A simple method to quantify azo dyes in spices based on flow injection chromatography combined with chemometric tools.

Para Red (PR) and Sudan dyes have been illegally used as colorants to adulterate certain foods by enhancing their red/orange colour. In addition, they are toxic and carcinogenic. This work presents the development of a simple flow injection chromatographic method combined with chemometric tools to perform the determination of PR, Sudan I (SI) and Sudan II (SII) in food samples. The flow chromatographic system consisted of a low-pressure manifold coupled to a reverse phase monolithic column. A Partial Least Square (PLS) model was applied to resolve overlapped absorption spectra registered for each dye at the corresponding retention time. The relative errors of calibration (RMSECV, %) were 0.49, 0.85 and 0.23, and the relative errors of prediction (RMSEP, %) were 1.12, 0.75 and 0.33 for PR, SI and SII, respectively. The residual predictive deviation (RPD) values obtained were higher than 3.00 for all analytes. The method was successfully applied to quantify the dyes in six different commercial spices samples. The results were compared with the HPLC reference method concluding that there were no significant differences at the studied confidence level (α = 0.05). The proposed method can be used to rapidly determine the analytes in a simple, reliable, low-cost and environmentally-friendly manner. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05299-8.

Lab-In-Syringe with Bead Injection Coupled Online to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography as Versatile Tool for Determination of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Surface Waters.

We report on the hyphenation of the modern flow techniques Lab-In-Syringe and Lab-On-Valve for automated sample preparation coupled online with high-performance liquid chromatography. Adopting the bead injection concept on the Lab-On-Valve platform, the on-demand, renewable, solid-phase extraction of five nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, namely ketoprofen, naproxen, flurbiprofen, diclofenac, and ibuprofen, was carried out as a proof-of-concept. In-syringe mixing of the sample with buffer and standards allowed straightforward pre-load sample modification for the preconcentration of large sample volumes. Packing of ca. 4.4 mg microSPE columns from Oasis HLB® sorbent slurry was performed for each sample analysis using a simple microcolumn adapted to the Lab-On-Valve manifold to achieve low backpressure during loading. Eluted analytes were injected into online coupled HPLC with subsequent separation on a Symmetry C18 column in isocratic mode. The optimized method was highly reproducible, with RSD values of 3.2% to 7.6% on 20 µg L-1 level. Linearity was confirmed up to 200 µg L-1 and LOD values were between 0.06 and 1.98 µg L-1. Recovery factors between 91 and 109% were obtained in the analysis of spiked surface water samples.

Sequential Injection Analysis for Automation and Evaluation of Drug Liberation Profiles: Clotrimazole Liberation Monitoring.

A fully automated sequential injection system was tested in terms of its application in liberation testing, and capabilities and limitations were discussed for clotrimazole liberation from three semisolid formulations. An evaluation based on kinetic profiles obtained in short and longer sampling intervals and steady-state flux values were applied as traditional methods. The obtained clotrimazole liberation profile was faster in the case of Delcore and slower for Clotrimazol AL and Canesten cream commercial formulations. The steady-state flux values for the tested formulations were 52 µg cm-2 h-1 for Canesten, 35 µg cm-2 h-1 for Clotrimazol AL, and 7.2 µg cm-2 h-1 for Delcore measured in 4 min sampling intervals. A simplified approach for the evaluation of the initial rate based on the gradient between the second and third sampling points was used for the first time and was found to correspond well with the results of the conventional methods. A comparison based on the ratio of the steady-state flux and the initial rate values for Canesten and Clotrimazol AL proved the similarity of the obtained results. The proposed alternative was successfully implemented for the comparison of short-term kinetic profiles. Consequently, a faster and simpler approach for dissolution/liberation testing can be used.

3D-Printed Magnetic Stirring Cages for Semidispersive Extraction of Bisphenols from Water Using Polymer Micro- and Nanofibers.

