Study of wine tannin oligomers by on-line liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Thiolysis of a wine tannin fraction yielded trihydroxylated flavanol units (as previously observed in grape skins) in addition to the well-known procyanidins (dihydroxylated units), usually described in the literature for grape condensed tannins. To determine how they occur in condensed tannins, the wine fraction was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Thus, various series of ion peaks containing a variable number of trihydroxylated units were detected as monocharged ions from dimers up to pentamers. From pentamers, oligomers were found as doubly charged ions. Heptamer species corresponded to the highest mass detected. These results showed that wine condensed tannins consist of, besides procyanidins, mixed tri- and dihydroxylated flavanol units and also of pure trihydroxylated flavanol units. These new data should be taken into account to interpret organoleptic properties of wines.     

Determination of pesticides in apple-based infant foods using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to quantify and confirm trace levels of 13 pesticides including aldicarb sulfoxide, aldicarb sulfone, oxamyl, methomyl, formetanate, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, carbendazim, thiabendazole, aldicarb, propoxur, carbofuran, carbaryl, and methiocarb in apple-based infant foods such as apple sauces, apples and strawberries, apples and blueberries, and apples and plums. Data acquisition under MS/MS was achieved by applying multiple reaction monitoring of two fragment ion transitions to provide a high degree of sensitivity and selectivity for both quantification and confirmation. LC/ESI-MS/MS quantitative results were significantly affected by matrices, and thus, the standard addition was employed to compensate for the matrix effects to achieve the best accuracy of the method. Recoveries of 13 pesticides, spiked at 5.0, 25.0, and 45.0 microg/kg, were around 100% using the LC/ESI-MS/MS standard addition. The method detection limits (S/N > or = 3:1) of 13 pesticides were less than 0.2 microg/kg.     

Probing anthocyanin profiles in purple sweet potato cell line (Ipomoea batatas L. Cv. Ayamurasaki) by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A purple line cell line (PL) generated from the storage root of purple-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cv. Ayamurasaki produces a complex mixture of anthocyanins, and seven major anthocyanins have been isolated and identified to date. All these anthocyanins are exclusively cyanidin or peonidin 3-sophoroside-5-glucosides and their acylated derivatives. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to photodiode array (PDA) detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) on a triple quadrupole instrument was employed to further investigate the anthocyanin composition of the PL extract. Precursor-ion analysis, product-ion analysis, and selected reaction monitoring (SRM) MS/MS experiments were conducted sequentially to screen and characterize anthocyanins in the aqueous extract of the PL cell line. Precursor-ion analysis specifically detected the molecular cations of each category of anthocyanins by scanning the precursors of anthocyanidins (cyanidin, peonidin, and pelargonidin). The detected molecular cation of each anthocyanin was fragmented using product-ion analysis by collisionally activated dissociation (CAD). MS/MS using SRM detection was conducted to further confirm the fragmentation observed during product-ion analysis. In comparison to the commonly used product-ion analysis technique, the combined use of precursor-ion analysis, product-ion analysis, and SRM is particularly useful for positive identification of anthocyanins in complex matrixes and provides important information to confirm the proposed structures. Twenty-six anthocyanins were detected and characterized in the aqueous extract of the PL cell line. Several anthocyanins, including two pelargonidin derivatives, were tentatively identified for the first time in these cells.     

