Molecular characterization of edible vegetable oils via free fatty acid and triacylglycerol fingerprints by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Free fatty acids (FFAs) and triacylglycerols (TAGs) are the main components of edible vegetable oils. In this work, electrospray ionisation (ESI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) was employed to characterise the molecular composition of FFAs and TAGs in various vegetable oils, including soybean, rapeseed, corn, sunflower, peanut, linseed and olive oils. Semiquantitative analysis of FFAs and structural analysis of TAGs by MS/MS were further conducted to reveal the differences in the molecular compositions of the various vegetable oils. It was found that each vegetable oil has characteristic fingerprints of FFAs and TAGs. MS/MS measurements showed that the high-abundance TAGs in each vegetable oil were mainly composed of their abundant FFAs and glycerol. FFA and TAG fingerprints of genetically modified (GM) and nongenetically modified (non-GM) vegetable oils were similar, exhibiting only subtle differences, as confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA).     

Identification of black carbon derived structures in a volcanic ash soil humic acid by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), coupled with cross-polarization magic angle spinning 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Kendrick mass defect analysis, was used to study the molecular composition of an aromatic carbon-rich humic acid extracted from a dark black soil from Iwata, Japan. Black carbon, produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and organic matter, has been suggested as a major component of humic acids having intense peaks in the aromatic and carboxyl regions of the 13C NMR spectrum. Taking advantage of the high resolving power of FT-ICR MS to make precise formula assignments, three different types of highly carboxylated polycyclic aromatic compounds were identified in the sample: linearly fused aromatic structures, aromatic structures linked by carbon-carbon single bonds, and highly condensed aromatic structures. These carboxylated aromatic structures have a low mass defect in their mass spectra due to their abundance of oxygen and deficiency of hydrogen. This mass defect is observed in the vast majority of peaks present in the entire mass spectrum, differentiating them from structures that are hydrogen-rich (e.g., fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates). Thus, we conclude that the bulk of the sample analyzed is comprised of these heavily carboxylated, hydrogen-deficient, condensed aromatic structures, features believed to be characteristic of black carbon-like material.     

Identification of new stilbenoids–formaldehyde adducts by isotope labeling and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Excessive endogenous formaldehyde in cardiovascular tissue is considered to be a harmful factor associated with atherosclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and et al. It will be helpful to relieve cardiovascular diseases by removing excess endogenous formaldehyde. Stilbenoids are nutrient substances of many natural food, and they exhibit noticeable cardiovascular beneficial effects. Trans-2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (trans-TSG), one of widely investigated stilbenoids, has been widely reported to have cardiovascular beneficial effect, prevalent theory accounts for its pharmacological activity to antioxidant mechanism, it was rarely reported trans-TSG can also exert such beneficial effect by formaldehyde scavenger mechanism. In the present paper, we will show that trans-TSG has reactivity with formaldehyde in vitro; moreover, the three new adducts of trans-TSG with formaldehyde were identified by isotope labeling and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The result will give some hint of another explanation of stilbenoids’ cardiovascular beneficial effect.     

Investigation of proanthocyanidins by HPLC with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Received: 1 June 1999     

Application of electrospray ionization ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometry for chemically-synthesized small RNAs

In this study, we have demonstrated an accurate and rapid small RNA analytical method with both sequence determination and detailed modification analysis by electrospray ionization-ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-IT/TOFMS). To develop this ideal method, we have examined the performance of ESI-IT/TOFMS using various chemically-synthesized model sequences of modified or unmodified microRNAs (miRNAs). The deconvoluted mass of a 22-nucleotide (nt) miRNA was obtained from a multiply charged precursor ion (MS(1)). The ion exhibited high mass accuracy (< 7 ppm) and high mass resolution (a value of m/Δm=10,000) and was therefore very useful in RNA composition assignment. The optimized MS(2) method using ion trap collision-induced dissociation, as well as automatic annotation analysis of product ions based on the accurate mass information, enabled the precise sequencing determination of intact miRNAs. Further, the detailed structural analysis of 3'-terminal modified nucleic acid in intact methylated miRNA was carried out using the MS(3) capability of the hybrid IT/TOFMS. The direct infusion method also provided a high throughput and good sensitivity because the analytical time and sample concentration needed in a series of experiments with reliable data were only 3 min and 100 nM, respectively. This study provides a novel approach for characterizing the intact chemically-synthesized small RNA without chemical and enzymatic digestions and would be widely applicable for the structural analysis of complicated modified small RNAs.     

