GC Chromatograms Research Articles

Screening for compounds with bioaccumulation potential in breast milk using their retention behavior in two-dimensional gas chromatography

Discovery of emerging pollutants in breast milk will be helpful for understanding the hazards to human health. However, it is difficult to identify key compounds among thousands present in complex samples. In this study, a method for screening compounds with bioaccumulation potential was developed. The method can decrease the number of compounds needing structural identification because the partitioning properties of bioaccumulative compounds can be mapped onto GC×GC chromatograms through their retention behaviors. Twenty pooled samples from seven provinces in China were analyzed. 1,286 compounds with bioaccumulation potential were selected from over 3,000 compounds. Sixty-two compounds, including aromatic compounds, phthalates, and phenolics etc., were identified with a high level of confidence and then quantified. Among them, twenty-seven compounds were found for the first time in breast milk. Three phthalate plasticizers and two phenolic antioxidants were found in significantly higher concentrations than other compounds. A toxicological priority index approach was applied to prioritize the compounds considering their concentrations, detection frequencies and eight toxic effects. The prioritization indicated that 13 compounds, including bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, 1,3-di-tert-butylbenzene, phenanthrene, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and others, showed higher health risks. Meanwhile, some compounds with high risk for a particular toxic effect, such as benzothiazole and geranylacetone, were still noteworthy. This study is important for assessing the risks of human exposure to organic compounds.

Isolation and Structural Elucidation of Antimicrobial Molecules from Crinum ornatum (Aiton) Rhizome of Dutsin-Ma

Crinum ornatum is a well-known traditional herb used used traditionally to treat various diseases including wounds, sores, vomiting, ear-aches, urinary tract infection, coughs and cold, renal and hepatic conditions, sexually transmitted diseases and backaches. The rhizomes of C. ornatum were collected, identified, air-dried and pulverized and subjected to cold extraction using hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) respectively. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was determined using standard antimicrobial tests with Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Baccilus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as test microorganisms. The most active extract was thereafter subjected to Gas chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis, the Structural elucidation of the isolated molecule was performed using advanced spectroscopic techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Results of the antimicrobial activity test of the extracts showed appreciable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi (with MIC value ranging from 200 mg/ml to 25 mg/ml). The results demonstrated significant inhibitory effects, highlighting the potential of the compound as an antimicrobial agent. GCMS analysis identified 45 compounds in the most active (DCM) extract. Out of these, eight (8) compounds were most abundant (revealed >5% peak areas on GC chromatogram). These are: n-hexanedecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z),oleic acid, linoleic acid ethyl ester, ethyl oleate, squalene and tetrapentacontane. Antibacterial activity exhibited by the plant could be ascribed to the presence of the major phytocompounds in the plant and this provides scientific proof of some of ethnomedicinal uses of Crinum ornatum rhizome.

Variation and Natural Heritability of Blueberry Floral Volatiles.

Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry) in British Columbia relies on honeybee pollination for a reliable fruit set. As floral volatiles may help explain pollinator preference for blueberry, we surveyed components of variation for volatiles using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Principal component analysis of GC chromatogram peaks revealed a grouping of cultivars by a biosynthetic pathway that also corresponds with their known pedigree. To identify genetic variance, we identified 34 chemicals with adequate sample sizes. We estimated "natural heritability" (using uncontrolled crosses in natural environments) in two ways: (1) as "clonal repeatability," which is equivalent to broad-sense heritability and is an upper bound for narrow-sense heritability, and (2) "marker-based heritability," which serves as a lower bound for narrow-sense heritability. Both methods indicate that heritability is relatively low, ca. 15%, and variable among traits. This is expected as the floral volatile release is changeable and dependent on environmental conditions. It might be possible to use highly heritable volatiles for breeding.

