Solidified floating organic drop microextraction (SFODME) for the simultaneous analysis of three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in aqueous samples by HPLC.

In this work, a liquid-liquid microextraction methodology using solidified floating organic drop (SFODME) was combined with liquid chromatography and UV/Vis detection to determine non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) naproxen (NPX), diclofenac (DCF), and mefenamic acid (MFN) in tap water, surface water, and seawater samples. Parameters that can influence the efficiency of the process were evaluated, such as the type and volume of the extractor and dispersive solvents, effect of pH, agitation type, and ionic strength. The optimized method showed low detection limits (0.09 to 0.25 µg L-1), satisfactory recovery rates (90 to 116%), and enrichment factors in the range between 149 and 199. SFODME showed simplicity, low cost, speed, and high concentration capacity of the analytes under study. Its use in real samples did not demonstrate a matrix effect that would compromise the effectiveness of the method, being possible to apply it successfully in water samples with different characteristics.

A Novel Approach of Matching Mass-to-Charge Ratio for Compound Identification in Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Background: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is one of the most widely used analytical techniques for analyzing chemical or biological samples in many fields. One of the most important approaches for the identification of compound in GC-MS is to compare an experimental mass spectrum with a compound recorded in a reference spectral library through a spectrum-matching algorithm. Objective: To develop a novel method to speed up compound identification. Method: In this study, a method based on m/z matching is proposed. We selected the highest m/z values and m/z values corresponding to the largest peak intensities of a mass spectrum and stepwise modified the matching threshold (MTh) based on the principle of local optimum in the pre-search process. The performance of the approach is evaluated using the mass spectral library maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology as a reference library and repetitive mass spectra as query spectra. Results: Compared with two-step spectral library pre-search and "ten peaks," the method based on m/z matching has higher accuracy, smaller number of remaining (missing) spectra, and shorter computational time. Conclusions: Therefore, the method can effectively speed up compound identification. Highlights: A method based on m/z matching is proposed. The accuracy is higher, the number of remaining spectra is less, and the computational time is shorter.

From Alkanes to Carboxylic Acids: Terminal Oxygenation by a Fungal Peroxygenase.

A new heme-thiolate peroxidase catalyzes the hydroxylation of n-alkanes at the terminal position-a challenging reaction in organic chemistry-with H2 O2 as the only cosubstrate. Besides the primary product, 1-dodecanol, the conversion of dodecane yielded dodecanoic, 12-hydroxydodecanoic, and 1,12-dodecanedioic acids, as identified by GC-MS. Dodecanal could be detected only in trace amounts, and 1,12-dodecanediol was not observed, thus suggesting that dodecanoic acid is the branch point between mono- and diterminal hydroxylation. Simultaneously, oxygenation was observed at other hydrocarbon chain positions (preferentially C2 and C11). Similar results were observed in reactions of tetradecane. The pattern of products formed, together with data on the incorporation of (18) O from the cosubstrate H2 (18) O2 , demonstrate that the enzyme acts as a peroxygenase that is able to catalyze a cascade of mono- and diterminal oxidation reactions of long-chain n-alkanes to give carboxylic acids.

Ionic liquid-assisted liquid-phase microextraction based on the solidification of floating organic droplets combined with high performance liquid chromatography for the determination of benzoylurea insecticide in fruit juice.

A green, simple, and efficient method, ionic liquid-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction based on the solidification of floating organic droplets (ILSFOD-LLME) collected via a bell-shaped collection device (BSCD) coupled to high performance liquid chromatography with a variable-wavelength detector, was developed for the preconcentration and analysis of seven benzoylurea insecticides (BUs) in fruit juice. In the proposed method, the low-density solvent 1-dodecanol and the ionic liquid trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate ([P14, 6, 6, 6]PF6) were used as extractant. The extraction solvent droplet was easily collected and separated by the BSCD without centrifugation. The experimental parameters were optimized by the one-factor-at-a-time approach and were followed using an orthogonal array design. The results indicated the different effects of each parameter for extraction efficiency. Under the optimal conditions in the water model, the limits of detection for the analytes varied from 0.03 to 0.28µgL(-1). The enrichment factors ranged from 160 to 246. Linearities were achieved for hexaflumuron and flufenoxuron in the range of 0.5-500µgL(-1), for triflumuron, lufenuron and diafenthiuron in the range of 1-500µgL(-1), and for diflubenzuron and chlorfluazuron in the range of 5-500µgL(-1); the correlation coefficients for the BUs ranged from 0.9960 to 0.9990 with recoveries of 75.6-113.9%. Finally, the developed technique was successfully applied to real fruit juice with acceptable results. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the seven BUs at two spiked levels (50 and 200µgL(-1)) varied between 0.1% and 7.3%.

