A new selective method for dimethylamine in water analysis by liquid chromatography using solid-phase microextraction and two-stage derivatization with o-phthalaldialdehyde and 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate.

Abstract A new method is presented for the determination of DMA in water as its 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC) derivative using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and liquid chromatography. The method is based on the employment of SPME fibres coated with carbowax-templated resin (CW-TR) for analyte extraction and derivatization. The fibres were successively immersed in the samples, in a solution of o -phthalaldialdehyde and N -acethyl- l -cysteine (OPA–NAC) and finally, in a solution of FMOC. OPA–NAC reacted on the fibre with possible primary aliphatic amines present in the samples, particularly with PA which is a direct interferent in the determination of DMA with FMOC. In such a w…

Sensitive determination of probenecid in urine samples by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and UV-visible detection using solid-phase extraction techniques for sample clean-up

This study describes a rapid method for the determination of probenecid in human urine by liquid chromatography with UV detection at 254 nm, after clean-up through a C8 solid-phase extraction column. Liquid chromatography was carried out on a C18-bonded phase using an acetonitrile-acetate buffer (pH=4) gradient elution. Ethacrynic acid was used as internal standard. The system has been applied to the determination of probenecid in the 0.10–100.0 μg/ml concentration range; the limit of detection was 5 ng/mL.

Analysis of enantiomers giving partially overlapped peaks by using different treatments of the chromatographic ultraviolet signals: quantification of pseudoephedrine enantiomers

Abstract Different strategies for the quantification of partially coeluting optical isomers have been investigated. The methods tested are based on the use of different features as the analytical UV signals: peak heights, perpendicular drop areas, first and second derivatives of the chromatograms, peak areas obtained by deconvolution of the overlapped peaks with data fitting optimization, and a multivariate model (principal component regression, PCR). The amphetamine-derivative drug pseudoephedrine was selected as a model compound. For chromatography, LiChrospher 100 RP 18 and a mobile-phase consisting of methanol and a solution of carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (the chiral selector) were use…

Derivatization of ephedrine with o-phthaldialdehyde for liquid chromatography after treatment with sodium hypochlorite.

The usefulness of the reaction with NaClO followed by derivatization with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) has been investigated for the chromatographic analysis of ephedrine. The influence of parameters affecting the two-stage reaction has been evaluated, including concentration of NaClO, time of reaction, temperature and pH. On the basis of these studies, conditions for the pre-column and (automated) post-column determination of ephedrine are presented. The described conditions have been applied to the measurement of ephedrine in the concentration intervals 0.2-20.0 microg/ml and 2.0-50.0 microg/ml for the pre-column and post-column methods, respectively. The possibi…

Selective determination of trimethylamine in air by liquid chromatography using solid phase extraction cartridges for sampling.

Abstract The selective determination of trimethylamine (TMA) in air by liquid chromatography is reported. Sampling is effected by flushing air through C18-packed solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges at a flow rate of 15 mL/min for 15 min. Next, TMA is desorbed from the cartridges and injected into the chromatographic system. The analyte is then selectively retained on a precolumn ( 20 mm ×2.1 mm i.d., packed with 30 μm, Hypersil C18 phase), and derivatized on-line by injecting 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC). Finally, the TMA-FMOC derivative is transferred to the analytical column ( 125 mm ×4 mm i.d., LiChrospher 100 RP18, 5 μm), and monitored at 262 nm. The method was applied to …

New micromethod combining miniaturized matrix solid-phase dispersion and in-tube in-valve solid-phase microextraction for estimating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bivalves.

Abstract Miniaturized matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) was developed for the extraction of common polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from bivalve samples (100 mg, dry weight). Additional clean-up and analyte enrichment was accomplished by in-tube solid-phase microextraction (SPME). For this purpose the extracts collected after MSPD were diluted with water and injected into a capillary column coated with the extractive phase. This capillary column was connected to the analytical column by means of a switching valve. Separation and quantification of the PAHs were carried out using a monolithic LC column and fluorescence detection. Since the in-tube SPME device allowed the processing …

Colorimetric determination of alcohols in spirit drinks using a reversible solid sensor

Abstract A sensor for the colorimetric estimation of the alcoholic content has been developed based on the entrapment of the reagent (4-N,N-dioctylamino)-4‘-trifluoroacetylazobenzene (ETHT 4001) into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) modified with tretraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). When exposed to an alcoholic media, the sensor delivers ETHT 4001 so that it reacts with alcohols, resulting in a change in the solution color. The diffusion of the entrapped ETHT 4001 from the polymeric sensor to the working solution depends on the hydrophobicity of both the sensor matrix and the media, while the time of exposure determines whether the reagent reacts with methanol, or with methanol and ethanol. Thus, th…

Estimation of diuretic drugs in biological fluids by HPLC

This critical review of different methods proposed for the determination and screening of diuretics is directed mainly, because of its potential application, towards highperformance liquid chromatography.

A solid colorimetric sensor for the analysis of amphetamine-like street samples.

A solid sensor obtained by embedding 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate (NQS) into polydimethylsiloxane/tetraethylortosilicate/silicon dioxide nanoparticles composite has been developed to identify and determine amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (MAMP), 3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA). The analytes are derivatized inside the composite for 10 min to create a colored product which can be then quantified by measuring the diffuse reflectance or the color intensity after processing the digitalized image. Satisfactory limits of detection (0.002–0.005 g mL−1) and relative standard deviations (<10%) have been achieved. The proposed kit has been successfu…

Determination of theophylline and paraxanthine in urine samples by liquid chromatography using the H-point standard additions method

Abstract The simultaneous determination of theophylline and paraxanthine in urine samples by the H-point standard additions method (HPSAM) is described. Samples are extracted with C 18 solid-phase extraction cartridges and chromatographed using a Hypersil C 18 -ODS column and a mobile phase consisting of acetonirile-phosphate buffer in the gradient elution mode. Under these conditions theophylline and paraxanthine are eluted with short retention times. Although their chromatographic peaks are overlapped and their spectra are very similar, the H-point standard additions method provides excellent results in the determination of both xanthines at therapeutic levels.

Automated trace enrichment for screening and/or determination of primary, secondary and tertiary amphetamines in biological samples by liquid chromatography.