Phytochemical, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxicity screenings of n-hexane extract from Blumea balsamifera L leaves

The significance of phytomedicine in the field of medicine has encouraged researchers to investigate the potential medicinal properties of plants. Of which, phytoconstituents of Blumea balsamifera have been reported to possess multiple pharmacological benefits. Unfortunately, recent published reports only cover the essential oils of B. balsamifera, obtained from hydro-distillation. Hence, our research aimed to explore the bioactivities of B. balsamifera leaves extracted with n-hexane solvent through partitioning. Firstly, simplicial powder of B. balsamifera leaves was macerated using methanol, and followed by partitioning in a separating funnel with n-hexane solvent. The sample was assayed with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality test for antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity, respectively. Lastly, the phytochemical profile of the n-hexane extract was analyzed using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the results, we found the n-hexane extract as a weak antioxidant (IC50=281.707ppm) and moderately cytotoxic agent (LC50=44.47ppm). GC chromatogram revealed the dominance of two phytoconstituents – borneol L (33.77%) and veridiflorol (22.57%), where both are known to have anticancer activities. In conclusion, bioactive and phytochemical screenings of n-hexane extract from Blumea balsamifera leaves suggested its anticancer potential. Future research involving purification of the phytocompound and investigation using cancer cell lines is encouraged.

Valve-based comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with quadrupole mass spectrometry detection using a porous layer open tubular column in the first dimension

A comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography instrument with quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC×GC-qMS) is developed and evaluated, by retrofitting a commercial GC-qMS instrument with a high temperature diaphragm valve (HT-DV) modulator. A porous layer open tubular (PLOT) column in the first dimension (1D), and a more polar wall coated open tubular (WCOT) column in the second dimension (2D) were used. The HT-DV can modulate analytes of any volatility and the combination of the PLOT and WCOT columns provides ample separation selectivity for samples containing an extended range of volatility from highly volatile analytes to analytes of more moderate volatility. In addition to instrument development, we describe data visualization considerations when upgrading from GC-qMS to GC×GC-qMS. Unlike time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS), the mass spectrum cycle time for qMS (defined as the sum of scan time and interscan delay) is a linear function of the range of mass channels (m/z) analyzed. If the cycle time does not divide evenly into the modulation period, PM, visual distortions will appear in the GC×GC chromatogram. We present two approaches to address this GC×GC chromatogram distortion issue. The first method does not require post-run computations; however, care must be taken in selecting an appropriate mass range to minimize the visual distortion issue. A half of the modulation period of total shift in the 2D separations with a PM of 2 s was determined tolerable for a 15 min separation, with 44 mass ranges (and their accompanying scan rate) deemed suitable out of 350 possible mass ranges. Also, a computational “resampling” method, which can be used to correct any qMS scan rate used was implemented. Figures-of-merit for the HT-DV modulated GC×GC-qMS instrument were also examined. Reproducible peak height (average RSDheight = 9.2%, s = 3.5%) and areas (average RSDarea = 9.3%, s = 2.8%) were obtained with low LODs (average LOD = 4.2 mg/L, s = 2.5 mg/L).

Anti-Bacterial Activity of Novel Synthesized Chalcone Against S. epidermidis and S. aureus Isolated from Packed Red Cell Blood Product

Bacterial contamination in blood product was still a problem in Indonesia. Various studies to improve the safety of blood product by inhibiting the bacterial growth in blood product was developed. Chalcone, is one of the natural compounds that has ability to inhibit the bacterial growth, so it can be possible to use that compound for anti-bacterial use in the future. This study aim is to evaluate the anti-bacterial activity of novel synthesis chalcone (E)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one against S. epidermidis and S. aureus isolated from packed red cell blood product. A novel chalcone was synthesized by Claisen-Schmidt Methods while anti-bacterial activity test was done by Agar Diffusion Methods. Chalcone that has been synthesized then characterized by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Methods and Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Chalcone was synthesized through a condensation reaction between an aldehyde (benzaldehyde) and ketone (acetophenone) with NaOH as alkaline catalyst. The results from sedimentary analysis using FTIR showed an absorption of the C=C group in the typical medium of chalcone compounds, at the wave number of 1516.96 cm-1. The results of GC-MS characterization resulted a GC chromatogram with one peak with time of retention (tR) 19.68 minutes and relative purity 100%. MS mass spectrum shows that the molecular ion (M+) of this compound was detected at 224 which equivalents to the molecular weight of the chalcone compound. Anti-bacterial test showed that the synthetic chalcone compound with 5% concentration had an inhibitory ability of 56.02% on S. epidermidis and 54.10% on S. aureus, while 2.5% chalcone concentration had an inhibitory ability of 29.17% on S. epidermidis and 50.45% on S. aureus, and 1.25% chalcone concentration had inhibitory ability 0% on S. epidermidis and 37.27% on S. aureus.