Evaluation of the quality of olive oil using fatty acid profiles by direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is used to predict the olive oil quality according to European Union marketing standards. Samples were 1:50 diluted in an alkaline 85:15 (v/v) propanol/methanol mixture and directly infused into the electrospray ionization source of an ion trap mass spectrometer. The establishment of ratios of the peak abundances of the free fatty acids followed by linear discriminant analysis was employed to predict the olive oil quality grade. In addition, using multiple linear regression and partial least-squares regression, the percentages of extra virgin and virgin olive oils in binary mixtures were predicted with 5–11% average prediction errors.     

5种丁香酚类化合物的电喷雾质谱裂解规律研究

目的研究5种渔用麻醉剂的电喷雾质谱裂解规律。方法采用电喷雾离子源(ESI源),对丁香酚、甲基丁香酚、甲基异丁香酚、乙酰基异丁香酚和MS-222进行质谱分析。根据结构分为正、负2种离子检测方式(ESI~(+/-)),含有酚羟基团的丁香酚采用负离子检测方式,其余4种化合物采用正离子检测方式。结果在正、负离子检测模式下,5种渔用麻醉剂准分子离子分别为[M+H]~+和[M-H]~-。对准分子离子进行碰撞诱导解离(collision induced dissociation,CID),得到特征离子碎片。分析了5种化合物在相应离子模式下的电喷雾质谱裂解途径。结论本研究所提出的电喷雾质谱裂解规律,可为同类型分子结构的渔用麻醉剂的结构分析和鉴定研究提供了参考依据。     

Antioxidant activity of grape products and characterization of components by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Grapes are known for their health benefits and high antioxidant activity due to phenolic content. Our work provides metabolic fingerprints of three grape products, namely grape juice (GJ), grape juice concentrate (GJC) and grape skin extract powder (GSE). Using direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI–MS) and evaluating the relationship between total lphenolic content and antioxidant activity, it is possible to compare which product has the best effectiveness. Fingerprints of GJC and GSE showed similar characteristic distributions of resveratrol and pterostilbene in relatively significant abundances. GJC provided higher antioxidant activity/phenolic ratio; therefore, the identified phenolic compounds from GJC may offer enhanced antioxidant potential when compared to the other two samples (GJ and GSE).     

Analysis of triclocarban in aquatic samples by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Triclocarban, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N'-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)urea, is a polychlorinated phenyl urea pesticide, marketed under the trademark TCC and used primarily as an antibacterial additive in personal care products. Despite its extensive use over several decades, environmental occurrence data on TCC are scarce. This is due in part to a lack of analytical techniques offering the desired sensitivity, selectivity, affordability, and ease of use. This need is addressed here by introducing a liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS) method allowing for the determination of TCC concentrations in aquatic environments at the ng/L level. TCC was concentrated from aqueous samples by solid-phase extraction, separated from interferences on a C18 column by either isocratic or gradient elution, and detected and identified in negative ESI mode by selectively monitoring the (M - H)- base peak (m/z 313) and its 37Cl-containing isotopes (m/z 315, 317) that served as reference ions. Particulates contained in aquatic samples were extracted and analyzed separately. Accurate quantification was achieved using stable isotopes of TCC and triclosan as internal standards. Addition of 10 mM acetic acid to the mobile phase yielded acetic acid adducts ([M - H + 60]-) that were successfully exploited to boost method sensitivity and selectivity, especially when analyzing challenging environmental matrixes. Method detection limits were matrix dependent, ranging from 3 to 50 ng/L. In 36 grab samples obtained from the Greater Baltimore area, TCC was detected in river water and wastewater at concentrations of up to 5600 and 6750 ng/L, respectively. Raw and finished drinking water did not contain detectable quantities of the pesticide (<3 ng/L). In conclusion, the new LC/ESI/MS method was applied successfully to collect environmental occurrence data on TCC in U.S. water resources. Study results suggest that the bacteriostat and pesticide is a frequent but currently underreported contaminant whose environmental fate and behavior deserve further scrutiny.     

