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1.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel) ; 17(3)2024 Feb 27.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38543094

D-galactose, a simple natural compound, has been investigated as a powerful scaffold for drug delivery, diagnostics, and theranostics due to its distinctive properties and interactions with specific cell receptors. In the field of drug delivery, galactose functions as a ligand to selectively target cells expressing galactose receptors, such as hepatocytes, macrophages, and specific cancer cells. The direct attachment of galactose to the main drug or to drug-loaded nanoparticles or liposomes enhances cellular uptake, thereby improving drug delivery to the intended target cells. Galactose has also been found to be useful in diagnostics. Specifically, diagnostic tests based on galactose, such as the galactose elimination capacity test, are utilized to evaluate liver function and assess liver disease as well as hepatic functional reserve. Additionally, galactose-based theranostic agents can be designed by combining drug delivery and diagnostic capabilities. This review is an update of our previous review concerning the broad spectrum of possibilities for exploiting D-galactose as a vector for prodrug design and the synthetic strategies that allow its realization, jointly in diagnostics and theranostics, to highlight the versatility of this interesting vector.

2.
Food Chem ; 442: 138498, 2024 Jun 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38245984

Residue levels of seven pesticides were analyzed in thirty-five samples of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to assess the health risk of consuming Italian oils correlated with the presence of these pesticides. An in-house analytical procedure was developed and validated, consisting of a specific dispersive solid-phase extraction using the QuEChERS technique and a qualitative-quantitative analysis using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Thirty-four percent of the samples were contaminated with pesticide residues; in the concentration range of 0.53-0.56 ng/mL for imazalil, 1.11-1.56 ng/mL for acetamiprid-N-desmethyl, 1.28-1.46 ng/mL for clothianidin, 0.94-1.49 ng/mL for thiacloprid, 1.08-4.64 ng/mL for dinotefuran, 0.42-1.47 ng/mL for thiamethoxam, 0.42-6.14 ng/mL for imidacloprid). Risk assessment was evaluated using the hazard quotient, hazard index, and Pesticide Residue Intake Model by EFSA. All hazard indices confirmed that the concentrations of pesticides detected in the oil samples did not represent a short or long-term risk for consumers' health.


Pesticide Residues , Pesticides , Pesticide Residues/analysis , Olive Oil/chemistry , Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods , Chromatography, Liquid , Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Pesticides/analysis , Risk Assessment
3.
Int J Mol Sci ; 24(13)2023 Jun 27.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37445897

The use of alternative energy sources, such as microwaves (MW) or ultrasounds (US), and their mutual cross-combination have been widely described in the literature in the development of new synthetic methodologies in organic and medicinal chemistry. In this review, our attention is focused on representative examples, reported in the literature in the year range 2013-2023 of selected N-containing bicyclic heterocycles, with the aim to highlight the advantages of microwave- and ultrasound-assisted organic synthesis.


Microwaves , Nitrogen , Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic , Ultrasonography , Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
4.
Food Chem ; 416: 135642, 2023 Aug 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36871506

The levels of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) were monitored in twenty-three samples of canned legumes from popular brands marketed in Italy. BPB, BPS and BPF were not detected in any samples, while BPA was found in 91 % of the samples in the concentration range 1.51-21.22 ng/mL. The risk associated with the human exposure to BPA was categorized using the Rapid Assessment of Contaminant Exposure (RACE) tool promoted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The results showed that there is no risk for any of the population groups when the current TDI value for BPA of 4 µg/kg bw/day was used as toxicological reference point. In contrast, using the new TDI value for BPA of 0.04 ng/kg bw/day, proposed by EFSA in December 2021, the existing risk was found to be real for all population groups.


