Identification and quantification of the main isoflavones and other phytochemicals in soy based nutraceutical products by liquid chromatography-orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry

Metabolite profiling of remibrutinib in rat and human liver microsomes using liquid chromatography combined with benchtop orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry

Remibrutinib is a potent and highly selective covalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is undergoing clinical development for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The present study was undertaken to investigate the in vitro metabolism of remibrutinib and to propose its biotransformation pathways. The metabolites were generated by incubating remibrutinib (2 μm) with human and rat liver microsomes at 37°C for 30 min. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with benchtop orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to identify and characterize the metabolites of remibrutinib. Compound Discoverer software was employed to process the acquired data. In rat liver microsomes, a total of 18 metabolites have been identified and characterized among which three (M8, M12 and M13) were identified as the most abundant metabolites. In human liver microsomes, a total of 16 metabolites have been identified, and M8 and M12 were identified as the predominant metabolites. All the metabolites were nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate dependent. The major metabolic changes were found to be oxygenation, dealkylation, demethylation, epoxidation and hydrolysis. The present study comprehensively reports the in vitro metabolism of remibrutinib mentioning 20 metabolites. These findings will help investigation of remibrutinib disposition and safety evaluation.

Identification of Chemical Constituents in Blumea balsamifera Using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activities

Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC., a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family native to China and Southeast Asia, has a notable history of medicinal use due to its pharmacological properties. Using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS techniques, we systematically investigated the chemical constituents of this plant. A total of 31 constituents were identified, of which 14 were flavonoid compounds. Significantly, 18 of these compounds were identified in B. balsamifera for the first time. Furthermore, the mass spectrometry fragmentation patterns of significant chemical constituents identified in B. balsamifera were analyzed, providing important insights into their structural characteristics. The in vitro antioxidative potential of the methanol extract of B. balsamifera was assessed using DPPH and ABTS free-radical-scavenging assays, total antioxidative capacity, and reducing power. The antioxidative activity exhibited a direct correlation with the mass concentration of the extract, with IC₅₀ values of 105.1 ± 0.503 μg/mL and 12.49 ± 0.341 μg/mL for DPPH and ABTS, respectively. For total antioxidant capacity, the absorbance was 0.454 ± 0.009 at 400 μg/mL. In addition, the reducing power was 1.099 ± 0.03 at 2000 μg/mL. This study affirms that UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS can effectively discern the chemical constituents in B. balsamifera, primarily its flavonoid compounds, and substantiates its antioxidative properties. This underscores its potential utility as a natural antioxidant in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics sectors. This research provides a valuable theoretical basis and reference value for the comprehensive development and utilization of B. balsamifera and expands our understanding of this medicinally valuable plant.

Pharmacokinetics-derived absorbed components responsible for Guizhi-Fuling capsule target PI3K/Akt-Erk to exert an anti-dysmenorrhea effect

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Guizhi-Fuling capsule (GZFL), a well-known herbal remedy, has been widely used to treat primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Hence, systematic identifying multiple active ingredients and the involved mechanism is essential and urgently needed for GZFL.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was planned to assess the pharmacokinetics of GZFL in rats, and identify whether these GZFL-derived absorbed components (ACs) contribute to the efficacy of source herbs and relevant mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vivo pharmacokinetic profile of 11 phytochemicals and 13 metabolites in healthy and PD rats were evaluated using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Whereafter, the introduced contribution strategy assessed ACs' effect (doses = their contents in GZFL) in PD rats with the mechanism.

RESULT

The pharmacokinetic profiles of prototypes and metabolites differed in healthy and PD rats. As a main proxy of GZFL, 11ACs exerted an anti-PD effect (improvement of indexes for writhing latency, writhing time, PGF_2α/PGE₂, TXB₂/6-keto-PGF_1α and β-EP) by regulating PI3K-Akt/ERK pathway.

CONCLUSION

As a paradigmatic example, 11ACs contributed an average of 113.55% to GZFL in terms of anti-PD efficacy, providing an approach to rapidly, accurately and consistently identify the bioactive components and their pathway from herbs.