Analysis of patulin in pear- and apple-based foodstuffs by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of patulin in apple- and pear-based foodstuffs was developed. The sample preparation is based on the QuEChERS procedure involving an initial extraction step with water and acetonitrile, followed by a partitioning step after the addition of magnesium sulfate and sodium chloride. The cleanup was performed by using dispersive solid-phase extraction with a mixture of magnesium sulfate, primary secondary amine sorbent, and n-octadecylsiloxane sorbent added together to the extract. The cleaned extract was finally evaporated and reconstituted in water prior to injection. Quantitation was performed by isotope dilution using ((13)C(7))-patulin as internal standard. The method was first fully validated in three different baby food products including apple-pear juice, apple-pear puree, and infant cereals. Then the scope of application of the method was extended to pear concentrate, raw apples, apple flakes (naturally contaminated), dried apples, and yogurt. The sensitivity achieved by the method in all matrices gave limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of ≤0.5 and ≤10 μg/kg, respectively, which was compliant with maximum levels settled in Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006. Method performances for all matrices also fulfilled the criteria established in the CEN/TR 16059:2010 document. Indeed, recoveries were within the 94-104% range; relative standard deviations of repeatability (RSD(r)) and intermediate reproducibility (RSD(IR)) were ≤7.5 and ≤13.0%, respectively, and trueness in an infant apple drink (FAPAS 1642) was measured at 99%.     

Analysis of beta-lactam antibiotics in incurred raw milk by rapid test methods and liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A recently developed confirmatory LC-MS method has been applied to the quantification of five major beta-lactam antibiotics in suspect raw bovine milk samples that gave a positive response with receptor-based (BetaStar) and rapid microbial inhibitory screen tests (Delvotest SP). In total, 18 presumptive positive raw milk samples were reanalyzed; 16 samples showed traces of antibiotic residues that could be identified and quantified by the LC-MS method, ranging from the limits of confirmation up to 38 microg/kg. Of the positive samples, only five (approximately 30%) were found to be violative of EU maximum residue limits. The most frequently detected antibiotic residues were cloxacillin and penicillin G, the former often in combination with amoxicillin or ampicillin. This study compares the results obtained by the three methods on identical samples and addresses how these relate to certain criteria such as sensitivity and selectivity. Furthermore, the limitations of the LC-MS method and the potential impact of the presence of frequently more than one residue in the same milk sample on the response of the rapid test methods are discussed.     

Determination of five macrolide antibiotic residues in eggs using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A method using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) for the determination of trace levels of five macrolide antibiotics (spiramycin, tilmicosin, oleandomycin, erythromycin, and tylosin) in eggs is presented. Data acquisition under MS/MS was achieved by applying multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) of two or three fragment ion transitions to provide a high degree of sensitivity and specificity for both quantification and confirmation. Matrix-matched standard calibration curves were used to achieve the best accuracy of the method. A fully nested experimental design was used to study the measurement uncertainty arising from intermediate precision and trueness or proportional bias. The overall recoveries, that is, those determined by the nested experiments, of spiramycin, tilmicosin, oleandomycin, erythromycin, and tylosin at fortified levels of 60, 100, 200, and 300 microg/kg were 96.8, 98.2, 98.3, 98.8, and 95.4%, respectively. The LC/ESI-MS/MS method detection limits (S/N > or = 3:1) of five macrolides were <1.0 microg/kg.     

Analysis of Flavan-3-ols and procyanidins in food samples by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS)

Concentrations of the main dimeric and trimeric procyanidins (PC) and their monomeric constitutive units catechin (CT) and epicatechin (EC) were determined in food samples by using reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). In a first step, 12 PCs (PC B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, C1, C2, and A2 and cinnamtannin B1), of which most are not commercially available, were isolated from plant materials or synthesized and purified by a combination of column chromatographic separation techniques with different stationary phases. These PCs in combination with CT and EC were used as standard substances for identification and quantification during the following screening of food samples by RP-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The main focus of the newly developed RP-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method is the compensation of matrix effects by using the echo-peak technique simulating internal standard injection. The suitability of this new method was demonstrated by the determination of recovery rates being 90% or higher. Use of this method allowed the determination of patterns and concentrations of PCs in 55 food samples.     

