Determination of xanthomegnin in grains and animal feeds by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A sensitive, highly selective liquid chromatographic (LC) method is described which uses electrochemical (EC) reduction of the analyte in the determinative step. The method is capable of determining xanthomegnin in mixed animal feeds and grains at levels ranging from 15 to 1200 ng/g. The method can detect as little as 0.5 ng xanthomegnin injected on the LC column. Xanthomegnin is extracted with chloroform and 0.1M phosphoric acid. An aliquot of the crude extract is purified by silica gel column chromatography using a Sep-Pak silica gel cartridge. A novel feature of the method is that xanthomegnin is "backed off" the column by reversing the flow of the eluant through the column. LC is then used to separate xanthomegnin from other interfering substances. Xanthomegnin is detected by EC reduction at -0.16 V. Recoveries of xanthomegnin added to samples at levels ranging from 15 to 1200 ng/g averaged 79% with a coefficient of variation of 7.9%. Results also demonstrate that this LC system can separate the related metabolites viomellein and rubrosulphin from each other and from xanthomegnin and that the same EC detection system can be used to detect these metabolites.     

Analysis of sulfonamides in animal feeds by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

Two analytical methodologies for the simultaneous analysis of eight sulfonamide antibiotics in animal feeds were developed. Analytes were extracted in a simple and rapid procedure by manual shaking with an ethyl acetate/ultrapure water mixture (99:1, v/v) without further sample cleanup. Mean recoveries ranging from 72.7% to 99.4% with relative standard deviations below 9% were achieved from spiked animal feed samples. Determination was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography using fluorometric detection with precolumn derivatization. The separation of the derivatized compounds was performed using two different chromatographic columns: a conventional C(18) column and a recently available core-shell particle Kinetex C(18) column. Both methods were validated in-house in six different feed matrices, and the two approaches were compared. The experiments showed that the method using the Kinetex column was superior with regard to speed of analysis and precision, both under repeatability and intermediate reproducibility conditions. The limits of detection and quantification were also greatly improved, below 0.10 and 0.34 μg/g, respectively. Finally, this novel approach was successfully applied to the analysis of real feed samples.     

Determination of ergotamine tartrate in tablets by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A method is presented for the liquid chromatographic (LC) determination of ergotamine tartrate in tablets that is applicable even in the presence of other ingredients such as phenobarbital, belladonna alkaloids, and caffeine. The sample is transferred to a volumetric flask, a small volume of formic acid is added to dissolve and stabilize the ergotamine, and the solution is diluted to volume with methanol. The solution is mixed and filtered through paper. The LC system consists of a Rheodyne injector fitted with a 20 microL loop and a C18 reverse phase column; the mobile phase is acetonitrile-water-triethylamine (700 + 300 + 0.5). Ergotamine tartrate is determined fluorometrically at an excitation wavelength of 250 nm and an emission wavelength of 430 nm. Recovery studies were conducted at the 0.3 and 1.0 mg levels. Average recoveries were 99.6 and 100.8%, respectively; relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 1.08 and 2.21%, respectively. Some commercial preparations containing ergotamine tartrate in combination with other ingredients were also analyzed. The RSDs for 5 determinations of each of 2 ground composites were 0.09 and 0.34%.     

Determination of p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters in cosmetics by liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and fluorescence detection

A simple, precise, and accurate liquid chromatographic method with both ultraviolet (UV) and fluorescence detection is described for the determination of methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl p-hydroxybenzoates (PHBA-esters) in cosmetics. sec-Butyl p-hydroxybenzoate is added to the sample as an internal standard. Then the PHBA-esters are extracted with ether, the ether is evaporated to dryness, and the residue is dissolved in 60% (v/v) acetonitrile. The acetonitrile solution is passed through a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge to remove co-extracted lipids. PHBA-esters are determined by reverse-phase liquid chromatography with UV detection at 254 nm and fluorescence detection at ex 280 nm, em 305 nm. The mobile phase is acetonitrile-water (35 + 65). The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.005-0.15 mg/mL. Mean recoveries of each PHBA-ester were 98.9-102.7% (coefficients of variation less than or equal to 2.0%).     

