Application and Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction and Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Followed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for the Determination of Oleuropein and Hydroxytyrosol in Olive Pomace

In the present study, a new method based on microwave-assisted extraction and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (MAE–DLLME) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was proposed for the separation and determination of oleuropein (Ole) and hydroxytyrosol (HyT) from olive pomace samples. The effective factors in the MAE–DLLME process such as microwave power, extraction time, the type and volume of extraction, and dispersive solvents were studied and optimized with the aid of response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) to obtain the best condition for Ole and HyT extraction. At the optimized conditions, parameter values were 220 W microwave power, 12 min extraction time, 60 μL extracting solvent, and 500 μL dispersive solvent. The calibration graphs of the proposed method were linear in the range of 10–500,000 μg L^?1, with the coefficient of determination (R²) higher than 0.99 for Ole and HyT. Repeatability of the method, described as the relative standard deviation (RSD), was 4.12–5.63% (n?=?6). The limits of detection were 35 and 20 μg L^?1 for Ole and HyT, respectively. The recoveries of these compounds in the spiked olive pomace sample were from 93 to 98%. The proposed method, MAE–DLLME–HPLC–UV, was an accurate, rapid, and reliable method when compared with previous methods.     

Analysis of Pesticides in Tomato Combining QuEChERS and Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Followed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A new sample preparation procedure combining QuEChERS and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) was optimized for the determination at trace levels of 13 pesticides from different chemical families (i.e. 2,4-D, acetamiprid, bentazone, cymoxanil, deltamethrin, dicamba, diuron, foramsulfuron, mesotrione, metalaxyl-M, methomyl, pyraclostrobin and tembotrione) in tomato by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. Target pesticides from tomato samples were isolated by liquid partitioning with acetonitrile and salts and cleaned up by dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE); the analytes were concentrated in trichloromethane by the DLLME procedure. The disperser solvent from DLLME was used at the same time as carrier of analytes form extraction in QuEChERS method. The main factors affecting sample cleanup by d-SPE in QuEChERS and DLLME yield were optimized by means of an experimental design. Under the optimum conditions, good linearity was obtained, the recoveries of pesticides in tomato samples at spiking levels between 0.01 and 1.00 mg/kg ranged from 86 to 116 % (for foramsulfuron and cymoxanil, respectively). Precision was within 15.0 % (RSD) except at the LQ for tembotrione, which was 17.4 %. Limits of quantification achieved (ranging from 0.0058 to 0.15 mg/kg) were below the maximum residue limits established by the European Union.     

Preconcentration and Trace Determination of Chromium Using Modified Ionic Liquid Cold-Induced Aggregation Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction: Application to Different Water and Food Samples

An efficient microextraction procedure based on modified ionic liquid cold-induced aggregation dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (M-IL-CIA-DLLME) was developed for trace determination of chromium in water and food samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), and it was used for speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in water samples by using Na₂SO₃ as the reducing agent. A mixture of water-immiscible 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Hmim][PF₆]) ionic liquid (IL) (microextraction solvent) and ethanol (disperser solvent) were directly injected into a heated aqueous solution containing bis(2-methoxy benzaldehyde) ethylene diimine as a Schiff’s base ligand (chelating agent), hexafluorophosphate (NaPF₆; as a common ion) and Cr(III). Afterwards, the solution was placed in an ice-water bath and a cloudy solution was formed due to a considerable decrease of IL solubility. After centrifuging, the sedimented phase containing enriched analyte was determined by FAAS. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration graph was linear over the range of 2–50 μg?L^?1 with limit of detection of 0.7 μg?L^?1. The accuracy of the present methodology was tested by recovery experiments and by analyzing a certified reference material. Relative standard deviation (RSD %) was 2.7 % for Cr(III). The proposed method was successfully applied for trace determination of chromium in water and food samples.     