Fabaceae , Humans , Vegetables , Benzhydryl Compounds/analysis
5.
Foods ; 11(23)2022 Nov 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36496660

The consumption of plant-based beverages as an alternative to cow's milk has recently gained vast attention worldwide. The aim of this work is to monitor the intake of Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol B (BPB) and Bisphenol S (BPS) in the Italian population through the consumption of these foodstuffs. Specifically, the development and validation of an analytical procedure for the quantitative determination of the analytes by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was reported. Thirty-four samples of plant-based beverages (soya, coconut, almond, oats and rice) of popular brands marketed in Italy were analyzed. BPA was found in 32% of the samples, while BPB was found in 3% of the samples. The risk assessment using the Rapid Assessment of Contaminant Exposure (RACE) tool demonstrated that there was no risk for all population groups, when using the current Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 4 ng/kg body weight (bw)/day as a toxicological reference point. In contrast, using the new temporary TDI of 0.04 ng/kg bw/day, the existing risk was found to be real for all population groups. If this value were to become final, even more attention would have to be paid to the possible presence of BPA in food to protect consumer health.

6.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35947373

The concern for human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has led to the introduction of other bisphenols to be used as substitutes in industrial processes. These compounds show activity similar to BPA as endocrine disruptors and could be already widespread both in the environment and in food. To monitor their possible occurrence in the food chain, an analytical method based on affinity chromatography clean-up and UHPLC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry detection was developed and in-house validated according to European law, for simultaneous determination of 17 bisphenols in milk and blood serum from bovine and buffalo, in drinking water and in feed. The analytical performance parameters of the method for these matrices were determined. The results showed satisfactory precision in terms of relative standard deviation (3.3%-21.4%), overall good trueness as mean percentage recoveries (77.0%-119.4%), with the only exception of bisphenol PH and bisphenol S in milk and BPA diglycidyl ether in serum. The high specificity and sensitivity of the method allowed us to determine the analytes at very low concentrations, that is, 0.01-1.0 ng/mL in water, 0.1-2.0 ng/mL in milk, 0.01-1.0 ng/g in blood serum and 1.0-10.0 ng/g in feed.


Drinking Water , Endocrine Disruptors , Animals , Benzhydryl Compounds/analysis , Cattle , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods , Drinking Water/analysis , Endocrine Disruptors/analysis , Humans , Milk/chemistry , Phenols , Serum/chemistry , Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods
7.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel) ; 15(5)2022 Apr 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35631377

Carbohydrates are one of the most abundant and important classes of biomolecules. The variety in their structures makes them valuable carriers that can improve the pharmaceutical phase, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of well-known drugs. D-galactose is a simple, naturally occurring monosaccharide sugar that has been extensively studied for use as a carrier and has proven to be valuable in this role. With the aim of validating the galactose-prodrug approach, we have investigated the galactosylated prodrugs ibuprofen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen and indomethacin, which we have named IbuGAL, OkyGAL, FluGAL and IndoGAL, respectively. Their physicochemical profiles in terms of lipophilicity, solubility and chemical stability have been evaluated at different physiological pH values, as have human serum stability and serum protein binding. Ex vivo intestinal permeation experiments were performed to provide preliminary insights into the oral bioavailability of the galactosylated prodrugs. Finally, their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and ulcerogenic activities were investigated in vivo in mice after oral treatment. The present results, taken together with those of previous studies, undoubtedly validate the galactosylated prodrug strategy as a problem-solving technique that can overcome the disadvantages of NSAIDs.

8.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel) ; 14(11)2021 Nov 11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34832931