A magnetic stirring device allowing semidispersive solid phase extraction of eight bisphenols (A, AF, AP, C, BP, G, M, and Z) from river waters using polymer nano- and microfibers followed by HPLC with spectrophotometric detection has been developed and applied. About 50 mg of fibers was placed in a round, cage-like housing consisting of two identical 3D printed pieces that were locked together by a magnetic stirring bar. Magnetic stirring action of the cage devices enabled highly efficient interaction of the fibers housed inside with the aqueous samples and analyte transfer without risking fiber compaction and/or damaging. Polypropylene was found to be the best-suited filament material for the cage 3D printing, and polycaprolactone fibers appeared the most efficient sorbent out of eight tested polymers. Experimental design revealed that analytes extraction from 100 mL aqueous samples was completed within 50 min and stripping in methanol required less than 35 min. Cage housing enabled simple and robust handling of the fibrous sorbent that could be used repeatedly up to at least 5 times. Procedural repeatability was less than 5% RSD, and limits of detection and quantitation were 0.1-2.1 and 0.4-7.0 µg L-1, respectively. Analyte recoveries at 50 µg L-1 level ranged from 87.1% to 106.5% in the analysis of two spiked river and two lake waters.

Poly-ε-caprolactone Nanofibrous Polymers: A Simple Alternative to Restricted Access Media for Extraction of Small Molecules from Biological Matrixes.

Poly-ε-caprolactone nanofibrous polymer has been used as an alternative to restricted access media for extraction of protein-containing biological samples and direct transfer in the chromatographic system. Three commercial cartridges differing in length and internal diameter have been manually packed with the composite material prepared from poly-ε-caprolactone nanofibers coated on poly-ε-caprolactone microfibrous scaffold and connected to the column-switching chromatographic system. Bovine milk and human serum (25 µL) spiked with a mixture of methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben in a concentration range of 1-100 µg mL-1 were online extracted using the cartridge-containing fibers. Then, 5 and 20% (v/v) aqueous methanol was applied as the washing mobile phase. While the ballast protein macromolecules were quantitatively eluted from the nano/microfibrous composite sorbent, the parabens were retained. After the mobile phase was switched to a stronger one, these compounds were then eluted from the extraction sorbent, directed in the analytical column, and finally separated. An extraction efficiency of 86-101% for all parabens achieved using the optimum-sized cartridge and a repeatability of the extraction procedure of 0.06-1.95% RSD were obtained.

The Automation Technique Lab-In-Syringe: A Practical Guide.

About eight years ago, a new automation approach and flow technique called "Lab-In-Syringe" was proposed. It was derived from previous flow techniques, all based on handling reagent and sample solutions in a flow manifold. To date Lab-In-Syringe has evidently gained the interest of researchers in many countries, with new modifications, operation modes, and technical improvements still popping up. It has proven to be a versatile tool for the automation of sample preparation, particularly, liquid-phase microextraction approaches. This article aims to assist newcomers to this technique in system planning and setup by overviewing the different options for configurations, limitations, and feasible operations. This includes syringe orientation, in-syringe stirring modes, in-syringe detection, additional inlets, and addable features. The authors give also a chronological overview of technical milestones and a critical explanation on the potentials and shortcomings of this technique, calculations of characteristics, and tips and tricks on method development. Moreover, a comprehensive overview of the different operation modes of Lab-In-Syringe automated sample pretreatment is given focusing on the technical aspects and challenges of the related operations. We further deal with possibilities on how to fabricate required or useful system components, in particular by 3D printing technology, with over 20 different elements exemplarily shown. Finally, a short discussion on shortcomings and required improvements is given.

Preparation of citrinin-selective molecularly imprinted polymer and its use for on-line solid-phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography.