New Phenolic Compounds in Posidonia oceanica Seagrass: A Comprehensive Array Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

The studies on the Posidonia oceanica Delile (P. oceanica) phenolic composition have been focused on the foliar tissues and have often neglected the phenolic compounds in rhizomes or roots alike. With the current improvements in high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analyzers, such as the Orbitrap MS, there is a new opportunity to more deeply study P. oceanica. One of the benefits is the possibility of conducting an exhaustive phenolic monitoring, which is crucial in the search for new stressor-specific biomarkers of coastal deterioration. For this purpose, the different tissues (leaf, rhizome, and root) of P. oceanica seagrass from several marine sampling areas were analyzed through target, suspected, and non-target screenings. This paper brings a fast and tissues-specific extraction, as well as a detection method of phenolic compounds applying for the first time the potential of HRMS (Exactive Orbitrap) in P. oceanica samples. As a result, 42 phenolic compounds were satisfactorily detected, of which, to our knowledge, 24 were not previously reported in P. oceanica, such as naringenin, naringenin chalcone and pinocembrin, among others. Information here reported could be used for the evaluation of new stressor-specific biomarkers of coastal deterioration in the Mediterranean waters. Furthermore, the followed extraction and analytical method could be considered as a reference protocol in other studies on marine seagrasses due to the exhaustive search and satisfactory results.

In vitro metabolites characterization of ponatinib in human liver microsomes using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with Q-Exactive-Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry

Ponatinib is an oral drug for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which has been reported to increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study was to characterize the metabolites of ponatinib in human liver microsomes as well as its reactive metabolites. Ponatinib was incubated with human liver microsomes in the presence of NADPH and trapping agents (glutathione or potassium cyanide). The metabolites were characterized by liquid chromatography in combination with Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS. Under the current conditions, six metabolites were detected and structurally identified on the basis of their accurate masses, fragmentation patterns, and retention times. M3 (N-demethylation) was unambiguously identified by matching its retention time and fragment ions with those of its reference standard. N-demethylation and oxygenation were proved to be the predominant metabolic pathways of ponatinib. In addition, two reactive metabolites (cyano adducts) were detected in human liver microsomes in the presence of potassium cyanide and NADPH, suggesting that ponatinib underwent CYP450-mediated metabolic activation, which could be one of the causative mechanisms for its hepatotoxicity. The current study provides new information regarding the metabolic profiles of ponatinib and would be helpful in understanding the effectiveness and toxicity of ponatinib, especially the mechanism of hepatotoxicity.

Characterization of the metabolites of GW1929 in rat by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

GW1929 is a potent PPAR-γ activator. To fully understand its mechanism of action, it is necessary to study the in vitro and in vivo metabolism.

METHODS

For in vitro metabolism, GW1929 was incubated with rat hepatocytes at 37°C for 2 h. For in vivo metabolism, rats were orally administered with GW1929 at a single dose of 10 mg/kg and plasma, urinary and fecal samples were collected at defined time points. All the samples were analyzed by the developed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry. The structures of metabolites were proposed according to their accurate masses and product ions.

RESULTS

A total of 17 metabolites, including seven glucuronide conjugates, were detected and structurally identified. M4 (hydroxylation), M13 (demethylation) and M14 (hydroxylation) were the most abundant metabolites. The metabolic pathways of GW1929 referred to hydroxylation, demethylation, deamination and glucuronidation.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provided new information on the in vitro and in vivo metabolic profiles of GW1929 which will be helpful for a better understanding of the mechanism of the elimination of GW1929.