A simple and selective method for the measurement of azadirachtin and related azadirachtoid levels in fruits and vegetables using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Neem-based insecticides containing azadirachtin and related azadirachtoids are widely used in agriculture. Here, we report an analytical method for the rapid and accurate quantification of the insecticide azadirachtin A and B and other azadirachtoids such as salannin, nimbin, and their deacetylated analogues on tomatoes and peaches. Azadirachtoids were extracted from fruits and vegetables with acetonitrile. Using high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometer, azadirachtoids were selectively detected monitoring the multiple reaction transitions of sodium adduct precursor ions. For azadirachtin A, calibration was linear over a working range of 1-1000 microg/L with r > 0.996. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for azadirachtin A were 0.4 and 0.8 microg/kg, respectively. The presence of interfering compounds in the peach and tomato extracts was evaluated and found to be minimal. Because of the linear behavior, it was concluded that the multiple reaction transitions of sodium adduct ions can be used for analytical purposes, that is, for the identification and quantification of azadirachtin A and B and related azadirachtoids in fruit and vegetable extracts at trace levels.     

Simultaneous determination of fumonisin B(1) and hydrolyzed fumonisin B(1) in corn products by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A method for the simultaneous determination of fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) and its major hydrolysis product (HFB(1)), which is known to be formed during alkaline treatment of fumonisin-containing corn meal, was devised to analyze the levels of these mycotoxins in corn products available on the German market. Liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry in combination with selected ion monitoring (SIM) was used for unambiguous detection of FB(1) and HFB(1) after extraction of samples with acetonitrile/methanol/water (25:25:50) and solid-phase C18 cleanup. Quantitation was carried out using labeled fumonisin FB(1)-D(6) as an internal standard. The detection limits achieved with this method were 8 ng/g for HFB(1) (signal-noise ratio = 5:1) and 5 ng/g for FB(1) (s/n = 5:1) using the protonated molecule signals m/z 406 and 722 in the SIM mode. A screening of several corn-containing foodstuffs, among them extrusion products and alkali-processed corn food such as tortilla chips, showed HFB(1) and FB(1) contamination with levels of 8-80 and 5-450 ng/g, respectively.     

Profiling and quantification of isoflavonoids in kudzu dietary supplements by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

The kudzu vine (Pueraria sp.) is a rich source of isoflavones. Dietary supplements based on kudzu have become commercially available. In the present study, liquid chromatography coupled with negative and positive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and diode array detection (DAD) has been used for the detection and characterization of isoflavonoids in kudzu dietary supplements (KDS). The MS/MS spectrum of the protonated ion of puerarin showed characteristic product ions of the C-glycoside unit itself, whereas daidzin generated an abundant Y(0)(+) aglycon ion in its product ion spectrum. A base peak due to the loss of 120 Da [M + H - 120](+) is the diagnostic ion for C-glycosides. Neutral loss scans allowed for the detection of other C- and O-glycosides in the methanolic extract of KDS, and their structures have been proposed. The concentration of isoflavonoids in the methanolic extract of commercially available KDS was quantified by using DAD-HPLC. Puerarin, rather than daidzin, was the most abundant component (8.44-30.60 mg/capsule) in commercially available KDS.     

Main polyphenols in the bitter taste of virgin olive oil. Structural confirmation by on-line high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Twenty virgin olive oils of extra quality and different bitter intensity were submitted to sensory evaluation and to the determination of polyphenols. A linear regression analysis was carried out assuming, as an independent variable, bitter intensity perceived by tasters, as an independent variable, the concentration (mmol/kg) of dialdehydic and aldehydic forms oleuropein aglycon, and dialdehydic and aldehydic forms ligstroside aglycon. Structural confirmation of these compounds was done by online high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-collison-induced dissociation-mass spectrometry. The results obtained demonstrate the essential role played by this compound in the bitter taste of virgin olive oil.     

Separation and characterization of phenolic compounds in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) using liquid chromatography-negative electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Liquid chromatography (LC) diode array detection (DAD) coupled to negative electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was used for the rapid and sensitive identification of water-soluble phenolic compounds in fennel waste. The plant material was first extracted and then chromatographed on Sephadex LH-20 to afford seven fractions, each of them being subjected to LC-MS analysis. Identification of the compounds was carried out by interpretation of UV, MS, and MS/MS spectra. Forty-two phenolic substances were identified, 27 of which had not previously been reported in fennel, including hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoid glycosides, and flavonoid aglycons.     