Influence of modulator injection width on comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography peak dimensions.

This study examines how the height and width of peaks exiting the secondary column of a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) separation are affected by the width of the pulse introduced to the secondary column. A flow-modulated GC × GC apparatus was assembled that allowed input pulse widths to be controlled precisely over a range of 10 to 70ms. GC × GC chromatograms were obtained using secondary columns containing a polyethylene glycol stationary phase with internal diameters of 0.25 and 0.32mm. The area, height, and width of peaks emerging from the secondary column were found to be accurately modeled by the convolution of a rectangular function with a Gaussian distribution. The rectangular function represents the input pulse, and the Gaussian distribution represents the broadening that occurs in the secondary column. The minimum peak width that could be produced by the secondary column was determined for a wide range of compounds. Injection pulse widths that matched a compound's minimum peak width produced peaks that were 25% wider than the minimum width and had heights that were 76% of the maximum possible peak height. Increasing the injection width significantly above the minimum width yielded substantially broader peaks with only a modest increase (< 25%) in peak height.

Coculturing of Mucor plumbeus and Bacillus subtilis bacterium as an efficient fermentation strategy to enhance fungal lipid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) production

This study aimed to improve lipid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) production of an oleaginous fungus, Mucor plumbeus, through coculturing with Bacillus subtilis bacteria, optimising the environmental and nutritional culture conditions, and scaling them for batch fermentation. The maximum levels of biomass, lipid, fatty acid, and GLA in a 5 L bioreactor containing cellobiose and ammonium sulfate as the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, achieved during the coculturing processes were 14.5 ± 0.4 g/L, 41.5 ± 1.3, 24 ± 0.8, and 20 ± 0.5%, respectively. This strategy uses cellobiose in place of glucose, decreasing production costs. The nutritional and abiotic factor results suggest that the highest production efficiency is achieved at 6.5 pH, 30 °C temperature, 10% (v/v) inoculum composition, 200 rpm agitation speed, and a 5-day incubation period. Interestingly, the GLA concentration of cocultures (20.0 ± 0.5%) was twofold higher than that of monocultures (8.27 ± 0.11%). More importantly, the GC chromatograms of cocultures indicated the presence of one additional peak corresponding to decanoic acid (5.32 ± 0.20%) that is absent in monocultures, indicating activation of silent gene clusters via cocultivation with bacteria. This study is the first to show that coculturing of Mucor plumbeus with Bacillus subtilis is a promising strategy with industrialisation potential for the production of GLA-rich microbial lipids and prospective biosynthesis of new products.

Effects of extraction methods on antioxidants and methoxyflavones of Kaempferia parviflora

This research was aimed to determine the effects of extraction methods on antioxidant properties and methoxyflavone contents of Kaempferia parviflora (KP) rhizome extracts. The KP rhizomes were extracted by maceration using ethanol at the concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 95% V/V for 7 days and 95% V/V ethanolic extraction with sonication-assisted extraction (SAE) for 15-45 mins. Antioxidant components (phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins) and antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP) were examined. Methoxyflavones of the KP extracts were identified by a GC-MS technique. It was found that extraction methods affected the antioxidant properties of the extracts. Increasing ethanol concentrations enhanced anthocyanins but not phenolics and flavonoids. Ethanol concentration at 75% V/V exhibited the greatest DPPH while 25% V/V ethanol showed the greatest FRAP values. In this study, 10 methoxyflavones from KP extracts were separated and identified by GC chromatograms. The content of 5,7-dimethoxyflavone increased from 1.1 g/100 mL extract to 48.10 g/100 mL extract as the ethanol concentrations increased from 25% to 95% V/V. SAE for 15-45 mins had little impact on antioxidant properties as well as methoxyflavone contents. In general, SAE enhanced the extraction of KP rhizomes by increasing 5,7-dimethoxyflavone contents.

