High-performance Liquid Chromatography With A Diode-array Detector Research Articles

The utilization of a data fusion approach to investigate fingerprint profiles of dark tea from China's different altitudes

Dark tea refers to a kind of post-fermented product, and its quality and price vary owing to the distinct altitudes at which it grows. In this study, a novel method based on high performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and an evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD) was proposed for the classification of dark teas from distinct altitudes in China. Through implementing a strategy fusing feature-level data to construct a combined dataset, the classification performance of dark teas from distinct altitudes in China was evaluated after preprocessing. The results suggested that, through the feature fusion strategy, the identification accuracy rate increased from <70% of a single detector to 76.923%. After the implementation of preprocessing, the identification accuracy rate was further improved. Typically, the model identification accuracy rate after short-time Fourier Transform (STFT) treatment reached 92.85%, and the AUROC value was higher than 0.84, exhibiting a favorable generalization ability. This study provides a new thinking for the identification technology of dark teas from different altitudes in China.

Metal-Organic Framework (MOF-199) Coated by Molecularly Imprinted Poly MMA-EGDMA for Solid Phase Extraction of Carbofuran from Fruit Samples

A selective adsorbent was synthesized based on the coating of a molecularly imprinted poly (methyl methacrylate-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly (MMA-EGDMA)) on the surface of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to obtain MMA-EGDMA@MOF-199 and used for the separation and preconcentration of carbofuran. Subsequently, carbofuran was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the synthesized adsorbent. Both pH and extraction time were optimized as crucial extraction parameters. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbent was 20 mg g−1. The selectivity of the synthesized adsorbent for similar compounds was also investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration curve was linear from 1.0 to 400 μg L−1. A high extraction efficiency (94%) was obtained for carbofuran with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.4 µg L−1. The adsorbent was successfully applied to the SPE of carbofuran from fruit samples after its extraction, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis.

Ultrasound-based strategies for the recovery of microalgal carotenoids: Insights from green extraction methods to UV/MS-based identification

Carotenoids, versatile natural pigments with numerous health benefits, face environmental concerns associated with conventional petrochemical-based extraction methods and limitations of their synthetic equivalents. In this context, this study aims to introduce eco-friendly approaches using ultrasound-based strategies (probe and bath) for the extraction of carotenoids from microalgae, initially focusing on Microchloropsis gaditana and subsequently evaluating the versatility of the method by applying it to other microalgae species of interest (Tisochrysis lutea, Porphyridium cruentum, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum) and defatted microalgal residues. Among the approaches evaluated, the 5-min ultrasonic probe system with ethanol showed comparable carotenoid recovery efficiency to the reference method (agitation, 24 h, acetone) (9.4 ± 2.5 and 9.6 ± 3.2 mg g−1 carotenoids per dry biomass, for the green and the reference method, respectively). Moreover, the method's sustainability was demonstrated using the AGREEprep™ software (scored 0.62 out of 1), compared to the traditional method (0.22 out of 1). The developed method yielded high carotenoid contents across species with diverse cell wall compositions (3.1 ± 0.2, 2.1 ± 0.3, and 4.1 ± 0.1 mg g−1 carotenoid per dry biomass for T. lutea, P. cruentum, and P. tricornutum, respectively). Moreover, the application of the method to defatted biomass showed potential for microalgal valorization with carotenoid recovery rates of 41 %, 60 %, 61 %, and 100 % for M.gaditana, P. tricornutum, T. lutea, and P. cruentum, compared to the original biomass, respectively. Furthermore, by using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), we reported the carotenoid and chlorophyll profiles of the different microalgae and evaluated the impact of the eco-friendly methods. The carotenoid and chlorophyll profiles varied depending on the species, biomass, and method used. In summary, this study advances a green extraction method with improved environmental sustainability and shorter extraction time, underscoring the potential of this approach as a valuable alternative for the extraction of microalgal pigments.

Green Approach for Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties from Grapevine Waste Extracts.