Liquid chromatography analysis of erythromycin A in salmon tissue by electrochemical detection with confirmation by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A rapid and sensitive method is described for the quantitation of erythromycin A (EA) in edible salmon tissue by liquid chromatography (LC) analysis using either electrochemical detection (ED) or electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (ESI/MS) detection. The salmon tissue is extracted with 10 mM ammonium formate. The extract is then purified by solid phase extraction using a hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced (HLB) polymeric-based C18 packing, followed by partitioning of EA into methylene chloride at alkaline pH, evaporation, and final dilution. The mean recoveries of EA at 50, 100, 200, and 400 ppb levels in fortified salmon tissue were 63.8 +/- 6.0 and 75.5 +/- 5.4% by LC-ED and LC-ESI/MS, respectively. There was no evidence of formation of the anhydro-EA (m/z 716) decomposition product of EA (m/z 734) that was reported to occur by other published methods.     

An isotopically labeled internal standard liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of ephedrine alkaloids and synephrine in dietary supplements

We report a simplified analytical procedure for determination of ephedrine alkaloids and synephrine in dietary supplements. Cleanup by simple filtration, when combined with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) detection, provided results comparable to our published method with solid phase extraction (SPE) cleanup and single-stage MS detection with in-source fragmentation. We also compared three mass spectrometric experimental configurations: electrospray (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) with MS/MS and APCI-MS with fragmentation provided by increasing cone voltage. Because these methods used one isotopically labeled internal standard to determine several different analytes, quantitation errors may arise from susceptibility to ionization suppression caused by the matrix. We therefore compared the results obtained by ESI and APCI ionization.     

Multiresidue analysis of seven anticoagulant rodenticides by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray/mass spectrometry

Mice and rat populations are commonly controlled by two classes of rodenticide anticoagulants, coumarins and indandiones. However, poisoning of nontarget animals also often occurs. For cases such as these, a rapid, multiresidue method, which provides positive confirmation for both classes of anticoagulant rodenticides, is needed by diagnostic laboratories. A method was developed for the determination of seven anticoagulant rodenticides, coumafuryl, pindone, warfarin, diphacinone, chlorophacinone, bromadiolone, and brodifacoum, in diverse matrices, animal feed, cooked beef, and fruit-flavored beverages using high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray/mass spectrometry. Detection was by MS/MS with electrospray ionization in negative mode. Confirmation was by retention time, m/z of molecular ion, and two parent-daughter transitions. Recoveries from selected the matrices ranged from 61 to 117%. Limits of quantitation were as low as 1.5-4.5 ng g-1. The developed method was rapid and provided the simultaneous confirmation and quantification of the seven anticoagulant rodenticides.     

Identification and quantification of betalains from the fruits of 10 mexican prickly pear cultivars by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of betalain pigments in 10 cultivars/lines of prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) fruit grown in Mexico were conducted with reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) coupled with electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Betacyanins and betaxanthins were identified by comparison with the UV/vis and mass spectrometric characteristics as well as the retention times of semisynthesized reference betaxanthins. Data revealed that the ratio and concentration of betalain pigments are responsible for the color in the different cultivars, showing the highest betalains content in the fruit of purple colored Camuesa (O. robusta Wendl.) (8.1 mg/g dry fruit), which is comparable to that found in red beet Beta vulgaris L. ssp. Var. Pablo) (8.6 mg/g dry tissue). Yellow betalains were absent in Reyna (O. alba-carpa) prickly pear cultivar. A total of 24 known/unknown betalains were present in the prickly pear fruit samples studied, including 18 betaxanthins and 6 betacyanins. Our results indicate that prickly pear cultivars can be considered as a potential source of yellow and red natural colorants.     