A rapid and simple liquid chromatographic method for the automated determination of amphetamines in biological fluids was developed. The proposed procedure is based on the injection of 250 microL of sample into a 20 x 2.1 mm id precolumn (packed with a 30 microns Hypersil C18 stationary phase) for enrichment and purification of the analytes. Next, the analytes are transferred to a 5 microns LiChrospher 100 RP18, 125 x 4 mm id analytical column for their separation under reversed-phase conditions. Water was used to eliminate the matrix components from the precolumn and a 0.2 M phosphate buffer (pH 3) containing 2% triethylamine was the mobile phase for the resolution of the amphetamines. The…

Rapid analysis of effluents generated by the dairy industry for fat determination by preconcentration in nylon membranes and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy measurement

Abstract This paper describes a new approach for the determination of fat in the effluents generated by the dairy industry which is based on the retention of fat in nylon membranes and measurement of the absorbances on the membrane surface by ATR-IR spectroscopy. Different options have been evaluated for retaining fat in the membranes using milk samples of different origin and fat content. Based on the results obtained, a method is proposed for the determination of fat in effluents which involves the filtration of 1 mL of the samples through 0.45 µm nylon membranes of 13 mm diameter. The fat content is then determined by measuring the absorbance of band at 1745 cm −1 . The proposed method c…

Cotton swabs supported in-situ assay for quaternary ammonium compounds residues in effluents and surfaces

Abstract Cellulose paper and cotton swabs have been tested as sampling, reaction and measurement media for quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) using the reagent Chromo Azurol S in the presence of aluminum cations (CAS-Al). On the basis of the results obtained a new method is proposed for the analysis of QACs in water samples which only entails the successive immersion of swabs into 1 mL of the samples, 1 mL of a solution of CAS-Al for the formation of a ternary blue complex, and 1 mL of water to remove the excess of reagent. The method can be used for the visual on site detection of QACs in effluents, as well as for their quantification within the 3.62–36.2 mg/L range through the direct me…

Innovations in Extractive Phases for In-Tube Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled to Miniaturized Liquid Chromatography: A Critical Review

Over the past years, a great effort has been devoted to the development of new sorbents that can be used to pack or to coat extractive capillaries for in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME). Many of those efforts have been focused on the preparation of capillaries for miniaturized liquid chromatography (LC) due to the reduced availability of capillary columns with appropriate dimensions for this kind of system. Moreover, many of the extractive capillaries that have been used for IT-SPME so far are segments of open columns from the gas chromatography (GC) field, but the phase nature and dimensions are very limited. In particular, polar compounds barely interact with stationary GC phas…

An evaluation of solid phase microextraction for aliphatic amines using derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate and liquid chromatography

The reliability of SPME combined with a chemical reaction for the analysis of short-chain aliphatic amines by liquid chromatography has been investigated. Different options to couple SPME and derivatization have been tested and compared: (i) derivatization of the analytes in solution followed by the extraction of the derivatives, (ii) extraction of the analytes and subsequent derivatization by immersing the SPME fibre onto a solution of the reagent, and (iii) extraction/derivatization of the analytes using fibres previously coated with the reagent. Methylamine (MA), dimethylamine (DMA) and trimethylamine (TMA) have been selected as a model of primary, secondary and tertiary amines, respecti…

Capillary Liquid Chromatography for the Determination of Terpenes in Botanical Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements of botanical origin are increasingly consumed due to their content of plant constituents with potential benefits on health and wellness. Among those constituents, terpenes are gaining attention because of their diverse biological activities (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, geroprotective, and others). While most of the existing analytical methods have focused on establishing the terpenic fingerprint of some plants, typically by gas chromatography, methods capable of quantifying representative terpenes in herbal preparations and dietary supplements with combined high sensitivity and precision, simplicity, and high throughput are still necessary. In this study, we have e…

Selective and sentivive method based on capillary liquid chromatography with in-tube solid phase microextraction for determination of monochloramine in water

Abstract Due to the difficulties of working with chloramines, a critical examination of monochloramine standard preparation has been performed in order to select the best synthesis conditions. The analyte has been determined by in-tube solid phase extraction coupled to capillary liquid chromatography with UV detection (IT-SPME Capillary LC DAD). Potential factors affecting the response of monochloramine such as the pH of mobile phase and the volume of sample processed by IT-SPME Capillary LC DAD have been investigated and optimized. According to the results of the study, 0.1 mL or 4.0 mL of sample at neutral pH were loaded in the chromatographic system. A sensitive and selective method has …

Improving analysis of apolar organic compounds by the use of a capillary titania-based column: Application to the direct determination of faecal sterols cholesterol and coprostanol in wastewater samples.

This article reports a new procedure for the direct determination of faecal sterols coprostanol and cholesterol in wastewater samples as tracers of human sewage contamination. The method combines in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) for analyte enrichment and capillary liquid chromatography (LC) for separation with diode array detection for identification and quantification. A titania-based polymeric capillary column and a conventional octadecyl silica (ODS) capillary column were evaluated and compared for their ability to separate the analytes. The titania-based column allowed the separation of the analytes in much shorter chromatographic times and with better chromatographic prof…

Automated high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of amphetamine in biological fluids using column-switching and on-column derivatization

A rapid and simple liquid-chromatographic method has been developed for on-line quantification of amphetamine in biological fluids. Untreated samples (20 μL) are injected directly into the chromatographic system and purified on a 20 mm×2.1 mm i.d. pre-column packed with 30 μm Hypersil C18 stationary phase. After clean-up the analyte is transferred to the analytical column (125 mm×4 mm i.d., 5 μm LiChrospher 100 RP18) for derivatization and separation using a mixture of acetonitrile and the derivatization reagent (o-phthaldialdehyde andN-acetyl-L-cysteine) as the mobile phase. The experimental conditions for on-line derivatization and resolution of the amphetamine have been optimized, and th…

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of spironolactone and its major metabolite canrenone in urine using ultraviolet detection and column-switching.

A rapid and simple column liquid chromatographic method involving a column-switching system for the determination of spironolactone and its main metabolite canrenone in urine is described. Purification and concentration was performed using an Hypersil ODS-C18, 30 microns (20 x 2.1 mm I.D.) pre-column. The most polar urinary compounds were removed by washing the pre-column with water, and the analytes were subsequently switched to a LiChrospher RP C18, 5 microns (125 x 4 mm I.D.) analytical column and separated by means of an acetonitrile-water mobile-phase. Under the proposed conditions, the extraction efficiency was approximately 100% over the 0.5-10.0 micrograms/ml concentration range. Th…

Quantitative Analysis of Terpenic Compounds in Microsamples of Resins by Capillary Liquid Chromatography

A method has been developed for the separation and quantification of terpenic compounds typically used as markers in the chemical characterization of resins based on capillary liquid chromatography coupled to UV detection. The sample treatment, separation and detection conditions have been optimized in order to analyze compounds of different polarities and volatilities in a single chromatographic run. The monoterpene limonene and the triterpenes lupeol, lupenone, &beta

Analysis of Contact Traces of Cannabis by In-Tube Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled to Nanoliquid Chromatography

Because of its inherent qualities, in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled on-line to nanoliquid chromatography (nanoLC) can be a very powerful tool to address the new challenges of analytical laboratories such as the analysis of traces of complex samples. This is the case of the detection of contact traces of drugs, especially cannabis. The main difficulties encountered in the analysis of traces of cannabis plants on surfaces are the low amount of sample available (typically &lt