Application of a Target-Guided Data Processing Approach in Saturated Peak Correction of GC×GC Analysis.

Detector and column saturations are problematic in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) data analysis. This limits the application of GC×GC in metabolomics research. To address the problems caused by detector and column saturations, we propose a two-stage data processing strategy that will incorporate a targeted data processing and cleaning approach upstream of the “standard” untargeted analysis. By using the retention time and mass spectrometry (MS) data stored in a library, the annotation and quantification of the targeted saturated peaks have been significantly improved. After subtracting the nonperfected signals caused by saturation, peaks of coelutes can be annotated more accurately. Our research shows that the target-guided method has broad application prospects in the data analysis of GC×GC chromatograms of complex samples.

Liquid Smoke Fractionation from Dry Distillation of Styrofoam Board Waste to Produces Liquid Fuel

Styrofoam waste is difficult to be decomposed by bacteria or microorganisms. Therefore it takes a long time to be decomposed naturally. Styrofoam waste, in general, is a big problem for the survival of living things on earth because there are quite a lot of them. So, if not handled properly can cause environmental pollution. Styrofoam waste is inorganic waste composed of polymers derived from chemicals. Additives from styrofoam are harmful to humans because they are carcinogenic. This study aims to utilize Styrofoam board waste into liquid fuel. Liquid fuel from styrofoam waste has been made successfully through dry distillation and fractionation methods. The result of fractional distillation is 42.00% liquid fuel. Based on the physical properties tests that have already been carried out, including the density test, viscosity, flash point, boiling point, calorific value, and octane number, it turns out that the liquid has characteristics close to the standard gasoline fuel. The MS spectra and the GC chromatogram show that the liquid fuel consists of a mixture of hydrocarbon compounds, namely acetone 0.23%, acetic acid 0.40%, benzene 2.82%, toluene 3.56%, heptane 1.04%, 1-octene 0.26%, butyl ester 4.92%, 2,4-dimethyl-1-heptane 0.32%, p-xylene 13%, the compound with the highest composition was styrene 73.45%.

FID-Gas Chromatography of West-Algerian Cucurbita pepo (or Pumpkin) Seed Oil Extract

Fatty acid and phytosterol vegetable oils were extracted from seeds of Cucurbita pepo (or pumpkin) into (v/v) hexane. The extract obtained was characterized by the contents of sterols, unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. The content of the bioactive compounds was determined by gas-chromatography FID method. Pumpkin seed oil extracts showed higher content of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (49.10%) than that from saturated fatty acids (28%). Sterols exhibited different molecules dominated by β-sistostérol (47%), Stigmastérol (23.6%) and campesterol (21.5%). Several peaks were present on the FID GC chromatogram of two extracts (fatty acids and sterols respectively). GC spectra confirmed the presence of the predominant bioactive compounds (PUFA, β-sistostérol , Stigmastérol and campesterol). The composition of pumpkin seed oil extract was characterized by FID-GC spectra with maximum at 280 nm.

Yevheniia Markushyna.

"My biggest inspiration is the diversity and beauty of the world … My favorite thing about my lab group is the level of independency, responsibility, and trust given to each member …" Find out more about Yevheniia Markushyna in her Introducing … Profile.

Petroleum Hydrocarbon Bioremediation Using Native Fungal Isolates and Consortia.

