On-Line Solid-Phase Extraction with Surfactant Accelerated On-Column Derivatization and Micellar Liquid Chromatographic Separation as a Tool for the Determination of Biogenic Amines in Various Food Substrates

A novel method for evaluating pseudoallergy based on β-hexosaminidase and its application for traditional Chinese medicine injections

Pseudoallergy is a typical and common adverse drug reaction to injections, especially in traditional Chinese medicine injections (TCMIs). At present, the evaluation methods for pseudoallergy include cell methods in vitro and animal methods in vivo. The mast cell evaluation method based on the β-hexosaminidase (β-Hex)-catalyzed substrate, 4-nitrophenyl-β-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminide (4-NPG), is an important method for the evaluation of drug-induced pseudoallergy, but it is prone to false positive results and has insufficient sensitivity. In this study, a novel β-Hex evaluation system with rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells based on high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) was established, which effectively increased the sensitivity and avoided false positive results. Cell viabilities were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. In addition, a method for the determination of histamine, which is another indicator in the development of pseudoallergy, was established to validate the above method. The results of this novel method indicated that two TCMIs (Shuxuening injection and Shenqi Fuzheng injection), which were considered to be pseudoallergenic using 4-NPG, were not pseudoallergenic. Overall, the novel β-Hex/HPLC-FLD evaluation system using Rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells established was effective and precise. It could be used for the evaluation of pseudoallergic reactions caused by TCMIs and other injections.

A novel fluorescent probe of alkyne compounds for putrescine detection based on click reaction

Putrescine is a toxic biogenic amine produced in the process of food spoilage, and a high concentration of biogenic amines in foods will cause health problems such as abnormal blood pressure, headaches and tachycardia asthma/worsening asthma. The detection of putrescine is necessary. However, traditional putrescine detection requires specialized instruments and complex operations. To detect putrescine quickly, sensitively and accurately, we designed and successfully prepared a fluorescent probe (DPY) with active alkynyl groups. DPY takes p-dimethoxybenzene as the raw material, adding a highly active alkyne group. It is stable in experimental pH (∼7) because the UV-vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra in pH = 3-12 have little change. The fluorescence intensity of DPY decreased only about 1% under the irradiation of 420 nm within 2 h, showing its better photostability. DPY has a high selectivity to putrescine because of the amino-alkyne click reaction without any catalyst in presence of different biogenic amines. The obvious response to putrescine was found in 30 seconds at room temperature. The mechanism between DPY and putrescine was investigated before and after adding putrescine by 1H NMR spectra and the Job plot. The results indicated a typical 1 : 1 stoichiometry between the DPY and DAB. Furthermore, the higher sensitivity of DPY to putrescine was obtained with the detection of limit (LOD) of 3.19 × 10-7 mol L-1, which was better than that of the national standard (2.27 × 10-5 mol L-1). The novel fluorescent probe was successfully applied to beer samples to detect putrescine. The proposed strategy is expected to provide some guidance for the development of some new ways to detect food security.

A gas pressure and colorimetric signal dual-mode strategy for sensitive detection of spermine using ssDNA-coated Au@Pt nanoparticles as the probe

The naturally occurring spermine (Spm), as one of the many cationic polyamines, plays a key role in biological processes and is involved in a variety of diseases. The very similar structures among biogenic polyamines present a major challenge to achieve discriminative testing among them. In this contribution, using arbitrary ssDNA-coated Au@PtNPs as the probe, we demonstrated that a dual-mode strategy via a gas pressure and colorimetric signal readout can be used for the sensitive and specific detection of Spm, due to the target-responsive aggregation of the Au@PtNPs leading to the inhibition of the catalyzed gas-generation reaction and the colorimetric change of the Au@PtNP solution. The proposed pressure-based signaling strategy has a detection limit of 9.6 nM, and can be used not only in the laboratory but also in the point-of-care setting. Meanwhile, the colorimetric assay displays the advantage of being easily discerned with the naked eye. Compared with the traditional methods of chromatography and capillary electrophoresis combined with chemical derivatization, the strategy described here would provide a convenient new alternative for the specific detection of Spm in biological samples.

