Synthetic Colorants Research Articles

Eco – colourants and Collage: Exploring natural colours extracted from ketapang leaves

The application of synthetic colorants in visual arts can cause substantial risks to the health and well-being of artists. The hazardous compounds in some paintings, whether they are acrylics, oils or watercolors, can cause negative health and environmental consequences. This study aimed to produce artworks with eco-colourants extracted from ketapang leaves using the boiling water extraction method. The extraction was performed at a boil for 30 minutes in distilled water keeping the liquor ratio at 1:20. The pre-mordanted, as well as meta-mordanted cotton, linen, viscose and satin silk fabrics with 5 – 10% (owf) of alum and tunjung, were dipped in the eco-colourants extract solution for 30 minutes to complete the dyeing cycle. The liquor ratio used in dyeing procedures was 1:20 and 1:40. The dyed fabrics were then evaluated visually in terms of shades obtained and the applicability toward the production of collages. The interesting aspect of this study was that the application of different mordants gave a variety of hues, even though the extracted eco-colourants come from the same source. Generally, pre-treated fabrics with tunjung produced darker shades in comparison with alum. The collected information was analysed and successfully executed to produce final collage artworks. However, the effectiveness might depend on the skills, abilities, and knowledge to produce collage artwork products using dyed fabric with extracted eco-colourants from ketapang leaves. This study gives preliminary evidence that plant-derived eco-colourants can be used in the visual arts and that they should be investigated more in the future.

Color Stains on Paper: Fungal Pigments, Synthetic Dyes and Their Hypothetical Removal by Enzymatic Approaches

Fungi are the main contaminants of books and archival documents. In addition to their degrading power, offered by various types of lignolytic and cellulolytic enzymes, they can also hue the surface of the paper through the production of pigments. The fungi on paper release various types of pigments belonging mostly to two chemical groups (polyketides and carotenoids), which cause unpleasant anaesthetic stains. The paper surface can also be hued with several synthetic colors, which are part, for example, of stamps and inks. These synthetic colors could be degraded by lignin-modifying enzymes (LMEs) and also by dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs). Therefore, the mechanism of action of LEMs and DyPs is illustrated. Moreover, we have examined the potentiality of LEMs and DyPs to remove the synthetic stains and also their hypothetical application in order to clean the fungal hues from the paper surface. Our review article, using the enzymatic removal parallelism between fungal and synthetic pigments, would like to show prospective solutions to this arduous problem.

Eco-Friendly Processing of Momordica Charantia L. Based Chemical Free Functionally Enriched Nectar And Evaluation of Its Nutritional Profile

The study was conducted to utilize functional attributes of Momordica charantia juice extract by mixing with papaya pulp for imparting yellow-orangecolour of its carotenoids and aonla juice with high Vitamin C to develop Momordica charantia blended functional nectar beverage without any preservative and synthetic food colorant. The ratio of 50 : 25 : 25 of bitter gourd juice extract, aonla juice and papaya pulp with best sensory scores on a nine-point hedonic scale was optimized for the processing of the blended beverage. Functional profile in terms of quality attributes such as reducing sugars (8.39%), DPPH activity (64.20%), total phenolics (41 mg/100 ml), carotenoids (0.58 mg/100 ml), and ascorbic acid (28.8 mg/100 ml) were recorded best in organic honey-based spiced blended nectar. However, charantin content (0.111 mg/100 ml) was found highest in plain bitter gourd beverage. Organoleptic scores and rich functional profile recorded during studies strongly indicated a positive perception of consumers and the need for commercialization. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(3): 445-453, 2022 (September)

Production of natural astaxanthin by Phaffia rhodozyma and its potential application in textile dyeing

Microbial astaxanthin are preferred over the synthetic equivalent, not only to impart color in a wide variety of products but also to provide bioactive antioxidants nutrients to human health. The yeast Phaffia rhodozyma is considered as one of the most important natural sources of astaxanthin. The present research work was designed to enhance the biosynthesis of astaxanthin by using synthetic substrates and moving from orbital shaker to 4 L stirred tank bioreactor (STB). Moreover, it was also evaluated the potential of astaxanthin-rich extracts in dyeing textile fabrics. Under optimal conditions in STB [carbon source (glucose/xylose) and aeration rate (1 vvm) with constant light irradiation], the process production achieved a 503.66 μg/gDCW (+ 48.99%) of astaxanthin compared to the orbital shakers (256.88 μg/gDCW). The in vitro antioxidant activity and potential cytotoxicity assessment of astaxanthin-rich extracts was evaluated, indicating the potential of astaxanthin to be used as a natural dyeing agent for textiles, envisioning the replacement of synthetic colorants by natural counterpart.