Crude oil spills as a result of natural disasters or extraction and transportation operations are common nowadays. Oil spills have adverse effects on both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and pose a threat to human health. This study have been concerned with studying the capability of six fungal species (Curvularia brachyspora, Penicillium chrysogenum, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Alternaria alternata, and Stemphylium botryosum) and three fungal consortia (FC), FC1 (P. chrysogenum and C. brachyspora), FC2 (S. brevicaulis and S. botryosum), and FC3 (S. brevicaulis, S. botryosum, and C. sphaerospermum), to remediate petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs). Qualitative and quantitative changes in polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and saturated hydrocarbons (SH) mixtures and the patterns of PHs degradation have been examined using HPLC and GC. Studying the GC chromatogram of C. sphaerospermum revealed severe degradation of SHs exhibited by this species, and the normal-paraffin and isoparaffin degradation percentage have been valued 97.19% and 98.88%, respectively. A. alternata has shown the highest significant (at P ˂ 0.05) PAH degradation percent reaching 72.07%; followed by P. chrysogenum, 59.51%. HPLC data have revealed that high-molecular-weight PAH percent/total PAHs decreased significantly from 98.94% in control samples to 68.78% in samples treated with A. alternata. FC1 and FC2 consortia have exhibited the highest significant PH deterioration abilities than did the individual isolates, indicating that these fungal consortia exhibited positive synergistic effects. The study supports the critical idea of the potential PAH and SH biodegradation as a more ecologically acceptable alternative to their chemical degradation.

Hydrocarbon transformations in sediments from the Cathedral Hill hydrothermal vent complex at Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California – A chemometric study of shallow seep architecture

Guaymas Basin isa submarine depression in the Gulf of California marking the northern end of the East Pacific Rise mid-oceanic spreading ridge.The basin receives high input of sedimentary organic matter (SOM) from elevated productivity in the overlying surface waters and runoff from the surrounding continent. This, coupled with high sedimentation rates, produces near-uniform compositions of SOM.Various hydrothermal vent complexes occur along this margin. One of these is Cathedral Hill, a hydrothermal mound with sulfide chimneys surrounded by mats dominated by sulfide-oxidizing Beggiatoa, covering sediments stained by locally produced oil. We collected four push cores along a transect at this site (4 m × 0.21 m) extending from near the vent center to the ambient sediment just outside the microbial mat cover. Porewater temperatures near the mound center were projected to reach 155 °C by 21 cm below the sea floor (cmbsf). Within these conditions, a kinetic model based on vitrinite reflectance equivalence (%Re) predicts petroleum formation as shallow as 15–18 cmbsf, with metagenesis commencing at <60 cmbsf. Bulk extract data (total lipid extracts as well as polar and apolar fractions), solvent-extracted sediment TOC (herein referred to as protokerogen TOC), and molecular thermal maturation parameters support these generation estimates. In recent years, the application of chemometric techniques tocomprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatographic (GC × GC) analyses has allowed comparison of thousands of unique hydrocarbons within oils. Here we reconstruct the shallow subsurface petroleum system by applying multiway principal component analysis (MPCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)directly to GC × GC chromatograms. We then compare the resulting multivariate models to a systematic survey of subtracted GC × GC chromatograms, a transect heat map of sample hydrocarbon compound diversities, and profiles of various thermal maturation parameters to elucidate how these hydrocarbon matrices are attenuated by production, migration, and/or thermochemical oxidation. Sample matrices have up to 5800 unique compounds spanning a range ofnormal and branched alkanes, saturated and unsaturated biomarkers, substituted and unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), perhydro-PAHs, and benzothiopheneswith up to six ring-cycles (i.e., benzoperylenes, dibenzopyrenes, dibenzochrysenes, and indenopyrenes). These matrices display systematic temperature-dependent trends. Generation likely begins in 6–10 and 15–18 cmbsf where sediments are exposed to ∼115 °C vent porewater temperatures, which is shallower than predictions based on our kinetic model. Independent of these sites of generation is ubiquitous staining of the sediments from advected oil that is heavily dominated by PAHs as well as two stratigraphic bandsof migrated oil that extend horizontally across the transect at 0–2 and ∼6–10 cmbsf, respectively.The MPCA models along with non-statistical validation techniques show evidence of decreasingdiversities and concentrations of alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons concomitant with elevated abundances of dealkylated PAHs and/or the migration of unsubstituted PAHs from deeper basin depths as sediments become exposed to more severe hydrothermal conditions. These results indicate that even at relatively small spatial scales, the petroliferous sediments at hydrothermal vent sites can be highly complex.