Determination of diquat and paraquat in olive oil by ion-pair liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (MRM)

For the first time a method for determination of herbicides diquat (DQ) and paraquat (PQ) in olive oil was developed utilising liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (MRM). n-Hexane/10 mM HFBA aqueous solution partitioning was used as the extraction method. Separation was carried out in an Xterra C8 column (100 × 21 mm, 3 μm), using the gradient mode. Solvent A was a HFBA aqueous solution (5 mM, pH 2) and solvent B acetonitrile/methanol 75/25 (v/v). Peaks used for quantification were m/z = 157 (diquat) and m/z = 158 (paraquat). Detection limit found for both diquat and paraquat was 4 μg kg⁻¹. The method can also be applied for determination of chlormequat (CQ, quantification peak m/z = 58), the detection limit being 0.3 μg kg⁻¹. Such limits are clearly lower than the MCLs commonly applied to olive oil as reference criteria (5 times MCLs in olives). Good reproducibilities (day to day and run to run) were obtained.     

Identification of phenolic compounds in strawberries by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) fruits contain phenolic compounds that have antioxidant, anticancer, antiatherosclerotic and anti-neurodegenerative properties. Identification of food phenolics is necessary since their nature, size, solubility, degree and position of glycosylation and conjugation influence their absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in humans. Freeze-dried whole strawberry fruit powder and strawberry fruit extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS) methods. Phenolics were identified as ellagic acid (EA), EA-glycosides, ellagitannins, gallotannins, anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols and coumaroyl glycosides. The anthocyanidins were pelargonidin and cyanidin, found predominantly as their glucosides and rutinosides. The major flavonol aglycons were quercetin and kaempferol found as their glucuronides and glucosides. LC–ESI–MS/MS methods differentiated EA from quercetin conjugates since both aglycons have identical molecular weights (302 g/mol). The identification of strawberry phenolics is necessary to generate standardized materials for in vitro and in vivo studies and for the authentication of strawberry-based food products.     

Identification of bovine-associated coagulase-negative staphylococci by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry using a direct transfer protocol

This study evaluated matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS) for the identification of bovine-associated coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), a heterogeneous group of different species. Additionally, we aimed to expand the MALDI-ToF MS database with new reference spectra as required to fill the gaps within the existing commercial spectral library. A total of 258 isolates of CNS were used in the study, covering 16 different CNS species. The majority of the isolates were previously identified by rpoB gene sequencing (n = 219), and the remainder were identified by sequencing of 16S rRNA, hsp60, or both rpoB and hsp60. The genotypic identification was considered the gold standard identification. All MALDI-ToF MS identifications were carried out using the direct transfer method. In a preliminary evaluation (n = 32 isolates; 2 of each species) with the existing commercial database, MALDI-ToF MS showed a typeability of 81% (26/32) and an accuracy of 96% (25/26). In the main evaluation (n = 226 isolates), MALDI-ToF MS with the existing commercial Biotyper (Bruker Daltonics Inc., Billerica, MA) database achieved a typeability of 92.0% (208/226) and an accuracy of 99.5% (207/208). Based on the assessment of the existing commercial database and prior knowledge of the species, a total of 13 custom reference spectra, covering 8 species, were created and added to the commercial database. Using the custom reference spectra expanded database, isolates were identified by MALDI-ToF MS with 100% typeability and 100% accuracy. Whereas the MALDI-ToF MS manufacturer's cutoff for species-level identification is 2.000, the reduction of the species level cutpoint to ≥1.700 improved the species-level identification rates (from 64 to 92% for the existing commercial database) when classifying CNS isolates. Overall, MALDI-ToF MS using the direct transfer method was shown to be a highly reliable tool for the identification of bovine-associated CNS.     

