Comparison of different approaches for direct coupling of solid-phase microextraction to mass spectrometry for drugs of abuse analysis in plasma

The direct coupling of solid-phase microextraction(SPME)to mass spectrometry(MS)(SPME-MS)has proven to be an effective method for the fast screening and quantitative analysis of compounds in complex matrices such as blood and plasma.In recent years,our lab has developed three novel SPME-MS techniques:SPME-microfluidic open interface-MS(SPME-MOI-MS),coated blade spray-MS(CBS-MS),and SPME-probe electrospray ionization-MS(SPME-PESI-MS).The fast and high-throughput nature of these SPME-MS technologies makes them attractive options for point-of-care analysis and anti-doping testing.However,all these three techniques utilize different SPME geometries and were tested with different MS instruments.Lack of comparative data makes it difficult to determine which of these methodologies is the best option for any given application.This work fills this gap by making a comprehensive comparison of these three technologies with different SPME devices including SPME fibers,CBS blades,and SPME-PESI probes and SPME-liquid chromatography-MS(SPME-LC-MS)for the analysis of drugs of abuse using the same MS instrument.Furthermore,for the first time,we developed different desorption chambers for MOI-MS for coupling with SPME fibers,CBS blades,and SPME-PESI probes,thus illustrating the universality of this approach.In total,eight analytical methods were developed,with the experimental data showing that all the SPME-based methods provided good analytical performance with R^(2)of linearities larger than 0.9925,accuracies between 81%and 118%,and good precision with an RSD%≤13%.

Rapid and simultaneous determination of ten off-flavor compounds in water by headspace solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A simple and sensitive analytical procedure for the determination of multi-component compounds in water samples was developed and optimized using the headspace solid-phase microextraction(HSSPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). Ten off-flavor compounds, including geosmin(GSM), 2-methylisoborneol(2-MIB), 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine(IPMP), 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine(IBMP), β-ionone, trans-2,cis-6-nonadienal(NDE), 2,3,4-trichloroanisole(2,3,4-TCA), 2,3,6-trichroloanisole(2,3,6-TCA), 2,4,6-trichloroanisole(2,4,6-TCA), and 2,4,6-tribromoanisole(2,4,6-TBA) were used as the target analytes. The optimization of extraction parameters including fibers types, extraction time, extraction temperature, stirring rate, sample volume, and ionic strength was carried out through the univariate approach. Ten off-flavor compounds were quantified within 50 min under the optimal conditions. Calibration curves with good linearity(r^2=0.990-0.998) were obtained in the range 1.0/2.0-100 ng/L, while the limits of detection for all compounds were lower than or close to the odor threshold concentration. Furthermore, the proposed method was applied to analyzing and determining the off-flavor compounds in real water samples from water-treatment plants.

Determination of Trace Amounts of Lead by Modified Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry after Liquid Phase Microextraction with Pyrimidine-2-thiol

The liquid phase microextraction (LPME) was combined with the modified Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) for determination of lead in the water and solid samples. In a preconcentration step, lead was extracted from a 2 ml of its aqueous sample in the pH = 5 as lead-Pyrimidine-2-thiol cationic complex into a 4 μl drop of 1,2 dichloroethane and ammonium tetraphenylborate as counter ion immersed in the solution. In the drop, the lead-Pyrimidine-2-thiol ammonium tetraphenylborate ion associated complex was formed. After extraction, the microdrop was retracted and directly transferred into a graphite tube modified by [W.Pd.Mg] (c). Some effective parameters on extraction and complex formation, such as type and volume of organic solvent, pH, concentration of chelating agent and counter ion, extraction time, stirring rate and effect of salt were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factor and recovery were 525% and 94%, respectively. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 0.01 - 12 μg?L–1 with correlation coefficient of 0.9975 under the optimum conditions of the recommended procedure. The detection limit based on the 3Sb criterion was 0.0072 μg?L–1 and relative standard deviation (RSD) for ten replicate measurement of 0.1 μg?L–1 and 0.4 μg?L–1 lead was 4.5% and 3.8% respectively. The characteristic concentration was 0.0065 μg?L–1 equivalent to a characteristic mass of 26 fg. The results for determination of lead in reference materials, spiked tap water and seawater demonstrated the accuracy, recovery and applicability of the presented method.

