A fast thermal desorption unit for micro thermal desorption tubes, Part I: Development of the system and proof of concept measurements with hyper-fast gas chromatography.

A system consisting of a thermal desorption unit (TDU) and micro thermal desorption tubes (µTD-tubes, 1.4 mm I.D., 10mg Tenax TA) for fast desorption of analytes was developed for the efficient combination of hyper fast gas chromatography with thermal desorption. The fast desorption is achieved by a significantly reduced thermal mass compared to conventional thermal desorption tubes. Therefore, extremely fast heating and cooling cycles are possible. Proof of concept measurements combining the new setup with a flow-field thermal gradient gas chromatograph (FF-TG-GC) and FID detection show good precision and linearity with R2≥0.995 in the analysis of an n-alkane mix (C8-C20). Thermal desorption occurs within 12s. The impact of reduced µTD-tube dimensions on desorption time, full width at half maximum (FWHM), breakthrough volumes, tube flow rates ergo linear velocities, porosity and back pressure is discussed.

Molecular-Sensory Decoding of the Citrus latifolia Aroma.

A modified aroma extract dilution approach (AEDA), followed by the determination of flavor dilution (FD) factors, a quantitative analysis and calculation of the relative flavor activity (RFA) and odor activity values (OAVs) as well as recombination experiments were conducted to evaluate the odor- and taste-relevant components of cold-pressed Citrus latifolia peel oil. A 2-fold concentration by distillation and reanalysis, compared with the original oil, revealed relevant components. Partition of the odor-active substances into four reconstitution groups according to their respective FD factors, followed by a recombination, allowed for a better understanding of the contribution of each FD-factor group to the overall aroma. Especially α-pinene, limonene, γ-terpinene, and 7-methoxycoumarin contribute significantly to the distinct aroma profile of C. latifolia. Heptadecanal (CAS 629-90-3) was described for the first time as an odor-active substance in an enriched C. latifolia peel oil. Campherenyl acetate (CAS 18530-07-9) was identified in nature for the first time and described with a herbal, minty and citrus-like odor. The odor profile of the final recombinant mixture, containing 36 components, was similar to cold-pressed C. latifolia peel oil for most descriptors, whereas the taste profile was described as more aldehydic and citral-like.

Relation between characteristic temperature and elution temperature in temperature programmed gas chromatography - Part II: Influence of column properties.

The method development process in gas chromatography can be accelerated by suitable computer simulation tools using knowledge about the solute-column interactions described by thermodynamic retention parameters. Since retention parameters usually are determined under isothermal conditions, the presented work offers a step to estimate one of the most important retention parameters, the characteristic temperature Tchar by less laborious temperature programmed measurements. In the first part an empirical multivariate model was introduced describing the correlation between the elution temperature Telu of a solute and its characteristic temperature Tchar. Now in the second part a simulation model of GC and available retention data from a retention database was used to investigate the correlation between Telu and Tchar for an expanded range of heating rates and initial temperatures. In addition to part I, the simulation is used to investigate the influences of different properties of the separation column such as different phase ratios and column geometries like length and diameter or various stationary phases including SLB-5 ms, SPB-50, Stabilwax, Rtx-Dioxin2, Rxi-17Sil MS, Rxi-5Sil MS, ZB-PAH-CT, DB-5 ms, Rxi-5 ms, Rtx5 and FS5ms. The fit model is valid for all investigated stationary phases. The influence of the phase ratio to the correlation could be determined. Therefore, the model was expanded to this parameter. The expanded range of heating rates and the normalization for the system independent dimensionless heating rate required a further modification of the previously presented correlation model. The model now fits also under isothermal conditions. The results were used for estimation of the Tchar of an analyte from the elution temperature in the temperature program. The prediction performance was investigated and evaluated for 20 different temperature program conditions and at two phase ratios (ß=125 and ß=250). Under best conditions the estimated and the measured Tchar values show relative differences <0.5 %. With this novel model estimations for Tchar are possible at 20 °C above the initial temperature, which expands the prediction range even for low and medium retained analytes compared to earlier approaches.