Trends in Online Intube Solid Phase Microextraction

Cleaning sorbents used in matrix solid-phase dispersion with sonication: Application to the estimation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at ng/g levels in marine sediments

This study shows that ultrasonic assisted extraction is a good practise for removing impurities from sorbents used for matrix-solid phase dispersion (MSPD). A previous washing of the sorbent with an organic solvent or mixture of solvents eliminates part of the interferences, but this treatment is not enough for the quantification of PAHs at ng/g levels. It is demonstrated that the determination of traces of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in solid samples processed by matrix-solid phase dispersion (MSPD) may be severely affected by the presence of sorbent impurities. Different extraction solvents and sonication conditions have been tested, and on the basis of the results obtained a …

On-line trace enrichment for the determination of ethacrynic acid in urine by liquid chromatography and column-switching

Abstract A chromatographic method based on liquid chromatography (LC) using column-switching for the determination of ethacrynic acid in urine samples, is described. The proposed system uses a Hypersil ODS-C18, 30 μm (20 mm × 2.1 mm i.d.) pre-column for the pre-concentration and separation of ethacrynic acid from the biological matrix. Polar urinary compounds are removed by flushing the pre-column with purified water, and the enriched analyte is then switched in back-flush mode onto an HP-LiChrospher RP C18, 5 μm (125 × 4 mm i.d.) analytical column, where it is chromatographed using an acetonitrile-acetate buffer gradient elution. The UV detector was set at 275 nm. The recovery of drug was …

Improving the On-Line Extraction of Polar Compounds by IT-SPME with Silica Nanoparticles Modified Phases

In the present work the extraction efficiency of in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) for polar herbicides has been evaluated using extractive capillaries coated with different polymeric sorbents. For this purpose, aqueous solutions of herbicides with a wide range of polarities, including some highly polar compounds (log Kow &lt; 1), have been directly processed by IT-SPME coupled on-line to capillary liquid chromatography with UV-diode array detection. For extraction, commercially available capillary columns coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyetilenglicol (PEG)-based phases have been used, and the results have been compared with those obtained with a synthesized tetra…

H-Point Curve Isolation Method for Coupled Liquid Chromatography and UV−Visible Spectrophotometry

The H-point curve isolation method (HPCIM) for the detection of unknown interferences in chromatography is proposed. The method allows one to estimate the UV-vis spectra of interfering species in a sample as well as to test the purity of the chromatographic peaks. Besides the detection of the unknown interferences in a sample, this method allows one to calculate the concentration of an analyte in the presence of unknown compounds. To illustrate the reliability of the proposed method, samples of diuretics and amphetamines have been analyzed by normal- and reversed-phase high-performance chromatography.

On-fibre solid-phase microextraction coupled to conventional liquid chromatography versus in-tube solid-phase microextraction coupled to capillary liquid chromatography for the screening analysis of triazines in water samples.

This paper compares the advantages and disadvantages of two different configurations for the extraction of triazines from water samples: (1) on-fibre solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to conventional liquid chromatography (LC); and (2) in-tube SPME coupled to capillary LC. In-tube SPME has been effected either with a packed column or with an open capillary column. A critical evaluation of the main parameters affecting the performance of each method has been carried out in order to select the most suitable approach according to the requirements of the analysis. In the on-fibre SPME configuration the fibre coating was polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-divinylbenzene (DVB). The limits of de…

Liquid chromatographic determination of aliphatic amines in water using solid support assisted derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate

A simple and sensitive method has been developed for the liquid chromatographic determination of short-chain aliphatic amines in water. Analytes are retained in solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, and then derivatized by drawing an aliquot of the fluorogeneic reagent 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC) through the cartridges. After a certain reaction time the derivatives formed are desorbed with acetonitrile. The collected extracts are then chromatographed on a LiChrospher 100 RP18 125 mm×4 mm i.d., 5 μm, column using an acetonitrile-water gradient. The influence of experimental conditions (SPE material, volume of sample, concentration of FMOC, time of reaction and pH) has been inve…

Development of a polydimethylsiloxane–thymol/nitroprusside composite based sensor involving thymol derivatization for ammonium monitoring in water samples

This report describes a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-thymol/nitroprusside delivery composite sensor for direct monitoring of ammonium in environmental water samples. The sensor is based on a PDMS support that contains the Berthelot's reaction reagents. To prepare the PDMS-thymol/nitroprusside composite discs, thymol and nitroprusside have been encapsulated in the PDMS matrix, forming a reagent release support which significantly simplifies the analytical measurements, since it avoids the need to prepare derivatizing reagents and sample handling is reduced to the sampling step. When, the PDMS-thymol/nitroprusside composite was introduced in water samples spontaneous release of the chromophore…

Development of the H-point standard additions method for coupled liquid chromatography and UV-visible spectrophotometry

Abstract This work establishes the fundamentals of the H-point standard additions method for liquid chromatography for the simultaneous analysis of binary mixtures with overlapped chromatographic peaks. The method was compared with the deconvolution method of peak suppression and the second derivative of elution profiles. Different mixtures of diuretics were satisfactorily resolved.

Sensitive determination of ethacrynic acid in urine samples by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection using solid-phase extraction techniques for sample clean-up

Abstract A rapid method is described for the identification and determination of ethacrynic acid in human urine samples by liquid chromatography with UV detection, the retention time of the analyte being 4.9 min. The samples were previously conditioned using C 18 solid-phase extraction columns and chromatographed on an HP-LiChrospher RP C 18 column (5 μm; 125 mm × 4 mm i.d.) with gradient elution with acetonitrile-acetate buffer (pH 4). The detector was set at 275 nm and furosemide was used as an internal standard. The procedure was applied to the determination of ethacrynic acid at concentrations of 0.01-10 μg ml -1 and the limit of detection was 6 ng ml -1 .

Derivatization of tertiary amphetamines with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate for liquid chromatography: determination of N-methylephedrine.