The present work aims to study the possibilities of developing silver nanoparticles using natural extracts of grape pomace wastes originating from the native variety of Fetească Neagră 6 Șt. This study focused on investigating the influence of grape pomace extract obtained by two different extraction methods (classical temperature extraction and microwave-assisted extraction) in the phytosynthesis process of metal nanoparticles. The total phenolic content of the extracts was assessed using the spectrophotometric method with the Folin-Ciocâlteu reagent, while the identification and quantification of specific components were conducted through high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), along with assessing their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive bacteria. The data collected from the experiments indicated that the nanoparticles were formed in a relatively short period of time (96 h) and, for the experimental variant involving the use of a 1:1 ratio (v/v, grape pomace extract: silver nitrate) for the nanoparticle phytosynthesis, the smallest crystallite sizes (from X-ray diffraction-4.58 nm and 5.14 nm) as well as spherical or semispherical nanoparticles with the lowest average diameters were obtained (19.99-23 nm, from TEM analysis). The phytosynthesis process was shown to enhance the antioxidant properties (determined using the DPPH assay) and the antimicrobial potential (tested against Gram-positive strains) of the nanoparticles, as evidenced by comparing their properties with those of the parent extracts; at the same time, the nanoparticles exhibited a selectivity in action, being active against the Staphylococcus aureus strain while presenting no antimicrobial potential against the Enterococcus faecalis strain.

Development and validation of an analytical method for acetamiprid determination in plant protection products using HPLC-DAD

AbstractPlant protection products (PPP), crucial for agricultural production, are experiencing increased global demand, particularly with the growing need for food production. To meet this demand, robust analytical methods are essential for confirming the presence and determining active substance concentrations in PPP. This study introduces an analytical method utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) for determination of acetamiprid in water-soluble powder formulations. The method, validated according to SANCO/3030/99 rev.5, demonstrated exhibited adequate accuracy and precision, with repeatability expressed as the ratio of the standard deviation (% RSD) to the relative standard deviation (% RSDr) being lower than 1. Recoveries for the active substance at concentrations above 10% ranged from 97% to 103%. The developed method is also characterized by suitable linearity, confirmed by a correlation coefficient &gt;0.99. Specific chromatographic profiles were generated, and acetamiprid content in 180 formulations was analyzed, including reference products. The developed method aligns with “green chemistry” principles, minimizing solvent use and emphasizing energy efficiency. Overall, it offers a comprehensive approach for qualitative and quantitative analysis, ensuring the reliability of PPP quality control.

Bubble‐driven solid‐phase microextraction for the rapid determination of potassium sorbate in oyster sauce by HPLC‐DAD

SummaryOn‐site sample preparation has the advantage of combining sampling and sample preparation into a single step, thereby minimising sources of error, and eliminating the risk of analyte instability. Bubble‐driven solid‐phase microextraction (BD‐SPME) was first proposed as an on‐site pretreatment method. Oyster sauce underwent on‐site pretreatment to measure potassium sorbate levels via high‐performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC‐DAD), obviating the need for stirrers. The high sensitivity of the HPLC determination of potassium sorbate was obtained using BD‐SPME pretreatment with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 mg L−1 and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.10 mg L−1. The refined technique displayed remarkable linearity from 0.10 to 30.00 mg L−1, boasting a coefficient of determination R2 ≥ 0.998. In addition, the recoveries of potassium sorbate in oyster sauce using the method were in the range of 90.8–101.4%. Evidently, BD‐SPME in combination with HPLC‐DAD is a sensitive and promising analysis for on‐site pretreatment.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry-Based Profiling Reveals Anthocyanin Profile Alterations in Berries of Hybrid Muscadine Variety FLH 13-11 in Two Continuous Cropping Seasons

FLH 13-11 is an F1 interspecific hybrid muscadine grape genotype that was developed to produce new anthocyanins for pigment color stability. This hybrid resulted from a cross between ‘Marsh’ (Vitis munsoniana) and ‘Magoon’ (V. rotundifolia) and has been cultivated for the wine and juice industry. This report characterizes anthocyanins produced in fully ripe berries and reveals a significant difference in total anthocyanin contents from two continuous cropping seasons. High-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and HPLC–quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-qTOF-MS/MS) were used to profile anthocyanins in berries. The resulting data showed that fourteen anthocyanins were detected, six from 2011 and nine from 2012, with only one produced in both seasons. However, the anthocyanidin profiles of the berries were the same. Five anthocyanins were annotated as diglucosides of anthocyanidins based on MS/MS features, including delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside produced in both seasons, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside mainly formed in 2011, petunidin 3,5-diglucoside, malvidin 3,5-diglucoside, and peonidin 3,5-glucoside only detected in 2012. Also, three anthocyanidin-diglucoside-like anthocyanins and three monoglucosides, including peonidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside like, and pelargonidin 3-glucoside-like anthocyanins, were detected in 2011 and 2012, respectively. These results indicate that FLH 13-11 can produce both anthocyanidin-diglucosides and -monoglucosides, and their biosynthesis is closely dependent on cropping years.