Responsive Structural Colors Derived from Geometrical Deformation of Synthetic Nanomaterials

Responsive structural colors generated by the geometrical deformation of synthetic nanomaterials with a periodic skeleton corresponding to light wavelength through interference, diffraction, and scattering are recognized as extremely valuable information conversion methods. However, there lacks systematic generalization regarding the responsive structural colors generated from the response deformation of micro–nano structures. In this review, the recent progress on synthetic structural color materials (SCMs) and their size effects on color conversion are summarized and discussed. Different deformable micro–nano structures, such as microspheres, inverse opals, surface wrinkles, nano‐/micropillars, layered stacks, and others, have been summarized. Their common feature is the variation in structural color produced by the deformation of nanostructures, but the difference lies in the deformation mechanism and response to stimuli. It is aimed to figure out the relationship and mechanism between stimuli deformation and the variable structural color of the corresponding nanostructures, inspiring the creation of the next generation of intelligent SCMs. Finally, perspectives on the development of responsive SCMs derived from the geometrical deformation of synthetic nanomaterials are presented. Several potential stimuli‐deformable micro–nano structures are discussed. It is believed that stimuli deformation is a powerful tool for the fabrication of high‐performance responsive SCMs to advance photonic technology.

Pigments, Dyes and the Restoration History of the Painted Figurines of the Tang Dynasty from the Astana Tombs Revealed by Comprehensive Chemical Analysis

AbstractComprehensive micro‐analyses were conducted to identify different pigments and dyes used in painted figurines of the Tang Dynasty unearthed from Astana Tombs, located along the ancient Silk Road. Interestingly, a mixture of lazurite and indigo was first discovered on a painted figurine to create a special blue hue, demonstrating that ancient Gaochang craftsmen were already skilled in using mixed colorants. Moreover, superimposition techniques were as well applied in these painted figurines, such as hematite or cinnabar overlaid on red lead. Despite the lack of unambiguous restoration records in the last century, multiple synthetic organic colorants used for repainting the lokapala figurine were successfully identified by Raman spectroscopy and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS), which should be helpful for the retrospective documentation of the restoration history of these artworks. These investigations towards archaeological materials can provide precise historical facts about the artworks and fundamental knowledge for their conservation.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF COSMETIC PREPARATIONS USING NOVEL NATURAL COLORANT FROM LANTANA CAMARA LINN (CHATURANGI) AND BOMBAX CEIBA LINN (SHAALMALI)

The present work aimed to formulate various cosmetic formulations comprising of extract of Lantana camara Linn. and Bombax ceiba Linn. as natural coloring agents. Dried and powdered leaves of L. camara Linn and dried thorn powder of B. ceiba Linn produce red color. The obtained color was used as a natural colorant in the preparation of different cosmetic preparations, namely lipstick, rouge and eye shadow. Different ingredients like bees wax, carnauba wax, white soft paraffin, castor oil and strawberry essence were used to formulate the aforesaid cosmetics using the extracted color. The formulations were evaluated for color, texture, pH, perfume stability, melting point, breaking point, softening point, surface anomalies, aging stability, thixothrophy and patch test depending upon its type. The results revealed that melting points of the prepared lipstick were observed in the range of 62-64 o C. The breaking point of all the lipstick formulations were noted in the range of 31 – 34 g. Force of application was noted to be good for all the formulations. Softening point was found to be in the range of 52.33 to 59.66 0 C. Eye shadow and rouge show good adhesion and color dispersion; patch test on volunteers showed no signs of skin irritation. The results verified that the color extracted from the dried leaves of L. camara Linn and dried thorn of B. ceiba may prove to be a beneficial choice and work as an alternative to synthetic colorants in various cosmetic formulations, which are known to cause allergic reactions and are reported to be carcinogenic.