A portable gas chromatograph with simultaneous detection by mass spectrometry and electroantennography for the highly sensitive in situ measurement of volatiles.

Mating disruption is a sustainable method for the control of insect pests, involving the release of synthetic sex pheromones that disrupt the olfactory localization of females by males. However, the development and refinement of this strategy is hampered because current instruments lack the sensitivity to detect volatile organic chemicals in the field, and portable electroantennograms produce non-comparable relative units and distorted results in the presence of plant volatiles. To address the demand for more sensitive instruments that are suitable for the rapid in situ detection of airborne pheromones, we have developed a portable, automated needle trap device connected to a gas chromatograph, mass spectrometer, and electroantennographic detector (NTD-GC-MS/EAD) suitable for field applications. We tested the instrument by measuring the concentration of the sex pheromone (E,Z)-7,9-dodecadienyl acetate, which is used to disrupt the mating of the European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Our data confirm that the instrument generates highly reproducible results and is highly sensitive, with a detection threshold of 3 ng/m(3) (E,Z)-7,9-dodecadienyl acetate in outside air.

Solid-phase extraction combined with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, fast derivatisation and high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis for trace determination of short-chained dodecyl alcohol ethoxylates and dodecyl alcohol in environmental water samples.

A new method was developed for preconcentration, derivatisation and analysis of short-chained dodecyl alcohol ethoxylates and dodecyl alcohol. Solid-phase extraction combined with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction was used for preconcentration of target compounds. Several parameters were optimised including different solid phase extraction sorbents, type and volume of both extracting and dispersive solvents. As a result fast and relatively simple preconcentration method was developed. The analytes were preconcentrated 700 times with the use of small sample volume. The target compounds were derivatised before analysis with the use of newly developed procedure. The derivatisation procedure was made in vial insert and was performed at room temperature with the use of 1-naphthoyl chloride as the derivatisation agent. The developed method was used for the analysis of short-chained dodecyl alcohol ethoxylates and dodecyl alcohol in both sewage effluent from sewage treatment plants and river water samples.

Tools for characterizing the whole-cell bio-oxidation of alkanes at microscale.

This article describes the first reported microwell whole-cell bioconversion using a water immiscible substrate that matches the specific activity and yield achieved in a 1.2 L stirred tank bioreactor. Maximum yields of 0.6 g/L(total) 1-dodecanol achieved in 24 h compare favorably to 0.28 g/L(total) 1-dodecanol after 48 h obtained in a stirred tank reactor. Using the microwell platform we present a rapid and systematic approach to identify the key bottlenecks in the bio-oxidation of long-chain alkanes using Escherichia coli expressing the alkane hydroxylase (alkB) complex. The results indicate that mass transfer rates limit productivity in the n-dodecane bio-oxidation system, rather than inherent enzyme activity. Furthermore, substrate solubility, oxygen availability and glucose concentration act cooperatively to affect the amount of by-product, dodecanoic acid. Optimizing these factors using response surface methodology enabled specific yields of 1-dodecanol to increase eightfold and overoxidation to dodecanoic acid to be reduced from 95% to 55%. This resulted in specific activities of 10.4 µmol/min/g(dcw) on n-dodecane; approximately 50% of the 21 µmol/min/g(dcw) obtained with n-octane. For the first time, this in vivo rate difference is within the range reported for the purified enzyme. Finally, the results obtained also provide strong evidence that the mechanism of E. coli interaction with alkanes is mainly via uptake of alkanes dissolved in the aqueous phase rather than by direct cell-droplet contact.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method based on solidification of floating organic drop combined with gas chromatography with electron-capture or mass spectrometry detection.