Determination of Aroma Composition of Santalum album Linn by Solid-phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

[Objectives]This study aimed to determine the volatile components in Santalum album Linn and gradually clarify the aroma composition of S.album Linn.[Methods]Solid-phase microextraction method was used to obtain the volatile components of S.album Linn.The aroma components were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and their relative contents were calculated using the area normalization method.[Results]In a dry state at room temperature,39 chemical components were identified from S.album Linn,mainly olefins(91.15%),alkanes(3.00%),alcohols(2.56%),esters(2.19%),ketones(0.55%),aldehydes(0.41%)and heterocyclics(0.14%).[Conclusions]This method has the advantages of low sample consumption,easy operation,rapid identification of aroma components and high sensitivity,and can effectively separate and determine volatile components in S.album Linn,realizing the rapid identification of different S.album Linn varieties and providing technical support for further research on Chinese medicinal materials.

Determination of Aromatic Components of Rosa davurica Pall. by Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction Combined with GC-MS

[Objectives] To determine the aromatic components of Rosa davurica Pall. [Methods] 42 kinds of aromatic components were identified from the flowers of R. davurica by headspace solid phase microextraction( HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry( GC-MS). The main compounds were alcohols( 54. 88%) and aldehydes( 19. 55%). [Results] The top five components with the highest relative content were phenylethyl alcohol( 12. 69%),geraniol( 9. 85%),citronellol( 8. 80%),nerol( 7. 84%) and 2-n-pentylfuran( 7. 45%). [Conclusions] Headspace solid phase microextraction( HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry( GC-MS) can provide basis for further development and utilization of R. davurica.

Preparation of polypyrrole/nanosilica composite for solid-phase microextraction of bisphenol and phthalates migrated from containers to eye drops and injection solutions

This paper describes the electrodeposition of polyphosphate-doped polypyrrole/nanosilica nano-composite coating on steel wire for direct solid-phase microextraction of bisphenol A and five phthalates. We optimized influencing parameters on the extraction efficiency and morphology of the nanocomposite such as deposition potential, concentration of pyrrole and polyphosphate, deposition time and the nanosilica amount. Under the optimized conditions, characterization of the nanocomposite was inves-tigated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. Also, the factors related to the solid-phase microextraction method including desorption temperature and time, extrac-tion temperature and time, ionic strength and pH were studied in detail. Subsequently, the proposed method was validated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry by thermal desorption and acceptable figures of merit were obtained. The linearity of the calibration curves was between 0.01 and 50 ng/mL with acceptable correlation coefficients (0.9956-0.9987) and limits of detection were in the range 0.002-0.01 ng/mL. Relative standard deviations in terms of intra-day and inter-day by five replicate analyses from aqueous solutions containing 0.1 ng/mL of target analytes were in the range 3.3%-5.4% and 5%-7.1%, respectively. Fiber-to-fiber reproducibilities were measured for three different fibers prepared in the same conditions and the results were between 7.3% and 9.8%. Also, extraction recoveries at two different concentrations were ≥96%. Finally, the suitability of the proposed method was demonstrated through its application to the analysis of some eye drops and injection solutions.

Covalent organic nanospheres as a fiber coating for solid-phase microextraction of genotoxic impurities followed by analysis using GC-MS

Covalent organic nanospheres(CONs)were explored as a fiber coating for solid-phase microextraction of genotoxic impurities(GTIs)from active ingredients(AIs).CONs were synthesized by an easy solutionphase procedure at 25℃.The obtained nanospheres exhibited a high specific surface area,good thermostability,high acid and alkali resistance,and favorable crystallinity and porosity.Two types of GTIs,alkyl halides(1-iodooctane,1-chlorobenzene,1-bromododecane,1,2-dichlorobenzene,1-bromooctane,1-chlorohexane,and 1,8-dibromooctane)and sulfonate esters(methyl p-toluenesulfonate and ethyl ptoluenesulfonate),were chosen as target molecules for assessing the performance of the coating.The prepared coating achieved high enhancement factors(5097-9799)for the selected GTIs.The strong affinity between CONs and GTIs was tentatively attributed to π-π and hydrophobicity interactions,large surface area of the CONs,and size-matching of the materials.Combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS),the established analytical method detected the GTIs in capecitabine and imatinib mesylate samples over a wide linear range(0.2-200 ng/g)with a low detection limit(0.04-2.0 ng/g),satisfactory recovery(80.03%-109.5%),and high repeatability(6.20%-14.8%)and reproducibility(6.20%-14.1%).Therefore,the CON-coated fibers are promising alternatives for the sensitive detection of GTIs in AI samples.