Short communication: Identification of subclinical cow mastitis pathogens in milk by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Subclinical mastitis is a common and easily disseminated disease in dairy herds. Its routine diagnosis via bacterial culture and biochemical identification is a difficult and time-consuming process. In this work, we show that matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) allows bacterial identification with high confidence and speed (1 d for bacterial growth and analysis). With the use of MALDI-TOF MS, 33 bacterial culture isolates from milk of different dairy cows from several farms were analyzed, and the results were compared with those obtained by classical biochemical methods. This proof-of-concept case demonstrates the reliability of MALDI-TOF MS bacterial identification, and its increased selectivity as illustrated by the additional identification of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species and mixed bacterial cultures. Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometry considerably accelerates the diagnosis of mastitis pathogens, especially in cases of subclinical mastitis. More immediate and efficient animal management strategies for mastitis and milk quality control in the dairy industry can therefore be applied.     

Advanced oxidation of caffeine in water: on-line and real-time monitoring by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), and total organic carbon (TOC) analyses show that caffeine is quickly and completely degraded underthe oxidative conditions of the UV/H2O2,TiO2/ UV, and Fenton systems but that the organic carbon content of the solution decreases much more slowly. Continuous on-line and real-time monitoring by electrospray ionization mass (ESI-MS) and tandem mass spectrometric experiments (ESI-MS/MS) as well as high accuracy MS measurements and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis show that caffeine is first oxidized to N-dimethylparabanic acid likely via initial OH insertion to the C4=C8 caffeine double bond. A second degradation intermediate, di(N-hidroxymethyl)parabanic acid, has been identified by ESI-MS and characterized by ESI-MS/MS and high accuracy mass measurements. This polar and likely relatively unstable compound, which is not detected by off-line GC-MS analysis, is likely formed via further oxidation of N-dimethylparabanic acid at both of its N-methyl groups and constitutes an unprecedented intermediate in the degradation of caffeine.     

Survey of bottled waters for perchlorate by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and ion chromatography (IC)

Perchlorate has been identified in ground and surface waters around the USA including some that serve as supplies for drinking water. Because perchlorate salts are used as solid oxidants in rockets and ordnance, water contamination may occur near military or aerospace installations or defense industry manufacturing facilities. This ion has been added to the Environmental Protection Agency's Contaminant Candidate List and the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. Concern over perchlorate has prompted many residents in affected areas to switch to bottled water; however, bottled waters have not previously been examined for perchlorate contamination. Should the EPA promulgate a regulation for municipal water systems, US law requires the Food and Drug Administration to take action on bottled water. Methods will therefore be required to determine perchlorate concentrations not only in tap water, but also in bottled waters. Ion chromatography (IC) is the primary technique used for its analysis in drinking water, but it does not provide a unique identification. Confirmation by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) can serve in this capacity. The ESI‐MS method can be applied to these products, but it requires an understanding of matrix effects, especially of high ionic strength that can suppress electrospray. When using methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) as the extraction solvent, the ESI‐MS method can reach lower limits of detection of 6 ng ml ⁻¹ for some bottled waters. However, dilution required to negate ionic strength effects in mineral waters can raise this by a factor of 10 or more, depending on the sample. Decyltrimethylammonium cation (added as the bromide salt) is used to produce an ion pair that is extracted into MIBK. After extraction, the sum of the peak areas of the ions C₁₀H₂₁NMe₃(Br)(ClO₄)⁻ (m/z = 380) and C₁₀H₂₁NMe₃(ClO₄)₂⁻ (m/z = 400) is used to quantitate perchlorate. Standard additions are used to account for most of the matrix effects. In this work, eight domestic brands and eight imported brands of bottled water were comparatively analyzed by the two techniques. For comparison, a finished potable water known to contain perchlorate was also tested. None of the bottled waters were found to contain any perchlorate within the lower limit of detection for the IC method. Recoveries on spiked samples subjected to the IC method were ≥98%. Published in 2000 for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd     