The fluorogenic reagent 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC) was evaluated for the derivatization of tertiary amphetamines prior to liquid chromatographic analysis. Conditions for the derivatization were investigated, including the reaction time, the derivatization reagent concentration and the pH, using N-methylephedrine as a model compound. On the basis of these studies, a method for the quantification of N-methylephedrine is presented. The method involves derivatization with FMOC at ambient temperature and separation of the derivatives formed on a LiChrospher C18, 5 μm, 125 × 4 mm id column using acetonitrile–water gradient elution. The proposed procedure shows good linearity, accuracy…

Advantages of monolithic over particulate columns for multiresidue analysis of organic pollutants by in-tube solid-phase microextraction coupled to capillary liquid chromatography

Abstract The performance of a monolithic C 18 column (150 mm × 0.2 mm i.d.) for multiresidue organic pollutants analysis by in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME)-capillary liquid chromatography has been studied, and the results have been compared with those obtained using a particulate C 18 column (150 mm × 0.5 mm i.d., 5 μm). Chromatographic separation has been carried out under isocratic elution conditions, and for detection and identification of the analytes a UV-diode array detector has been employed. Several compounds of different chemical structure and hydrophobicity have been used as model compounds: simazine, atrazine and terbutylazine (triazines), chlorfenvinphos and chlorp…

Derivatization techniques for automated chromatographic analysis of amphetamine usingo-phthaldialdehyde: A comparative study

The potential of different chromatographic systems for automated, on-line analysis of amphetamine in biological fluids is illustrated. The various systems integrate analyte purification and enrichment, separation, derivatization in different derivatization modes witho-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and fluorimetric detection. The reliability of the systems has been tested by analysing urine and plasma samples containing amphetamine in the 0.1–20.0 μg mL−1 range. Pre, on and post-column derivatization strategies are compared in terms of their instrumental requirements, selectivity, sensitivity, linearity and reproducibility.

Minimizing the impact of sample preparation on analytical results: In-tube solid-phase microextraction coupled on-line to nano-liquid chromatography for the monitoring of tribenuron methyl in environmental waters

The degradation kinetics and residual levels of the sulfonylurea herbicide tribenuron-methyl (TBM) in different environmental waters were studied using in tube-solid phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled on-line to nano-liquid chromatography (nanoLC) and UV diode array detection (DAD). This approach combines the high extraction efficiency of IT-SPME using polymeric coatings reinforced with metal oxide nanoparticles and the high sensitivity attainable by nanoLC, making possible the determination of TBM at low ppb levels (limit of detection, 0.25 ppb) without altering the sample matrix. The present study demonstrated that the preservation of the sample properties is essential to ensure accu…

Generalised H-point standard addition method for the isolation of the analyte signal from the sample signal when coelution of unknown compounds occurs in liquid chromatography.

The generalised H-point standard addition method (GHPSAM) is proposed for isolating the analytical signal of an analyte from the signal of an unknown sample. Samples containing two and three coeluting compounds have been analysed. The accuracy of the predictions depends on the shape of the analyte and interferent spectra but not on the degree of chromatographic overlap. This methodology involves the location of linear intervals for the unknown interference spectrum from the spectrum of the sample. Once the linear interval has been found the selection of three wavelengths within the interval will allow the cancellation of the signal of the unknown interferent. The method has been applied to …

Establishing the occurrence and profile of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine sediments: The eastern Mediterranean coast of Spain as a case study.

Sampling, cost-effective analysis, diagnosis of sources of pollution and assessment of potential toxicological effects were included in the case study. Marine sediments collected from 24 points along the eastern Mediterranean coast of Spain (Comunitat Valenciana region) in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015 have been analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene were the most found. An analysis of the relative abundance of selected PAHs revealed that petrogenic and mixed petrogenic/pyrogenic sources are predominant in the area. The total concentrations of the target compounds ranged from 14.7 to 615.3 ng/g dry weight. The effec…

A Colorimetric Membrane-Based Sensor with Improved Selectivity towards Amphetamine

Due to their simplicity, speed and low cost, chemical spot tests are increasingly demanded for the presumptive identification of illicit drugs in a variety of contexts such as point-of-care assistance or prosecution of drug trafficking. However, most of the colorimetric reactions used in these tests are, at best, drug class selective. Therefore, the development of tests based on chemical reactions with improved discrimination power is of great interest. In this work, we propose a new colorimetric assay for amphetamine (AMP) based on its reaction with solutions of alkaline gold bromide to form an insoluble yellow–orange derivative. The resulting suspensions are then filtered onto nylon membr…

Sensitive determination of methylenedioxylated amphetamines by liquid chromatography.

Different strategies for the liquid chromatographic determination of methylenedioxylated amphetamines were evaluated: separation and detection of underivatized analytes by (i) UV or (ii) fluorescence, (iii) derivatization with 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride followed by separation and UV detection of the derivatives formed and (iv) derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC) and subsequent separation and fluorimetric detection of the derivatives. The compounds tested were 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE). On the basis of these studies, a new procedure for the chromatographic determination of…

Liquid Chromatographic Analysis of Amphetamine and Related Compounds in Urine Using Solid-Phase Extraction and 3,5-Dinitrobenzoyl Chloride for Derivatization

A chromatographic method for the analysis of amphetamine and related compounds in urine using 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride (3,5-DNB) as a labeling reagent is presented. This assay is based on the employment of solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges for sample cleanup and derivatization. Experimental conditions are optimized for the simultaneous derivatization of ephedrine, norephedrine, pseudoephedrine, beta-phenylethylamine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and 3-phenylpropylamine. The derivatives formed are separated in a LiChrospher 1000 RP18 (125 x 4-mm i.d., 5-microns film thickness) analytical column using a water-acetonitrile gradient elution and detected at 254 nm. Derivatization in C1…

Separation of the enantiomers of primary and secondary amphetamines by liquid chromatography after derivatization with (−)-1-(9-fluorenyl)ethyl chloroformate

The chiral reagent (−)-1-(9-fluorenyl)ethyl chloroformate (FLEC) has been evaluated for the enantioselective analysis of amphetamines by liquid chromatography. For separation of the FLEC diastereomers conventional reversed-phase conditions were used. The conditions affording the best enantiomeric resolution and sensitivity were determined for amphetamine, methamphetamine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE). All the amphetamines assayed could be separated with resolution factors ranging from 0.91 to 1.92. Although FLEC is typically used as a fluorogenic reagent, it was shown t…

Exploring hand-portable nano-liquid chromatography for in place water analysis: Determination of trimethylxanthines as a use case.

Abstract Analytical performance and optimization of figures of merit of a portable nano liquid chromatograph (NanoLC) with UV detection at 255 nm have been established for in place analysis. Methylxanthines: caffeine, theophylline and theobromine were selected as target analytes. A fast lab method based on IT-SPME coupled on line with capillary liquid chromatograph (CapLC) with diode array detection (DAD) was employed for comparative studies. IT-SPME and solid phase extraction were coupled off-line to NanoLC for improving instrumental parameters, mainly detection capacity and selectivity. IT-SPME or SPE/portable NanoLC based methods were superior in terms of chromatographic resolution and o…

A method for the determination of dimethylamine in air by collection on solid support sorbent with subsequent derivatization and spectrophotometric analysis.