Effect of augmented nutrient composition and fertigation system on biomass yield and cannabinoid content of medicinal cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation.

Growing evidence underscores the role of nutrients and fertigation systems in soilless production, influencing medicinal cannabis biomass and secondary metabolite content. This study delves into the impact of enhanced nutrient regimes on the 'ionome' and its ramifications for biomass and cannabinoid production in medicinal cannabis, comparing two distinct fertigation systems: recirculation and drain-to-waste. Notably, we assess the optimal harvest time for maximizing profitability. In comparing the experimental variant with elevated levels of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and iron (Fe) in the nutrient solution to the control variant, we observe distinct patterns in element composition across stems, leaves, and flowers, with significant differences between fertigation systems. Total nitrogen content was determined through the Kjeldahl method. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) were employed for elemental analysis. Cannabinoid identification and quantification used high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC/DAD). Followed statistical analyses included ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. Although the augmented nutrient regimen does not substantially increase plant biomass, interesting differences emerge between the two fertigation systems. The recirculation fertigation system proves more profitable during the recommended harvest period. Nonetheless, the altered nutrient regime does not yield statistically significant differences in final inflorescence harvest mass or cannabinoid concentrations in medicinal cannabis. The choice of fertigation system influences the quantity and quality of harvested inflorescence. To optimize the balance between the dry biomass yield of flowers and cannabinoid concentration, primarily total THC yield (sum of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol), we propose the 11th week of cultivation as the suitable harvest time for the recirculation system. Importantly, the recirculation system consistently outperformed the drain-to-waste system, especially after the ninth week, resulting in significantly higher total THC yields. Enriched nutrition, when compared with control, increased THC yield up to 50.7%, with a remarkable 182% surge in the recirculation system when compared with the drain-to-waste system.

Pharmacological Properties of Chemically Characterized Extracts from Mastic Tree: In Vitro and In Silico Assays.

The mastic tree, scientifically known as Pistacia lentiscus, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, was used in this study. The aim of this research was to analyze the chemical composition of this plant and assess its antioxidant and antibacterial properties using both laboratory experiments and computer simulations through molecular docking, a method that predicts the binding strength of a small molecule to a protein. The soxhlet method (SE) was employed to extract substances from the leaves of P. lentiscus found in the eastern region of Morocco. Hexane and methanol were the solvents used for the extraction process. The n-hexane extract was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify its fatty acid content. The methanolic extract underwent high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) to determine the presence of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH spectrophotometric test. The findings revealed that the main components in the n-hexane extract were linoleic acid (40.97 ± 0.33%), oleic acid (23.69 ± 0.12%), and palmitic acid (22.83 ± 0.10%). Catechin (37.05 ± 0.15%) was identified as the predominant compound in the methanolic extract through HPLC analysis. The methanolic extract exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging, with an IC50 value of 0.26 ± 0.14 mg/mL. The antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, and Escherichia coli, while the antifungal activity was evaluated against Geotrichum candidum and Rhodotorula glutinis. The P. lentiscus extract demonstrated notable antimicrobial effects. Additionally, apart from molecular docking, other important factors, such as drug similarity, drug metabolism and distribution within the body, potential adverse effects, and impact on bodily systems, were considered for the substances derived from P. lentiscus. Scientific algorithms, such as Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS), Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME), and Pro-Tox II, were utilized for this assessment. The results obtained from this research support the traditional medicinal usage of P. lentiscus and suggest its potential for drug development.

The Effect of Different Storage Conditions on the Levels of Bisphenol A in Bottled Drinking Water in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia

Bisphenol A (BPA) in drinking water sources is a significant concern in society because BPA is one of the endocrine disruption compounds (EDCs) that can cause hazards to human health even at extremely low concentration levels. This study investigated the leaching potential of BPA from drinking water bottles in five brands of bottled drinking water in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the level of BPA in bottled water in the city of Jeddah. The separation was carried out under isocratic elution, and the detector was set to UV mode. Low levels of BPA were detected in all samples from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers. The mean concentration of BPA in water bottles stored at room temperature for 30 days was 9.46 ng·L−1, while the concentration of BPA in water bottles exposed to sunlight and boiling water bath was 16.13 ng·L−1 and 14.7 ng·L−1, respectively. Although the results show that the daily consumed concentration of BPA for an adult with 60 kg of body weight is 32.26 ng, which is lower than the total tolerable daily intake limit of BPA, health risks from the consumption of bottled water may increase after UV exposure for an extended time.