Determination of Cobalt in Food, Environmental and Water Samples with Preconcentration by Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction

A new method for the determination of cobalt was developed by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction preconcentra-tion and flame atomic absorption spectrometry. In the proposed approach, 1,5-bis(di-2-pyridyl) methylene thiocarbohydrazide (DPTH) was used as a chelating agent, and chloroform and ethanol were selected as extraction and dispersive solvents. Some factors influencing the extraction efficiency of cobalt and its subsequent determination, including extraction and dispersive solvent type and volume, pH of sample solution, concentration of the chelating agent, and extraction time, were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, a preconcentration factor of 8 was reached. The detection limit for cobalt was 12.4 ng?mL–1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.42% (n = 7, c = 100 ng?mL–1). The method was successfully applied to the determination of cobalt in food, environmental and water samples.

Solid-phase microextraction for flavor analysis in Harari Khat （Catha edulis） stimulant

This research examined the typical flavor compounds in the commonest type of Khat called Harari Khat grown in the region of Ethiopia.Twenty-eight compounds, which includes 1,2-Propanedione,1-Phenyl,Hexanol,Hexanal compounds,Limonene, Benzaldehyde with other flavors, were extracted by polydimethylsiloxane at room temperature for 30min from Khat samples,and identified by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS).This method needs no organic solvents and required minimal sample.

Determination of organochlorine pesticides from juice samples using magnetic biochar-based dispersive micro-solid phase extraction in combination with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction

Analysis of pesticide residue levels in juice beverages is important to ensure safe consumption and avoid global trade concerns associated to pesticide contaminations.A simple,inexpensive and effective method was developed for the determination of organochlorine pesticides(OCPs)in bottled juice drinks using GC-MS.Sample pretreatment was performed using dispersive solid-phase microextraction(D-μ-SPE)for matrix desorption and dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction(DLLME)for analyte enrichment.In this study,an affordable and effective sorbent for the adsorption of OCPs from juice samples was synthesized from avocado seeds mixed with magnetic precursors for D-μSPE.The ground avocado seeds combined with a magnetic precursor nanocomposite were characterized using various instruments including scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET)analysis.The solution obtained from D-μ-SPE desorption was used as a dispersant for the subsequent DLLME,which made the combination of D-μ-SPE with DLLME much easier.The effectiveness of the method was enhanced by optimizing the influential parameters in both D-μ-SPE and DLLME.Then after,the optimal values were determined for the real sample analysis.Accordingly,there was good linear dynamic range with a coefficient of determination(r2)≥0.9989.The limit of detection and quantification were 0.02–0.69 and 0.06–2.10 ng/L respectively.The method showed high enrichment factors ranging from 96 to 313 with recoveries of 87–100%.Intraday and interday precisions were≤4%.Compared with other reported methods,this method is a one-step,simple,cheap,fast,and environmentally friendly alternative and straightforward method for adsorbing organochlorine pesticides from sample solutions.These results demonstrates the high potential of the proposed method for the extraction and cleanup of contaminants in selected juices and other related samples.

A novel method for the determination of trace copper in cereals by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop coupled with flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A novel,simple,rapid,efficient and environment-friendly method for the determination of trace copper in cereal samples was developed by using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop（DLLME-SFO） followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry.In the DLLME-SFO,copper was complexed with 8-hydroxy quinoline and extracted into a small volume of 1-dodecanol,which is of low density,low toxicity and proper melting point near room temperature. The experimental parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were investigated and optimized.Under the optimum conditions, the calibration graph exhibited linearity over the range of 0.5—500 ng/mL with the correlation coefficient（r） of 0.9996.The enrichment factor was 122 and the limit of detection was 0.1 ng/mL.The method was applied to the determination of copper in the complex matrix samples such as rice and millet with the recoveries for the spiked samples at 5.0 and 10.0 u,g/g falling in the range of 92.0-98.0%and the relative standard deviation of 3.9-5.7%.

Analysis of nitrobenzene compounds in water and soil samples by graphene composite-based solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

In this work, solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was developed to determine trace levels of nitrobenzene compounds in water and soil samples. Graphene was chosen as the extraction material and its composite was coated on a stainless steel wire through sol–gel technique for the solid phase microextraction. The key parameters influencing the extraction efficiency were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the linearity for the compounds was observed in the range of 0.02–15.0 mg/L for water samples, and 0.2–60.0 mg/kg for soil samples, with the correlation coefficients（r） of 0.9966–0.9987. The limits of detection of the method were 0.0025–0.005 mg/L for water samples, and 0.02–0.04 mg/kg for soil samples. The recoveries for the spiked samples were in the range of 72.0%–113.2%, and the precision, expressed as the relative standard deviations, was less than 12.1%.