Sensory Impact of Novel Dihydrocoumarins in Native Lime Oils.

Citrus fruits have been known and valued for their aroma in food and perfume ever since humans have maintained written records. Often described as the "champagne" of citrus oils, especially cold pressed lime peel oils have raised attention. Particularly peel oils of Citrus latifolia exhibit a pleasant coumarinic, sweet, and balsamic aroma in comparison to its close relative, the Citrus aurantifolia. Those coumarinic notes have not been completely understood until today. Thus, this study aimed to identify the responsible substances and elucidate their contribution and impact on the aroma of cold-pressed lime oil. By combining distillation, fractionation, olfactory detection, and structure elucidation, the responsible key aroma components were identified. A combination of coumarins and their corresponding saturated analogs have been identified to significantly contribute to the typical coumarinic-like aroma, including three new flavor compounds that have not yet been described in the literature as lime oil constituents: 7-methoxy-2-chromanone (3,4-dihydro-7-methoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one; CAS 20921-02-2), 5,7-dimethoxy-2-chromanone (3,4-dihydro-5,7-dimethoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one; CAS 82243-01-4) and 5,6-dihydrobergaptene (5,6-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-furo[3,2-g][1]benzopyran-7-one; CAS 29050-61-1). The sensorial evaluation of the impact of these components on the lime aroma profile has shown flavor-modulating effects and the ability to enhance aldehydic-peely, juicy, and fruity notes as well as their importance in reproducing the authentic, typical coumarin-like notes.

High loading of lipophilic compounds in mesoporous silica for improved solubility and dissolution performance.

Loading poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) into mesoporous silica can enable API stabilization in non-crystalline form, which leads to improved dissolution. This is particularly beneficial for highly lipophilic APIs (log D7.4 > 8) as these drugs often exhibit limited solubility in dispersion forming carrier polymers, resulting in low drug load and reduced solid state stability. To overcome this challenge, we loaded the highly lipophilic natural products coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and astaxanthin (ASX), as well as the synthetic APIs probucol (PB) and lumefantrine (LU) into the mesoporous silica carriers Syloid® XDP 3050 and Silsol® 6035. All formulations were physically stable in their non-crystalline form and drug loads of up to 50 % were achieved. At increasing drug loads, a marked increase in equilibrium solubility of the active ingredients in biorelevant medium was detected, leading to improved performance during biorelevant biphasic dissolution studies (BiPHa + ). Particularly the natural products CoQ10 and ASX showed substantial benefits from being loaded into mesoporous carrier particles and clearly outperformed currently available commercial formulations. Performance differences between the model compounds could be explained by in silico calculations of the mixing enthalpy for drug and silica in combination with an experimental chromatographic method to estimate molecular interactions.

Simulation of gas chromatographic separations and estimation of distribution-centric retention parameters using linear solvation energy relationships.

For method development in gas chromatography, suitable computer simulations can be very helpful during the optimization process. For such computer simulations retention parameters are needed, that describe the interaction of the analytes with the stationary phase during the separation process. There are different approaches to describe such an interaction, e.g. thermodynamic models like Blumberg's distribution-centric 3-parameter model (K-centric model) or models using chemical properties like the Linear Solvation Energy Relationships (LSER). In this work LSER models for a Rxi-17Sil MS and a Rxi-5Sil MS GC column are developed for different temperatures. The influences of the temperature to the LSER system coefficients are shown in a range between 40 and 200 °C and can be described with Clark and Glew's ABC model as fit function. A thermodynamic interpretation of the system constants is given and its contribution to enthalpy and entropy is calculated. An estimation method for the retention parameters of the K-centric model via LSER models were presented. The predicted retention parameters for a selection of 172 various compounds, such as FAMEs, PCBs and PAHs are compared to isothermal determined values. 40 measurements of temperature programmed GC separations are compared to computer simulations using the differently determined or estimated K-centric retention parameters. The mean difference (RSME) between the measured and predicted retention time is less than 8 s for both stationary phases using the isothermal retention parameters. With the LSER predicted parameters the difference is 20 s for the Rxi-5Sil MS and 38 s for the Rxi-17Sil MS. Therefore, the presented estimation method can be recommended for first method development in gas chromatography.