A new selective molecularly imprinted polymer has been prepared and used for extraction in on-line SPE-HPLC to achieve the selective determination of citrinin. Four different imprinted polymers varying in combinations of components were prepared by bulk polymerization and evaluated in terms of binding capacity and selectivity. Imprinted polymer prepared from a mixture comprising 1-hydoxy-2-naphtoic acid as the template molecule, acrylamide as the structural monomer, ethylene dimethacrylate as the cross-linker (in a molar ratio of 1:4:16), and acetonitrile as the porogenic solvent exhibited the best properties. The selectivity of this sorbent was confirmed by comparison with the non-imprinted counterpart prepared using the same polymerization carried out in the absence of template. Imprinted polymer was packed in a 20 × 3 mm i.d. steel cartridge and coupled to the on-line SPE-HPLC system through a six-port switching valve. The method for determination of citrinin including the on-line extraction step was then developed and validated. The sample in the form of methanolic extract was loaded, cleaned, and preconcentrated in the imprinted SPE cartridge. Subsequent separation of citrinin from residual interferences was achieved using the analytical column Kinetex Biphenyl 100 × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm particle size, and fluorescence detection (Ex 335, Em 500 nm). The total analysis time was only 9.50 min. Our fully validated method was also applied to analysis of food supplements based on red yeast rice extracts, the control of which is implemented in European legislation. Only minor yet acceptable contamination was found in tested samples.

The biocompatibility and bioactivity of hemodialysis membranes: their impact in end-stage renal disease.

End-stage renal disease is a growing health problem with increasing prevalence and high health care costs. Patients suffering from end-stage renal disease exhibit higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to the general population. These patients, who are treated using hemodialysis, typically suffer from anemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Inadequate dialyzer membrane biocompatibility exacerbates these negative side effects. Modifications of the composition of hemodialysis membranes have improved their biocompatibility and improve the patients' quality of life. Recently, the use of dialyzer membranes coated with bioactive compounds has also been proposed to further ameliorate dialysis-associated problems. Based on a survey of the current literature, application of bioactive membranes decreases the inflammation and oxidative stress of patients treated with hemodialysis.

Polycaprolactone nanofibers functionalized with a dopamine coating for on-line solid phase extraction of bisphenols, betablockers, nonsteroidal drugs, and phenolic acids.

Polycaprolactone composite nanofibers coated with a polydopamine layer are introduced as a new type of absorption material for on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) in chromatographic system. A hybrid technology combining the electrospinning and melt blowing was used for the preparation of 3D-structured microfiber/nanofibrous polycaprolactone composite. The dopamine coating was then applied to functionalize the micro/nanofibers. Polydopamine-coated polycaprolactone fibers were tested as an extraction phase in on-line SPE prior to HPLC separation and UV detection. Four groups of biologically active substances including bisphenols (Bisphenol S, Bisphenol AF, Bisphenol A, Bisphenol C, Bisphenol AP, Bisphenol Z, Bisphenol BP, and Bisphenol M), betablockers (Timolol, Metoprolol, Labetalol, and Propranolol), nonsteroidal antiphlogistic drugs (Salicylic acid, Ketoprofen, Naproxen, Indomethacin, Diclofenac, Ibuprophen, and Meclofenamic acid), and phenolic acids (Chlorogenic acid, Caffeic acid, Sinapic acid, m-Coumaric acid, Benzoic acid, and Cinnamic acid) were used as the model analytes. Neat and coated fibers were compared and applied as sorbents for the on-line extraction set-up. Both materials produced good extraction potential for the determination of bisphenols and nonsteroidal drugs in model biological and environmental samples including river water, human urine, and blood serum. However, the polydopamine layer significantly increased the extraction efficiency of polar drugs. Typical repeatability of on-line extraction procedure on polydopamine coated fibers was in the range 0.12-4.11% for bisphenols, 0.55-1.41% for antiphlogistic drugs, 0.59-2.52% for phenolic acids, and 1.01-1.65% for betablockers. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of polycaprolactone composite nanofibers coated with a polydopamine layer as an advanced absorption material for on-line solid phase extraction in chromatography.

Where are modern flow techniques heading to?