Natural Luffa cylindrica sponge sorbent for the solid phase extraction of estrone, 17-β-estradiol, and testosterone in aquaculture water

The bare natural fibrous skeleton of Luffa cylindrica (LC) sponge gourd was simply prepared and used as a sorbent in the vortex-assisted solid phase extraction (VA-SPE) of three steroid hormones, estrone (E1), 17-β-estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) from aquaculture water samples. The extracted compounds were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Extraction with the prepared sorbent was highly efficient, completing within 10 min. The developed method showed good linearity in a concentration range of 15–1000 μg L−1 for E1, E2, and T. The limits of detection (LODs) were 9.6 ± 0.1 μg L−1 for E1, 9.8 ± 0.1 μg L−1 for E2, and 9.7 ± 0.1 μgL−1 for T. The respective limits of quantitation (LOQs) were 32.1 ± 0.3 μg L−1, 32.7 ± 0.4 μg L−1, and 32.2 ± 0.5 μg L−1. Good reproducibility (RSD < 3.5%, n = 6), good precision (RSD < 6.8%, n = 6), and excellent reusability (n = 22, RSD < 8%) were achieved. Recoveries from real spiked samples ranged from 70.2 ± 0.1% to 98.9 ± 4.7% with RSDs lower than 6.0%. The proposed method is simple, fast, inexpensive, and eco-friendly, with potential applications in the trace analysis of steroid hormones. Novelty statementOnly a few studies have focused on sample preparation for the simultaneous determination of steroid hormones in aquaculture water. The authors believe that the use of unmodified naturally available Luffa cylindrica as a solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbent has not yet been reported. This work successfully developed, for the first time from the bare fibrous skeleton of Luffa cylindrica, a very simple and low-cost SPE sorbent to extract E1, E2, and T for simultaneous determination by HPLC.

Characteristics of contaminants in the polish-origin bee products and cancer risk assessment.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furfural, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and pesticide residues, as well as assessment of cancer risk of the Polish-origin bee products. The bee product samples were prepared using a modified QuEChERS method, then PAHs and pesticides were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), neonicotinoids by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), and HMF and furfural by spectrophotometry (HPLC-UV/Vis). The results showed that the highest furfural content was found in bee bread from the northeast part of Poland; moreover, samples obtained from the same region were also characterized with a higher level of HMF. The total sum of PAHs ranged from 324.0 to 866.4μg/kg; the highest content of PAH4 (the sum of benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene) was 21.0μg/kg, but only benzo[a]anthracene and chrysene were detected in the samples. Imidacloprid and acetamiprid were found only in bee bread from the northeast part of Poland, while clothianidin was detected in honey samples. The acceptable cancer risk has been calculated for PAHs due to ingestion of honey, while increasing the risk of cancer was calculated for bee bread and bee pollen. Due to the high concentration of PAHs and excessively high recommended consumption dose, regular consumption of bee bread and pollen may pose a severe threat to human health and should be strictly limited.

The Occurrence of Folate Biosynthesis Genes in Lactic Acid Bacteria from Different Sources.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to produce folate. However, this ability is highly strain-dependent. Folate synthesis in specific LAB strains is affected by the availability of folate, which can be consumed by other LAB under certain conditions. Moreover, differences in folate synthesis capabilities are related to the presence of folate biosynthesis-related genes and regulation of this pathway. As basic information to better understand the regulation of folate biosynthesis among different LAB species and strains, folate biosynthetic genes were screened and identified in folate-producing and non-folate-producing LAB isolated from various local food sources in Indonesia. The extracellular folate productivity amounts of the isolates were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Eleven of the thirteen tested LAB isolates had all of the eight genes involved in folate biosynthesis (folE, folQ, folB, folK, folP, folC1, folA and folC2). Furthermore, these isolates produced extracellular folate ranging from 10.37 to 31.10 µg/mL. In contrast, two non-folate-producing isolates lacked several folate biosynthetic genes, such as folQ, folP and folA, which is possibly the reason for their inability to synthesize folate de novo. Phylogenetic tree construction revealed that the folate biosynthetic genes (excluding folK and folP) from six distinct species of folate-producing LAB isolates were monophyletic with homologous genes from other LAB species in the database. In this study, the distribution of folate biosynthetic genes in various LAB species was determined. The findings from this research support the use of folate biosynthesis marker genes in the genotypic screening for folate-producing LAB.

