Three mammal species distinction through the analysis of scats chemical composition provided by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography

Neotropical mustelids: fecal metabolome diversity and its potential for taxonomic discrimination

Chemical profiles of non-invasive biological material, such as feces, have great potential to study elusive animals or those with low population densities. Here, we use a metabolomic approach to evaluate Neotropical mustelids as a biological model to describe the diversity of the metabolites present in fecal samples, as well as to evaluate the potential of chemical profiles for taxonomic discrimination. We collected fecal samples from captive individuals of five species of mustelids occurring in Brazil and analyzed them by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Over 200 compounds have been annotated; "bile acids, alcohols and derivatives" was the most expressive class in the metabolome of all the species. We successfully discriminated three taxonomic groups: 1 - Tayra (Eira barbara); 2 - otters (Lontra longicaudis and Pteronura brasiliensis; 1); and 3 - grisons (Galictis vittata and Galictis cuja). Several compounds seemed to be associated with food intake and the digestive process, while others were found for the first time in Neotropical mustelids. We concluded that mustelids show high metabolome diversity and that species-specific identification through metabolomic profiles is possible, thus contributing to the development and implementation of additional non-invasive approaches in the study of mustelids. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Particle deposition and sensory drive

The mutualism between chemical cues emitted into the air and variations in how primates respond to them using olfaction has demonstrated aspects of species-specific adaptations. Building on this mutualism we can look at particle deposition as another means to understanding how various environments may have elicited biological changes that enable efficient communication. Research on particle movement and deposition within the nasal cavity is largely based on questions about health as it relates to drug delivery systems and overall olfactory function in modern humans. With increased access to 3D models and the use of computational fluid dynamic analysis, researchers have been able to simulate site-specific deposition, to determine what particles are making it through the nasal cavity to the main olfactory epithelium, which ultimately leads to processing in the olfactory bulb. Here we discuss particle deposition research, sensory drive and their potential applications to evolutionary anthropology.

The Blossoming of Technology for the Analysis of Complex Aroma Bouquets-A Review on Flavour and Odorant Multidimensional and Comprehensive Gas Chromatography Applications

Multidimensional approaches in gas chromatography have been established as potent tools to (almost) attain fully resolved analyses. Flavours and odours are important application fields for these techniques since they include complex matrices, and are of interest for both scientific study and to consumers. This article is a review of the main research studies in the above theme, discussing the achievements and challenges that demonstrate a maturing of analytical separation technology.

Unveiling elderflowers (Sambucus nigra L.) volatile terpenic and norisoprenoids profile: Effects of different postharvest conditions

The volatile terpenic and norisoprenoids profile from elderflowers (Sambucus nigra L.) was established for two cultivars by multidimensional gas chromatography. From 47 monoterpenic, 13 sesquiterpenes and 5 norisoprenoids components, 38 are reported for the first time on elderflowers. Elderflower seasonality implies proper handling and storage conditions, for further processing, thus the impact of freezing, freeze-drying, air drying and vacuum packing, was evaluated on these potential aroma metabolites. The most suitable preservation methods, regarding the total metabolites content, were vacuum packing and freezing for intermediary storage times (24-32weeks) with a reported overall decrease of the volatile terpenic and norisoprenoids of up to 58.6%; and freezing, for longer period (52weeks), with a decrease of up to 47.4% (compared to fresh elderflowers). This study presents the most detailed terpenic and norisoprenoids elderflower profiling, and linalool oxides were proposed as markers for a more expedite assess to the impact of postharvest conditions.