This article aims to provide an overview on the transition from earlier laboratory automation using analytical flow approaches toward today's applications of flow methodologies, recent developments, and future trends. The article is directed to flow practitioners while serving as a valuable reference to newcomers in the field in providing insight into flow techniques and conceptual differences in operation across the distinct flow generations. In the focus are the recently developed and complementary techniques Lab-On-Valve and Lab-In-Syringe. In the following, a brief comparison of the different application niches and contributions of flow techniques to past and modern analytical chemistry is given, including (i) the development of sample pretreatment approaches, (ii) the potential applicability for in-situ/on-site monitoring of environmental compartments or technical processes, (iii) the ability of miniaturization of laboratory chemistry, (iv) the unique advantages for implementation of kinetic assays, and finally (v) the beneficial online coupling with scanning or separation analytical techniques. We also give a critical comparison to alternative approaches for automation based on autosamplers and robotic systems. Finally, an outlook on future applications and developments including 3D prototyping and specific needs for further improvements is given. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Molecularly imprinted vs. reversed-phase extraction for the determination of zearalenone: a method development and critical comparison of sample clean-up efficiency achieved in an on-line coupled SPE chromatography system.

Sample preparation prior to chromatographic separation plays an important role in the analytical process. To avoid time-consuming and manual handling sample-prep, automated on-line techniques such as on-line SPE-HPLC are therefore preferred. In this study, two different on-line extraction approaches for mycotoxin/endocrine disruptor zearalenone (ZEA) determination using either molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) with selective cavities and binding sites for extraction or a reversed-phase sorbent C18 providing non-selective interactions have been developed, validated, and compared. The validation characteristics were compared and the two methods were evaluated as being almost equal in terms of linearity, repeatability, precision, and recovery. Recoveries were in the range of 99.0-100.1% and limits of detection were found the same for both methods (1.5 µg L-1). Method precision calculated for spiked beer samples was better for C18 sorbent (2.5 vs. 5.4% RSD). No significant differences in the selectivity of either extraction method were observed. The possible reasons and further details associated with this finding are discussed. Finally, both validated methods were applied for the determination of ZEA contamination in beer samples. Due to ZEA's native fluorescence, chromatographic separation with fluorimetric detection (λex = 270 nm and λem, = 458 nm) was selected. Graphical abstract Determination of zearalenone in beer using an on-line extraction chromatography system.

A Comparative Study of Advanced Stationary Phases for Fast Liquid Chromatography Separation of Synthetic Food Colorants.

Food analysis demands fast methods for routine control and high throughput of samples. Chromatographic separation enables simultaneous determination of numerous compounds in complex matrices, several approaches increasing separation efficiency and speed of analysis were involved. In this work, modern types of column with monolithic rod or superficially porous particles were employed and compared for determination of eight synthetic food dyes, their chromatographic performance was evaluated. During method optimization, cyano stationary phase Chromolith Performance CN 100 × 4.6 mm and Ascentis Express ES-CN 100 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm were selected for the separation of polar colorants. The separation was performed by gradient elution of acetonitrile/methanol and 2% water solution of ammonium acetate at flow rate 2.0 mL min-1. Mobile phase composition and the gradients were optimized in order to enable efficient separation on both columns. The method using fused-core particle column provided higher separation efficiency, narrow peaks of analytes resulted in increased peak capacity and shortening of analysis time. After the validation, the method was applied for analysis of coloured beers, soft drinks and candies.

A fully validated bioanalytical method using an UHPLC-MS/MS system for quantification of DNA and RNA oxidative stress biomarkers.

A new, rapid and effective ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography method with mass spectrometry detection is described for the separation and quantification of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, 8-hydroxyguanosine and creatinine in human urine. The present study uses an isotope-labelled internal standard ([15N]5-8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine), a BIO core-shell stationary phase and an isocratic elution of methanol and water. Sample preparation of human urine was performed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) on Oasis HLB cartridges with methanol/water 50:50 (v/v) elution. Extraction recoveries ranged from 98.1% to 109.2%. Biological extracts showed high short-term stability. Several aspects of this procedure make it suitable for both clinical and research purposes: a short elution time of less than 3.2 min, an intra-day precision of 2.5-8.9%, an inter-day precision of 3.4-8.7% and low limits of quantification (27.7 nM for 8-hydroxyguanosine, 6.0 nM for 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine). Finally, simultaneous analysis of DNA and RNA oxidative stress biomarkers is a useful tool for monitoring disease progression in neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Graphical abstract UHPLC-MS/MS analysis of DNA and RNA oxidative stress biomarkers.