Determination of Benzalkonium Homologues and Didecyldimethylammonium in Powdered and Liquid Milk for Infants by Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

In this study, a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) method for the determination of benzalkonium (BAC) homologues and didecyldimethylammonium (DDAC) was developed. A satisfactory chromatographic separation of BAC homologues and DDAC was achieved using, as mobile phase, acetonitrile–aqueous 50 mM ammonium formate (pH 3.2) (93?+?7 v/v) at 0.3 mL min^?1. The elution order of BAC homologues was from benzyldimethylhexadecylammonium chloride (C₁₆-BAC) to benzyldimethyldecylammonium chloride (C₁₀-BAC), the exact opposite with respect to separation using reversed liquid chromatography. The instrumental method was successfully applied to powdered and liquid milk for infants (about 50 samples). From powdered milk samples, BAC and DDAC were extracted using 5 % formic acid in methanol for 60 min at 60 °C in an ultrasonic bath; after dilution with water and 5 % NH₄OH solution, a purification step using a weak cationic exchange column was performed. Satisfactory limit of detections (LODs) were achieved, below 1.0 μg kg^?1 and 0.05 μg L^?1 for powdered and liquid milk for infants, respectively. No sample was free of BAC homologues and DDAC, and in one powdered milk sample, the contamination level exceeded 500 μg kg^?1, the maximum level recommended by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health for food and feed.     

Ion-Pair-Based Air-Assisted Liquid–Liquid Microextraction for the Extraction and Preconcentration of Phthalic Acids from Aqueous Samples

In the present study, a rapid, simple, and highly efficient sample preparation method based on ion-pair air-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction using a low-density extraction solvent followed by high performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection has been developed for the extraction, preconcentration, and determination of three phthalic acids (phthalic acid, iso-phthalic acid, and terephthalic acid) in aqueous samples. In this method, a mixture of tri-butyl amine (as an ion-pair reagent) and toluene (as an extraction solvent) is transferred into an aqueous sample solution. Fine organic solvent droplets are formed by aspirating and dispersing of the mixture via syringe needle. After that, the formed ion-pairs are extracted into toluene, and after centrifuging, the obtained collected phase is transferred into a microtube and is evaporated to dryness under a stream of nitrogen at room temperature. The residue is re-dissolved in mobile phase and injected into the separation system for analysis. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the method showed low limits of detection and quantification between 0.09–0.24 and 0.29–0.78 ng mL^?1, respectively. Extraction recoveries and enrichment factors were from 88 to 98 % and 443 to 491, respectively. Relative standard deviations for the extraction of 5 ng mL^?1 of each analyte were less than 8.4 % for intra-day (n?=?6) and inter-days (n?=?5) precisions. Finally, different aqueous samples were successfully analyzed using the proposed method, and the target analytes were determined in some of them at ng mL^?1 level.     

Combined Use of Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Hollow Fiber Microporous Membrane Solid-Phase Microextraction for the Determination of Triazine Herbicides in Water and Milk Samples by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A simple, efficient and environmentally friendly method for the extraction and determination of five triazine herbicides in water and milk samples was developed by simultaneous liquid–liquid microextraction and carbon nanotube reinforced hollow fiber microporous membrane solid-phase microextraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection. The parameters that affect the extraction efficiencies, including the type and concentration of multi-walled carbon nanotube, type of membrane solvent and desorption solvent, the type and volume of the extraction solvent in sample solution, extraction time and temperature, the pH of sample solution, stirring rate, and ionic strength were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the method shows a good linearity within a range of 0.5–200 ng mL⁻¹ for water samples and 1–200 ng mL⁻¹ for milk samples, with the correlation coefficients (r) varying from 0.9991 to 0.9998 and from 0.9989 to 0.9994, respectively. The limits of detection were in the range between 0.08 and 0.15 ng mL⁻¹ for water samples and 0.3 and 0.5 ng mL⁻¹ for milk samples, while the relative standard deviations varied from 4.6% to 6.9% and from 5.3% to 7.7%, respectively. The recoveries of the target analytes at spiking levels of 5.0 and 50.0 ng mL⁻¹ were in the range from 86.6% to 106.8% for water samples and from 81.3% to 97.4% for milk samples. The results demonstrated that the developed method was an efficient pretreatment and enrichment procedure for the determination of triazine pesticides in real water and milk samples.     

Physiological Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)—A Review

Marine lipids have long been documented to be the major source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially n-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3). Both EPA and DHA have been documented to have significant influence on biochemical and physiological changes in the body. Although these long chain PUFA exert positive influences on human nutrition and health, there are also some controversies pertaining to the functioning of these n-3 PUFAs including the extent of their requirement by the body. As marine lipids have been thoroughly reviewed often, the present review mainly focuses on works related to physiological effects of EPA and DHA.     