A simple dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) method based on solidification of a floating organic drop (DLLME-SFO) technique combined with gas chromatography/electron-capture detection (GC/ECD) or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) has been developed. The proposed method is simple, low in cost, and of high precision. It overcomes the most important problem in DLLME, the high-toxic solvent used. Halogenated organic compounds (HOCs) in water samples were determined as the model compounds. The parameters optimized for the DLLME-SFO technique were as follows: A mixture of 0.5 mL acetone, containing 10 microL 2-dodecanol (2-DD-OH), was rapidly injected by syringe into the 5 mL water sample. After centrifugation, the fine 2-DD-OH droplets (8+/-0.5 microL) were floated at the top of the screwcap test tube. The test tube was then cooled in an ice bath. After 5 min the 2-DD-OH solvent had solidified and was then transferred into a conical vial; it melted quickly at room temperature and 3 microL (for GC/ECD) or 2 microL (for GC/MS) of it was injected into a gas chromatograph for analysis. The limit of detection (LOD) for this technique was 0.005-0.05microgL(-1) for GC/ECD and was 0.005-0.047 microgL(-1) for GC/MS, respectively. The linear range of the calibration curve of DLLME-SFO was from 0.01 to 500 microgL(-1) with a coefficient of estimation (r2)>0.996 for GC/ECD and was from 0.02 to 500 microgL(-1) with a coefficient of estimation (r2)>0.996 for GC/MS.

Optimization of HPLC chromatographic conditions for determination of Transkarbam 12 and its degradation products.

This paper deals with searching of HPLC chromatographic conditions for determination and separation of Transkarbam 12 (T 12) and its two main degradation products (omega-aminocaproic acid and dodecylalcohol). T 12 is a new substance which belongs to the group of accelerators of transdermal penetration. Chromatographic separation was achieved using Separon SGX C18 analytical column (150 mm x 3 mm i.d.; 5 microm). Mobile phase contained acetonitrile and sodium acetate buffer pH 4.5 at the flow rate of 1 ml/min. Separation was carried out under the conditions of gradient elution. After the modification of the structure by derivatization reagent (3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride) detection at wavelength 230 nm was realized. The aim of this study was not only the optimization of the separation of derivatization reagent and derivatized T 12, Ak and D but also optimal derivatization processes for all three substances.

An infrared spectroscopic method for quantitative analysis of fatty alcohols and fatty acid esters in machinery oils.

A new infrared spectroscopic method suitable for determining total fatty alcohol and fatty acid ester concentrations in industrial oils has been developed. Oil samples were diluted with toluene (1:3 w/w), the toxicity and volatility of which are relatively low compared with more commonly used IR solvents, like carbon tetrachloride or carbon disulfide. Mixture standards were prepared from dodecanol, tetradecanol, octadecanol, methyl stearate and methyl palmitate. Some analytical and statistical tests were performed on the developed method. The recoveries and the repeatability of the method proved to be sufficient for the quantitative determination of fatty alcohol and fatty acid ester additives in industrial oils. Reproducibility testing in another laboratory also produced satisfactory results. The developed method also proved to be relatively quick and simple. This method was developed to satisfy industry's need to determine the concentrations of these oil additives, and it has already been applied successfully in machinery oil analysis.

Evaluation of pheromone release from commercial mating disruption dispensers.