Critical comparison of the on-line and off-line molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction of patulin coupled with liquid chromatography.

Reaching trace amounts of mycotoxin contamination requires sensitive and selective analytical tools for their determination. Improving the selectivity of sample pretreatment steps covering new and modern extraction techniques is one way to achieve it. Molecularly imprinted polymers as selective sorbent for extraction undoubtedly meet these criteria. The presented work is focused on the hyphenation of on-line molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction with a chromatography system using a column-switching approach. Making a critical comparison with a simultaneously developed off-line extraction procedure, evaluation of pros and cons of each method, and determining the reliability of both methods on a real sample analysis were carried out. Both high-performance liquid chromatography methods, using off-line extraction on molecularly imprinted polymer and an on-line column-switching approach, were validated, and the validation results were compared against each other. Although automation leads to significant time savings, fewer human errors, and required no handling of toxic solvents, it reached worse detection limits (15 versus 6 µg/L), worse recovery values (68.3-123.5 versus 81.2-109.9%), and worse efficiency throughout the entire clean-up process in comparison with the off-line extraction method. The difficulties encountered, the compromises made during the optimization of on-line coupling and their critical evaluation are presented in detail.

Rapid determination of lipophilic vitamins in human serum by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography using a fluorinated column and high-throughput miniaturized liquid-liquid extraction.

A high-throughput miniaturized liquid-liquid extraction procedure followed by a simple ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method coupled with fluorescence detection for bioanalytical analysis of all tocopherol isomers and retinol in human serum has been developed and validated. In the extraction procedure, a synthetic internal standard tocol was used, which does not occur in the human body. The separation of structurally related vitamins was achieved using a new generation of pentafluorophenyl propyl core-shell stationary phase with elution using methanol and an aqueous solution of ammonium acetate. The fluorescence of retinol and tocopherol isomers was detected at λex  = 325, 295 nm and λem  = 480, 325 nm, respectively. The rapid baseline separation of all analytes was accomplished within 4.0 min. The sensitivity of method was demonstrated with lower limits of quantification: retinol 0.01 µM, α-tocopherol 0.38 µM, ß-tocopherol 0.18 µM, γ-tocopherol 0.14 µM, and δ-tocopherol 0.01 µM. Possible application of this method in clinical practice was confirmed by the analysis of human serum samples from healthy volunteers. Finally, the simultaneous determination of retinol and all tocopherol isomers in human serum can enable the clarification of their role in metabolism and in diseases such as cancer.

Multilayered particle-packed column: Evaluation and comparison with monolithic and core-shell particle columns for the determination of red azo dyes in Sequential Injection Chromatography.

A recently presented new type of "multilayered" organic-inorganic hybrid silica particle packed column YMC-Triart C18 (50 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) was used for the development of a sequential injection chromatography method for determination of five azo dyes (Sudan I, Sudan II, Sudan III, Sudan orange G, and para red) in selected food seasonings. The use of a novel sorbent brings attractive features, reduced backpressure, and broader chemical stability together with high separation performance, which are discussed and compared with that of three types of columns typically used in medium-pressure flow chromatography techniques (classic monolithic, narrow monolithic, and core-shell particle columns). The separation was performed in gradient elution mode created by the zone mixing of two mobile phases (acetonitrile/water 90:10, 1.5 mL + acetonitrile/water 100:0, 2.3 mL) at a flow rate of 0.60 mL/min and time of analysis <9.5 min. The spectrophotometric detection wavelengths were set to 400, 480, and 500 nm. The high performance of the developed method with multilayered particle column was well documented and the results indicate a broad capability of sequential injection chromatography.

A fully automated and fast method using direct sample injection combined with fused-core column on-line SPE-HPLC for determination of ochratoxin A and citrinin in lager beers.