In our previous studies, a ketorolac-galactose conjugate (ketogal) showed prolonged anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, causing less gastric ulcerogenic effect and renal toxicity than its parent drug ketorolac. In order to demonstrate the safer profile of ketogal compared to ketorolac, histopathological changes in the small intestine and liver using three staining techniques before and after repeated oral administration in mice with ketorolac or an equimolecular dose of its galactosylated prodrug ketogal were assessed. Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated and compared in ketorolac- and ketogal-treated Human Primary Colonic Epithelial cells at different concentrations and incubation times. Evidence of mitochondrial oxidative stress was found after ketorolac treatment; this was attributable to altered mitochondrial membrane depolarization and oxidative stress parameters. No mitochondrial damage was observed after ketogal treatment. In ketorolac-treated mice, severe subepithelial vacuolation and erosion with inflammatory infiltrates and edematous area in the intestinal tissues were noted, as well as alterations in sinusoidal spaces and hepatocytes with foamy cytoplasm. In contrast, treatment with ketogal provided a significant improvement in the morphology of both organs. The prodrug clearly demonstrated a safer profile than its parent drug both in vitro and ex vivo, confirming that ketogal is a strategic alternative to ketorolac.

9.
Food Chem Toxicol ; 154: 112334, 2021 Aug.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34118346

The occurrence of analogues of bisphenol A (BPA), including bisphenol F(BPF) in milk is still not well known. BPF may enter the milk chain at the farm and during milk processing at the dairy company. This study identified the main BPF contamination pathways using a monitoring model based on the identification of the hazard at three stages along the dairy chain: raw milk from the storage tank, pasteurized milk from the storage tank, and cardboard packaged milk. Quantitative analysis was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection (HPLC/FD) system. BPF was detected in all analysed stages (from

Benzhydryl Compounds/analysis , Endocrine Disruptors/analysis , Food Contamination/analysis , Milk/chemistry , Phenols/analysis , Animals , Food Handling , Food Packaging , Food Safety , Humans , Pasteurization , Risk Assessment
10.
J Dairy Sci ; 104(5): 5125-5132, 2021 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33685697

Bisphenol A (BPA) as a chemical hazard may enter the milk chain during primary production at the farm and, successively, during milk processing at a dairy company. To identify the potential pathways that play a role in the occurrence of BPA, a monitoring model for risk assessment based on the identification of the hazards at each stage of milk processing was investigated. Milk samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Quantifiable levels were detected in samples obtained from the raw milk storage tank, pasteurized milk from the storage tank, and packaged milk. The highest BPA contamination levels were detected in raw milk from the storage tank (mean 0.265 µg/L). Despite the fact that dietary exposure levels were below the temporary daily intake, BPA may have adverse effects, particularly for vulnerable population groups. New monitoring programs involving each stage of milk processing should therefore be applied.


Benzhydryl Compounds , Milk , Animals , Benzhydryl Compounds/analysis , Food Contamination/analysis , Milk/chemistry , Phenols/analysis , Risk Assessment
11.
Arch Pharm (Weinheim) ; 354(5): e2000414, 2021 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33543794

A new series of norbornene and exo-N-hydroxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide derivatives was prepared, and their affinities to the 5-HT1A , 5-HT2A , and 5-HT2C receptors were evaluated and compared with a previously synthesized series of derivatives characterized by the same nuclei, to identify selective ligands for the subtype receptors. Arylpiperazines represent one of the most important classes of 5-HT1A R ligands, and the research of new derivatives has been focused on the modification of one or more portions of this pharmacophore. The combination of structural elements (heterocyclic nucleus, hydroxyalkyl chain, and 4-substituted piperazine), known to be critical for the affinity to 5-HT1A receptors, and the proper selection of substituents resulted in compounds with high specificity and affinity toward serotoninergic receptors. The most active compounds were selected for further in vivo assays to determine their functional activity. Finally, to rationalize the obtained results, molecular docking studies were performed. The results of the pharmacological studies showed that 3e, 4j, and 4n were the most active and promising derivatives for the serotonin receptor considered in this study.