Novel Biphasic In Vitro Dissolution Method Correctly Predicts the Oral Bioavailability of Curcumin in Humans.

In vitro dissolution methods correctly predicting in vivo bioavailability of compounds from complex mixtures are lacking. We therefore used data on the in vivo performance of bioavailability-improved curcumin formulations to implement an in vivo predictive dissolution method (BiPHa+). BiPHa+ was applied for the characterization of eight curcumin formulations previously studied in a strictly controlled pharmacokinetic human trial. During dissolution, the dissolved proportion of curcumin in the aqueous medium underwent a formulation-dependent reduction, whereas the proportion remained stable in the organic layer. Compared with conventional dissolution systems, BiPHa+ was superior in terms of in vivo-relevant formulation characterization. All formulations could be precisely categorized according to their bioavailability in humans. In vitro-in vivo relationships for each dissolution method were established, with BiPHa+ providing the highest degree of linearity (r2 = 0.9975). The BiPHa+ assay correctly predicted the bioavailability of curcuminoids from complex mixtures and provided mechanistic information about formulation-dependent release characteristics.

Relation between characteristic temperature and elution temperature in temperature programmed gas chromatography - part I: Influence of initial temperature and heating rate.

The development of new analytical methods can save resources, time and costs if there are prediction tools like computer simulation which support the optimization process. In GC the distribution-centric 3-parameter model (K-centric model) is well established for prediction of retention factors k and retention times but laborious isothermal measurements for determination of the characteristic parameters are needed. For the most important parameter, the characteristic temperature Tchar, the search for simpler determination methods or even estimates is an interesting research topic. In this work the elution temperatures for 37 fatty acid methyl esters, 6 BTEXs and 40 other volatile substances are determined by measurements under variable heating rates, initial temperatures, constant pressure mode and constant flow mode. The relationship between the measured elution temperature and the characteristic temperature was investigated. The novel multivariate curve fit model presented in this study describes accurately the relation between the characteristic temperature Tchar and elution temperatures Telu under variable heating rates RT, respectively, and initial temperature Tinit conditions. The novel model shows good accordance to earlier estimation models and expands the prediction range, especially for high volatile compounds. The model is suitable for determination of Tchar by estimated Telu and vice versa. Predictions of retention times of simple temperature programs were also possible by using the model with relative deviations < 5% compared to measurements.

3-Alkyl-2-Methoxypyrazines: Overview of Their Occurrence, Biosynthesis and Distribution in Edible Plants.

Pyrazines are ubiquitous in nature - biosynthesized by microorganisms, insects, and plants. Due to their great structural diversity, they own manifold biological functions. Alkyl- and alkoxypyrazines for instance play a key role as semiochemicals, but also as important aroma compounds in foods. Especially 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines (MPs) have been of great research interest. MPs are associated with green and earthy attributes. They are responsible for the distinctive aroma properties of numerous vegetables. Moreover, they have a strong influence on the aroma of wines, in which they are primarily grape-derived. Over the years various methods have been developed and implemented to analyse the distribution of MPs in plants. In addition, the biosynthetic pathway of MPs has always been of particular interest. Different pathways and precursors have been proposed and controversially discussed in the literature. While the identification of genes encoding O-methyltransferases gave important insights into the last step of MP-biosynthesis, earlier biosynthetic steps and precursors remained unknown. It was not until 2022 that in vivo feeding experiments with stable isotope labeled compounds revealed l-leucine and l-serine as important precursors for IBMP. This discovery gave evidence for a metabolic interface between the MP-biosynthesis and photorespiration.

Retention Database for Prediction, Simulation, and Optimization of GC Separations.