超高效液相-串联质谱快速检测牛奶中阿维菌素类毒素残留

将样品经乙腈提取,利用碱性氧化铝萃取小柱净化,色谱柱为Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C8(50 mm×2.1 mm I.D,1.7μm);柱温为30℃;流速设为0.3 mL/min;进样量10μL;流动相为乙腈水按梯度洗脱。质谱在电喷雾负离子模式下,对阿维菌素类药品进行多反应离子监测。结果阿维菌素类药残平均回收率为62.0%~95.0%,精密度的相对标准偏差(RSD)为4.32%;最低检出限(LOD)为1.0μg/L。该方法快速准确,灵敏度高,是检测牛奶中阿维菌素类药品残留可借鉴的分析方法。     

基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱法检测副溶血性弧菌

目的 建立基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱法(matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry, MALDI-TOF-MS)检测副溶血性弧菌的方法。方法 从样品预处理方法、分析菌量、培养基、培养时间方面分析各因素对MALDI-TOF-MS方法重复性、鉴定结果准确性的影响。将从市售420份水产品中分离并用全自动微生物鉴定及药敏分析系统生化鉴定为副溶血性弧菌的123株菌株,用MALDI-TOF-MS对其进行鉴定,对比2种方法的鉴定结果。结果 采用混合溶液法进行预处理,3%NaCl营养琼脂培养基, 36℃培养24 h,分析菌量为8 mg,用MALDI-TOF-MS进行分析所得到的特征峰多、峰型稳定、杂峰少,质谱图的准确性和重复性高、与生化鉴定匹配性好。分离得到的123株副溶血性弧菌鉴定分值大于2.000的达98.4%。结论 MALDI-TOF-MS作为一种快速、准确、高效的检测方法,可用于食品中副溶血性弧菌快速检测。     

稳定同位素质谱法鉴别芝麻油中掺杂大豆油、玉米油的研究

利用稳定同位素质谱法进行芝麻油掺杂鉴别的研究。选定C3植物油大豆油、C4植物油玉米油作为掺杂油,测定了芝麻油掺入质量分数分别为5%、10%、15%、20%、30%、50%、80%掺杂油的δ¹³C、δ²H、δ¹⁸O值。结果表明:用δ¹³C、δ²H二维稳定同位素比值对大豆油掺杂油样品进行判别,比仅依靠单一δ¹³C值或δ²H值进行判别的灵敏度有所提升,同时发现δ¹⁸O值与掺杂油的比例没有明显的线性关系。二元回归模型可以对芝麻油中掺杂10%大豆油或5%玉米油定量判别。     

Quantitative analysis of acrylamide in tea by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

An effective sample preparation procedure was optimized and a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was developed for the quantitative analysis of acrylamide in tea. [¹³C₃]-acrylamide was used as internal standard. Acrylamide was extracted at 25 °C for 20 min by 10 ml water followed by 10 ml acetonitrile, and then 4 g of magnesium sulfate and 0.5 g of sodium chloride were added to the above mixture under stirring thoroughly. In order to increase the response of acrylamide, 9 ml acetonitrile layer was taken and concentrated to 0.5 ml. Solid-phase extraction with an Oasis MCX cartridge was carried out for clean-up. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 1 and 5 ng/ml, respectively. The recovery efficiency of the extraction procedure ranged between 74% and 79%. The levels of acrylamide in 30 tea samples were less than 100 ng/g. Black, oolong, white and yellow tea samples had quite low acrylamide contents (<20 ng/g). Higher acrylamide levels occurred in baked, roasted, and one sun-dried green tea samples (46–94 ng/g).