Interactions of pharmacokinetic profiles of Ginkgotoxin and Ginkgolic acids in rat plasma after oral administration

Ginkgolic acids (GAs) and Ginkgotoxin (4'-O-methylpyridoxine, MPN) are main toxic compounds in Ginkgo biloba seeds which are widely used in the treatment of coughing in China. To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of GAs, MPN and their metabolites in rat plasma, a highly sensitive method followed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) has been developed and validated. The proposed method is selective, precise and accurate enough of MPN and its metabolites (4-pyridoxic Acid, pyridoxal, and pyridoxine) for the pharmacokinetic study. After oral administration of MPN, the plasma concentrations of MPN and its metabolites were increased rapidly. Meanwhile, an investigation was carried out to compare the interactions of the pharmacokinetic profiles of MPN and GAs. Five GAs and main metabolites of GA (15:1) and GA (17:1) were also analyzed by using our previous method. After coadministration GAs with MPN, T_max of MPN delayed and C_max decreased. Meanwhile, T_max of 4-pyridoxic Acid, pyridoxal, and pyridoxine were also showed a certain degree of delay. The concentrations of hydroxylation products of GA (15:1) and GA (17:1) increased at a slower rate and the area under the curves was significantly reduced. However, glucuronidation metabolites of GA (15:1) and GA (17:1) were increased faster than administered of GAs alone. The interactions of the pharmacokinetic profiles of GAs and MPN in rat plasma after oral administration were obviously observed.

In vitro and in vivo metabolic profiles of fasiglifam using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography combined with Q-Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Fasiglifam is an orally available and selective partial agonist of hGPR40 receptor, which was unexpectedly terminated at phase III clinical trials due to its severe hepatotoxicity. To fully understand the mechanism of action of fasiglifam, it is necessary to investigate its in vitro and in vivo metabolic profiles.

METHODS

For in vitro metabolism, fasiglifam was incubated with rat or human liver microsomes in the presence of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate tetrasodium salt, glutathione (GSH) and uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid trisodium salt for 60 min. For in vivo metabolism, fasiglifam was orally administered to rats at a single dose of 20 mg/kg and the bile was collected. In vitro and in vivo samples were analyzed by the developed ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography combined with Q-Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry. The structures of metabolites were proposed according to their accurate masses and fragment ions.

RESULTS

A total of eight metabolites, including an acyl-GSH adduct, were detected and identified. M1 (acylglucuronide) and M5 (carboxylic acid derivative) were the major metabolites of fasiglifam. Metabolic pathways of fasiglifam involved oxygenation, oxidative dealkylation, dehydrogenation, glucuronidation and GSH conjugation. Fasiglifam may undergo metabolic bioactivation via acylglucuronide.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidative dealkylation and glucuronidation were the predominant metabolic pathways of fasiglifam in vitro and in vivo. Metabolic bioactivation via acylglucuronide may be the perpetrator of its hepatotoxicity. Our findings would be helpful in understanding the disposition of fasiglifam as well as its hepatotoxicity.

Characterization of the in Vitro Metabolic Profile of Evodiamine in Human Liver Microsomes and Hepatocytes by UHPLC-Q Exactive Mass Spectrometer

Evodiamine is an indoloquinazoline alkaloid isolated from the fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa, which has a wide range of pharmacological effects like anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. This study was intended to investigate the metabolic characteristics of evodiamine in human liver microsomes and hepatocytes by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a Q Exactive mass spectrometer. A total of 12 phase I metabolites were detected in human liver microsomes; whereas in human hepatocytes 19 metabolites, including seven phase II metabolites were detected. The structures of the metabolites were characterized based on their accurate masses, fragment ions, and chromatographic retention times. Four metabolites (M1, M2, M5, and M7) were further unambiguously confirmed by matching their retention times, accurate masses, and fragment ions with those of their reference standards. Among these metabolites, 12 metabolites are first identified (M2, M5–M8, M10–M13, and M17–M19). The current study revealed that oxygenation, N-demethylation, dehydrogenation, glucuronidation, and GSH conjugation were the major metabolic pathways for evodiamine. This study elucidated the detailed metabolite profiles of evodiamine, which is helpful in predicting in vivo metabolism of evodiamine in human and in understanding the elimination mechanism of evodiamine and in turn, the effectiveness and toxicity.

Identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in edible wild leafy vegetables by UHPLC/Orbitrap-MS

BACKGROUND

A recent interest in edible wild leafy vegetables has been documented. Consumers often associate these species with health promotion. In this study, several wild species of the Asteraceae family and Knautia integrifolia (Dipsacaceae) were locally documented for their use in traditional cuisine and sampled from the wild.