A new method for dimethylamine determination in air is reported. The proposed assay is based on the employment of C18-packed solid phase extraction cartridges for sampling. The retained amine is then derivatized inside the cartridges with the reagent 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate. By observing the coloured area of the cartridge, a semiquantitative estimation of the amine can be made. It was also possible to distinguish between primary and secondary amines by visual inspection. Quantitative tests entailed desorption from the cartridges of the derivatives formed, and measurement of the absorbance of the collected extracts. The selected conditions were applied to quantify dimethylamine up to …

A passive solid sensor for in-situ colorimetric estimation of the presence of ketamine in illicit drug samples

Abstract A colorimetric sensor has been developed for the presumptive detection of ketamine in illicit drug samples. The sensor has been prepared by immobilized the reagent Co(SCN) 2 into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). When exposed to solutions of ketamine at a basic pH, the sensor color changes from brown to blue-purple due to the diffusion of the analyte molecules to the polymeric matrix and subsequent interaction with the reagent particles. The sensor enables the visual identification of amounts of drug as low as 30 μg in a few minutes. Quantification of ketamine is also possible through the measurement of the absorbance in diffuse reflectance mode. Under the proposed conditions, linear re…

A cost-effective method for estimating di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in coastal sediments.

This study describes the development of a new method for the analysis of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) using 0.1-0.3 g of sediment sample, based on matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) using C18 as dispersant phase (0.4 g) and acetonitrile-water as eluting solvent (3.4 mL 1:3.25, v/v). No evaporation step is required. 3 mL of extracts were processed on-line by in-tube solid phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled to capillary liquid chromatography (CapLC) and diode array detector (DAD). A short analytical column Zorbax SB C18 (35×0.5 mm, 5 μm) provided suitable results. FTIR-ATR was employed for characterizing sediment samples and MSPD procedure. The total analysis time was less than 20 …

Microextraction with phases containing nanoparticles.

In this article, the state of the art of microextraction techniques that involve nanoparticles or nanomaterials (NPs) is reviewed, with special emphasis on the applications described in the biomedical field. The uses and advantages of the different types of NPs such as carbon nanotubes (either single- and multi-walled) and other carbon-based materials, metallic NPs, including gold, silver and magnetic NPs, and silica NPs are summarized. The main strategies used to modify the selectivity, extractive capacity and/or the stability of NPs through a chemical reaction are also reviewed. The potential advantages of NPs in different forms of off-line and on-line microextraction are discussed, and …

Chromatographic separation of chlorthalidone enantiomers using β-cyclodextrins as chiral additives

Different beta-cyclodextrins have been tested as chiral additives in the mobile phase for the chromatographic analysis of chlorthalidone enantiomers in a C18 LiChrospher (125 x 4 mm I.D.) column. The effect on enantioresolution of different parameters was studied: composition of the mobile phase (percentage of organic solvent, type of buffer and pH), mobile phase flow-rate, and type and concentration of beta-cyclodextrin. A 25:75 mixture of methanol and 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 4, containing 2% triethylamine (v/v), and 12.5 mM beta-cyclodextrin, at a flow-rate of 0.8 ml/min, was found to be the best option for the resolution of chlorthalidone enantiomers. Under such conditions, linear cal…

Determination of aliphatic amines in water by liquid chromatography using solid-phase extraction cartridges for preconcentration and derivatization

Bond Elut C18 solid-phase extraction cartridges were used for preconcentration and pre-column derivatization with 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride (DNB) of aliphatic amines in water. Conditions for analyte preconcentration and derivatization (including the volume of sample, concentration of reagent, time of reaction and pH) were investigated, using ethylamine, isopropylamine and dimethylamine as model compounds. On the basis of these studies, a rapid and sensitive method for the determination of aliphatic amines in water is presented. The analytes are retained and purified on the cartridges and then derivatized and desorbed by drawing in succession the DNB solution and acetonitrile. The collecte…

A microanalytical method for ammonium and short-chain primary aliphatic amines using precolumn derivatization and capillary liquid chromatography.

Abstract A new microscale method is presented for the determination of ammonium and primary short-chain aliphatic amines (methylamine, ethylamine, propylamine, n -butylamine and n -pentylamine) in water. The assay uses precolumn derivatization with the reagent o -phthaldialdehyde (OPA) in combination with the thiol N -acetyl- l -cysteine (NAC), and capillary liquid chromatography with UV detection at 330 nm. The described method is very simple and rapid as no preconcentration of the analytes is necessary, and the volume of sample required is only 0.1 mL. Under the proposed conditions good linearity has been obtained up to a concentration of the analytes of 10.0 mg L −1 , the limits of detec…

More about sampling and estimation of mercaptans in air samples

[EN] Several strategies have been developed for sampling and determination of volatile thiols. The selectivity and sensitivity of the proposed methodologies are achieved by using a specific derivatizing reagent. The different procedures assayed are based on air sampling followed by derivatization of the analytes with OPA and isoleucine in alkaline solution. The derivatization products are separated and determined by liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. To start, the derivatization conditions and stability of the derivates have been studied in order to establish the storage conditions. In general, the strategies studied consisted on trapping and detivatization the thiol compound…

Designing solid optical sensors for in situ passive discrimination of volatile amines based on a new one-step hydrophilic PDMS preparation

Abstract We reported an optimal material for embedding chemoresponsive dyes based on modified commercial PDMS. A new approach to impart hydrophilicity to H-PDMS in an unique step was developed by addition of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and in absence of basic or acid aqueous mixtures or hydroxyl-compounds during the PDMS coating process. This incorporation significantly enhances the performance of PDMS-based devices for sensing applications. New colorimetric sensors for passive detection and in situ discrimination of volatile amines have been obtained. The limit of detection achieved was 1.5 mg m −3 for both, dimethylamine and methylamine, suitable to control real working atmospheres. T…

CHROMATOGRAPHY: LIQUID | Multidimensional Chromatography

A new tool for direct non-invasive evaluation of chlorophyll a content from diffuse reflectance measurements

Abstract Chlorophyll is a key biochemical component that is responsible for photosynthesis and is an indicator of plant health. The effect of stressors can be determined by measuring the amount of chlorophyll a , which is the most abundant chlorophyll, in vegetation in general. Nowadays, invasive methods and vegetation indices are used for establishing chlorophyll amount or an approximation to this value, respectively. This paper demonstrates that H-point curve isolation method (HPCIM) is useful for isolating the signal of chlorophyll a from non-invasive diffuse reflectance measurements of leaves. Spinach plants have been chosen as an example. For applying the HPCIM only the registers of bo…

A miniaturized method for estimating di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in bivalves as bioindicators.

