 and G2 in Rhammus purshiana by LC coupled to mass spectrometry has been developed. Aflatoxins were extracted with a mixture of methanol and water and then it was purified by solid-phase clean-up using a polymeric sorbent, not described previously, for the determination of these toxins. The eluted extract was injected into the chromatographic system using a reversed-phase C18 short column with an isocratic mobile phase composed of methanol-water (30:70). A single-quadruple mass spectrometry using an electrospray ionization source operating in the positive ion mode was used to detect aflatoxins due to derivatization presenting several disadvantages. Recoveries of the full analytical procedure were 110% for aflatoxin B1, 89% for aflatoxin B2, 81% for aflatoxin G1 and 77% for aflatoxin G2. Detection limit (S/N = 3) was 10 ng and quantification limit (S/N = 10) was 25 ng, calculated as amount in medicinal herb.     

Identification and characterization of EX1 kinetics in H/D exchange mass spectrometry by peak width analysis

Proteins that undergo cooperative unfolding events display EX1 kinetic signatures in hydrogen exchange mass spectra. The hallmark bimodal isotope pattern observed for EX1 kinetics is distinct from the binomial isotope pattern for uncorrelated exchange (EX2), the normal exchange regime for folded proteins. Detection and characterization of EX1 kinetics is simple when the cooperative unit is large enough that the isotopic envelopes in the bimodal pattern are resolved in the m/z scale but become complicated in cases where the unit is small or there is a mixture of EX1 and EX2 kinetics. Here we describe a data interpretation method involving peak width analysis that makes characterization of EX1 kinetics simple and rapid. The theoretical basis for EX1 and EX2 isotopic signatures and the effects each have on peak width are described. Modeling of EX2 widening and analysis of empirical data for proteins and peptides containing purely EX2 kinetics showed that the amount of widening attributable to stochastic forward- and back exchange in a typical experiment is small and can be quantified. Proteins and peptides with both obvious and less obvious EX1 kinetics were analyzed with the peak width method. Such analyses provide the half-life for the cooperative unfolding event and the relative number of residues involved. Automated analysis of peak width was performed with custom Excel macros and the DEX software package. Peak width analysis is robust, capable of automation, and provides quick interpretation of the key information contained in EX1 kinetic events.     

Analysis of histones by on-line capillary zone electrophoresis-electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry

Clotting factor IX preparations from human plasma (pdFIX) have been characterized using electrophoretic methods like sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Factor IX prior to and after activation with factor XIa was separated by one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and on isoelectric focusing gels. The main differences between the band patterns of the two pdFIX preparations are due to their purity. Vitronectin was identified by immunological techniques as major accompanying plasma protein, separated from factor IX and characterized by isoelectric focusing and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.     

Identification and characterization of fenton oxidation products of surfactants by electrospray mass spectrometry and by solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry. 2. Fatty alcohol polyethoxy sulphates

The Fenton reaction for the degradation of surfactants has been investigated and partial degradation products have been identified and characterized by mass spectrometry for the case of fatty alcohol polyethoxy sulphates. The polar water-soluble products were investigated by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI), and the volatile products leaving the mixture during the reaction were trapped by means of solid phase microextraction (SPME) and investigated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with electron and chemical ionization. The oxidation leads to the formation of products with hydroxyl and epoxide groups due to insertion of oxygen atoms or with terminal ethoxylic moieties deriving from the loss of the hydrophilic sulphate group. The formation of volatile aldehydes is also observed, corresponding to the fragmentation between hydrocarbon and ethoxylic chains. The extent of mineralization is dependent on peroxide and iron(II) concentrations. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rapid determination of fumonisins B1 and B2 in corn by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with ultrasonic extraction

A simple, sensitive, and reliable analytical method is developed for the rapid determination of fumonisin B(1) and fumonisin B(2) in corn by high-performance liquid chromatography-positive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS). Fumonisin B(1) and fumonisin B(2) are extracted from corn with methanol-water (3:1, v/v) by means of ultrasonic extraction, and directly injected into an LC-MS-MS system after centrifugation. Fumonisin B(1) and fumonisin B(2) are separated on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C(18) column with a solution of methanol-water-formic acid as the mobile phase. The method is validated with respect to linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, and stability. Moreover, the method was applied to real samples and demonstrated to be suitable for the determination of fumonisin B(1) and fumonisin B(2) in corn. The total time required for the analysis of one sample was ~30 min.     

Challenges in polysorbate characterization by mass spectrometry

Polysorbates are used in a variety of applications over a wide range of markets. Simple in concept, these products are complex in actual composition. Mass spectrometry and related techniques have been effectively used to characterize these products, from the major components to the minor residual production byproducts and degradation species. In this paper we review the use of MALDI‐MS, LC/MS, GC/MS, and SFC/MS in the analysis of these materials. The wealth of information provided by MALDI is presented, using Polysorbate 60 as an example. Limitations are described, with the impact of matrix selection and cationization agent demonstrated. Furthermore, unique challenges of MALDI analysis of Polysorbate 80 are shown. Polysorbates have been extensively analyzed, especially by the biopharmaceutical industry, to better understand the impact of various grades of purity and manufacture on the stability of formulations. Using Polysorbate 80 as an example, we illustrate some of the more advanced techniques used to more fully characterize these complex molecules using high‐resolution LC/MS and LC/MS/MS. Finally, the use of other techniques (such as GC/MS and SFC/MS) is briefly reviewed.     