RESULTS

Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. Hydroxycinnamic acids ranging from 1388 to 53 076 mg kg^-1 dry weight (DW) were the most abundant compounds in all species (69-98% of the total phenolic content) except Tragopogon pratensis. Thirty compounds were identified as flavonoids, mostly as glycosidic forms of luteolin, apigenin, kaempferol and quercetin. The sum of flavonoids ranged between 212 and 12 598 mg kg^-1 DW; they represented 65% of the total phenolic content for T. pratensis. Three anthocyanins were detected, representing in most cases less than 1% of the total phenolic content (3-627 mg kg^-1 DW). Higher anthocyanin contents were observed for Cichorium types.

CONCLUSION

Different phenolic profiles were observed between species, especially considering the class of flavonoids. Individual species may be of some interest for their content of specific minor flavonoids. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Development and validation of an ultra performance liquid chromatography Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry for the determination of fipronil and its metabolites in tea and chrysanthemum

A fast, sensitive and reliable method for the determination of fipronil and its metabolites in tea and chrysanthemum was developed using a modified QuEChERS technique and an ultra performance liquid chromatography Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The mixture of adsorbents containing primary secondary amine (PSA), octadecylsilane (C₁₈) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), was used as QuEChERS adsorbents. The use of mass resolution at 70000 full width at half maximum (FWHM) and narrow mass windows at 5 ppm achieved high selectivity and repeatability. Satisfactory linearity with correlative coefficient (R²) higher than 0.996 was achieved for all compounds. Recoveries at three levels (2, 10 and 50 μg kg^-1) ranged from 86% to 112%, while the intra- and inter-day accuracies were less than 15%. Limits of quantification for fipronil and its metabolites were 2 μg kg^-1, which fulfils the requirement of maximum residue limits formulated by European Union and Japan.

Simultaneous quantification and semi-quantification of ginkgolic acids and their metabolites in rat plasma by UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and its application to pharmacokinetics study

A highly sensitive method using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) has been developed and validated for the simultaneous identification and quantification of ginkgolic acids and semi-quantification of their metabolites in rat plasma. For the five selected ginkgolic acids, the method was found to be with good linearities (r>0.9991), good intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD<15%), and good accuracies (RE, from -10.33% to 4.92%) as well. Extraction recoveries, matrix effects and stabilities for rat plasm samples were within the required limits. The validated method was successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the five ginkgolic acids in rat plasma after oral administration of 3 dosage groups (900mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 100mg/kg). Meanwhile, six metabolites of GA (15:1) and GA (17:1) were identified by comparison of MS data with reported values. The results of validation in terms of linear ranges, precisions and stabilities were established for semi-quantification of metabolites. The curves of relative changes of these metabolites during the metabolic process were constructed by plotting the peak area ratios of metabolites to salicylic acid (internal standard, IS), respectively. Double peaks were observed in all 3 dose groups. Different type of metabolites and different dosage of each metabolite both resulted in different T_max.

Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health

Botanical dietary supplements are increasingly popular for women's health, particularly for older women. The specific botanicals women take vary as a function of age. Younger women will use botanicals for urinary tract infections, especially Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), where there is evidence for efficacy. Botanical dietary supplements for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are less commonly used, and rigorous clinical trials have not been done. Some examples include Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Angelica sinensis (dong quai), Viburnum opulus/prunifolium (cramp bark and black haw), and Zingiber officinale (ginger). Pregnant women have also used ginger for relief from nausea. Natural galactagogues for lactating women include Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) and Silybum marianum (milk thistle); however, rigorous safety and efficacy studies are lacking. Older women suffering menopausal symptoms are increasingly likely to use botanicals, especially since the Women's Health Initiative showed an increased risk for breast cancer associated with traditional hormone therapy. Serotonergic mechanisms similar to antidepressants have been proposed for Actaea/Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) and Valeriana officinalis (valerian). Plant extracts with estrogenic activities for menopausal symptom relief include Glycine max (soy), Trifolium pratense (red clover), Pueraria lobata (kudzu), Humulus lupulus (hops), Glycyrrhiza species (licorice), Rheum rhaponticum (rhubarb), Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed), Epimedium species (herba Epimedii, horny goat weed), and Medicago sativa (alfalfa). Some of the estrogenic botanicals have also been shown to have protective effects against osteoporosis. Several of these botanicals could have additional breast cancer preventive effects linked to hormonal, chemical, inflammatory, and/or epigenetic pathways. Finally, although botanicals are perceived as natural safe remedies, it is important for women and their healthcare providers to realize that they have not been rigorously tested for potential toxic effects and/or drug/botanical interactions. Understanding the mechanism of action of these supplements used for women's health will ultimately lead to standardized botanical products with higher efficacy, safety, and chemopreventive properties.