This work presents an open source database with suitable retention parameters for prediction and simulation of GC separations and gives a short introduction to three common retention models. Useful computer simulations play an important role to save resources and time in method development in GC. Thermodynamic retention parameters for the ABC model and the K-centric model are determined by isothermal measurements. This standardized procedure of measurements and calculations, presented in this work, have a useful benefit for all chromatographers, analytical chemists, and method developers because it can be used in their own laboratories to simplify the method development. The main benefits as simulations of temperature-programed GC separations are demonstrated and compared to measurements. The observed deviations of predicted retention times are in most cases less than 1%. The database includes more than 900 entries with a large range of compounds such as VOCs, PAHs, FAMEs, PCBs, or allergenic fragrances over 20 different GC columns.

Biochemical basis for the formation of organ-specific volatile blends in mint.

Above-ground material of members of the mint family is commercially distilled to extract essential oils, which are then formulated into a myriad of consumer products. Most of the research aimed at characterizing the processes involved in the formation of terpenoid oil constituents has focused on leaves. We now demonstrate, by investigating three mint species, peppermint (Mentha Ë£ piperita L.), spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) and horsemint (Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds.; accessions CMEN 585 and CMEN 584), that other organs - namely stems, rhizomes and roots - also emit volatiles and that the terpenoid volatile composition of these organs can vary substantially from that of leaves, supporting the notion that substantial, currently underappreciated, chemical diversity exists. Differences in volatile quantities released by plants whose roots had been dipped in a Verticillium dahliae-spore suspension (experimental) or dipped in water (controls) were evident: increases of some volatiles in the root headspace of mint species that are susceptible to Verticillium wilt disease (peppermint and M. longifolia CMEN 584) were detected, while the quantities of certain volatiles decreased in rhizomes of species that show resistance to the disease (spearmint and M. longifolia CMEN 585). To address the genetic and biochemical basis underlying chemical diversity, we took advantage of the newly sequenced M. longifolia CMEN 585 genome to identify candidate genes putatively coding for monoterpene synthases (MTSs), the enzymes that catalyze the first committed step in the biosynthesis of monoterpenoid volatiles. The functions of these genes were established by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, purification of the corresponding recombinant proteins, and enzyme assays, thereby establishing the existence of MTSs with activities to convert a common substrate, geranyl diphosphate, to (+)-α-terpineol, 1,8-cineole, γ-terpinene, and (-)-bornyl diphosphate, but were not active with other potential substrates. In conjunction with previously described MTSs that catalyze the formation of (-)-ß-pinene and (-)-limonene, the product profiles of the MTSs identified here can explain the generation of all major monoterpene skeletons represented in the volatiles released by different mint organs.

Estimation of retention parameters from temperature programmed gas chromatography.

A fast and reliable method is presented to evaluate retention parameters of the distribution-centric 3-parameter model from temperature programed gas chromatographic measurements. Based on a fully differentiable model of the migration of solutes in a gas chromatographic (GC) system, Newton's method with a trust region is used to determine the three parameters, respectively the three parameters and the column diameter, of several solutes as the minima of the difference between measured and calculated retention times. The determined retention parameters can then be used in method development, using the simulation of GC separation. The results of the retention parameters are compared to the parameters determined using isothermal GC measurements and show good agreement, with deviations of less than 0.5% (1.8 K) for the most important parameter of characteristic temperature Tchar. Using the estimated retention parameters, additional GC separations are simulated and compared with measurements. Retention times in additional temperature programmed measurements could be predicted with less than 0.7% deviation. Four to five different temperature programs are enough to determine reliable retention parameters. Unless the column diameter and the column length are exactly known, it is preferable to also estimate the diameter (more precisely the L/d-ratio) together with the retention parameters.

l-Serine is the Direct Precursor for the Pyrazine Ring Construction in the Biosynthesis of 3-Isobutyl-2-Methoxypyrazine in Bell Pepper Fruits (Capsicum annuum L.).

3-Isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP) is an extremely potent odorant and responsible for the specific aroma of many fruits and vegetables. Especially bell pepper contains high levels of IBMP, which is the character impact compound of its typical aroma. However, since the discovery of methoxypyrazines in plants in the 1960s the biosynthesis of their pyrazine ring motif remained so far unknown. Therefore, the biosynthetic pathway to IBMP was investigated by feeding experiments with stable-isotope labeled precursors. For the first time it could be shown that l-serine plays a key role in the pyrazine ring construction of 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines (MPs). Based on HS-SPME-GCxGC-TOF-MS analysis, it is shown that the biosynthetic pathway to IBMP is closely linked to photorespiratory derived l-serine.