Determination of theanine in commercial tea by liquid chromatography with fluorescence and diode array ultraviolet detection

Two liquid chromatographic methods that involve precolumn derivatization with o-phthaladehyde (OPA) and phenylisothiocyanate (PITC) with fluorescence and diode array UV detection for the determination of theanine have been developed. The chromatographic separations were achieved by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using octadecyl columns and gradient elution. The methods were applied to evaluate the theanine content of commercial tea leaves. The coefficient of variation of the peak area repeatability for within day (n = 8) and between day (n = 8 over 10 days) was lower than 3% for both of the methods. The estimated limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) for the OPA method was 0.12 and 0.35 microg theanine, respectively. The PITC method was 500-fold more sensitive with LOD and LOQ values of 0.25 and 0.75 ng, respectively. The theanine content of the commercial tea samples varied from 2-5 mg/g leaf. The overall % recoveries for these methods ranged from 93-99.3. The sensitivity and simplicity of the method render them suitable for use in quality control laboratories.     

Determination of levamisole in animal tissues using liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection.

An efficient and sensitive liquid chromatographic method is described for the determination of the anthelminthic drug levamisole, in muscle, liver, kidney and fat of sheep, pigs and poultry, using thiabendazole as internal standard. Samples were extracted by homogenizing with chloroform, and were applied to Supelco Si solid-phase extraction columns and eluted with methanol. Chromatographic analysis was performed on a LiChrospher 60 RP-Select B column using methanol/ammonium acetate buffer 0.05 M (55/65, v/v) as mobile phase and reading at 220 nm. The quantification limit for the assay was 4 ng/g. Mean recoveries were about 84% for liver, 85% for kidney, 89% for muscle and 84% for fat. The assay has been used for statutory testing purposes.     

Determination of neomycin in animal tissues, using ion-pair liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method is described for the determination of neomycin in animal tissues. Tissues are homogenized in 0.2M potassium phosphate buffer (pH 8.0); the homogenate is centrifuged, and the supernate is heated to precipitate the protein. The heat-deproteinated extract is acidified to pH 3.5-4 and directly analyzed by LC. The LC method consists of an ion-pairing mobile phase, a reverse phase ODS column, post-column derivatization with o-phthalaldehyde reagent, and fluorometric detection. The LC method uses paromomycin as an internal standard, and separates neomycin from streptomycin or dihydrostreptomycin because they have different retention times. The LC column separates neomycin in 25 min; the detection limit is about 3.5 ng neomycin. The overall recovery of neomycin from kidney tissues spiked at 1-30 ppm was 96% with a 9.0% coefficient of variation. The method was also applied to muscle tissue.     

Determination of aflatoxins, ochratoxin a, and zearalenone in mixed feeds, with detection by thin layer chromatography or high performance liquid chromatography

A sensitive, reliable, and economical method for the determination of 6 mycotoxins in mixed feeds is described. The feed is extracted with chloroform-water and the extract is cleaned up by using a disposable Sep-Pak silica cartridge. The procedure requires less time (15 min from sample extraction to extract preparation) and less solvent (approximately one-tenth) compared with conventional methods and is suitable for a fast, economical screen. Additional cleanup procedures, involving dialysis or extraction into base, are described for samples containing high levels of interfering compounds. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection are described for identification and estimation of mycotoxins. The method has been applied to a wide range of mixed feeds, including laboratory animal diets, and raw materials. The limit of detection is 1 microgram/kg for all mycotoxins measured by HPLC.     

Determination of cinnamyl anthranilate in perfume, cologne, and toilet water by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection was developed for the determination of cinnamyl anthranilate in perfumes and other fragrance compositions. The method was evaluated by conducting recovery studies of 10 different commercial fragrance compositions to which cinnamyl anthranilate had been added at levels of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/mL. Recoveries ranged from 91 to 103% with a mean of 97% and a standard deviation of +/- 3.3%.     