A review on chemical and electrochemical methodologies for the sensing of biogenic amines

Biogenic amines (BA) are biomolecules of low molecular weight with organic basic functionalities (amine group) that are formed by the microbial decarboxylation of amino acids of fermented food/beverages. Hence BAs are an important indicator in estimating the freshness and quality of meat, seafood, and industrial food products with high protein content. The reaction of BAs with nitrites available in certain meat products forms nitrosoamine, a carcinogenic compound. Hence BAs are in general considered to be a food hazard and monitoring the level of BAs in food samples becomes crucial as their high concentrations may lead to health problems. This review offers an overview of the available chemical and electrochemical methods that are typically used for the sensing of BAs in food samples. Certain compounds are known to selectively interact with BAs via chemical or non-covalent interactions and these interactions are often accompanied by fluorescence or visible color changes (sometimes visual detection) that could be monitored/assessed using a fluorescence spectrophotometer or UV-vis spectrophotometer (colorimetric methods). The colorimetric methods are limited by sensitivity and selectivity as they are based on straight-forward chemical reactions. In the case of electrochemical sensing of BAs, mediators are often used which undergo oxidation/reduction to produce intermediates that could interact with BAs accompanied by changes in their electrochemical potential. Overall, this review summarizes the available chemical and electrochemical strategies towards the sensing of BAs with a discussion on further prospects.

Development and application of magnetic solid phase extraction in tandem with liquid-liquid extraction method for determination of four tetracyclines by HPLC with UV detection

A novel HPLC-UV method was developed for the determination of four tetracyclines based on magnetic solid phase extraction in tandem with liquid-liquid extraction. The water-soluble amino functionalized magnetite nanoparticle (MNP-NH₂) was used as an adsorbent for extraction/preconcentration of tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, and doxycycline from bovine milk samples. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and elemental analyze techniques were used to characterize the material. Some key parameters which influence liquid-liquid extraction and magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction procedure, including volume of extraction solvent, the amount of adsorbent, the pH, extraction and desorption time, the composition of the eluent, and elution frequency were investigated. The proposed method exhibited a linear range of 50.0-2500.0 μg L^-1 (r² = 0.9941) with and good reproducibility (RSD < 2.2%, n = 3). The limit of detection and quantification were 40.0 and 50.0 μg L^-1. This method was verified using milk sample spiked with four tetracyclines (100.0-200.0 μg L^-1), and accuracies of 87.8-107.5%, which confirmed its applicability in real-sample analysis. The proposed method also shows potential application prospects for other water-soluble adsorbents.

Analyte-directed formation of emissive excimers for the selective detection of polyamines

A convenient and selective method for the sensing of polyamines, which are important biomarkers for cancers, has been developed. The fluorescence light-up mechanism utilizes the analyte-induced formation of emissive excimers of a sulfonated probe. Detection is achieved in aqueous media and artificial urine samples, as indicated by an excellent fluorescence turn-on signal with a large spectral shift.

A Double-Stimuli-Responsive Fluorescent Center for Monitoring of Food Spoilage based on Dye Covalently Modified EuMOFs: From Sensory Hydrogels to Logic Devices

Unsafe food is a huge threat to human health and the economy, and detecting food spoilage early is an ongoing and imperative need. Herein, a simple and effective strategy combining a fluorescence sensor and one-to-two logic operation is designed for monitoring biogenic amines, indicators of food spoilage. Sensors (methyl red@lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (MR@EuMOFs)) are created by covalently modifying MR into NH₂ -rich EuMOFs, which have a high quantum yield (48%). A double-stimuli-responsive fluorescence center is produced via energy transfer from the ligands to Eu³⁺ and MR. Portable sensory hydrogels are obtained by dispersing and solidifying MR@EuMOFs in water-phase sodium salt of carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC-Na). The hydrogels exhibit a color transition upon "smelling" histamine (HI) vapor. This transition and shift in the MR-based emission peak are closely related to the HI concentration. Using the HI concentration as the input signal and the two fluorescence emissions as output signals, an advanced analytical device based on a one-to-two logic gate is constructed. The four output combinations, NOT (0, 1), YES (1, 0), PASS 1 (1, 1), and PASS 0 (0, 0), allow the direct analysis of HI levels, which can be used for real-time food-freshness evaluation. The novel strategy suggested here may be a new application for a molecular logic system in the sensing field.

A novel self-assembled platform for the ratiometric fluorescence detection of spermine

A novel self-assembled platform where the micelles of a pyrene derivative act as the shell and squaraine (SQ) as the nucleus was constructed for the ratiometric near infrared (NIR) fluorescence detection of urinary spermine with high selectivity.