Sites of biosynthesis, distribution and phloem transport of 3-isobutyl-2-Methoxypyrazine in Capsicum annuum (bell pepper) plants.

The distribution and translocation as well as the biosynthetic sites of 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP) in bell pepper plants (Capsicum annuum) were examined. For IBMP-quantification, a stable-isotope dilution assay (SIDA) was developed, using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ToF-MS). While IBMP was the most abundant MP in all aerial plant parts, IPMP was dominating in root tissues. The highest IBMP-levels were found in unripe bell pepper fruits. Moreover, feeding experiments with [2H10]-l-leucine revealed that IBMP is biosynthesized in all plant parts, while in roots and ripe bell pepper fruit tissues no incorporation of the labelled precursor was detectable. A potential phloem translocation of IBMP could not be detected.

Investigation of Biosynthetic Precursors of 3-Isobutyl-2-Methoxypyrazine Using Stable Isotope Labeling Studies in Bell Pepper Fruits (Capsicum annuum L.).

The biosynthesis of 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP) in bell pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) was investigated by in vivo feeding experiments with stable isotope-labeled precursors. Volatiles were extracted using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) coupled to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ToF-MS). Feeding experiments revealed incorporation of l-leucine and α-ketoisocaproic acid (α-KIC) as well as glycine and glyoxylic acid into IBMP. Furthermore, it has been shown that de novo biosynthesis of IBMP occurs in pericarp tissues of unripe bell pepper fruits, whereas pericarp tissues of ripe bell pepper fruits showed no capability of IBMP biosynthesis.

Structure-function relationship of terpenoid glycosyltransferases from plants.

Covering: up to 2021Terpenoids are physiologically active substances that are of great importance to humans. Their physicochemical properties are modified by glycosylation, in terms of polarity, volatility, solubility and reactivity, and their bioactivities are altered accordingly. Significant scientific progress has been made in the functional study of glycosylated terpenes and numerous plant enzymes involved in regio- and enantioselective glycosylation have been characterized, a reaction that remains chemically challenging. Crucial clues to the mechanism of terpenoid glycosylation were recently provided by the first crystal structures of a diterpene glycosyltransferase UGT76G1. Here, we review biochemically characterized terpenoid glycosyltransferases, compare their functions and primary structures, discuss their acceptor and donor substrate tolerance and product specificity, and elaborate features of the 3D structures of the first terpenoid glycosyltransferases from plants.

Selectivity of enzymes involved in the formation of opposite enantiomeric series of p-menthane monoterpenoids in peppermint and Japanese catnip.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) and Japanese catnip (Schizonepeta tenuifolia (Benth.) Briq.) accumulate p-menthane monoterpenoids with identical functionalization patterns but opposite stereochemistry. In the present study, we investigate the enantioselectivity of multiple enzymes involved in monoterpenoid biosynthesis in these species. Based on kinetic assays, mint limonene synthase, limonene 3-hydroxylase, isopiperitenol dehydrogenase, isopiperitenone reductase, and menthone reductase exhibited significant enantioselectivity toward intermediates of the pathway that proceeds through (-)-4S-limonene. Limonene synthase, isopiperitenol dehydrogenase and isopiperitenone reductase of Japanese catnip preferred intermediates of the pathway that involves (+)-4R-limonene, whereas limonene 3-hydroxylase was not enantioselective, and the activities of pulegone reductase and menthone reductase were too low to acquire meaningful kinetic data. Molecular modeling studies with docked ligands generally supported the experimental data obtained with peppermint enzymes, indicating that the preferred enantiomer was aligned well with the requisite cofactor and amino acid residues implicated in catalysis. A striking example for enantioselectivity was peppermint (-)-menthone reductase, which binds (-)-menthone with exquisite affinity but was predicted to bind (+)-menthone in a non-productive orientation that positions its carbonyl functional group at considerable distance to the NADPH cofactor. The work presented here lays the groundwork for structure-function studies aimed at unraveling how enantioselectivity evolved in closely related species of the Lamiaceae and beyond.