Determination of mesotrione residues and metabolites in crops,soil, and water by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A method for the determination of residues of mesotrione and two metabolites in a variety of environmental matrixes has been developed. Mesotrione, a new selective herbicide for use in corn, is 2-(4-methylsulfonyl-2-nitrobenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione. The metabolite 4-methylsulfonyl-2-nitrobenzoic acid (MNBA) is determined with the parent compound in crops, whereas two metabolites, 2-amino-4-methylsulfonyl-benzoic acid (AMBA) and MNBA are determined with parent in soil and water. Crop samples are macerated with an acetonitrile/water mixture, and an aliquot is evaporated and acidified then centrifuged. Soil is shaken with an ammonium hydroxide solution, and an aliquot is acidified then centrifuged. For water analysis, an aliquot is acidified. Crop and soil extracts, and water, are cleaned up using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RPHPLC) with mesotrione and MNBA isolated using a fraction collector. During this clean up, AMBA is determined in soil and water samples using fluorescence detection. The collected mesotrione and MNBA fractions are converted into AMBA via oxidation followed by reduction in the case of mesotrione, or by reduction alone in the case of MNBA. Both fractions are analyzed by RPHPLC with fluorescence detection using an AMBA external reference standard. The method was tested on corn grain, fodder, and forage, as well as on sugar cane. The limits of quantitation (LOQ) for each analyte are 0.01 mg/kg for crops, 0.005 mg/kg for soil, and 0.10 microg/L for water. Method fortification recoveries from all crop commodities averaged 79% (CV = 7%, n = 37 and 82% (CV = 5%, n = 37) for mesotrione and MNBA, respectively. Soil was fortified at 0.005 and 0.05 mg/kg. Recoveries were 79% (CV = 4%, n = 12), 96% (CV = 2%, n = 12), and 89% (CV = 2%, n = 12) for mesotrione, MNBA, and AMBA, respectively. Groundwater, drinking water, seawater, and river water were fortified at 0.1 and 1.0 microg/L. Recoveries for all waters were 80% (CV = 7%, n = 51), 94% (CV = 4%, n = 52), and 93% (CV = 9%, n = 51) for mesotrione, MNBA, and AMBA, respectively.     

Determination of phenol in honey by liquid chromatography with amperometric detection

A sensitive, selective analytical method has been developed for determination of phenol in honey by liquid chromotography (LC) with amperometric detection (AMD). Phenol is extracted with benzene from the distillate of honey. The benzene extract is washed with 1% sodium bicarbonate solution and then reextracted with 0.1N sodium hydroxide followed by cleanup on a C18 cartridge. Phenol is determined by reverse-phase LC with amperometric detection. An Inertsil ODS column (150 X 4.6 mm, 5 microns) is used in the determination. The mobile phase is a mixture (20 + 80 v/v) of acetonitrile and 0.01M sodium dihydrogen phosphate containing 2mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, disodium salt (EDTA) with the pH adjusted to 5.0. The flow rate is 1 mL/min under ambient conditions. The applied potential of the AMD using a glassy carbon electrode is 0.7 V vs an Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Average recoveries of phenol added to honey were 79.8% at 0.01 ppm spiking level, 90.4% at 0.1 ppm, and 91.0% at 1.0 ppm. Repeatabilities were 3.4, 1.3, and 1.8%, respectively. The detection limit of phenol in honey was 0.002 ppm. For analysis of 112 commercial honey samples, the range and average values of 32 detected samples were 0.05-5.88 ppm and 0.71 ppm, respectively.     