This work has developed a miniaturized method based on matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD), using C18 as dispersant and acetonitrile-water as eluting solvent, for the analysis of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in biota samples by capillary liquid chromatography coupled to in-tube solid phase microextraction and diode array detection. Recovery studies showed that the combination of C18-Florisil® was optimal using low amount of samples (0.1 g) and with low volumes of acetonitrile-water (2.6 mL 1:3.25, v/v). The sample is processed in less than 30 min, no evaporation step is required. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of DEHP in mussels and of the coastal waters in which they…

Application of solid-phase microextraction combined with derivatization to the determination of amphetamines by liquid chromatography

This work evaluates the utility of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) in the analysis of amphetamines by liquid chromatography (LC) after chemical derivatization of the analytes. Two approaches have been tested and compared, SPME followed by on-fiber derivatization of the extracted amphetamines, and solution derivatization followed by SPME of the derivatives formed. Both methods have been applied to measure amphetamine (AP), methamphetamine (MA), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), using the fluorogenic reagent 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC) and carbowax-templated resin (CW-TR)-coated fibers. Data on the application of the proposed methods for the analysis of different kin…

In-tube solid-phase microextraction coupled by in valve mode to capillary LC-DAD: Improving detectability to multiresidue organic pollutants analysis in several whole waters

Abstract A simple and fast capillary chromatographic method has been developed to identify and quantify organic pollutants at sub-ppb levels in real water samples. The major groups of pesticides (organic halogens, organic phosphorous, and organic nitrogen compounds), some hydrocarbons (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), phthalates and some phenols such as phenol and bisphenol A (endocrine disruptors) were included in this study. The procedure was based on coupling, in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) by using a conventional GC capillary column (95% methyl–5% phenyl substituted backbone, 80 cm × 0.32 mm i.d., 3 μm film thickness) in the injection valve to capillary liquid chromatog…

Improved Solid Phase Extraction Procedure for Assay of Cephalosporins in Human Urine Samples

Abstract Solid phase extraction technique has been evaluated for the treatment of urine samples in the analysis of cephalosporins before injection into an HP-Hypersil ODS-C18 column. Cephalexin, cefotaxime, cefazolin, cefuroxime, and cefoxitin were tested with seven different reversed-phase extraction column cartridges and the obtained urine extracts were not clean. However, 3M Empore extraction disk cartridges packed with octadecyl (C18) bonded silica provided clean extracts with a single extraction. The recoveries of the five cephalosporins ranged from 56 to 60 % in the 1.25–500 g/mL concentration range. The assay was accurate, precise, and adequate for testing the drug content in urine s…

Study of the influence of temperature and precipitations on the levels of BTEX in natural waters.

Assessment of seasonal changes in surface water quality is an important aspect for evaluating temporal variation of water due to natural or anthropogenic inputs of point and non-point sources. The objective of this paper was to investigate the influence of seasonal temperature fluctuations and precipitations on the levels of BTEX in natural waters. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the seasonal correlations of BTEX levels in water and to extract the parameters that are most important in assessing seasonal variations of water quality. This study was carried out as a part of VOCs monitoring program in natural water samples from Mediterranean coast. To carry out this proj…

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF C18- AND STYRENE-DIVINYLBENZENE-BASED SORBENTS FOR THE ENRICHMENT OF PHENOLS FROM WATER

The potential of solid-phase extraction with C18- and styrene divinylbenzene-based sorbents for the preconcentration of phenols from water samples has been evaluated for a variety of phenols of different polarities: phenol, o-, m- and p-cresol, 2-chlorophenol, and 4-chloro-3-methylphenol. The extraction efficiencies have been calculated for different volumes of samples containing the analytes at different concentration levels. The UV limits of detection were of 1–5 ng/mL, for the method using Bond Elut C18 cartridges and sample volumes of 25 mL, and 0.05–0.1 ng/mL (except for 4-chloro-3-methylphenol) for the method using the polymeric sorbent Bond Elut PPL and 1000 mL of the samples. Possib…

Simple and sensitive reversed-phase liquid chromatographic assay for analysis of chlorthalidone in urine

Abstract This study describes a rapid method for the determination of chlorthalidone in human urine by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and UV detection at 230 nm, after clean-up over a C8 solid-phase extraction column. Liquid chromatography was carried out on a C18-bonded phase using acetonitrile-phosphate buffer (pH=3) gradient elution. Triamterene was used as internal standard. The system has been applied to the determination of chlorthalidone in the 0.10–10.0 μg/mL concentration interval; the limit of detection was 6 ng/mL.

Analysis of Diuretics in Urine by Column-Switching Chromatography and Fluorescence Detection

The potential of column-switching chromatography and fluorescence detection for the analysis of diuretics in urine is evaluated. Sample cleanup and chromatographic parameters have been optimized to achieve maximum sensitivity for the detection and quantification of some relevant diuretics. On the basis of these studies, an on-line procedure for the simultaneous determination of amiloride, furosemide, bumetanide and triamterene is presented. The linearity, precision, accuracy and sensitivity of the method are discussed. The utility of the described approach has been tested by analysing urine samples obtained after administration of bumetanide.

On-Line Derivatization into Precolumns for the Determination of Drugs by Liquid Chromatography and Column Switching:  Determination of Amphetamines in Urine

A chromatographic system for the on-line derivatization of drugs using column switching is described. The system uses a 20 mm × 2.1 mm i.d. precolumn packed with a unmodified ODS stationary phase. This column is used for sample cleanup and enrichment of the analytes. Next, the trapped analytes are derivatized by injection of the derivatization reagent into the precolumn. Finally, the derivatives are transferred to the analytical column for their separation under reversed-phase conditions. The influence of several parameters such as the reaction time, the amount of derivatization reagent, or the system design has been studied using some amphetamines as model compounds and three derivatizatio…

Application of solid-phase microextraction combined with derivatization to the enantiomeric determination of amphetamines.

Abstract The utility of combining chiral derivatization and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for the enantiomeric analysis of primary amphetamines by liquid chromatography has been investigated. Different derivatization/extraction strategies have been evaluated and compared using the chiral reagent o -phthaldialdehyde (OPA)– N -acetyl- l -cysteine (NAC) and fibres with a Carbowax-templated resin coating. Amphetamine, norephedrine and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) were used as model compounds. On the basis of the results obtained, a new method is presented based on the derivatization of the analytes in solution followed by SPME of the OPA–NAC derivatives formed. The proposed conditio…

Scopolamine analysis in beverages: Bicolorimetric device vs portable nano liquid chromatography

Abstract Scopolamine (SCP) is often involved in sexual assaults and robberies, particularly in recreational environments. Therefore, analytical tools are required for the analysis of this compound amenable for the field. In this work, a sensor for SCP is described based on the entrapment of KMnO4 into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The possibility of using KMnO4 in combination with the reagent 1,2-naphtoquinone-4-sulfonate (NQS) giving a double sensor acting as a bicolorimetric device is also demonstrated. In contact with the sample, the PDMS composite delivers MnO4−, which reacts rapidly with SCP under basic conditions causing a change of the color of the solution that can be related to the …

Determination of amphetamines in hair by integrating sample disruption, clean-up and solid phase derivatization