Molecular Docking Simulation , Piperazine/pharmacology , Receptors, Serotonin/metabolism , Animals , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Ligands , Male , Molecular Structure , Piperazine/chemical synthesis , Piperazine/chemistry , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Structure-Activity Relationship
12.
Antioxidants (Basel) ; 9(8)2020 Aug 05.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32764410

Currently, there is a growing interest in screening and quantifying antioxidants from biological samples in the quest for natural and effective antioxidants to combat free radical-related pathological complications. Antioxidant assays play a crucial role in high-throughput and cost-effective assessment of antioxidant capacities of natural products such as medicinal plants and food samples. However, several investigators have expressed concerns about the reliability of existing in vitro assays. Such concerns arise mainly from the poor correlation between in vitro and in vivo results. In addition, in vitro assays have the problem of reproducibility. To date, antioxidant capacities are measured using a panel of assays whereby each assay has its own advantages and limitations. This unparalleled review hotly disputes on in vitro antioxidant assays and elaborates on the chemistry behind each assay with the aim to point out respective principles/concepts. The following critical questions are also addressed: (1) What make antioxidant assays coloured? (2) What is the reason for working at a particular wavelength? (3) What are the advantages and limitations of each assay? and (4) Why is a particular colour observed in antioxidant-oxidant chemical reactions? Furthermore, this review details the chemical mechanism of reactions that occur in each assay together with a colour ribbon to illustrate changes in colour. The review ends with a critical conclusion on existing assays and suggests constructive improvements on how to develop an adequate and universal antioxidant assay.

13.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31490737

The monitoring of the contamination levels of bisphenol A (BPA) and its congeners bisphenol B (BPB) and bisphenol F (BPF) in foodstuffs is a necessary process for assessment of consumers' risk. After development and validation of a method using Strata® C18-E cartridge cleanup with detection by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, forty-six samples of fruit juices, sold on Italian markets, have been analysed to assess the concentration of BPA, BPB and BPF. BPB and BPF were not detected in any samples, BPA was found in 33 % of the samples. The observed levels ranged from 0.50 ng mL-1 to 2.85 ng mL-1. Potential Daily Intakes (PDI) of BPA for Italian populations were calculated by the budget method model. PDIs ranged from 0.012 to 0.285 µg kg-1 bw day-1. None of the calculated values exceeded the current temporary TDI of 4 µg kg-1 bw day-1.


Benzhydryl Compounds/analysis , Food Contamination/analysis , Fruit and Vegetable Juices/analysis , Phenols/analysis , Chromatography, Liquid , Italy , Tandem Mass Spectrometry
14.
J Environ Sci Health B ; 53(2): 116-120, 2018 Feb 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29172986

A simple and sensitive validated analytical method based on liquid chromatography coupled to tandem fluorescence (FD) and ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry was applied to monitor the presence of bisphenol A and bisphenol S in plastic baby bottles marketed in Italy. The limits of detection (LOD) were 3.75 ng mL-1 and 80.00 ng mL-1, and those of quantification (LOQ) were 12.51 ng mL-1 and 260.00 ng mL-1 for BPA (FD detection) and for BPS (UV detection), respectively. BPA was found in only four samples, two samples undergone to microwave heating and two samples undergone to bottle warmer heating either at 40°C or at 80°C. Although the quantities of leached BPA were well below the reference dose for daily intake established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (4.0 µg kg-1 bw/day), the release of BPA and BPS from these plastic materials should be carefully considered by the government authorities to increase people's awareness on this issue and to protect the most vulnerable population group.


Benzhydryl Compounds/analysis , Food Contamination/analysis , Food Packaging , Milk/chemistry , Phenols/analysis , Sulfones/analysis , Animals , Chromatography, Liquid/methods , Fluorescence , Humans , Infant , Italy , Limit of Detection , Microwaves , Plastics/chemistry , Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet/methods
15.
Chemosphere ; 184: 467-472, 2017 Oct.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28622644

The study compared the profile of 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, frequently occurred in food, in milk (N = 22) and meat/fish based (N = 18) baby foods available on the Italian market. PAH total levels, markers (Regulation EC/835/2011) and carcinogenic PAHs were determined by high- performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC-FD). The average of total PAHs was 52.25 µg kg-1 in milk and 11.82 µg kg-1 in meat/fish based baby foods. The levels of PAH markers were higher than the permissible EU limits of 1 µg kg-1 in 18.2% and 77.7% milk, and 5.6% and 44.4% meat/fish based baby foods. Milk based samples showed significant higher values (P < 0.05) of carcinogenic and possible carcinogenic hydrocarbons than meat/fish based products. The Margins of Exposure (MOE) value of milk based baby food samples indicated a potential concern for consumer health. Monitoring programs, and good agriculture and manufacture practices should be recommended.