A Potential Application of Microbial Pigment: An Alternative to Synthetic Dye & Colourants

A Potential Application of Microbial Pigment: An Alternative to Synthetic Dye & Colourants

The effect of prior exposure on the lightfastness of early synthetic dyes on textiles

Many studies have investigated light-induced damage to colourants in heritage collections using prepared samples of materials such as artist paints and dyed textiles. The body of research focuses primarily on the response of virgin materials, where colour change is assessed with respect to the original colour as light dose increases. From a practical perspective, most objects in museum collections have accumulated a significant light dose from illumination before acquisition, and subsequent years of exhibit lighting. When considering the risk of further degradation, it is often stated by heritage professionals that fugitive colourants with past light exposure are no longer as sensitive due to the slowing rate of visual damage. This is evident by studying ‘fading curves’, where the rate of colour change typically diminishes with increasing light dose. It remains unclear, however, to what degree the lightfastness of remaining colour changes with ongoing exposure. To address the issue, the light sensitivity of residual colour was investigated as a function of prior dose using a published dataset of colour measurements from textiles dyed with early synthetic colourants in the period of 1874–1905. The CIELAB colour values (D65/2°) for each material and dose increment were used to determine the future dose that causes a just-noticeable difference (JND), ΔE00 = 1.7, starting at different amounts of past exposure. This involved resetting the reference CIELAB values to that of the residual colour after each prior dose. The analysis provides an extension of our earlier work, where only the initial lightfastness was reported. A summary of the findings illustrates the shifting distribution of lightfastness, toward higher Blue Wool (BW) ratings with increasing exposure. As the dose progresses, dyes that start at BW1 sensitivity progress to BW2, then BW3 and so on. The findings from this work may assist with boundary approximations of object sensitivity when prior light exposure is known, or a reasonable estimate is available. An analysis of experimental data is summarised as a tool for this type of decision-making process.

A Study on the Usage status of Cosmeceuticals in High School Girl's Perception of Cosmetics Safety and Hazardous Ingredients

This study attempted to examine consumers' awareness of the safety of cosmeceuticals and analyze harmful ingredients against high school girls who have recently emerged as a new consumer group in the cosmeceutical market with a goal of providing basic data needed to buy cosmeceuticals by investigating their consumption patterns and satisfaction with the cosmetic products. For this, an online questionnaire survey was performed against a total of 377 high school girls born in 2003-2005 in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. The collected data were analyzed, using IBM SPSS Statistics 20, and the results found the followings: The respondents' awareness of the safety of cosmetics was neither high nor low while awareness of harmful ingredients was high. Among cosmeceuticals, it was sunscreens acne-care products that they have bought frequently. As their awareness of the safety of cosmetics was higher, they tended to check the effects and efficacies of ingredients. Depending on their skin concerns, they planned and bought the cosmeceuticals they needed by comparing their information. In addition, they have examined cosmetic information through apps and web portals in consideration of the efficacies and effects of cosmeceuticals and their skin type and conditions. Concerning cosmeceutical use patterns by the awareness of harmful ingredients, the perception of the hazard of synthetic color additives, synthetic flavors and mineral oil had an influence on the use of cosmeceuticals. Depending on the awareness of the safety and harmful ingredients of cosmetics, furthermore, the respondents were more satisfied with the cosmeceuticals. Under these circumstances, it is required to provide accurate information about cosmetic ingredients and help consumers have a better awareness of the safety of cosmetics by developing and distributing educational programs on harmful ingredients and decent contents.

Biorefinery Approach Applied to the Production of Food Colourants and Biostimulants from Oscillatoria sp.