Valorization of Raw Coffee Beans (Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora) through Solvent Development and Extraction of Bioactive Compounds

Raw coffee beans are seen as valuable sources of bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids and chlorogenic acids. In this study, an efficient and eco-friendly method for the simultaneous extraction of caffeine, trigonelline, and chlorogenic acids from raw beans of two coffee species was developed, using green solvents and an unconventional method of extraction (assisted by ultrafast rotary disintegrator/homogenizer (UT-AE)). The experimental extraction conditions were optimized according to a completely randomized design (CRD), considering the following variables: solvent type (four deep eutectic solvents (DESs), water, and aqueous choline chloride solution (50 wt.%); temperature (25, 45, and 65 °C); and extraction technique (solid-liquid extraction with agitated heating and assisted by ultrafast rotary disintegrator/homogenizer). The extract obtained with choline chloride solution (50 wt.%) exhibited high total phenolic compounds and the highest antioxidant capacity. An analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) indicated the presence of chlorogenic acids, caffeine, and trigonelline in all the extracts, in different amounts. The results obtained by the analysis of phenolic compounds and HPLC indicated that the aqueous solution of choline chloride (50% wt.%) was the most suitable solvent for the extraction of chlorogenic acids, while the water-based extracts showed high values of caffeine and trigonelline. DESs, in turn, seems to promote a protective effect on the antioxidant activity of biomolecules.

Antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities of Spartium junceum with HPLC-DAD profiling

Spartium junceum L., a Fabaceae plant, is commonly known as Spanish broom and cultivated in the Mediterranean regions. This study aimed to investigate the chemical profiles and antioxidant and different enzyme inhibitory activities of methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts obtained from flowers and stems of S. junceum. Also, their phenolic compositions were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD). The aqueous extract of stems showed the highest phenolic content (63.94 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), while the aqueous extract of stems contained the highest flavonoid content (61.33 mg quercetin equivalents/g). The stem water extract demonstrated the highest 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity (IC50: 2327 μg/ml), while the stem water extract exhibited a strong 2,2′-azino-di(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical-scavenging activity (IC50: 91.80 ± 0.90 μg/ml). The tested extracts differed greatly in terms of enzyme inhibition activity. The stem water extract showed the highest anti-acetylcholinesterase activity (IC50: 46.69 ± 1.66 μg/ml); however, the stem methanol extract exhibited a strong anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity (IC50: 76.39 ± 0.27 μg/ml). The flower methanol extract was the most active against the α-glucosidase enzyme (IC50: 296.7 ± 3.77 μg/ml). All extracts showed low activities against α-amylase and tyrosinase enzymes. The evaluation of the biological activity results provides evidence for bioactivity-guided isolation studies on the active extracts of this plant.

Chemical Composition and Polyphenol Compounds of Vaccinium floribundum Kunth (Ericaceae) from the Volcano Chimborazo Paramo (Ecuador)

Mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) is considered a “superfruit” due to its antioxidant capacity and possible health benefits. To date, there is no known study that addresses the biochemical characterization of mortiño berries from the paramo of the Chimborazo volcano (Ecuador). So, the aim of this research was to evaluate for the first time the effect of the stage of development of the mortiño berries (two stages) and environment of origin (three sampling areas) on fruit quality. Polyphenol compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (ESI-MSn) and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Moreover, antioxidant properties (ABTS•+, and DPPH), sugar and organic acids, and minerals were examined. The main organic acids were quinic and citric acid, while glucose, fructose, sucrose, mannose, and sorbitol were the main sugars determined in the mortiño fruits. The main constituents of the mortiño berries included hydroxycinnamic acids (5-O-caffeoylquinic acid), flavonols (quercetin 3-hexoside, quercetin 5-hexoside, quercetin 3-pentoside, and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside) and anthocyanins. Seven anthocyanins were identified: glycosides of cyanidin, delphinidin, petunidin, peonidin, and pelargonidin. The research confirms that the mortiño berries produced in the Ecuadorian paramo area are a valuable source of polyphenolics, rich in sugars and organic acids, and can be classified as a good source of microelements.