Food Contamination/analysis , Infant Food/analysis , Meat/analysis , Milk/chemistry , Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis , Animals , Carcinogens/analysis , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods , Fishes , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Italy , Meat Products/analysis
16.
Food Chem Toxicol ; 83: 68-75, 2015 Sep.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26070504

Monitoring of food contamination from bisphenols is a necessary process for the consumers' risk assessment. A method for the quali-quantitative analysis of Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol B (BPB), Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether (BADGE), and Bisphenol F Diglycidyl Ether (BFDGE), by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC-FD), was performed and validated for their determination in 33 samples of tuna fish, canned in either oil or aqueous medium. Samples were collected in Italian markets. Tuna and the correspondent preservation medium were analyzed separately. Detected levels of bisphenols ranged from 19.1 to 187.0 ng/g in tuna matrix and from 6.3 to 66.9 ng/mL in oil medium. No bisphenols were found in aqueous medium. At least one of the analytes was found in 83% of the tuna samples in oil medium, whereas tuna samples in aqueous medium showed BPA alone in 67% of samples. 21% of the oil medium samples resulted positive for at least one bisphenol. On the basis of measured concentrations and general daily ingestion rate of canned tuna fish, the probable daily intake of BPA for Italian population was calculated.


Benzhydryl Compounds/analysis , Endocrine Disruptors/analysis , Environmental Pollutants/analysis , Food Contamination , Food, Preserved/analysis , Phenols/analysis , Seafood/analysis , Tuna , Animals , Benzhydryl Compounds/toxicity , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Dietary Fats, Unsaturated/analysis , Dietary Fats, Unsaturated/economics , Endocrine Disruptors/toxicity , Environmental Pollutants/toxicity , Epoxy Compounds/analysis , Epoxy Compounds/toxicity , Food Inspection/methods , Food, Preserved/economics , Humans , Italy , Limit of Detection , Phenols/toxicity , Plant Oils/chemistry , Plant Oils/economics , Reproducibility of Results , Seafood/economics , Spectrometry, Fluorescence , Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization , Tandem Mass Spectrometry
17.
Food Chem ; 178: 149-55, 2015 Jul 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25704695

Since cereals are raw materials for production of beer and beer-based drinks, the occurrence mycotoxins in 154 beer samples was topic of investigation in this study. The analyses were conducted using QuEChERS extraction and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry determination. The analytical method showed recoveries for vast majority of analytes ranged from 70% to 110%, relative standard deviations lower than 15% and limits of detection from 0.05 to 8 µg/L. A significant incidence of HT-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol (DON) were found in 9.1% and 59.7% of total samples, respectively. The exposure of European population to mycotoxins through beer consumption was assessed. No toxicological concern was associated to mycotoxins exposure for average beer consumers. Despite that, for heavy beer drinkers, the contribution of this commodity to the daily intake is not negligible, approaching or even exceeding the safety levels.