The utility of matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) for the direct analysis of amphetamines in hair samples has been evaluated, using liquid chromatography (LC) with fluorescence detection and precolumn derivatization. The proposed approach is based on the employment of MSPD for matrix disruption and clean-up, followed by the derivatization of the analytes onto the dispersant-sample blend. The fluorogenic reagent 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC) has been used for derivatization. Different conditions for MSPD, analyte purification and solid phase derivatization have been tested, using amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (MET), ephedrine (EPE) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)…

Column-switching techniques for screening of diuretics and probenecid in urine samples

A method based on high-performance liquid chromatography using column-switching is described for the screening of diuretics and probenecid in urine samples. The system uses a 20- x 2.1-mm i.d. precolumn, packed with a Hypersil ODS-C18, 30-microns stationary phase, for the on-line sample cleanup and enrichment. Untreated urine samples are directly injected, and the precolumn is flushed for 1 min with water to eliminate polar matrix components. The retained analytes are then back-flushed by means of a six-port switching valve onto a Hypersil ODS-C18 analytical column (5 microns, 250- x 4-mm i.d.), where they are separated using an acetonitrile/phosphate buffer (pH = 3) gradient elution. Under…

Determination of acetazolamide in human urine samples by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography in the presence of xanthines.

A simple, rapid and selective high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for the determination of acetazolamide in urine samples is described. After extraction with ethyl acetate, the drug is chromatographed on an HP-Hypersil ODS-C18 column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-phosphate buffer (pH 3) and ultraviolet detection at 275 nm. The efficiency of the extraction, the linearity and the reproducibility of the method permit the evaluation of acetazolamide urinary excretion a long time after its administration.

Comparative study of the determination of trimethylamine in water and air by combining liquid chromatography and solid-phase microextraction with on-fiber derivatization.

This work describes a new approach for the determination of trimethylamine (TMA) in water and air by liquid chromatography (LC). The assay is based on the employment of a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber for sampling and for derivatization of the analyte with the fluorogenic reagent 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC). The fiber, with a Carbowax-templated resin -50mum coating, was first immersed into a solution of the reagent. Once loaded with the reagent, the fiber was immersed into the water samples or exposed to the air samples in order to extract and to derivatize the analyte. Finally, the fiber was placed into a HPLC-SPME interface to desorb and transfer the TMA-FMOC derivat…

On-line in-tube solid phase microextraction-capillary liquid chromatography method for monitoring degradation products of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in waters

Abstract The main di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) degradation products, (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), have been tested. The proposed cost-effective method combines on-line, in-tube solid-phase micro extraction (IT-SPME) in in-valve configuration and capillary liquid chromatography with UV diode array detection (Cap-LC-DAD). Acidification of the samples at pH 3 improved markedly the estimation of MEHP. Aliquots of 4 mL of acidified water samples were directly processed. After sample loading, the analytes were desorbed with the mobile-phase and transferred to the monolithic capillary column. Satisfactory linearity and precision, absen…

Solid-Phase Extraction and Clean-Up Procedures in Pharmaceutical Analysis

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) using small cartridges filled with sorbents of a small particle size has rapidly established itself as an important sample clean-up technique. It has prospered at the expense of liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), which is considered labor intensive and frequently plagued by problems, such as emulsion formation and use of large volumes of hazardous solvents. A remarkable characteristic of SPE is its easy adaptation to on-line mode by column-switching techniques; switching can be effected manually or by automated controllers. The same analyte/sorbent interactions that are exploited in liquid chromatography (LC) are of use in SPE, but particle sizes employed are great…

Recent advances of in-tube solid-phase microextraction

Abstract In-tube solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is ideally suited to developing green extraction by combining miniaturization, automation and reduction of solvent consumption. SPME has been used for the analysis of environmental, biological, and food samples, and numerous works have shown the benefits of using SPME. However, for full development of in-tube SPME, effort is still needed to overcome limitations, such as low extraction efficiency, selectivity and mechanical stability. To achieve these objectives, research on in-tube SPME is mainly focused in two scenarios: (1) the coupling of in-tube SPME with new chromatographic modalities, such as miniaturized liquid chromatography; and, …

Derivatization of amines in solid-phase extraction supports with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate for liquid chromatography

Abstract A new method based on reaction in solid-phase extraction cartridges with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate is described for improved derivatization of amines prior to liquid chromatography. The effects of the reaction conditions, the kinetics of the reaction and the kind of packing material on the derivatization have been evaluated. The reliability of the described approach has been tested by derivatizing propylamine, diethylamine, diethanolamine, glycine, glutamic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid and β-phenylethylamine. Reaction yields compared with those of the analogous solution derivatizations were in the 44–169% range, and satisfactory linearity was achieved at concentrations of the am…

Influence of the presence of surfactants and humic acid in waters on the indophenol-type reaction method for ammonium determination.

Abstract This work has evaluated the influence of humic acid and/or surfactants in the quantification of ammonium in waters with the indophenol-type reaction method. Thymol has been employed with the colorimetric method for sample ammonium concentrations between 0.25 and 1 mg L −1 . In addition, SPE/diffuse reflectance method has been used for quantification of ammonium at low concentrations (between 0.025 and 0.25 mg L −1 ). Matrix effect owing to humic substances were observed with the colorimetric method when the concentration was equal or higher than 25 mg L −1 . Lower concentrations of humic compounds produced matrix effects with the more sensitive SPE/diffuse reflectance method. Gener…

Strategies for the enantiomeric determination of amphetamine and related compounds by liquid chromatography.

This paper summarizes recent research on the stereospecific analysis of amphetamine, its analogs and metabolites, by liquid chromatography. The different methods proposed have been evaluated and compared in terms of resolution power, time of analysis, sensitivity, or potential for automation. Chiral derivatization, followed by separation of the diastereomers formed in achiral chromatographic systems, is still the method preferred for the analysis of amphetamines at trace levels, as derivatization also improves analyte detectability. This is the method of choice for the enantiomeric analysis of amphetamines at the low concentrations typically encountered in biological samples. In recent year…

In-tube solid-phase microextraction-capillary liquid chromatography as a solution for the screening analysis of organophosphorus pesticides in untreated environmental water samples.

This paper describes a method for the selective screening of organophosphorus pesticides in water. In-tube solid-phase microextraction (SPME) in an open capillary column coupled to capillary liquid chromatography (LC) with UV detection has been used to effect preconcentration, separation and detection of the analytes in the same assembly. For in-tube SPME two capillary columns of the same length and different internal diameters and coating thicknesses have been tested and compared, a 30 cm x 0.25 mm I.D., 0.25 micro m thickness coating column, and a 30 cm x 0.1 mm I.D., 0.1 micro m of coating thickness column. In both columns the coating was 95% dimethylpolysiloxane (PDMS)-5% diphenylpolysi…

Column-switching techniques for high-performance liquid chromatography of drugs in biological samples.