Trace analysis of off-flavor/odor compounds in water using liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with gas chromatography--positive chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid, inexpensive and laboratory friendly method was developed for analysis of off-flavor/odor compounds in fresh and salt water using gas chromatography with chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Off-flavor/odor compounds, included geosmin, 2- methylisobomeol （MIB）, 2-isobutyl-3-methyoxypyrazine （IBMP）, and 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine （IPMP）. Using this method, a single sample can be extracted within minutes using only 1 mL of organic solvent. The ion transitions for IPMP, IBMP, MIB, and geosmin were 153 〉 121, 167 〉 125, 152 〉 95, and 165 〉 109, respectively. The linearity of this method for analyzing MIB ranged from 4 to 200ng·L^-1, and from 0.8 to 200ng·L^-1 for the other analytes. Method recoveries ranged from 97% to 111% and percent relative standard deviations ranged from 3% to 9%, indicating that the method is accurate, precise, and reliable.

Porous covalent organic frameworks-improved solid phase microextraction ambient mass spectrometry for ultrasensitive analysis of tetrabromobisphenol-A analogs

Owing to frequent environmental monitoring of tetrabromobisphenol-A(TBBPA)analogs and their potential ecotoxicological effects on organisms,analysis of trace levels of TBBPA analogs with more non-polar and less water-soluble characteristics is of great significance for studying their environmental behaviors and toxic effects.Herein,a fast and sensitive technique is developed for directly detecting aqueous TBBPA analogs,including TBBPA mono(allyl ether)(TBBPA-MAE),TBBPA mono(2,3-dibromopropyl ether)(TBBPAMDBPE),TBBPA mono(2-hydroxyethyl ether)(TBBPA-MHEE)and TBBPA mono(glycidyl ether)(TBBPAMGE),by combining solid phase microextraction(SPME)based on porous covalent organic frameworks(Porous-COFs)with constant flow desorption ionization-mass spectrometry(CFDI-MS).As chromatographic separation is replaced by constant flow desorption,each sample can be analyzed within 7 min.The hierarchical porous structures(microporous,mesoporous and macroporous)of COFs lead to the enhanced mass transfer and the easier accessibility of active sites to TBBPA analogs,so that the extraction efficiency is 2.3-3.6 times higher than pure microporous COFs,and far superior to commercial coatings.The detection limit and quantification limit of this method are 0.1-1 and 0.4-3.2 ng/L,respectively.Ultratrace levels of TBBPA analogs from 5.0 ng/L to 66 ng/L have been successfully detected in river and sea water samples,showing great potential for subsequent studies of their environmental behaviors and toxicological effects.

Trace determination of hexabromocyclododecane diastereomers in water samples with temperature controlled ionic liquid dispersive liquid phase microextraction

A novel temperature controlled ionic liquid dispersive liquid phase microextracfion （TCIL-DLPME） coupled with rapid resolution liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry （RRLC-ESI-MS-MS） has been developed for the enrichment and determination of three hexabromocyclododecane diastereomers （HBCDs） in water samples. Green solvent ionic liquid （IL） was used as extraction solvent instead of toxic organic solvents. This technique also avoided the usage of dispersive solvent. Some important parameters that might affect the extraction efficiency were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, good linear relationship, sensitivity and reproducibility were obtained. All the limits of detection for the three diastereomers were 0.1 ng/ mL. The linear range was obtained in the range of 1-100 ng/mL for the total amount of three HBCD diastereomers. It was satisfactory to analyze real environmental water samples with the recoveries ranging from 77.2% to 99.3%. The main advantage of the method is toxic organic solvent-free.

Determination of amphetamines,ketamine and their metabolites in hair with high-speed grinding and solid-phase microextraction followed by LC-MS

A novel hair sample pre-treatment method based on high-speed grinding and solid-phase microextraction(SPME)had been applied for the determination of amphetamines,ketamine and their metabolites in hair samples by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry(LC-MS).A 20mg sample of hair was ground with 2 mL of saturated sodium carbonate solution using a high-efficiency hair grinder with 70 Hz osillation for 2min at 4℃.After centrifuging,1.5mL of the supernatant was transferred and treated with SPME by direct immersion(DI-SPME).The target analytes extracted by fibre were desorbed and analysed using LC-MS.Under the optimum conditions,a recovery of 90.2%-95.8%was obtained for all analytes.The analytical method was linear for all analytes in the range from 0.2 to 10 ng/mg with the correlation coefficient ranging from 0.9985 to 0.9993.The detection limits for all analytes were estimated to be 0.067 ng/mg.The accuracy(mean relative error)was within±6.9%and the precision(relative standard error)was less than 6.8%.The combination of high-speed grinding of hair and SPME had the advantages of being easy to perform,environment-friendly and high in detection sensitivity.The proposed method offered an altermative ana lytical approach for the sensitive detection of drugs in hair samples for forensic purposes.