Beer/analysis , Food Contamination/analysis , Mycotoxins/analysis , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Humans , Mycotoxins/administration & dosage , T-2 Toxin/analogs & derivatives , T-2 Toxin/analysis , Tandem Mass Spectrometry , Trichothecenes/analysis
18.
J Food Prot ; 76(9): 1590-6, 2013 Sep.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23992504

The presence of five bisphenols, i.e., bisphenol F, bisphenol A, bisphenol B, bisphenol F diglycidyl ether, and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, was monitored in commercial milk packed in plastic bottles marketed in Italy. The new validated method includes a solid-phase extraction procedure followed by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. All positive results were confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The limits of detection and quantification and the recovery percentages indicated that the method is suitable for detecting bisphenols in milk at concentrations far below the legal limits. Of 68 commercial milk samples analyzed, no bisphenol was found in 27 samples (39.7%), and 41 samples (60.3%) contained one or more bisphenols. The bisphenol most frequently found was bisphenol F (36 samples, 52.9%) followed by bisphenol A (20 samples, 29.4%) and bisphenol B (6 samples, 8.8%). Taking into consideration the limits of detection, no sample contained either bisphenol F diglycidyl ether or bisphenol A diglycidyl ether.


Chromatography, Liquid/methods , Food Contamination/analysis , Milk/chemistry , Phenols/analysis , Solid Phase Extraction/methods , Animals , Consumer Product Safety , Fluorescence , Italy
19.
J Chromatogr A ; 1218(9): 1253-9, 2011 Mar 04.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21277578

This study proposes a fast, simple and sensitive liquid chromatography diode array detector (LC/UV-DAD)-based method for the simultaneous determination of eight sulfonylurea herbicides (bensulfuron methyl, chlorsulfuron, metsulfuron methyl, primisulfuron methyl, rimsulfuron, thifensulfuron methyl, triasulfuron and tribenuron methyl) in bovine whole milk at concentrations lower than the default limit of 0.01 mg kg(-1) allowed by current legislation (Regulation EC/396/2005 and following Annexes). An effective one-step solid phase extraction (SPE) and clean up procedure was defined with use of Chem Elut cartridges, providing good recoveries for all the analytes tested and with no matrix effects affecting method accuracy. Separation of herbicides was obtained on a C(18) column by acetonitrile- water gradient elution. Method validation has been performed according to European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC criteria, in terms of linearity, recovery, precision, specificity, decision limit (CC(α)) and detection capability (CC(ß)). Typical recoveries ranged between 78.4% and 99.7%, at the maximum residue limits (MRLs) levels established by Regulation EC/396/2005, with relative standard deviations (RSD) no larger than 10%.


Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods , Drug Residues/analysis , Herbicides/analysis , Milk/chemistry , Solid Phase Extraction/methods , Sulfonylurea Compounds/analysis , Animals , Cattle , Drug Residues/isolation & purification , Herbicides/isolation & purification , Least-Squares Analysis , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet , Sulfonylurea Compounds/isolation & purification
20.
Biomed Chromatogr ; 25(12): 1315-8, 2011 Dec.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21308706

A method for the determination of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in desiccant and antimould sachets, employed for protecting consumer products from humidity and mould, has been developed. The method is based on a solid-liquid extraction followed by HPLC-UV analysis. The method was validated with respect to recovery, linearity, limits of detection and quantitation and precision. The recovery was 98%. The correlation coefficient value (r) was equal to 0.94. Both intra- and inter-day precisions were studied at several concentration levels, being satisfactory in all cases (RSD < 5). Limits of detection and quantification values were in the low microgram per gram level, thus allowing the determination of DMF at concentrations below the limit established (0.1 mg/kg) by the recent EU Directive (Decision 2009/251/EC). The proposed procedure was applied for the determination of the target compound in 41 desiccant and antimould samples. DMF was detected in 39.0% of samples and its content in many samples exceeded the legal limits. The results of our analysis highlight the high risk of exposure to this powerful allergic sensitizer for consumers.


Antifungal Agents/analysis , Chromatography, Reverse-Phase/methods , Fumarates/analysis , Hygroscopic Agents/analysis , Antifungal Agents/isolation & purification , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Dimethyl Fumarate , Fumarates/isolation & purification , Hygroscopic Agents/isolation & purification , Product Packaging/standards , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Solid Phase Extraction/methods
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