Adsorbent Cartridge Research Articles

Performance Evaluation and Usage Guidelines for Iodine Adsorption Cartridges for Gas Respirators under Similar Environmental Conditions to those of the Accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

Performance Evaluation and Usage Guidelines for Iodine Adsorption Cartridges for Gas Respirators under Similar Environmental Conditions to those of the Accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

Atmospheric concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PAHs, and metals in the vicinity of a cement plant in Istanbul

The levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Tl, V, and Zn) in particulate matter (PM10) were determined in ambient air at selected two sampling points located under the influence of a cement plant and a background/control sampling point in Buyukcekmece Istanbul. The samplings of PM10, PCDD/Fs, and PAHs were carried out simultaneously from September 2011 to November 2012 with EN 12384, EPA TO-9A, and EPA TO-13A, respectively. Quartz-fiber filters and glass adsorbent cartridge containing the polyurethane foam (PUF) are installed in air sampler for PAHs and PCDD/Fs sampling. The mean concentrations of PCDD/Fs in SP-1, SP-2, and SP-3 (control point) were 5.5 ± 1.7 fg I-TEQ m−3, 8.5 ± 2.6 fg I-TEQ (International Toxic Equivalents) m−3, and 0.2 ± 0.1 fg I-TEQ m−3, respectively. The higher PAHs and BaP concentrations during winter were probably due to increasing emissions from residential heating. Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, K, and Na showed elevated concentration values compared to other metals, with mean values of 10,401 ± 1,050 and 3,934 ± 397, 473 ± 43 and 301 ± 27, 1,478 ± 177 and 1,465 ± 176, 1,168 ± 151 and 934 ± 121, 700 ± 69 and 1,380 ± 137, and 1,181 ± 94 and 434 ± 35 ng m−3 in the sampling and control points, respectively. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation analysis were consistent with those of literature for similar areas and showed a clear distinction between the sampling points and the source profiles. The ambient air concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PAHs, and metals in the vicinity of a cement plant were presented for the first time in Turkey through this work.

A New Method to Increase the Adsorption of Protein‐Bound Toxins in Artificial Liver Support Systems

In this work, a new method, called the preconcentration method (PCM), is proposed to increase the adsorption of protein-bound toxins onto adsorbents in artificial liver support systems. In the PCM, a concentrator is installed before the inlet of the adsorbent cartridge. This method is validated in an experiment using activated carbon to remove albumin-bound bilirubin, and the mechanism of the increase in adsorption is theoretically explained with breakthrough curve and equilibrium adsorption analyses. Our results show that when this PCM is used, the mass transfer rate of bilirubin from solution to activated carbon is enhanced, the adsorbed bilirubin amount per unit mass of activated carbon is greatly increased, and more albumin-bound bilirubin molecules are quickly removed from the albumin solution. When the concentration ratio (the ratio of the inlet flow rate to the outflow rate of the concentrator) is 2.59, the adsorption efficiency of activated carbon at 120 min is increased by approximately 36%. Only approximately 60 min is required for the bilirubin concentration to decrease from 19.3 to 13.0 mg/dL; however, without the PCM, nearly 180 min is needed. In addition, by adjusting the concentration ratio, the adsorption of albumin-bound bilirubin onto activated carbon can be further increased.

Hyperbilirubinemia After Liver Transplantation: The Role of Coupled Plasma Filtration Adsorption

Hyperbilirubinemia often accompanies liver failure; therefore, artificial liver support devices are currently used as a bridge to more definitive treatments to eliminate water-soluble and albumin-bound toxins. We report 2 patients, of which, after liver transplantation, the first experienced early allograft dysfunction and the other hyperbilirubinemia linked to chronic rejection. After 3 cycles of coupled plasma filtration adsorption (CPFA), the bilirubin promptly decreased in both cases. CPFA is an extracorporeal therapy that uses plasma filtration associated with an adsorbent cartridge and hemofiltration to remove cytokines and inflammatory mediators associated with septic shock, severe sepsis, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Each cycle of treatment lowered the bilirubin of our patients by ∼40%. CPFA deserves attention as a potential inexpensive short-lasting device to treat hyperbilirubinemia after liver surgery or transplantation. Moreover, the effects of CPFA should be further studied to address inflammatory mediators in chronic rejection after liver transplantation or other immunologic disorders.

Evaluation of the uncertainty associated to tar sampling with solid phase adsorption cartridges

The uncertainty evaluation associated with the quantification of tar with the use of solid phase adsorption for tar sampling and gas chromatography analysis is present. The study shows that the major contribution to the overall uncertainty is related to the extraction step. Relevant tar compounds are selected and used as model to quantify the uncertainty and for comparison with the uncertainty associates to the traditional methodology for tar sampling. The study indicates that the uncertainty associated to the tar sampling with solid phase adsorption cartridges is lower than the uncertainty associated to the tar sampling with impinger bottles.