Simultaneous determination of free methamphetamine,pethidine,ketamine and tramadol in urine by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with GC–MS

A simple and rapid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction(DLLME)technique coupled with gas chromatography–ion trap mass spectrometry(GC–MS)was developed for the extraction and analysis of methamphetamine(MA),pethidine(PD),ketamine(KT)and tramadol(TD)from human urine.In this study,different parameters affecting the extraction process such as the type and volume of extraction solvent,type and volume of disperser solvent,extraction time and pH value and salt effect were studied and optimized.Under optimized conditions,the enrichment factor ranged from 185 to 226 and the average recovery ranged from 80.45%to 95.55%.The linear range was 10.0–1000.0 mg/L,the limit of detection and quantitation were in the range 0.43–1.96 mg/L and 1.44–6.53 mg/L,respectively.The relative standard deviations were in the range 1.98%–3.90%(n=7).The obtained results show that DLLME combined with GC–MS is a fast and simple method for the determination of MA,PD,KT and TD in human urine.

Ultrasound-assisted emulsification solidified floating organic drop microextraction for the determination of trace amounts of copper in water samples

A simple and efficient liquid-phase microextraction(LPME)technique was developed using ultrasound-assisted emulsification solidified floating organic drop microextraction(USAE-SFODME)combined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry,for the extraction and determination of trace copper in water samples.1-(2-Pyridylazo)-2-naphthol(PAN)was used as chelating agent.Microextraction efficiency factors(including extraction solvent type,extraction volume,time,temperature,and pH),the amount of the chelating agent,and salt effect were investigated and optimized.Under the optimum extraction conditions,figures of merit of the proposed method were evaluated.The calibration graph was linear in the range of 20–600 mg·L^(–1)with a detection limit of 0.76 mg·L^(–1).The relative standard deviation(R.S.D)for ten replicate measurements of 20 and 400 mg·L^(–1)of copper was 3.83%and 2.65%,respectively.Finally,the proposed method was applied to tap water,river water,and sea water,and accuracy was assessed through the analysis of certified reference water or recovery experiments.

Determination of five endosulfan pesticides in the fish pond water by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with GC–MS

A simple and rapid dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction(DLLME)technique coupled with gas chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry(GC-MS)was developed for the extraction and analysis of five endosulfan pesticides from the fish pond water.In this work,different parameters affecting the extraction process such as the type and volume of extraction solvent,type and volume of disperser solvent,and extraction time were studied and optimized.Under optimized conditions,the enrichment factor ranged from 189 to 269 and the relative recovery ranged from 88.5%to 94.9%.The linear range was 2.0-80.0 mg/L;the limits of detection and quantitation were in the range 0.04-1.06 mg/L and 0.12-3.53 mg/L,respectively.The relative standard deviations were in the range 0.94%-2.08%(n D 5).The obtained results show that DLLME combined with GC-MS is a fast and simple method for the determination of endosulfan pesticides in fish pond water.

Modern approaches for detection of volatile organic compounds in metabolic studies focusing on pathogenic bacteria:Current state of the art

Pathogenic microorganisms produce numerous metabolites,including volatile organic compounds(VOCs).Monitoring these metabolites in biological matrices(e.g.,urine,blood,or breath)can reveal the presence of specific microorganisms,enabling the early diagnosis of infections and the timely implementation of tar-geted therapy.However,complex matrices only contain trace levels of VOCs,and their constituent com-ponents can hinder determination of these compounds.Therefore,modern analytical techniques enabling the non-invasive identification and precise quantification of microbial VOCs are needed.In this paper,we discuss bacterial VOC analysis under in vitro conditions,in animal models and disease diagnosis in humans,including techniques for offline and online analysis in clinical settings.We also consider the advantages and limitations of novel microextraction techniques used to prepare biological samples for VOC analysis,in addition to reviewing current clinical studies on bacterial volatilomes that address inter-species in-teractions,the kinetics of VOC metabolism,and species-and drug-resistance specificity.