Residual solvent analysis with hyper-fast gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and a liquid carbon dioxide cryofocusing in less than 90 s.

A new hyper-fast gas chromatography method with less than 90 s runtime including the column cool down was developed for the analysis of four gases and 16 residual solvents, combining a CO2 cryofocusing with a flow-field thermal gradient gas chromatograph (FF-TG-GC) and ToF-MS. The extremely low analysis time can be achieved by combining the new FF-TG-GC and a very short Rxi-624 Sil MS separation column with a small inner diameter and small film thickness (2.05 m × 0.1 mm × 1.0 µm). The column is inserted into a low thermal mass, resistively heated stainless steel capillary. This enables fast temperature programs with heating rates up to 3000 °C/min and a column cool down within a few seconds. In addition to temporal temperature gradients, the FF-TG-GC can generate a spatial temperature gradient that leads to an improved peak shape. Further, an external liquid CO2 cryo-trap was designed in order to reduce the injection bandwidths of analytes and to take full advantage of the resolving power of the separation column. No modifications are required to the FF-TG-GC for the use of the cryogenic trap, as the cooled spot is heated by the resistively heated stainless steel capillary during the temperature program. With cryofocusing, analyzed residual solvents are baseline separated. R2 values over 0.99 for calibration curves and low relative standard deviations (mainly < 3%) for repeatability tests were obtained.

Fatty Acid Composition, Tocopherols, Volatile Compounds, and Sensory Evaluation of Low Morphine Yielding Varieties of Poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) Seeds and Oils.

Low morphine yielding winter ('Zeno Morphex') and summer ('Viola', 'Mieszko', 'Borowski') poppy varieties were investigated for their chemical composition and sensory properties. The oil content of the 13 seed samples as well as that of fatty acids, tocopherols, and volatile compounds in the respective oils were determined, and the sensory profiles of the seeds and oils were established. Linoleic acid made up 70.7-75.2% of the fatty acids. High amounts of γ-tocopherol were detected, especially in variety 'Viola' (287 ± 34 mg kg-1), while δ-tocopherol was only present in 'Zeno Morphex' (3.9 ± 0.6 mg kg-1). The most abundant volatiles were caproic acid (1.4-148 µg g-1), hexanal (0.9-15.2 µg g-1), 1-hexanol (0.3-20.1 µg g-1), limonene (1.3-9.4 µg g-1), and 2-pentylfuran (1.0-7.8 µg g-1). The sensory panel distinguished samples in particular by fatty/oily, rancid, sweet, and green attributes, the green aroma being correlated to three methoxypyrazines only present in summer poppies.

Simulation of the effects of negative thermal gradients on separation performance of gas chromatography.

The effect of a gradient of solute velocity on the chromatographic separation of closely spaced solutes is investigated by usage of a simulation. The concept of the ideal basic separation (IBS), introduced by Blumberg, is used to determine the theoretical limit of a separation without any natural or artificial gradients of features of the chromatographic medium. The IBS is the best achievable separation and can therefore be used as a baseline to which other separations can be compared to. An addition of a negative velocity gradient cannot improve the separation of closely spaced solutes. The velocity gradient is realized by adding a temperature gradient to a GC separation. The simulation confirms this theoretical limit for a range of differently strong retained solutes. In a second part controlled deviations from IBS are used to show, that a velocity gradient can be beneficial in realistic, non-IBS. The addition of a negative velocity gradient can improve e.g. the separation of broad injected solute zones or counteract a positive gradient of the mobile phase velocity caused by gas decompression along the GC column. However, the improved separation cannot exceed that of a corresponding ideal basic separation. The resolution of broadly injected solutes can be increased by up to 45% of the corresponding IBS resolution by adding a negative velocity gradient. A positive velocity gradient due to gas decompression reduces the separation by up to 6%. The added negative velocity gradient, realized by a linear temperature gradient, can compensate this resolution loss by up to 2%.