In this study, a biorefinery based on Oscillatoria sp. is developed to produce high-value compounds such as C-phycocyanin, used in food colourant applications, and biostimulants, used in agriculture-related applications. First, the Oscillatoria biomass production was optimized at a pilot scale in an open raceway reactor, with biomass productivities equivalent to 52 t/ha·year being achieved using regular fertilizers as the nutrient source. The biomass produced contained 0.5% C-phycocyanins, 95% of which were obtained after freeze-thawing and extraction at pH 6.5 and ionic strength (FI) 100 mM, with a purity ratio of 0.71 achieved in the final extract. This purity ratio allows for use of the extract directly as a food colourant. Then, the extract's colourant capacity on different beverages was evaluated. The results confirm that C-phycocyanin concentrations ranging from 22 to 106 mg/L produce colours similar to commercial products, thus avoiding the need for synthetic colourants. The colour remained stable for up to 12 days. Moreover, the safety of the extracted C-phycocyanin was confirmed through toxicity tests. The waste biomass was evaluated for use as a biostimulant, with the results confirming a relevant auxin-like positive effect. Finally, an economic analysis was conducted to evaluate different scenarios. The results confirm that the production of both C-phycocyanin and biostimulants is the best scenario from an economic standpoint. Therefore, the developed biomass processing scheme provides an opportunity to expand the range of commercial applications for microalgae-related processes.

Efficient kernel fuzzy clustering via random Fourier superpixel and graph prior for color image segmentation

The kernel fuzzy clustering algorithms can explore the non-linear relations of pixels in an image. However, most of kernel-based methods are computationally expensive for color image segmentation and neglect the inherent locality information in images. To alleviate these limitations, this paper proposes a novel kernel fuzzy clustering framework for fast color image segmentation. More specifically, we first design a new superpixel generation method that uses random Fourier maps to approximate Gaussian kernels and explicitly represent high-dimensional features of pixels. Clustering superpixels instead of large-sized pixels speeds up the segmentation of a color image significantly. More importantly, the features of superpixels used by fuzzy clustering are also calculated in the approximated kernel space and the local relationships between superpixels are depicted as a graph prior and appended into the objective function of fuzzy clustering as a Kullback–Leibler divergence term. This results in a new fuzzy clustering model that can further improve the accuracy of the image segmentation. Experiments on synthetic and real-world color image datasets verify the superiority and high efficiency of the proposed approach.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND SENSORY ACCEPTABILITY OF ICE CREAM PREPARED WITH DIFFERENT RATIOS OF DAIRY WHIPPING CREAM TO TOMATO PUREE

Ice cream is a popular dairy product consumed by people of all ages. However, commercial ice cream is high in fat and calories, and it frequently uses synthetic colorants. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effects of tomato puree addition on the physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability of ice cream. Five formulations of ice cream were prepared with dairy whipping cream to tomato puree ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40. Physicochemical analyses were carried out in triplicate, which involved colour profile, pH and moisture levels, as well as ash, fat and protein content determination. The sensory attributes of colour, odour, hardness, creaminess, flavour, aftertaste and overall acceptability of the ice cream were evaluated by 50 untrained panellists using a 7-point of hedonic scale of acceptance test. The results showed that decreasing the percentage of dairy whipping cream and increasing the percentage of tomato puree enhanced the a* value and ash content of the ice cream, while decreasing the b* value, pH, and fat contents. However, the L* value, and moisture and protein contents were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the different ratios of dairy whipping cream to tomato puree. The sensory acceptability for all ice cream attributes increased significantly (p<0.05) with the addition of tomato puree and decrease of dairy whipping cream in the formulations. This study suggests the incorporation of tomato puree of up to 40% has a good potential in giving ice cream an attractive colour and improving its nutritional and sensory qualities.

Fast Sensitive and Accurate Analysis of the Most Common Synthetic Food Colorants in 65 Egyptian Commercial Products Using New HPLC–DAD and UPLC-ESI–MS/MS Methods

Overexposure to food colorants above the allowed daily intake (ADI) level can provoke hyperactivity and other disturbed behaviors especially in children. Two new methods were developed to separate five synthetic colorants, which were Tartrazine (E102), Sunset Yellow (E110), Allura Red (E129), Carmoisine (E122), and Brilliant Blue (E133). They are labeled on a large variety of commercial food products in the Egyptian market without mentioning their definite concentrations. Therefore, there was a real need to determine these colorants with simple, accurate, and fast methods. This is the first study to determine these colorants in a wide variety of food products present in the Egyptian market. The HPLC approach with photodiode array detection was developed to quantify these colorants, on a C18 column, with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and water containing 1% ammonium acetate (pH 6.8), separation was carried out using a gradient program. The colorants were eluted and efficiently separated within 9 min. Then, as a complementary technique to HPLC, the UPLC-ESI–MS/MS approach was developed for identification and accurate mass measurement of the colorants found in high concentrations, the colorants were obtained simultaneously in negative mode, the run time was only 3 min. These developed methods were validated according to ICH recommendations and they were applied to analyze 65 food products including jelly powder, puddings, ice cream powders, concentrated soft drink powders, carbonated drinks, chewing gums, and sugar confectionery.