Evaluation of Thermal Degradation of Tropane and Opium Alkaloids in Gluten-Free Corn Breadsticks Samples Contaminated with Stramonium Seeds and Baked with Poppy Seeds under Different Conditions.

In this work, the thermal degradation of tropane and opium alkaloids was studied in samples of breadsticks prepared with corn flour, contaminated with seeds of Datura stramonium, and containing seeds of Papaver somniferum L. A total of seven different samples were prepared and eight alkaloids were studied, three tropane (atropine, scopolamine, and anisodamine) and five opium (morphine, codeine, thebaine, papaverine, and noscapine) alkaloids. For this purpose, a fast, easy and efficient method based on solid-liquid extraction (SLE) prior to the analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) was developed and validated. Thermal degradation studies showed a decrease in the TAs and OAs content under baking (180 °C for 20 min) that was between 7–65% for atropine, depending on the preparation conditions used, between 35–49% for scopolamine and anisodamine, up to 100% for morphine and codeine and between 14–58% for thebaine, papaverine, and noscapine. Results also evidenced that degradation of morphine and codeine was higher when the seeds were added as topping to the breadsticks.

Identification of major carotenoids from green alga Tetraspora sp. CU2551: partial purification and characterization of lutein, canthaxanthin, neochrome, and β-carotene.

The green algae Tetraspora sp. CU2551 was previously identified as a strain with high potential for biohydrogen production; however, its algal biomass characteristics changed from green to reddish orange within 43days of biohydrogen production. The crude pigments were extracted, partially purified, and characterized by chemical determination. The present study focused on elucidating the carotenoid composition of the selected green alga Tetraspora sp. CU2551. The pigment extract was partially purified and fractionated using thin layer chromatography, and yielded two major and two minor carotenoid bands. The fractions were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) before being identified and confirmed using Liquid Chromatograph-Quadrupole Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). The spectral data of these fractions revealed four sub-fractions of interest that were lutein, canthaxanthin, neochrome, and β-carotene, which had percentages in the crude extracts of 30.57%, 25.47%, 7.89%, and 0.71%, respectively. Lutein and canthaxanthin were found to be the major carotenoid pigments present. Our findings in this present study are the first reporting of Tetraspora sp. CU2551 as a potential alternate source for carotenoid pigment production.

First report of flavonoids from leaves of Machaerium acutifolium by DI-ESI-MS/MS

The aqueous fraction obtained by the partition of the ethanolic extract from leaves of Machaerium acutifolium (Fabaceae-Papilionoideae) was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and direct insertion in a mass spectrometer with an ion trap analyzer equipped with an electrospray ionization source (DI-ESI-MS/MS). The chemical analysis of the extract demonstrated the occurrence of eight flavonols ( 1 – 8 ), two isoflavonoids ( 9 and 10 ) and one biflavonoid ( 11 ). These compounds are being reported for the first time from M. acutifolium . The aqueous fraction showed 28.37 ± 0.94% of AA in assay on DPPH and 151.70 ± 9.44 GAE of the total phenolic content.

A simple gelatin aerogel tablet sorbent for the effective vortex assisted solid phase extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from tea samples

A gelatin aerogel tablet was used as a vortex assisted solid phase extraction (VA-SPE) sorbent for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzo(a)anthracene (BaA), benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in tea samples. They have been quantified by a high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). The method shows good linearity (R2 = 0.999) at concentrations of 5.00–200 ng L−1, with the limits of detection of 1.65 ± 0.02, 1.81 ± 0.02, and 2.06 ± 0.03 ng L−1 for BaA, BbF, and BaP, respectively. Good reproducibility (RSDs < 0.24%, n = 6), good precision (RSDs < 6.3%), and excellent reusability (n = 40, RSDs < 0.17%) were achieved. The tablet can extract PAHs within 1.5 min with good recoveries (70.10 ± 0.74% – 119.3 ± 4.1%). This method, which is simple, rapid, ecofriendly, and inexpensive, requires low consumption of organic solvent, and has potential application in food safety.