Purification methods: a way to treat severe acute inflammation related to sepsis?

After numerous negative randomized trials testing drugs for severe sepsis and/or septic shock, the blood purification approach remains one possibility. Many techniques have been proposed, having in common the goal to eliminate blood and/or plasma factors, supposed to play a negative role in outcomes. Among these, high dose of hemofiltration, high volume hemofiltration, high permeability hemofiltration and specific or non-specific hemoperfusion or hemoadsorption have been proposed. Until now, a poor level of proof has been published, questioning the pertinence of such a strategy. To have a chance to succeed, immune monitoring has to be performed to select suitable patients regarding their immune status, the intensity of inflammation and their cellular function. Because of the potential interaction with mediators and cell capture, Rimmelé and colleagues published the results obtained with an in vitro set up, testing different adsorption cartridges in comparison to hemofiltration. They nicely confirmed the complex impact on mediator levels and cell capture and phenotype. This is certainly a more systematic approach to better understand the action of such adsorbing cartridges, which has to be developed.

Cryoadsorption module having aluminum heat-insulating element for cryogenic lines

The results of investigations of a built-in high-speed cryoadsorption module consisting of an adsorption cartridge in the form of a packet of four layers of carbon cloth of the trademark KUT-M inserted between the bottom heat-conducting perforated aluminum plate and the top heat-insulating screen are furnished. The operation parameters of the cryoadsorption module are determined experimentally.

A simple and high collection efficiency sampling method for monitoring of carbonyl compounds in a workplace environment

A simple and high collection efficiency sampling method was developed for the monitoring of carbonyl compounds, i.e., formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, acetone and butanone. The determination is based on the reaction of these compounds in a sensitive absorbing solution of 2,4–DNPH. After the completion of the reaction the derivatives were analyzed by the HPLC system without any post sample preparation. The operation conditions of the proposed method were optimized to obtain the highest sampling efficiency within a short analysis time. The collection efficiency for all compounds was in the range of 95 ± 3 % to 99 ± 4 % and the relative standard deviations (n = 15) were less than 10 %. This method was validated and applied to monitor carbonyl compounds in air samples from an occupational environment, the adhesive industry. Formaldehyde was found to be the most abundant carbonyl compound (64 ± 8 to 250 ± 20 ppbv), followed by acetaldehyde (ND to 24 ± 6 ppbv), acetone (ND to 21 ± 5 ppbv) and benzaldehyde (ND to 27 ± 7 ppbv). The sampling of air directly into the absorbing solution was compared with the conventional method of using an adsorbent cartridge, and the results were in good agreement (P > 0.05).

Detection of nerve agent markers by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

An approach to the detection of metabolites of organophosphorous agents (OPA), such as O-iso-propylmethylphosphonic acid (detection limit, 4 ng/mL), O-pinacolylmethylphosphonic acid (0.6 ng/mL), and O-isobutylmethylphosphonic acid (1 ng/mL), in plasma samples was developed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The curves of the elutionxcretion of OPA metabolites were obtained for the samples of biological material of rats exposed to toxic substances. Determination was performed by mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in the negative ion mode, using deprotonated molecules for detection. The biological samples were analyzed by reversed-phase chromatography using hydrophilic end-capped adsorbents. Solid phase extraction on reversed-phase adsorption cartridges containing a copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene was proposed for sample preparation.

Effect of process conditions on the analysis of free and conjugated estrogen hormones by solid-phase extraction–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPE–GC/MS)

Simultaneous analysis of 11 free estrogen hormones and five conjugated estrogens in water and municipal wastewater was studied. The analytical method was developed and tested for different types of solid-phase extraction adsorbents, eluents, sample containers and storage conditions, derivatization, and matrix effects. Varian Bond Elut C-18 solid-phase extraction adsorbent cartridge was selected based on its high recoveries for both free and conjugated estrogens. Sample storage conditions, as well as selection and pretreatment of sample container materials, can affect the trace level analysis of estrogens. Silanization of glassware is observed to provide low relative standard deviation (RSD) in the analysis and less percentage loss due to contacting with sample container materials. Light exposure during the test can significantly impact the results. The derivatized samples stored at -20°C for at least 6 days showed less than 10.5% average RSD in the analysis. The recovery efficiency in clean water varies from 72% to 101% for free estrogens and 78% to 82% for conjugated estrogens. The method detection limits (MDL) for most of the compounds range from 30 to 870 ng/L using a sample volume of 200 mL. With a sample volume of 3 L, the most sensitive compound produces a MDL of 0.03 ng/L. Dilute methanol is used to wash the loaded cartridge as a cleanup step in order to remove interfering species during analysis of wastewater samples. Using the optimized analytical methods, the concentration level of free estrogens in the influent and effluent municipal wastewaters is tested.