Valorization of Miscanthus x giganteus for sustainable recovery of anthocyanins and enhanced production of sugars

The increased awareness for eco-friendliness and sustainability has shifted the interest of stakeholders from synthetic colors to natural plant-based pigments. In this study, purple stemmed Miscanthus x giganteus was evaluated as a source of anthocyanins. Hydrothermal pretreatment was studied as a green, chemical-free process for recovering maximum anthocyanins in the pretreatment liquor. The highest recovery of 94.3 ± 1.5% w/w of the total anthocyanin concentration was obtained for a temperature and time combination of 170 °C and 10 min. The pretreatment also improved the enzymatic digestibility of the biomass and led to a 2.1-fold increase in the overall recovery of glucose (70.6 ± 0.5% w/w) at the end of 72 h. The sugar monomers obtained after the enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated biomass could be used for the production of biofuels or biochemicals in an integrated biorefinery based on purple-stemmed miscanthus. Overall, this study demonstrates that the clean pretreatment method developed could lead to an additional product stream (rich in anthocyanins) along with its effect in reducing the recalcitrance of miscanthus biomass.

Dye Decolorization by Rhodococcus ruber Strain TES III Isolated from Textile Effluent Wastewater Contaminated Soil

AbstractTextile industries monopolize the use of synthetic and natural colors, claiming they are safe for the environment. These dyes have disastrous repercussions when released into the terrestrial and aquatic environment. The main purpose of the study was to isolate a biosurfactant‐producing bacterium from textile effluent‐contaminated soil and study its potential for dye degradation. Biosurfactant was extracted from Rhodococcus ruber strain TES III, a bacterium isolated from textile water contaminated soil. This biosurfactant‐producing bacterium was capable of decolorizing both synthetic dyes like methyl orange, methylene blue, and natural dyes like Indigo. There was a 2‐fold increase in methyl orange degradation after 48 hours, a 1‐fold increase in methylene blue degradation, and a 4.13‐fold increase in indigo dye degradation. Based on the foregoing data, we conclude that the biosurfactant‐producing bacteria Rhodococcus ruber strain TES III has a high potential for dye degradation and hence can be used in wastewater treatment of textile industries.

Evaluation of Guava Pulp Microencapsulated in Mucilage of Aloe Vera and Opuntia ficus-indica as a Natural Dye for Yogurt: Functional Characterization and Color Stability.

The substitution of artificial colorants for pigments extracted from fruits is a highly desirable strategy in the food industry for the manufacture of natural, functional, and safe products. In this work, a 100% natural spray-dried (SD) microencapsulated colorant of pink guava pulp, using aloe vera (AV) or Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) mucilage as functional encapsulating material, was prepared and evaluated as an additive into a yogurt (Y) matrix. The characterization of yogurt samples supplemented with OFI (Y-SD-OFI) and AV (Y-SD-AV) mucilage-covered guava pulp microcapsules was carried out through carotenoid quantification using UV–vis and HPLC–MS techniques, dietary fiber content, antioxidant capacity, colorimetry, and textural analysis, as well as by an evaluation of color stability after 25 days of storage at 4 °C in the dark. These physicochemical characteristics and color stability on the Y-SD-OFI and Y-SD-AV samples were compared with those of a commercial yogurt (control sample, Y-C) containing sunset yellow FCF synthetic colorant (E110). Y-SD-OFI and Y-SD-AV samples exhibited a high content of lycopene, dietary fiber, and antioxidant activity, which were absent in the control sample. Microencapsulated lycopene imparted a highly stable color to yogurt, contrary to the effect provided by the E110 dye in the control sample. The texture profile analysis revealed an increase in firmness, consistency, and cohesion in the Y-SD-OFI sample, contrary to the Y-SD-AV and Y-C samples, which was attributed to the variation in fiber concentration in the microcapsules. The incorporation of OFI and AV mucilage microparticles containing pink guava pulp into yogurt demonstrated its potential application as a functional natural colorant for dairy products.