GC-MS Characterization of Unsweetened and Sweetened “Kunun-zaki” Beverage and Pulp

Aims: To characterize unsweetened and sweetened “kunun-zaki” drink/pulp using GC-MS.&#x0D; Study Design: The experimental groups were divided into four: unsweetened “kunun-zaki” drink, sweetened “kunun-zaki” drink, unsweetened “kunun-zaki” pulp and sweetened “kunun-zaki” pulp respectively.&#x0D; Place of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State and Central Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Ilorin, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: The processes involved sorting, cleaning, soaking, decanting, washing, milling, gelatinization, fermentation, and sieving. Unsweetened “kunun-zaki” beverage was made from millet, sorghum, soybean, dried sweet potatoes, germinated rice, ginger, and cloves. The same process was followed for the sweetened variety, with addition of dried dates. After sieving to collect “kunun-zaki” beverage, the remnant was the pulp. Hydrodistillation and Soxhlet apparatus were used to extract the essential oils, and fatty acids respectively. Fatty acid methyl esters of the samples were then analysed using GC-MS.&#x0D; Results: The GC chromatogram identified three constituents in unsweetened “kunun-zaki” drink. The dominant constituents were 9,12-octadecadienenoic acid (z,)- (73.36%), and n-hexadecanoic acid (19.31%). Eleven compounds were identified in sweetened “kunun-zaki” drink. The most abundant was 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- 54.062%, followed by n-hexadecanoic acid (17.278%). Twenty-one peaks corresponding to eighteen compounds were detected in unsweetened “kunun-zaki” pulp. The dominant constituents were gingerol (20.262%), 1H-3a,7-methanoazulene,2,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,6,8,8-teramethyl-,[3R-(3α,3aβ,7 β,8aα)]- (19.925%), 2-Butanone,4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)- (15.59%), and cedrene (10.977%). For sweetened “kunun-zaki” pulp, four compounds were detected. The dominant compounds being 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (z,z)- (68.664%), n-hexadecanoic acid (18.654%), and oleic acid (10.199%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results showed safe fatty acid profile of all samples for different health status. Other components showed bioactivities with significant health benefits. This study identified compounds which validate the medicinal claims of “kunun-zaki.” This is the first documentation of GC-MS profiling of “kunun-zaki” parts.

A holistic approach for microwave assisted solvent extraction of phenolic compounds from Ficus benghalensis fruits and its phytochemical profiling

AbstractFicus benghalensis is a fig species spread throughout Asia, especially India, which finds its place in the tradition Indian system of medicines for their renowned protective properties. This study explores the extraction and identification of phytochemicals from the fruits of Ficus benghalensis using a time‐saving nonconventional technique of microwave assisted solvent extraction (MASE). The influence of independent variables (viz., solid‐solvent ratio, microwave power and irradiation time) on the maximum total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) values was analyzed and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken Design. The maximum values of TPC (340.14 ± 0.34 mg/g) and TFC (413.64 ± 0.19 mg/g) were found at a shorter extraction time of 5 min, solid‐solvent ratio of 1:17 g/ml and microwave power of 420 W. The GC chromatogram was used for the phenolic distribution analysis and screening of the secondary metabolites. The GC spectra showed the presence of 26 biologically active secondary metabolites. 7‐tetradecenal (Z) (42.14%) was the predominant compound followed by n‐hexadecanoic acid (20.61%) and octadecanoic acid (14.07%). These compounds, along with others reportedly exhibit anticancer, antioxidant, anti‐diabetic, and antibacterial activities, thereby validating the traditional uses of the Ficus benghalensis fruit as a pharmaceutical supplement.Practical applicationThe outcome of this work shows a time‐saving method of phytochemical extraction which can be used for extracting valuable metabolites from Ficus benghalensis fruits. Moreover, findings from this research work will aid as a baseline to facilitate future studies in the isolation and purification of the identified pharmaceutically active phytochemicals present in the Ficus benghalensis fruit extract. This can be further used to increase the fruits' bioprospecting.