Novel galactolipids from the leaves of Ipomoea batatas L.: characterization by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

Sixteen novel and ten known galactolipids have been isolated and characterized from the leaves of Ipomoea batatas L. (sweet potato) using an analytical method based on high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Using this technique, the structures and regiochemistries of the fatty acyl groups and the positions of the double bonds on the acyl chains were determined. Sugar moieties were identified by analysis of one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. The positions of the double bonds of polyunsaturated fatty acids were confirmed, and in some cases their geometries determined, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This is the first report of galactolipids in the leaves of sweet potato.     

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of phenolic compounds in berries with diode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (MS) detection: ribes species

High-performance liquid chromatography combined with diode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (MS) detection was used to study phenolic compounds in berries of black, green, red, and white currants (Ribes spp.). UV-visible spectrometry was a valuable tool for the identification of the class of the phenolic compound, whereas MS and MS-MS fragmentation data were useful for further structural characterization. Distinct similarities were found in the relative distribution of conjugated forms of phenolic compounds among the four currants. Phenolic acids were found mainly as hexose esters. Flavonol glycosides and anthocyanin pigments were mainly found as 3-O-rutinosides and second as 3-O-glucosides. However, cyanidin 3-O-sambubioside and quercetin hexoside-malonate were notable phenolic compounds in red currant. Flavonol hexoside-malonates were identified and quantified in the berries of currants for the first time.     

Development of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method for analysis of organic N monomers in soil

The aim of this study was to develop an analytical procedure based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) for analysis of monomeric organic N compounds in soil extracts. To benchmark the developed LC–MS method it was compared with a capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (CE–MS) method recently used for analysis of small organic N monomers in soil. The separation was optimized and analytical performance assessed with 69 purified standards, then the LC–MS method was used to analyse soil extracts. Sixty-two out of 69 standards were analysable by LC–MS with separation on a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography column. The seven compounds that could not be analysed were strongly cationic polyamines. Limits of detection for a 5 μL injection ranged between 0.002 and 0.38 μmol L⁻¹, with the majority (49 out of 62) having limits of detection better than 0.05 μmol L⁻¹. The overall profile and concentration of small organic N monomers in soil extracts was broadly similar between LC–MS and CE–MS, with the notable exception of four ureides that were detected by LC–MS only. In soil extracts that had been concentrated ten-fold the detection and quantification of (some) organic N compounds was compromised by the presence of large amounts of inorganic salts. The developed LC–MS method offered advantages and disadvantages relative to CE–MS, and a combination of the two methods would achieve the broadest possible coverage of organic N in soil extracts.     

Selenium species in aqueous extracts of alfalfa sprouts by two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and electrospray mass spectrometry detection

The complementary use of two different liquid chromatographic mechanisms coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for selenium (Se) specific detection has permitted the screening of the most abundant Se-containing fractions in selenized alfalfa sprouts (Medicago sativa). Aqueous extracts of the sprouts were fractionated first by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) using a Superdex Peptide column and a mobile phase containing an ammonium acetate buffer (pH 7). Further purification of the individual SEC Se-containing fractions was carried out using two different chromatographic systems: a Shodex Ashaipack column, with a mixed mechanism of size exclusion and ion exchange, and a conventional reversed phase C8 using ion-pairing reagents. In both cases, the columns were coupled to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer equipped with an octapole reaction system for Se specific detection. This system allowed the on-line monitoring of the most abundant Se isotopes (78Se, 80Se) by reducing the possible polytomic interferences affecting these ions by adding hydrogen (2 mL min(-1)) to the octapole reaction cell. The results obtained by both separation mechanisms were highly comparable, revealing the presence of Se-methionine and Se-methyl selenocysteine. Both compounds were then confirmed by analyzing the corresponding fractions by electrospray quadrupole-time-of-flight (ESI-Q-TOF) mass spectrometry. Finally, an additional Se-containing species showing Se isotope distribution was detected at a molecular ion m/z 239 in the ESI-Q-TOF. The collision-induced dissociation of the m/z 239 and 237 ions (corresponding to 80Se and 78Se isotopes, respectively) revealed the possible presence as well of a derivative of the Se-2-propenyl selenocysteine.