Influence of storage conditions in the evolution of phytochemicals in nutraceutical products applying high resolution mass spectrometry

An adequate knowledge about possible transformation of bioactive compounds in nutraceutical products during long storage is important in order to know potential modifications of this type of compounds. In this study, one year monitoring was performed in different types of nutraceutical products based on natural extracts (green tea, soy, royal jelly and grapes) observing the appearance of new bioactive compounds, which were not detected at the initial conditions, as well as the decrease of some of the detected compounds. To determine these transformation products, an analytical procedure based on high resolution mass spectrometry (Exactive-Orbitrap analyzer) was applied. It was noted that transformation products were detected after 3 months of storage in green tea and soy products, while 6 months were necessary to observe transformation products in royal jelly.

Determination of free and bound phenolic compounds in soy isoflavone concentrate using a PFP fused core column

In the last years, the consumption of soy-based foods has increased due to the health benefits related to soy bioactives like phenolic compounds. Thus, in the present study, a new chromatographic method using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection (RP-HPLC/DAD) was developed using a fused core pentafluorophenyl (PFP) column. The established method allowed the determination of twenty-one free phenolic compounds and eleven bound phenolics in a soy isoflavone concentrate. The method was validated in terms of precision and recovery. Intra and inter-day precision were less than 5% (% RSD) and the recovery was between 97.4% and 103.6%. Limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged between 0.093 and 0.443 μg/mL. Because of that, PFP stationary phase can be easily applied for routine determination of phenolic compounds in soy based foods.

Non-targeted screening approaches for contaminants and adulterants in food using liquid chromatography hyphenated to high resolution mass spectrometry

The majority of analytical methods for food safety monitor the presence of a specific compound or defined set of compounds. Non-targeted screening methods are complementary to these approaches by detecting and identifying unexpected compounds present in food matrices that may be harmful to public health. However, the development and implementation of generalized non-targeted screening workflows are particularly challenging, especially for food matrices due to inherent sample complexity and diversity and a large analyte concentration range. One approach that can be implemented is liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry, which serves to reduce this complexity and is capable of generating molecular formulae for compounds of interest. Current capabilities, strategies, and challenges will be reviewed for sample preparation, mass spectrometry, chromatography, and data processing workflows. Considerations to increase the accuracy and speed of identifying unknown molecular species will also be addressed, including suggestions for achieving sufficient data quality for non-targeted screening applications.

Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Soy Isoflavone Extracts in Human Plasma

The soy isoflavones daidzein and genistein produce several biological activities related to health benefits. A number of isoflavone extracts are commercially available, but there is little information concerning the specific isoflavone content of these products or differences in their bioavailability and pharmacokinetics. This study describes the development and validation of an analytical method to detect and quantify daidzein, genistein, and equol in human plasma using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method was applied in a crossover, randomized, bioavailability study. Twelve healthy volunteers were administered the same total isoflavones dose from two isoflavone supplement preparations (Super-Absorbable Soy Isoflavones (Life Extension, USA) and Fitoladius (Merck, Spain)). The pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC0-24/dose and Cmax/dose) of the isoflavones from the two preparations differed significantly. Such differences in bioavailability and kinetics may have relevant effects on the health benefits derived from their intake.