Preliminary Report regarding the Use of Selective Sorbents in Complex Cardiac Surgery Patients with Extensive Sepsis and Prolonged Intensive Care Stay

Aims: The purpose of this publication is to evaluate the first experiences with the supplemental use of selective endotoxin adsorption cartridges in the treatment of critically ill patients complicated by severe sepsis after cardiac surgery. Methods: Thirteen patients with Gram-negative sepsis underwent the procedure of selective lipopolysaccharide (LPS) adsorption using Alteco adsorber (group I) or Toraymyxin™ columns (polymyxin-B-immobilized fiber) (group II). Results: This therapy positively influenced the course of sepsis. After the second procedure, levels of serum endotoxin and procalcitonin markedly decreased in both groups. We also discovered a positive effect on leukocytosis levels and a trend towards normalization of body temperature, improvement of hemodynamic indices and increase of the lung’s oxygenating function. Blood cultures taken several days after the procedure were negative. Conclusion: Our experience with LPS adsorption shows some evidence for the potential efficacy of this method in the treatment of critically ill patients with sepsis. Further investigations are required.

Determination of linear aliphatic aldehydes in heavy metal containing waters by high-performance liquid chromatography using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatization

A simple and sensitive method is described for the determination of picomolar amounts of C 1–C 9 linear aliphatic aldehydes in waters containing heavy metal ions. In this method, aldehydes were first derivatized with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) at optimized pH 1.8 for 30 min and analyzed by HPLC with UV detector at 365 nm. Factors affecting the derivatization reaction of aldehydes and DNPH were investigated. Cupric ion, an example of heavy metals, is a common oxidative reagent, which may oxidize DNPH and greatly interfere with the determination of aldehydes. EDTA was used to effectively mask the interferences by heavy metal ions. The method detection limits for direct injection of derivatized most aldehydes except formaldehyde were of the order of 7–28 nM. The detection limit can be further lowered by using off-line C 18 adsorption cartridge enrichment. The recoveries of C 1–C 9 aldehydes were 93–115% with a relative standard deviation of 3.6–8.1% at the 0.1 μM level for aldehydes. The HPLC–DNPH method has been applied for determining aldehyde photoproducts from Cu(II)–amino acid complex systems.

Supercritical fluid extraction—Achiral liquid chromatography with circular dichroism detection for the determination of menthone enantiomers in natural peppermint oil samples

A simple and enantioselective method for the determination of menthone enantiomers in peppermint essential oil samples is proposed. The method involves the initial supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) to clean-up and extraction of analytes and their preconcentration on C 18 adsorption cartridges followed by achiral liquid chromatographic separation and direct circular dichroism (CD) detection. The calibration curve of the anisotropy factor ( g) versus the enantiomeric excess was linear, with a correlation coefficient ( R 2) of 0.9970. The precision evaluated by UV peak area and CD peak area was suitable both in terms of intra- and inter-day precision (RSD < 5.1% in all cases). The usefulness of the proposed method was demonstrated by analyzing natural and spiked peppermint oil samples. This method has the advantages of being rapid and precise without using an expensive chiral column. It was demonstrated to be suitable for the simultaneous determination of both enantiomers and for assessing the chemical purity of menthone.

Application of the Steam Jet Aerosol Collector (SJAC) for differential measurements of organic compounds in the gas vs. particle phase

A modified Steam Jet Aerosol Collector (SJAC) for semivolatile organic compounds has been investigated. Gas phase and particle phase were investigated separately. The SJAC is based on a water condensational growth sampling system. For determination of gaseous compounds an XAD adsorbent cartridge was applied after particle collection. Collection particle efficiency was examined using hydrophobic soot and octacosane particles. To estimate the bias caused by the transfer of components from the gaseous to the particle fraction, individual gaseous organic with different polarity were examined. High collection efficiency and negligible cross-contamination of gaseous compounds in the particle fraction was observed.

Determination of zearalenone and its metabolites in urine samples by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection using a carbon nanotube-modified electrode

A simple and sensitive method for the separation and determination of zearalenone (ZON) and its secondary metabolites, namely β-zearalenol (β-ZAL), β-zearalanol (β-ZOL), α-zearalenol (α-ZAL), α-zearalanol (α-ZOL) and zearalanone (ZAN) in urine (human, bovine and swine) samples is proposed. The method comprises previous clean-up and pre-concentration on C 18 adsorption cartridges of the analytes followed by liquid chromatographic separation and direct electrochemical detection at +0.85 mV using a carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode (CNT-GCE). This method allows the determination of β-ZAL, β-ZOL, α-ZAL, α-ZOL, ZAN and ZON in a linear range between 5 and 50 ng mL −1, with relative standard deviation values lower than 6.9% (intra-day) and 7.1% (inter-day), in all cases. Detection limits ranging between 1.3 ng mL −1 (β-ZOL, α-ZAL, α-ZOL) and 1.4 ng mL −1 (β-ZAL, ZAN, ZON) were achieved. The usefulness of the proposed method was demonstrated by the analysis of spiked and natural samples of human, bovine and swine urine samples.