Pome fruit growers and crop consultants have expressed concerns about the seasonal release performance of commercial codling moth mating disruption dispenser products. Because of these concerns, we developed a laboratory flow-through volatile collection system (VCS) for measuring the volatile release of the codling moth sex pheromone, codlemone, from commercially available hand-applied dispensers. Under controlled air-flow and temperature conditions, the released vapor was trapped onto a polyurethane foam adsorbent followed by solvent extraction, solvent reduction, and GC/MS determination. Method recovery and breakthrough validations were performed to demonstrate system reliability before determining codlemone release from commercial dispensers field-aged over 140 days. The volatile collection was carried out in a consistent manner among five dispenser types most commonly used by growers, so that direct comparison of performance could be made. The comparison showed differences in the amount of pheromone released and in the patterns of release throughout the season between dispenser types. The variation in release performance demonstrates the need for routine evaluation of commercially marketed mating disruption dispensers. We believe that the simple and cost-effective volatile collection system can assist pheromone dispenser manufacturers in determining seasonal dispenser performance before new products are introduced into the commercial market and in rapidly verifying dispenser release when field-aged dispenser efficacy is in question.

Quantification of sodium dodecyl sulfate in microliter biochemical samples by gas chromatography.

A novel gas chromatography (GC) method has been developed to accurately quantitate sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in aqueous biochemical samples. This method is based on the quantitative conversion of SDS to 1-dodecanol in the GC injection port at elevated temperature, and the thermal degradation product 1-dodecanol was analyzed to determine SDS concentration. It was found that the addition of guanidinium chloride (GnHCl) to SDS samples (via direct dilution with GnHCl/MeOH solution) is necessary to ensure accurate quantitation. The presence of GnHCl enables quantitative conversion of SDS to 1-dodecanol, improves sensitivity, and virtually eliminates interference from proteins and other chemicals commonly present in biochemical samples. The method features direct analysis of diluted SDS samples, is free from interference, and is capable of quantifying less than 1 ng SDS in biochemical samples. It is also suitable for samples with limited volume, with as little as 1 microl sample being sufficient for quantitation.

A new C12 alcohol identified as a sex pheromone and a trail-following pheromone in termites: the diene (Z,Z)-dodeca-3,6-dien-1-ol.

The diunsaturated C12 alcohol (Z,Z)-dodeca-3,6-dien-1-ol (dodecadienol) has been characterized by GC-MS and FTIR as a novel releaser pheromone in termites. This alcohol identified in Ancistrotermes pakistanicus (Termitidae, Macrotermitinae) possesses a double pheromonal function which again illustrates the chemical parsimony of termites compared with other social insects. In workers, dodecadienol elicits trail-following at a very low concentration (activity threshold at 0.1 pg/cm of trail); in male alates it induces trail-following at a low concentration (1-10 pg/cm) and sexual attraction at a higher concentration (about 1 ng). Traces of the monounsaturated C12 alcohol (Z)-dodec-3-en-1-ol (dodecenol), known as a trail pheromone of several Macrotermitinae, were also found in the sternal gland extracts of A. pakistanicus, although only dodecadienol was present at the surface of the sternal gland. Workers of A. pakistanicus are not sensitive to dodecenol, but they are as sensitive to dodecatrienol as to dodecadienol. However, in the study area (Vietnam), A. pakistanicus is living in sympatry only with those Macrotermitinae using dodecenol as a trail pheromone, the foraging populations therefore being well isolated through their respective trail pheromones. The presence of three types of unsaturated C12 alcohols as releaser pheromones in the only Macrotermitinae subfamily is discussed, and a possible biosynthetic pathway from linoleic acid is proposed for dodecadienol.

[Determination of alkyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether by high temperature gas chromatography].

High temperature GC method has been developed for the separation and determination of alkyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (AEO). These AEO samples were separated on high temperature Al-coated fused-silica capillary column (0.1 micron bonded methyl silicon stationary phase, 25 m x 0.25 mm i.d.). The components of AEO sample were identified by GC/MS. The free alkyl alcohol and ethoxymer distribution of polyoxyethylene of AEO sample were determined by normalization method. The FID responses of typical components of AEO sample were determined, and their relative deviations were less than 4.1%. The recoveries of the free alkyl alcohol ranged from 96.5% to 98.1%. The relative standard deviations were less than 1.9%. In comparing with previous methods, this method is simple, fast and more reproducible.

A case of contact dermatitis due to impurities of cetyl alcohol.