In recent years, an increasing number of publications have demonstrated the potential of column-switching techniques for the chromatographic separation, determination and preparative isolation of analytes from biological matrices. Column-switching systems greatly facilitate drug analysis, by on-line sample clean-up and trace enrichment, or by improving the analytical separative process. In this paper, the main applications of column-switching techniques to drug analysis in biological samples, are reviewed.

Enantiomeric separation of amphetamine and related compounds by liquid chromatography using precolumn derivatization witho-phthaldialdehyde

The utility of the derivatization reagento-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) in combination with the chiral thiol N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) for the enantioselective analysis of primary amphetamines and structurally related substances has been investigated. The diastereomers obtained have been chromatographed on an achiral, reversed phase C18 column (125 mm×4 mm i.d., 5 μm), and detected fluorimetrically. The influence of parameters affecting the chromatographic separation as well as the derivatization reaction has been optimized, using amphetamine, norephedrine, norepinephrine and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) as model compounds. On the basis of the results obtained, possible conditions for the …

Chiral separation of ephedrines by liquid chromatography using β-cyclodextrins

β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs) have been evaluated as chiral recognition agents for the enantioseparation of ephedrines by liquid chromatography (LC). The compounds tested were norephedrine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, N-methylephedrine and N-methylpseuoephedrine. Two possibilities have been investigated, the employment of a chiral stationary phase consisting of immobilized β-cyclodextrin, and the addition of the chiral selector to the mobile phase. In the latter approach the following chiral agents have been assayed, native β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), methyl-β-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD), carboxyethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CE-β-CD), carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CM-β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD)…

Improved detection limit for ammonium/ammonia achieved by Berthelot's reaction by use of solid-phase extraction coupled to diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

Abstract The proposed procedure is based on the extraction of the indothylmol blue into C 18 solid-phase extraction (SPE) membranes and direct quantification on the membrane surface by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The analytical performance of the proposed method has been evaluated for standard solutions of ammonium using reflectance values, R , as well as the Kubelka–Munk function, F ( R ). The results have been compared with those obtained by the conventional method, which uses UV–vis absorption spectroscopy with a sensor-based method. The described methodology provided satisfactory linearity and reproducibility within the ammonium concentration intervals 25–250 μg L −1 and 25–500 μg…

Solid-Phase Extraction Techniques for Assay of Diuretics in Human Urine Samples

Abstract Solid-phase extraction techniques were evaluated for the treatment of urine samples in the analysis of diuretics before injection into an HP-Hypersyl ODS-C18 column. Six different reversed-phase extraction columns were tested, and the results obtained are compared with those obtained in a classical liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. The solid-phase extraction procedures are the best overall choice for all the diuretics tested, due to their versatility, the minor time-consuming, and the good recovery percentages obtained. C18 and C8 packings give the highest recoveries for a majority of the diuretics studied. However, CH or PH columns, due to their greater selectivity, can…

Liquid chromatographic determination of trimethylamine in water.

A method for the selective determination of trimethylamine (TMA) in aqueous matrices by liquid chromatography is reported. The proposed procedure is based on the derivatization of the analyte with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC) in a precolumn (Hypersil C18, 30 microm, 20 mm x 2.1 mm i.d.) connected on-line to the analytical column (LiChrosphere 100 RP18, 5 microm, 125 mm x 4 mm i.d.). Gradient elution was performed with a mixture of acetonitrile-water-0.05 M borate buffer (pH 9.0). The method has been applied to the direct determination of TMA in water within the 0.25-10.0 microg/ml concentration interval, and can also be adapted to the determination of TMA over the range 0.05-1.0 m…

Bimodal copper oxide nanoparticles doped phase for the extraction of highly polar compounds by in-tube solid-phase microextraction coupled on-line to nano-liquid chromatography

Abstract Polymers obtained from tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and triethoxymethylsilane (MTEOS) have been functionalized with different metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), and used as coatings of extractive capillaries for the extraction of polar compounds by in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled on-line to nano-liquid chromatography (nano-LC). The extraction capabilities of the new phases have been studied using several triazinic herbicides with log of octanol/water partition coefficients (Kow) ranging from -0.7 to 3.21 under reversed phase chromatographic conditions. Best extraction efficiencies for the most polar compounds (log Kow ≤ 2.3) were typically obtained …

Chiral determination of amphetamine and related compounds using chloroformates for derivatization and high-performance liquid chromatography

The enantiomeric determination of amphetamine and various amphetamine-type compounds by liquid chromatography after chiral derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate-L-proline (FMOC-L-Pro) is reported. The results obtained were compared with those achieved after achiral derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate and subsequent separation of the derivatives on a beta-cyclodextrin chiral stationary phase. Conditions for the derivatization of amphetamines with FMOC-L-Pro were investigated, including the effect of the derivatization reagent concentration, pH and reaction time, using amphetamine, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine as model compounds. On the basis of these studies, p…

Determination of triamterene in urine by HPLC using fluorescence detection and column-switching

A liquid chromatographic method incorporating column-switching and fluorimetric detection for the determination of triamterene in untreated urine, is described. The urine samples (5 μL) were directly introduced onto an Hypersil ODS-C18, 30 μm (20 mm×2.1 mm I.D.) pre-column. Polar urinary compounds were removed by flushing the pre-column with water for 1 min, and the analyte was then switched onto an HP-LiChrospher RP C18,5 μm (125 mm×4mm ID) analytical column using an acetonitrile/phosphate buffer gradient elution. Fluorescence detection was performed at 230 nm excitation and 430 nm emission wavelengths. The recovery of drug was 102±2% in the 0.10–20.0 μg/mL concentration range, the limit o…

Analysis of methylamine by solid-phase microextraction and HPLC after on-fibre derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate

Abstract A method for the determination of methylamine (MA) in aqueous matrices is reported which uses solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for enrichment and derivatization of the analyte, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The fluorogenic reagent 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC) has been used for derivatization. The SPME fibres were successively immersed in the samples and in the derivatization solutions to extract MA and FMOC, respectively. After a defined time of reaction, the derivatized analyte was desorbed into the chromatographic system, and chromatographed in a LiChrosphere 100 RP18, 125 mm ×4 mm i.d., 5 μm, column under gradient elution. In order to improve the…

Modifying the reactivity of copper (II) by its encapsulation into polydimethylsiloxane: A selective sensor for ephedrine-like compounds

This paper demonstrates that the reactivity of copper (II) can be modified through its entrappment in a polymeric matrix of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which makes possible the reaction into the support instead of in solution. Amino-containing compounds such as amino acids, proteins and sugars, which react with Cu (II) in solution, do not react inside the polymer. As a prove of concept, a highly specific Cu (II) PDMS-based sensor for ephedrines has been developed in this work. When the sensors are put into contact with solutions of these drugs under basic conditions, a change in their color from pale green to purple is observed. This change enables the visual identification of ephedrine (E…