Detection of Adulterants and Contaminants in Liquid Foods—A Review

Milk and fruit juices have paramount importance in human diet. Increasing demand of these liquid foods has made them vulnerable to economic adulteration during processing and in supply chain. Adulterants are difficult to detect by consumers and thus necessitating the requirement of rapid, accurate and sensitive detection. The potential adulterants in milk and fruit juices and their limits set by different regulatory bodies have been briefly described in this review. Potential advantages and limitations of various techniques such as physicochemical methods, chromatography, immunoassays, molecular, electrical, spectroscopy with chemometrics, electronic nose, and biosensors have been described. Spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics has shown potential for rapid, precise, and sensitive detection of potential adulterants in these liquid foods.     

Ascorbic Acid: Microencapsulation Techniques and Trends—A Review

Developments in nutritional sciences have increased the functional significance of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as a food component in the human diet for health promotion and disease prevention. This has motivated food researchers to develop ascorbic acid–fortified food products to deliver appropriate levels of this vital food ingredient. Unfortunately, the highly unstable nature of ascorbic acid has posed technological challenges for its incorporation into different food systems. Microencapsulation is a promising approach to ensure the stability of ascorbic acid and to improve consumer acceptability towards the carrier food. The most commonly used techniques for ascorbic acid (water soluble) encapsulation, including spray drying, spray cooling, spray chilling, fluidized bed coating, liposomes, and extrusion, are reviewed and discussed with respect to technical hurdles and potential benefits.     

Determination of HMF in Vinegar and Soy Sauce Using Two-Step Ultrasonic Assisted Liquid–Liquid Micro-Extraction Coupled with Capillary Electrophoresis-Ultraviolet Detection

A new, rapid, and inexpensive method using two-step ultrasonic assisted liquid–liquid micro-extraction (UALLME) coupled with capillary electrophoresis-ultraviolet (CE-UV) was developed for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) analysis in high ion strength samples (like vinegar and soy sauce). The factors affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized such as the extraction volume, the ultrasonic time, and the power density of ultrasonic. Under the optimum conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) for HMF were 0.03 and 0.10 mg/L, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSD %) for HMF were ranging from 0.53 to 3.17%, and the recoveries of HMF were ranging from 91.24 to 109.39%. The results turned out that two-step UALLME-CE-UV was applicable to analyze HMF in vinegar and soy sauce. Eleven brands of vinegar and soy sauce were tested by two-step UALLME-CE-UV, and the results showed that the method had a potential application in analysis of foodstuffs. The two step UALLME method was effective to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of CE-UV method for HMF analysis in vinegar and soy sauce.     

Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Analysis and Chemical Composition of the Bamboo-Carbonized Liquid

Bamboo plant is native to Asia and a popular ingredient in Asian dishes. Bamboo distillate solution has mild acidic pH of 3.0. GC–MS analysis has been done, and 43 compounds have been identified. The percentage composition of phenolic compounds, aromatic hydrocarbons, and other ingredients are identified in the acidic bamboo distillate by ether extraction method.     

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Followed by Solid-Phase Extraction Followed by Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction for the Sensitive Determination of Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos in Rice

Selectivity of solid-phase extraction (SPE) was combined with the concentration power of dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) to obtain a sensitive, low solvent consumption method for high-performance liquid chromatography determination of diazinon and chlorpyrifos in rice. In this method, rice samples were extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction followed by SPE. Then, the SPE eluent was used as a disperser solvent in the next dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction step for further purification and enrichment of diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Under the optimal conditions, the linear range was from 5.0 to 250 μg kg^?1 for diazinon and from 2.5 to 250 μg kg^?1 for chlorpyrifos. Limits of detection of diazinon and chlorpyrifos were 1.5 and 0.7 μg kg^?1, respectively. Limits of quantitation of diazinon and chlorpyrifos were 5.5 and 3.0 μg kg^?1, respectively. The precisions and recoveries also were investigated by spiking 10 μg kg^?1 concentration in rice. The recoveries obtained were over 90 % with relative standard deviation (RSD%) below 9.0 %. The new approach was utilized to successfully detect trace amounts of diazinon and chlorpyrifos in different Iranian rice samples.     