A 29-year-old man being treated for itchy lesions on the amputation stump of the thigh became allergic to betamethasone valerate and gentamicin sulfate cream (Rinderon VG). Closed patch tests with all the ingredients of the cream revealed positive reactions to cetyl alcohol 30% to 5% pet. Gas chromatographic analysis of the cetyl alcohol in the cream base detected stearyl alcohol (C18), myristyl alcohol (C14) and lauryl alcohol (C12) in addition to the main component of cetyl alcohol (C16). Patch testing with 99% pure analytical reagent grade saturated alcohols (C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17, C18, C19, C20) showed negative reactions. Thus, it is concluded that some minor impurities in cetyl alcohol not detected by gas chromatography might be the cause of this dermatitis.

The effects of sodium lauryl sulphate and its oxidative breakdown products on calcium phosphate precipitation and transformation.

Most commercial dentifrices contain sodium lauryl sulphate, which oxidizes upon storage. The effects of aged sodium lauryl sulphate and its oxidative breakdown products on the conversion of amorphous calcium phosphate to hydroxyapatite were studied in vitro by a pH drop method. Hydroxyapatite was identified from its X-ray diffraction pattern. With storage time, the concentration of dodecanol [CH3(CH2)11OH], a breakdown product of sodium lauryl sulphate, increased. The storage dodecanol-containing sodium lauryl sulphate accelerated the conversion of amorphous calcium phosphate to hydroxyapatite. Dodecanol mixed with sodium lauryl sulphate accelerated the conversion when added both before and after initial formation of amorphous calcium phosphate. A stored commercial dentifrice also accelerated the conversion of amorphous calcium phosphate to hydroxyapatite. It was found that the concentration of dodecanol increased 2-fold over a 2-month period.

Metabolic pathway for the biodegradation of sodium dodecyl sulfate by Pseudomonas sp. C12B.

Metabolism of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) by the detergent-degrading bacterium Pseudomonas C12B has been studied using a 14C radiotracer in combination with radio-respirometry, radio-TLC, and GLC. Metabolism was extensive with 70% of the radiolabel released as 14CO2 at completion. The remainder of the radiolabel was incorporated almost totally into cells. Ether extraction of cells indicated that 14C-labeled cellular material appearing early in the uptake process was predominantly ether-extractable (mainly 1-dodecanol) and was subsequently converted to more polar metabolites. Analysis of the extractable lipids established the sequential production from [1-14C]SDS of 1-dodecanol, dodecanal, and dodecanoic acid. At this point the pathway diverged leading either to formation of 14CO2 via beta-oxidation or to elongation to C14, C16, and C18 fatty acyl residues with rapid incorporation into lipid fractions such as phospholipids. The pathway was correlated with known long-chain alkylsulfatases and alcohol dehydrogenases in this isolate and indicated that hydrophobic metabolites of the alkyl chain of surfactants can be incorporated into cellular components such as membrane lipids without prior degradation by beta-oxidation.

Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of sodium dodecyl sulfate.

The acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of sodium dodecyl sulfate (1) and the effect of 1-dodecanol (2) on this hydrolysis were investigated. The rate of hydrolysis was followed by measuring the rate of production of HSO-4 using a pH-stat. The rate constant (kH+) below the critical micelle concentration (CMC) increased with increasing concentrations of 2, up to a mole ratio of 0.5 for 2 to 1, after which the hydrolysis rate was independent of the concentration of 2. These results suggest the possible formation of a complex between 1 and 2. A micellar solution of pure sodium dodecyl sulfate (20 mM) hydrolyzed 50 times faster than that of a premicellar solution at the same pH. Plots of log k versus pH were linear with a slope of -1 at pH less than 4.3. At a constant pH, the addition of NaCl resulted in a decrease in the rate of hydrolysis of a micellar solution. This is probably due to the reduction of concentration of protons at the micelle surface. Furthermore, kH+ was also decreased by the addition of 2 in the region where 2 is solubilized in the micelle; again, this was probably due to the reduction of the charge density (sigma) on the surface of the micelle.