High resolution LC-ESI-TOF-mass spectrometry method for fast separation, identification, and quantification of 12 isoflavones in soybeans and soybean products

A high resolution LC-ESI-TOF-MS analytical method was established for the rapid isolation, identification, and quantification of 12 isoflavones in soybean and soybean products. Individual isoflavones were identified on the basis of the accurate mass data of their respective protonated mass ions, Na or K adduct ions, fragment ions, and isotope ion patterns. The protonated mass ions of isoflavones were extracted for their quantification in soybean products. Twelve different isoflavones in the soybean products were fully separated, identified and quantified within 12min separation time. The established LC-TOF/MS was an effective analytical method for the simultaneous characterization and quantification of isoflavones with exceptionally short analytical time, high selectivity, a high linearity (r(2)>0.992) in a wide range, low LOD and LOQ, high precision, inter-and intra-day repeatability, and no significant matrix effect. Furthermore, it requires simple sample preparation procedure (solvent extraction, dilution, and syringe filtration).

Supercritical fluid chromatography for the separation of isoflavones

The first protocol for the analysis of isoflavones by supercritical fluid chromatography is reported. Optimum results were obtained on an Acquity UPC(2) BEH 1.7 μm column, using a solvent gradient of supercritical carbon dioxide and methanol (with phosphoric acid as additive) for elution. The method enables the baseline separation of nine isoflavones (aglyca and glycosides) in 8 min, and is suitable for their quantitative determination in dietary supplements containing soy (Glycine max), red glover (Trifolium pratense) and kudzu (Pueraria lobata). Method validation confirmed that the assay is selective, linear (R(2)≥0.9994), accurate (recovery rates from 97.6 to 102.4%), as well as precise on the short- and long-term level (intra-day precision ≤2.1%), and shows an on-column detection limit of 0.2 ng and below. This, together with an excellent performance shown in the analysis of real samples, indicates that SFC is well suited for the fast and accurate determination of isoflavones in complex matrices. Disadvantages compared to the established approaches were not observed, so that SFC has to be considered in this case as an (at least) equivalent analytical alternative.

Identification of two novel brominated contaminants in water samples by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometer

Tetrabromobisphenol A mono(2-hydroxyethyl ether) (TBBPA-MHEE) and TBBPA mono(glycidyl ether) (TBBPA-MGE), two impurities of TBBPA derivatives, were hypothesized to be novel brominated contaminants with potential toxicity. However, due to lacking of analytical method and pure standards, their environmental behavior and toxicity have not been studied. Herein we developed a sensitive method based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometer (UHPLC-Orbitrap Fusion TMS) for simultaneous detection of TBBPA-MHEE and TBBPA-MGE in water samples. The sample pretreatment method and the experimental conditions of UHPLC and Orbitrap Fusion TMS, were optimized in detail. The instrument detection limits (IDLs) for TBBPA-MHEE and TBBPA-MGE were 0.5pg and 0.6pg, respectively. The method detection limits (MDLs) for TBBPA-MHEE and TBBPA-MGE in river water samples were 0.9 and 0.8ng/L. With the proposed method, we were able to detect TBBPA-MHEE and TBBPA-MGE for the first time in water samples and technical products of TBBPA derivatives. Therefore, UHPLC-Orbitrap Fusion TMS is a simple and effective tool for identification and quantification of novel contaminants in the environment.

Fast analysis of polyphenols in royal jelly products using automated TurboFlow™-liquid chromatography-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry

This study describes the development of a novel, simple and fast analytical method for the detection and quantification of polyphenols in royal jelly products, using an in-house database containing more than 50 compounds. The extraction method consisted of sample dilution, followed by a fast on-line system composed of turbulent flow chromatography (TurboFlow™) coupled to liquid chromatography (LC)-Exactive-Orbitrap analyzer. The total run time was 18min, including automated extraction, analytical chromatography and re-equilibration. The method was validated obtaining limits of quantification (LOQ) ranging from 10 to 150μg/kg. The linearity range was up to 2000μg/L and determination coefficients (R²) were higher than 0.994. Adequate recoveries were obtained at three concentration levels (500, 1000 and 2000μg/kg). This method was applied to the analysis of nine samples and the concentration of polyphenols ranged from 14 (apigenin) to 18,936μg/kg (ferulic acid).