Identification of the natural origin of waterproofing pine pitch in historical Southwest Native American basketry through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Archaeological and ethnographic records document a long and rich history of plant-based resource use by Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest. The history of this resource use tells a complex story of human-environment relationships in this arid landscape. Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest have historically made use of pine pitch to waterproof their basketry. Here, we have identified the pine species origin of the pitch used to construct historical baskets utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Resin samples were collected from the three main resinous plants in the Four Corners area: Pinus edilus, Pinus ponderosa, and Juniperus scoplulorum, and their GC chromatograms were analyzed for characteristic molecular components. Furthermore, some of these resin samples were heated to simulate the pitch-application process to ensure the characteristic molecular components were still present after baking. We have found that the ratio of γ-muurolene to longifolene provides a reliable indication of the pines species origin of the pitch, even after being exposed to elevated temperatures, and that all 14 of the historical baskets analyzed were waterproofed primarily with resinous material collected from the Pinus edilus species.

Stronger associations of oil-based sexual lubricants and hygiene products using GC×GC–MS

The profile of minor compounds in complex sexual lubricants was investigated by traditional one-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC×GC–MS). Although GC–MS is a powerful instrument, it has some limitations with truly complex mixtures that have many components that can co-elute. This is the primary advantage of GC×GC. By coupling a second-dimension column in series with the first-dimension column using a modulator, components that co-elute on the first column may be resolved on a second column with orthogonal selectivity. This study utilized a forward fill/reverse flush differential flow modulator run in both two-dimensional mode (GC×GC–MS) and single dimensional mode (GC–MS) in the same instrumental sequence. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for each intra-method pairwise comparison to determine which methodology provided an accurate measure of similarity or difference. The use of GC×GC–MS analysis can increase the differentiation of complex mixtures when GC chromatograms shows high similarity of two different samples. In this study, when GC chromatograms of two similar samples were compared they had low correlation scores. However, the comparison of the GC×GC chromatograms of the same samples had higher correlation scores shows high similarity based on the increased sensitivity and separation of co-eluting peaks by the two-dimensional GC×GC column configuration.

Characterization and Correlation of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons in Oil Polluted Waters of Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State

Forensic chemical analyses was used to characterize, determine the source and correlate aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHCs) in water samples collected from Bonny L.G.A, Rivers State. AHCs were extracted from the water samples with n-hexane in a separatory funnel, clean-up achieved by column chromatography using n-hexane and analysis by Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). The GC chromatogram showed well resolved AHC peaks which distributed from nC9 –nC40. The GC chromatograms of AHCs, with a wide range of low molecular weight hydrocarbons, indicate minimal biodegradation of the oil hydrocarbons in the samples. CPI values from 0.68 to 0.78 for BY-A1, BY-A3, BY-A4 and 0.97 for BY-A2 suggest two sources of oil hydrocarbons. Calculated Pr/Ph ratios showed BY-A1 (2.08), BY-A3 (2.00) and BY-A4 (2.20) were derived from mixed marine and terrestrial source deposited in suboxic environment, while BY-A2 (3.70) was mainly terrigenous source in an oxic environment. A cross-plot of Pr/n-C17 and Ph/n-C18 ratios also showed a tight cluster for samples BY-A1, BY-A3 and BY-A4 which were degraded with sample BY-A2 separate and slightly degraded. Results from this study revealed that the spilled oil was derived from mixed organic sources deposited in an oxic environment with different oil input from external sources showing more terrestrial contribution.