Determination of the fluoroquinolone enrofloxacin in edible chicken muscle by supercritical fluid extraction and liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method for the extraction of enrofloxacin from a chicken breast muscle was examined. A liquid chromatograph, equipped with a fluorescence detector, was used for the detection of enrofloxacin. Optimal extraction parameters, such as extraction time, supercritical fluid volume, modifier concentration, pressure, and temperature, were determined by examining SFE recoveries from control muscle samples spiked with enrofloxacin at different levels. In all of the experiments, high recovery values were observed, ranging from 101 to 104%. The extraction of enrofloxacin from real muscle samples was examined in chickens that were treated orally with enrofloxacin. Extraction was carried out by the SFE method after each oral treatment and under optimal extraction conditions at set intervals over time. The SFE, combined with liquid chromatographic analysis, showed that the concentration of enrofloxacin in the chicken muscles decreased continuously with time, giving a negligible concentration 72 h after the treatment. These results suggest that SFE is a useful approach for the extraction of enrofloxacin from chicken breast muscles.     

Assay of ochratoxin A in wine and beer by high-pressure liquid chromatography photodiode array and gas chromatography mass selective detection.

To routinely assay the concentrations of ochratoxin A (OTA) in wines and beers, two new methods were developed and evaluated. The first utilized solid-phase extraction on a C(18) cartridge to achieve a 100-fold sample concentration followed by high-performance liquid chromatography on a C(18) column with gradient elution and quantitation at 333 nm by means of a photodiode array detector. Positive confirmation can be carried out by purity and match-factor analysis as well as peak shift following esterification with BF(3). Total run time is 28 min. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) are 0.05 and 0.10 microg/L, respectively. Recovery and imprecision ranged from 83 to 94% and from 4.0 to 8.9%, respectively. With a throughput of 35 assays per working day, this method is ideal for routine OTA analysis. It was used to survey the concentrations of OTA in 942 wines (2 of which gave values between 0.1 and 0.2 microg/L) and 107 beers (2 of which gave values between 0.05 and 0.1 microg/L). OTA was detected more frequently in red than white wines, with the highest incidence in red wines from Spain and Argentina. There was no association between OTA and country of origin or beverage type among the beers analyzed. The second method utilized gas chromatography with mass selective detection monitoring eight specific ions, preceded by extraction in dichloromethane and derivatization with bis[trimethylsilyl]trifluoroacetamide. LOD and LOQ were 0.1 and 2 microg/L, respectively; recovery and imprecision were 69-75 and 9.0-11.1%, respectively. The method is not suitable for routine quantitation but is potentially useful as a confirmatory tool for samples with OTA > or =0.1 microg/L.     

Determination of maduramicin by liquid chromatography with atomic absorption spectrometric detection

A liquid chromatograph was interfaced to an atomic absorption spectrometer for the detection and quantitation of maduramicin in feed matrixes at the 1-8 ppm level. Ionophores in general form strong 1:1 products with various metal cations, yielding complexes that are insoluble in water but very soluble in organic solvents. Maduramicin, a carboxylic, polyalcohol, polyether antibiotic, is labeled with the sodium cation and analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The lower limit of detection is approximately 100-200 ng maduramicin sodium salt. Feeds containing 1-8 ppm maduramicin are extracted with acetone, the extract is passed through an alumina column, the column is eluted with acetonitrile-water (90 + 10), and the eluate is analyzed for maduramicin by liquid chromatography-AAS after concentration and conversion of maduramicin to the sodium salt. Recoveries of maduramicin averaged 89.5%. Liquid chromatography with AAS detection has been shown to be a sensitive and highly specific technique for the determination of ionophores in general and maduramicin in particular.     

Rapid and sensitive determination of phenol in honey by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

The objective of this research was to develop a novel high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method involving a simple sample preparation procedure for the rapid, low-cost, and sensitive quantitation of phenol in honey at levels of regulatory and practical importance. After proper dilution of honey with water, the samples were analyzed by a gradient HPLC system, using a reversed-phase column with fluorescence detection at excitation and emission wavelengths of 270 and 300 nm, respectively. The eluents applied were water-acetonitrile-85% orthophosphoric acid (10:10:0.01, v/v/v) and water-85% orthophosphoric acid (20:0.01, v/v). The retention time of phenol was found to be 14.1 min, and the limit of quantitation for phenol in honey was set at 5 microg/kg. Overall recovery was 98%. The proposed method has been successfully applied to real sample analysis.     