Loss of CH2O and H2O by stepwise mechanisms in mass spectrometry

Experimental evidence demonstrating reversible hydrogen transfer between specific positions in the molecular ions of anisole and o-toluic acid suggests stepwise mechanisms for the loss of CH₂O and H₂O, respectively. Added support for a stepwise mechanism for the loss of CH₂O is found in the mass spectra of pyridine and quinoline analogues.     

固相萃取-高效液相色谱/串联质谱检测谷物中黄曲霉毒素B1、B2、G1、G2和M1

建立了高效液相色谱/串联质谱(LC-MS/MS)同时检测谷物中的黄曲霉毒素B1、B2、G1、G2和M1的方法.并优化了液相色谱条件和质谱的相关参数.谷物样品经研磨成粉末后,直接经甲醇-水( V∶V=10∶90)提取,Oasis HLB固相萃取净化,乙腈-水(0.2％甲酸)梯度洗脱,选择电喷雾离子源(ESI),正离子扫描...     

Decomposition and oxidation of methanol on platinum: A study by in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and mass spectrometry

The reactions of the catalytic oxidation and decomposition of methanol on the atomically smooth and high-defect Pt(111) single-crystal surfaces were studied using in situ temperature-programmed reaction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the decomposition of methanol on both of the surfaces occurred via two reaction pathways: complete dehydrogenation to CO and decomposition with the C-O bond cleavage. Although the rate of reaction via the latter pathway was lower than the rate of dehydrogenation by three orders of magnitude, the carbon formed as a result of the C-O bond cleavage can be accumulated on the surface of platinum to prevent the further course of the reaction. It was shown that oxygen exhibits high activity toward the formed carbon deposits. As a result, the rate of methanol conversion in the presence of oxygen in a gas phase increased by one or two orders of magnitude; in this case, CO₂ and water appeared in the composition of the reaction products as a result of the oxidation of CO and hydrogen, respectively. The high-defect surface of platinum was more active in the reactions of methanol decomposition and oxidation than the atomically smooth Pt(111) single-crystal surface. On the former, selectivity for the formation of methanol dehydrogenation products in oxygen deficiency was higher than on the latter. The main reaction pathways of the decomposition and oxidation of methanol on platinum were considered.     

Simultaneous determination of fumonisins B1, B2 and B3 contaminants in maize by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

The present work developed an analytical method for simultaneous determination of fumonisins B(1), B(2) and B(3) residues in maize by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) under the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, and especially focused on the optimization of extraction, clean-up, UHPLC separation and MS/MS parameters. The method involves addition of fumonisins isotope internal standards, extraction with a mixture of acetonitrile and water and clean-up with solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges before UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. A single-laboratory method validation was conducted by testing three different spiking levels for repeatability and recovery according to International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) guidelines. The LOQ of FB(1), FB(2) and FB(3) were 1.50, 1.65 and 0.4 μg kg(-1), respectively, which were lower than the criteria of EU, USA and other countries regarding minimum residue limits of fumonisins in foods including baby foods and feedstuffs. Recoveries of three fumonisins ranged from 80.9% to 97.0% with RSD values of 2.4-11.1%.The advantages of this method include simple pretreatment, rapid determination and high sensitivity, and it fulfills the requirements for food analysis with respect to minimum residue limits of fumonisins in various countries.     

Determination of fumonisins B1 and B2 in corn by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry with immunoaffinity column cleanup: single-laboratory method validation

A single-laboratory method validation was conducted to establish the effectiveness of an immunoaffinity column cleanup procedure followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LCIMS) for the determination of fumonisins B1 and B2 (FBI + FB2) in corn. The test portion is extracted with acetonitrile-methanol-water (25 + 25 + 50). The extract is filtered, diluted with phosphate-buffered saline solution, and applied to an immunoaffinity column. FB1 + FB2 are removed with methanol and directly determined by reversed-phase LC with MS detection using selected-ion monitoring of 2 characteristic ions in each case. Test portions of blank corn samples were spiked with a mixture of FB1 + FB2 to give total levels of 200 and 500 ng/g, respectively. Recoveries of both FB1 and FB2 from spiked samples averaged 90.4-101%. Based on results for spiked raw corn (triplicates at 2 levels), the relative standard deviation for repeatability ranged from 2.8 to 7.1%. The accuracy of the method was demonstrated by analysis of Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) test material. The method was also applied to a small survey of processed corn products such as corn chips, cornflakes, and popcorn.     

Top-down identification and characterization of biomolecules by mass spectrometry

The most widely used modern mass spectrometers face severe performance limitations with molecules larger than a few kDa. For far larger biomolecules, a common practice has been to break these up chemically or enzymatically into fragments that are sufficiently small for the instrumentation available. With its many sophisticated recent enhancements, this "bottom-up" approach has proved highly valuable, such as for the rapid, routine identification and quantitation of DNA-predicted proteins in complex mixtures. Characterization of smaller molecules, however, has always measured the mass of the molecule and then that of its fragments. This "top-down" approach has been made possible for direct analysis of large biomolecules by the uniquely high (>10(5)) mass resolving power and accuracy ( approximately 1 ppm) of the Fourier-transform mass spectrometer. For complex mixtures, isolation of a single component's molecular ions for MS/MS not only gives biomolecule identifications of far higher reliability, but directly characterizes sequence errors and post-translational modifications. Protein sizes amenable for current MS/MS instrumentation are increased by a "middle-down" approach in which limited proteolysis forms large (e.g., 10 kDa) polypeptides that are then subjected to the top-down approach, or by "prefolding dissociation." The latter, which extends characterization to proteins >200 kDa, was made possible by greater understanding of how molecular ion tertiary structure evolves in the gas phase.