Supercritical fluid extraction of macrocyclic lactone mycotoxins in maize flour samples for rapid amperometric screening and alternative liquid chromatographic method for confirmation

A rapid and simple method for the direct screening of macrocyclic lactone mycotoxins (zearalenone, ZON; α-zearalenol, α-ZOL; and β-zearalenol, β-ZOL) in maize flour samples is proposed. The sample screening method comprises supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and clean-up on Florisil adsorption cartridge of the selected toxic compounds, followed by continuous flow electrochemical detection. Those samples for which the total concentration is close to or above the threshold limit established by legislation (0.200 mg kg −1) are subjected to preconcentration on C18 chromatographic material and liquid chromatographic separation for confirmation purposes. This confirmation method allows the determination of ZON, α-ZOL and β-ZOL in the range between 30 and 300 μg kg −1, with a average relative standard deviation lower than 5.2 in all cases.

Selective solid-phase extraction of catecholamines by the chemically modified polymeric adsorbents with crown ether

A simple and selective one-step solid-phase extraction procedure using chemically modified polymer resin (Amberlite XAD-4) with crown ether was investigated for the measurement of urinary catecholamines. After loading the urine samples (adjusted to pH 4) on the synthesized adsorbent cartridge, the column was washed with methanol followed by water and then the adsorbed catecholamines were eluted by 1.0 mL of 6.0 M acetic acid. The effectiveness of sample clean-up method was demonstrated by reversed-phase ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Under optimal condition, the recoveries of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine from spiked urine sample were >86% for all catecholamines. The detection limits ( n = 5) for epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine were 37, 52, and 46 nmol/L, respectively.

Characterization of the coupled plasma filtration–adsorption resin cartridge adsorptive capacity for cytokines and inflammatory mediators: adsorption profiles from septic patient plasma and in vitro endotoxin-stimulated whole blood

Coupled plasma filtration–adsorption (CPFA) is an extracorporeal therapy that uses plasma filtration associated with an adsorbent cartridge and hemofiltration in postdilution to remove cytokines and inflammatory mediators associated with septic shock and severe sepsis. We evaluated the adsorptive capacity of the resin cartridge to remove various inflammatory mediators and cytokines in vitro and ex vivo.

Validation of an passive atmospheric deposition sampler for polybrominated diphenyl ethers

An atmospheric deposition sampler was validated with respect to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a compound group that is widely used as flame retardants in many types of consumer products. The deposition sampler consists of an adsorption cartridge that is connected to a glass funnel. Extraction tests with spiked cartridges using soxhlet extraction with acetone revealed recoveries of >80% for all of the investigated PBDEs. Once adsorbed, PBDEs are stable, as proven by extractions of spiked cartridges that were stored outdoors and collected after different periods of time, up to 84 days. High recoveries indicate that degradation of adsorbed PBDEs does not play a role under realistic field conditions. Bulk deposition rates of PBDEs were determined in a field test with 3 replicates, and a possible breakthrough of target compounds was assessed in the field using a second adsorption cartridge in series. No breakthrough of target compounds could be observed within a sampling period of 61 days, and a bulk deposition rate of approximately 1 ng m(-2) day(-1) for the sum of all analysed PBDEs was measured. The highest deposition rates were measured for octa-brominated congeners, followed by BDEs 99, 183, 153, and 47. Overall, the sampler was successfully validated regarding the atmospheric deposition of PBDEs.

Lipidomics in triacylglycerol and cholesteryl ester oxidation

Although direct mass spectrometry is capable of identification the major molecular species of lipids in crude total lipid extracts, prior chromatographic isolation is necessary for detection and identification of the minor components. This is especially important for the analysis of the oxolipids, which usually occur in trace amounts in the total lipid extract, and require prior isolation for detailed analysis. Both thin-layer chromatography and adsorption cartridges provide effective means for isolation and enrichment of lipid classes, while gas-liquid chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography with on-line mass spectrometry permit further separation and identification of molecular species. Prior chromatographic resolution is absolutely necessary for the identification of isobaric and chiral molecules, which mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (MS/MS) cannot distinguish. Both gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry applications may require the preparation of derivatives in order to improve the chromatographic and mass spectrometric properties of the oxolipids which is a small inconvenience for securing analytical reliability. The following chapter reviews the advantages and necessity of combined chromatographic-mass spectrometric approaches to successful identification and quantification of molecular species of oxoacylglycerols and oxocholesteryl esters in in-vitro model studies of lipid peroxidation and in the analyses of oxolipids recovered from tissues.