Trace Analysis of Seven Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Bee Pollen by Solid–Liquid Extraction and Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

A new, fast, simple, and efficient sample treatment to extract seven neonicotinoid insecticides (acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam) in corbicular bee pollen has been developed. This procedure consisted of a solid–liquid extraction of the neonicotinoids from pollen with dichloromethane, followed by evaporation and reconstitution. Once the neonicotinoids were extracted, they were determined using a liquid chromatography coupled to an electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, precision and recovery. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.4–2.8 μg/kg and 1.2–9.1 μg/kg, respectively, and the extraction recoveries were between 86 and 106 % in all cases. Finally, the proposed method was applied to analyze bee pollen samples collected from apiaries located close to fruit orchards in two Spanish regions, and traces of acetamiprid and imidacloprid were found in two samples.     

Application of Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Micro-extraction Using Mean Centering of Ratio Spectra Method for Trace Determination of Mercury in Food and Environmental Samples

In the present study, dispersive liquid–liquid micro-extraction has been applied for trace extraction and determination of mercury (Hg) ions in environmental samples. The mean centering of ratio spectra method was used to optimize the experimental parameters affecting the extraction of Hg. The factors influencing the extraction procedure such as type and volume of extracting and disperser solvent, concentration of chelating reagent, pH, salt effect, and centrifuge time were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the limit of detection of the method was 0.15 μg l^?1 and enrichment factor was 39. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.5–100 μg l^?1 with a correlation of determination (R ²) of 0.998. The relative standard deviation for determination of 40 μg l^?1 of Hg(II) was 2.6 % (n?=?5). The proposed method was applied for the determination of Hg in pine leaf, sea and river fish, sand, and water samples as indicators of environmental pollution and cigarette with satisfactory analytical results. In comparison with other methods, the proposed method is very simple, easy, rapid, and sensitive for determination of Hg at trace levels in complex matrices.     

Determination of Sulfite in Water and Dried Fruit Samples by Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Combined with UV–Vis Fiber Optic Linear Array Spectrophotometry

A simple and rapid dispersive liquid?Cliquid microextraction (DLLME) method was applied to preconcentrate sulfite ions from aqueous samples as a prior step to its determination by fiber optic-linear array detection spectrophotometry. The procedure is based on the color reaction of sulfite with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) in the presence of ammonia to form isoindole and extraction of the formed isoindole derivative using the DLLME technique. The conditions for the microextraction performance were investigated and optimized. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 2?C100???g?L^?1with a detection limit of 0.2???g?L^?1. The relative standard deviation for five replicate measurements of 10 and 50???g?L^?1of sulfite were 2.8 and 2.0?%, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the enrichment factor of ~133 was obtained from a sample volume of 10?mL. The proposed method was successfully applied to the sulfite determination in drinking water and in food samples.     

Development of a Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Method for the Determination of α-Tocopherol in Pigmented Wheat by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) method coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography was developed for the analysis of α-tocopherol in grain samples. The DLLME parameters including the type and volume of extractants, the volume of disperser and the addition of salt were examined. The optimized DLLME procedure consisted in the formation of a cloudy solution promoted by the fast addition to the sample (5 mL of saponified sample solution diluted with 5 mL of water) of a mixture of carbon tetrachloride (extraction solvent, 80 μL) and ethanol (dispersive solvent, 200 μL) without the addition of salt, followed by shaking for 5 min and centrifuging for 3 min at 5,000 rpm. Intra- and inter-day repeatability expressed as % RSD were 3.5 and 7.6 %, respectively. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification were 1.9 and 6.3 μg?L^?1. The comparison of this method with the national standardized extraction method, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, accelerated solvent extraction, and conventional heat-reflux extraction indicates that the DLLME was accurate (no significant differences at the 0.05 % probability level), high efficient, low organic solvent-consuming, and low cost. This procedure was successfully applied to 42 samples of 14 types of purple wheat, for which the content of α-tocopherol exhibited a significantly negative correlation with the pigment content measured by a spectrophotometer. The recovery rates ranged from 90.5 to 103.7 %.     

Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Olive and Refined Pomace Olive Oils with Modified Low Temperature and Ultrasound-Assisted Liquid–Liquid Extraction Method Followed by the HPLC/FLD

The cleanup method of modified low temperature was compared with the standardized method of modified ultrasound-assisted liquid–liquid (UALL) extraction for the analysis of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in olive oil and refined pomace olive oil. The modified UALL extraction consisted in purification on C₁₈ reversed-phase, Florisil-bonded-phase and NH₂ cartridges, and modified low-temperature extraction was followed by alumina-N and NH₂ solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Both methods are followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The chromatograms of the final extracts showed lower interferences in both of the methods. The solvent consumption and cost for the modified UALL method were higher than those of the modified low temperature, and also, it needed more equipment, but its analysis time was less. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation of the modified UALL method were 0.16–0.97 and 0.57–2.93 μg kg^?1, respectively, and for the modified low temperature, they were 0.09–1.97 and 0.29–5.99 μg kg^?1, respectively. The PAH recoveries for the modified UALL extraction method ranged from 75.0 to 111.0 % (RSD?=?3–8 %), and for the modified low temperature, they ranged from 81.5 to 113.8 % (RSD?=?3–10 %).     

Aluminium and Its Complexes in Teas and Fruity Brew Samples,Speciation and Ions Determination by Ion Chromatography and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Fluorescence Analytical Methods

The paper presents results of aluminium determination in samples of black and fruit teas. Total aluminium concentration was determined along with the concentration of aluminium in a cup of tea in tea samples in two price groups (>1€ and <1€). Based on the conducted study, no differences were found in aluminium concentration in black and fruit teas depending on the price group. Developed ion chromatography method was applied to determine inorganic and organic ions in tea samples, especially those which may form complexes with aluminium: fluoride, sulphate, oxalate and citrate ions. Analysis by this method using ion chromatography allowed for the determination of 12 anions: F^?, HCOO^?, CH₃COO^?, NO₂ ^?, Br^?, NO₃ ^?; Cl^?, CH₂(COO)₂ ^2?, SO₄ ^2?, C₂O₄ ^2?, PO₄ ^3? and C₃H₅O(COO)₃ ^3? in the time of 40 min. Speciation analysis of aluminium was performed in optimised HPLC-fluorescence analytical system (with Lumogallion as a post-column reagent). It was observed that organic aluminium complexes are quickly degraded to form Al³⁺ which is the reason why speciation analysis in tea samples does not provide the full image of speciation distribution. Nevertheless, this developed method was successfully used in the determination of aluminium complexes with fluorides in tea samples.     

Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Multiclass Method for 46 Antibiotics Residues in Milk and Meat: Development and Validation

A screening method for analysis of 46 antibiotics residues, belonging to different classes, such as tetracyclines, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, β-lactams, cephalosporins, macrolides and other minority groups was developed and validated for application in bovine milk and bovine, swine, poultry, equine, fish and shrimp meat samples. Sample preparation consists in solvent extraction followed by clean up with C18 bulk and low temperature purification. Instrumental analysis was performed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry system. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a C18 column. Mobile phase was composed by methanol and water. The method was validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC criteria. Validation parameters such as specificity and detection capability (CCβ) were determined and considered suitable to the established criteria. Values of CCβ ranged from 1.0 to 50.0 μg L^?1 or μg Kg^?1, depending on the compound and the matrix. The proposed method has been applied into Brazilian National Residue Control Plan since 2013 for the determination of antibiotic residues. A total of 3833 samples were analyzed until the current date and 13 samples showed positive results with concentrations above the permitted. The method is fast, easy and adequate for high throughput analysis in routine laboratories.     

Simultaneous Determination of Triclabendazole and its Metabolites in Bovine and Goat Fat Tissues by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A sensitive and reliable method for the simultaneous determination of triclabendazole, its main metabolites (triclabendazole sulfone and triclabendazole sulfoxide) and a marker residue (ketotriclabendazole) in edible ruminant fat tissues is developed and validated. Analytes are extracted from fat tissues with acetonitrile, and crude extracts are subjected to liquid?Cliquid extraction with n-hexane. Chromatographic separation is performed on a C₁₈ reversed-phase column with gradient elution. Analytes are detected by tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry after positive electrospray ionization by multiple reaction monitoring. Relative recoveries from spiked samples range from 86.1% to 114.3%, with relative standard deviations generally below 13.8%. Limits of detection and quantification for analytes are within 0.125?C1.25???g/kg and 0.5?C5???g/kg, respectively. The method proposed in this study was successfully applied to real sample testing.