Determination of Carcinogenic Primary Aromatic Amines Contained as Impurities in Synthetic Organic Colorants.

Several primary aromatic amines (PAAs) have been designated carcinogenic or suspected of carcinogenicity. Several kinds of PAAs may occur either via the reduction of azo compounds or as impurities in azo colorants or other agents. An analytical method was developed and applied to determine whether certain PAAs are present as impurities in synthetic organic colorants. Target chemicals were analyzed by the ultrasound extraction of the synthetic organic colorant with a hydrochloric acid solution containing 20% methanol, followed by conversion from an acidic to alkaline solution, and then extraction using a diatomaceous earth column. We analyzed certain PAAs in 38 synthetic organic colorants, resulting in the detection of 2,4-dimethylaniline in four samples at 1.2 to 19 μg/g, o-toluidine in three samples at 1.0 to 3.4 μg/g, p-phenylazoaniline in two samples at 74 to 305 μg/g, and, in one sample each, 2,4,5-trimethylaniline (13 μg/g), 5-nitro-o-toluidine (12 μg/g), and 2-methyl-4-(2-tolylazo)aniline (13 μg/g). Nearly all PAAs were determined to be starting materials for colorant synthesis, although p-phenylazoaniline in Yellow No. 407 was apparently a byproduct formed during synthesis. For Red No. 225, in which high concentrations of p-phenylazoaniline were detected, additional samples were purchased from five companies, and p-phenylazoaniline was detected at concentrations of 88 to 370 μg/g in all samples. A method to analyze certain PAAs contained as impurities in synthetic organic colorants was developed, and the actual status of them in colorants was clarified. The analytical method developed in this study for the determination of certain PAAs contained as impurities in synthetic organic colorants may be used to improve the safety of colorants.

Dietary Exposure to United States Food and Drug Administration-Approved Synthetic Food Colors in Children, Pregnant Women, and Women of Childbearing Age Living in the United States.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates artificial food colors (AFCs) in the United States. Exposure to AFCs has raised concerns about adverse behavioral effects in children. We quantified AFC exposure in women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and children and compared them to FDA and World Health Organization acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). We estimated the “typical” and “high” single-day and two-day average dietary exposure to each AFC (mg/kg/day) based on laboratory measurements and food consumption data from the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We also examined whether AFC intake differed by income, education, and ethnicity. Exposure tended to be higher in children and the highest AFC exposure was found for Red No. 40. Children’s mean and 95th percentile FD&C Red No. 3 estimated intakes exceeded the ADIs in some instances. Juice drinks, soft drinks, icings, and ice cream cones were major foods contributing to children’s (<16 years old) AFC exposure. AFC intake was higher in participants with lower incomes and education and of African American ethnicity. The findings indicate widespread AFC exposure including in very young children. Research is needed on the sociodemographic determinants of exposure and AFC toxicokinetics to better describe the absorption and organ-specific exposure.

Combining Photodegradation in a Liquid-Core-Waveguide Cell with Multiple-Heart-Cut Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography

Photodegradation greatly affects everyday life. It poses challenges when food deteriorates or when objects of cultural heritage fade, but it can also create opportunities applied in advanced oxidation processes in water purification. Studying photodegradation, however, can be difficult because of the time needed for degradation, the inaccessibility of pure compounds, and the need to handle samples manually. A novel light-exposure cell, based on liquid-core-waveguide (LCW) technology, was embedded in a multiple-heart-cut two-dimensional liquid chromatography system by coupling the LCW cell to the multiple-heart-cut valve. The sample was flushed from the heart-cut loops into the cell by an isocratic pump. Samples were then irradiated using different time intervals and subsequently transferred by the same isocratic pump to a second-dimension sample loop. The mixture containing the transformation products was then subjected to the second-dimension separation. In the current setup, about 30–40% of the selected fraction was transferred. Multiple degradation products could be monitored. Degradation was found to be faster when a smaller sample amount was introduced (0.3 μg as compared to 1.5 μg). The system was tested with three applications, that is, fuchsin, a 19th-century synthetic organic colorant, annatto, a lipophilic food dye, and vitamin B complex.