A new fast and sensitive method based on on-line solid-phase extraction on a fused-core precolumn coupled to liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection has been developed for ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CIT) determination in lager beer samples. Direct injection of 100 µL filtered beer samples into an on-line SPE-HPLC system enabled fast and effective sample extraction including separation in less than 6 min. Preconcentration of OTA and CIT from beer samples was performed on an Ascentis Express RP C18 guard column (5 × 4.6 mm), particle size 2.7 µm, with a mobile phase of methanol/0.5% aqueous acetic acid pH 2.8 (30:70, v/v) at a flow rate of 2.0 mL min(-1). The flow switch from extraction column to analytical column in back-flush mode was set at 2.0 min and the separation was performed on the fused-core column Ascentis Express Phenyl-Hexyl (100 × 4.6 mm), particle size 2.7 µm, with a mobile phase acetonitrile/0.5% aqueous acetic acid pH 2.8 in a gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min(-1) and temperature of 50 °C. Fluorescence excitation/emission detection wavelengths were set at 335/497 nm. The accuracy of the method, defined as the mean recoveries of OTA and CIT from light and dark beer samples, was in the range 98.3-102.1%. The method showed high sensitivity owing to on-line preconcentration; LOQ values were found to be 10 and 20 ng L(-1) for OTA and CIT, respectively. The found values of OTA and CIT in all tested light, dark and wheat beer samples were significantly below the maximum tolerable limits (3.0 µg kg(-1) for OTA and 2000 µg kg(-1) for CIT) set by the European Union.

Recent advances in the determination of tocopherols in biological fluids: from sample pretreatment and liquid chromatography to clinical studies.

Vitamin E comprises eight related compounds: α-, ß-, γ-, δ-tocopherols and α-, ß-, γ-, δ-tocotrienols. In the past, α-tocopherol has been the isomer that was studied most, and its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects have been described. Therefore, many prevention trials have investigated the effect of α-tocopherol on human health. Current research studies have also defined the important roles of other tocopherols, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and cancer preventative effects. Knowledge of the individual tocopherols could help to understand their roles in various metabolic pathways. This review summarizes the recent trends in sample pretreatment, liquid chromatography and selected applications of the determination of tocopherols in various biological materials. The relationship between tocopherol isomers and serious diseases is also described. Graphical Abstract Article structure.

Fully automatic flow-based device for monitoring of drug permeation across a cell monolayer.

A novel flow-programming setup based on the sequential injection principle is herein proposed for on-line monitoring of temporal events in cell permeation studies. The permeation unit consists of a Franz cell with its basolateral compartment mixed under mechanical agitation and thermostated at 37 °C. The apical compartment is replaced by commercially available Transwell inserts with a precultivated cell monolayer. The transport of drug substances across epithelial cells genetically modified with the P-glycoprotein membrane transporter (MDCKII-MDR1) is monitored on-line using rhodamine 123 as a fluorescent marker. The permeation kinetics of the marker is obtained in a fully automated mode by sampling minute volumes of solution from the basolateral compartment in short intervals (10 min) up to 4 h. The effect of a P-glycoprotein transporter inhibitor, verapamil as a model drug, on the efficiency of the marker transport across the cell monolayer is thoroughly investigated. The analytical features of the proposed flow method for cell permeation studies in real time are critically compared against conventional batch-wise procedures and microfluidic devices.

Modern methods for vancomycin determination in biological fluids by methods based on high-performance liquid chromatography--A review.

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used in the therapy of severe bacterial infection. The monitoring of vancomycin levels is recommended because of its narrow therapeutic index and toxicity. This measurement is especially appropriate in patients with unstable renal functions, who receive high doses of vancomycin or present serious bacterial infections accompanied by important sequestration of liquids when it could be difficult to achieve the optimal therapeutic dose. Most of the methods for vancomycin determination in routine practice are immunoassays. However, chromatography-based techniques in combination with UV or mass spectrometry detection provide results with greater accuracy and precision also in complicated biological matrices. This review provides a detailed overview of modern approaches for the chromatographic separation of vancomycin in various biological samples and useful sample preparation procedures for vancomycin determination in various biological fluids.