The Development of an Extraction Method for Simultaneously Analyzing Fatty Acids in Macroalgae Using SPE with Derivatization for LC-MS/MS.

Fatty acid analysis is an essential step in evaluating the potential of macroalgae for biodiesel production. An extraction method was developed to simultaneously analyze up to five types of biodiesel-fuel-related fatty acids (myristic acid, palmitic acid, cis-palmitvaccenic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid) in macroalgae using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Lypophilization and solid-phase extraction (SPE) techniques were applied to improve the extraction efficiency and effectively purify samples. The optimal conditions for SPE were set by comparing the recoveries according to the various solvent conditions for each step (loading, washing, and elution). In addition, the introduction of trimethylaminoethyl (TMAE) derivatives to the hydroxyl group of the target analyte increased the ionization efficiency and sensitivity. The derivatized samples were analyzed using the LC-MS/MS method with electrospray ionization in the positive and multiple-reaction monitoring modes. The target analytes were separated and detected within 13.5 min using a CAPCELL PAK C18 MGII S3 column. Gradient elution was performed using distilled water and acetonitrile containing 5 mM ammonium acetate. This method offers a reliable and sensitive tool for the analysis of macroalgae samples for their potential use in biodiesel production. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the simultaneous determination of fatty acids in macroalgae using LC-MS/MS with TMAE derivatization.

Living with a Pandemic from Psycho-Social Perspectives: A Narrative Review.

This narrative review aims to identify psycho-social issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among vulnerable populations. Through understanding the psychosocial meanings underneath, the suffering from the pandemic and the transformative experiences toward better society could be substantiated. Searching relevant studies and literature on psycho-social impacts in relation to COVID-19 was conducted from psycho-social points of view. Vulnerable populations such as the mentally ill, the poor, refugees, immigrants, the elderly, and other stigmatized groups were focused on. Reflections and plans on the worsened health disparities and increased stresses among vulnerable groups will help our society to be healthier and safer.