Determination of terbutaline sulfate in dosage forms by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A liquid chromatographic method with electrochemical detection has been developed for the determination of terbutaline sulfate in dosage forms. A cyanopropyl bonded-phase column is used with a mobile phase consisting of methanol-0.1 M monobasic potassium phosphate containing 0.1M sodium heptanesulfonate and 1mM disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (15 + 85). The compound of interest is detected at a glassy carbon electrode held at a potential of +0.9 V vs silver-silver chloride. The response is linear from 0 to 10 micrograms/mL terbutaline sulfate. The method is applicable to tablet composites, individual tablets, dissolution determinations, and injections. Results and supporting data are reported for the above analyses.     

Determination of nabam fungicide in crops by liquid chromatography with postcolumn reaction detection

The ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) fungicide, nabam, was determined in several crop matrixes using liquid chromatography with postcolumn reaction detection. After separation by micellar liquid chromatography, nabam (EBDC sodium salt) was acid hydrolyzed to ethylenediamine and fluorigenically labeled with o-phthalaldehyde-mercaptoethanol (OPA-MERC). Standard curves were linear from the detection limit of ca 1 ng to 1000 ng. Nabam was recovered in high yield (89 plus or minus 7.7%) over a range of concentrations (0.1 to 20 ppm) from fortified samples of papaya, lettuce, cucumber, spinach, and applesauce using a simple extraction method. Efforts to convert the more popular EBDC fungicides, maneb and mancozeb, to nabam are discussed.     

Determination of ephedrine alkaloids and synephrine in dietary supplements by column-switching cation exchange high-performance liquid chromatography with scanning-wavelength ultraviolet and fluorescence detection

An HPLC method with on-line cleanup coupled to the separation column is described for determination of (-)-norephedrine, (+)-norpseudoephedrine, (-)-ephedrine, (+)-pseudoephedrine, (-)-N-methylephedrine, (+)-N-methylpseudoephedrine, and (+/-)-synephrine in finished dietary supplement products. Test portions were extracted in acidified aqueous acetone. A filtered aliquot was cleaned up on a strong cation exchange (SCX) precolumn that later was automatically coupled to the SCX analytical column. Measurement was by full-scan UV spectra for confirmation of identity by spectral matching and real-time integration of three wavelength signals for multiple quantitation. (+/-)-Synephrine was also quantitated by native fluorescence. Recovery averaged 95-100%. Determination of the major ingredients (-)-ephedrine, (+)-pseudoephedrine, and (+/-)-synephrine compared favorably to findings by an independent LC-MS analysis for a set of 25 samples. The results of a survey were reported for total ephedrine alkaloid and synephrine content and were compared to content declaration, for approximately 48 finished products.     

Determination of ethylene dibromide in foods and grains by high resolution capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection

Ethylene dibromide (EDB) levels in food samples were determined by gas chromatography with a high-resolution capillary column and electron capture detector. The capillary column used was 3 mm id X 25 m cross-linked 5% phenylmethyl silicone. Column temperature was set at 40 degrees C by a coolant containing carbon dioxide gas. Optimum temperatures of the injection port and detector were 200 and 350 degrees C, respectively. The detection limit was 0.5 ppb and linear from 1 to 20 pg on the dynamic range. EDB residues in food samples were extracted with n-hexane by steam distillation. A few impurity peaks appeared near EDB on the chromatogram; however, the EDB peak was resolved. Recoveries of EDB from wheat and brown rice ranged from 66.1 to 99.6%. EDB was detected in 3 samples of imported wheat at a range of 0.74-1.70 ppb, and was not detected at all in 37 samples. The EDB remaining in EDB-fortified cookies after baking was examined. The amounts of EDB were reduced to 30 to 50% of the original amounts by kneading the dough, and to below 1.5% by baking.