Validation of micellar LC-based methods applied to analyze foodstuffs

The validation of several micellar LC-based analytical methodologies was described. These methods were able to quantify quinolones in fish from fisheries, hydroxytyrosol in olive extracts and biogenic amines in anchovy sauce. The validation was performed following the requirements of official guides to provide more reliability. Two guides suggested by renowned institution are described: US FDA Guidance for Industry and EU Regulation 2002/657/EC Decision. The appropriate guide was used for each method, depending of the analyte, the matrix and the scope of sample. The calculated validation parameters were those proposed by the guide: selectivity, calibration range, linearity, LOD and LOQ, inter- and intra-day accuracy and precision, limit of decision, detection capability, robustness, recovery and stability. The methodologies were successfully validated by the selected guideline, indicating their suitability to be applied to analysis of real samples, proven to be useful to its intended purpose.

Highly selective colorimetric detection of spermine in biosamples on basis of the non-crosslinking aggregation of ssDNA-capped gold nanoparticles

The selective adsorption of single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssDNA) on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is well known for stabilizing the AuNPs against aggregation even at high salt concentrations. Our investigation shows that the non-crosslinking aggregation of arbitrary ssDNA-capped AuNPs occurs due to their interaction with the cationic polyamine, spermine (Spm), even without any addition of NaCl. The non-crosslinking aggregation mechanism is that the Spm, served as multivalent counterions, plays the dual roles of charge shielding and ion bridging among the ssDNA-capped AuNPs, which jointly result in the aggregation of the ssDNA-capped AuNPs. Therefore, a sensitive and highly selective colorimetric method for the detection of Spm was developed. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first successful case as to the efforts towards the development of optical assays for cationic polyamine, showing neither natural UV absorption nor fluorescence. Compared with the traditional methods of chromatography and capillary electrophoresis, the approach described here would provide a convenient alternative and new train of thought for the specific detection of Spm in both biological fluid and fermented products.

High-throughput sensing microtiter plate for determination of biogenic amines in seafood using fluorescence or eye-vision

A new optical sensing microplate was developed for rapid screening for the presence of biogenic amines (BAs) in seafood samples with high sensitivity. The deposition of a sensing spot (containing a chameleon dye (Py-1) in a polymeric cocktail) on the bottom of the wells of a standard microplate renders the plate a new sensing tool for a rapid and parallel detection of up to 96 (real) samples. This sensing microplate enables (1) a semi-quantitative readout of analyte concentration by eye-vision, (2) a rapid fluorescence readout of 96 samples with standard instrumentation in less than two minutes (unlike chromatographic and electrophoretic methods), (3) a statistically robust data evaluation (with 8-12 replicates) and (4) a rapid parallel sample preparation with standard 8 or 12-channel micropipettes. On reaction with biogenic amines, the dye shows a significant visible color change from blue over green to red color. The appearance of red color favorably coincides with the concentration of BAs that can induce symptoms of poisoning. The linear ranges of fluorescence calibration data for six biogenic amines cover the clinical toxicological relevant range of BAs that is too low to be detected by the human nose. The LODs range from 0.16 to 0.56 μg mL(-1), with correlation coefficients (r(2)) between 0.985 and 0.999. Finally, the evolution of spoilage of four fish samples (monitored by determination of their BA status) and the increase of their total amine content were found to agree well with previous data on time-dependent evolution of BAs in fish.

A molecular probe for the optical detection of biogenic amines

A coumarin derivative was employed for the detection of biogenic amines in buffered aqueous solution by UV-Vis or fluorescence spectroscopy. Incorporated in a polymeric matrix, the dye can also be used for the optical detection of gaseous amines.

A separation-free method for simultaneous determination of and sunset yellow in different abundance by integrating RBI and detectors

A novel method for simultaneous determination of sucrose and sunset yellow in retail soft drink without separation by combination of retro-reflected beam interference-based refractive index (RBI) and thermal lens (TL) detections was developed. The method proposed here successfully realized individual measurements of sucrose and sunset yellow in one single sample, while their concentrations were thousands of times different in the sample. Under optimized conditions, a separation-free process was carried out so that sucrose and sunset yellow were quantified at the same time. Limits of detection (LODs) of sucrose and sunset yellow were 0. 21 mg ml-1 and 0.23 μg ml-1 and the relative standard deviation (RSDs) were 3.9% and 3.07%. The developed method was successfully applied for the simultaneous analysis of sucrose and sunset yellow in retail soft drink. The soft drink containing 123.6 ± 2.6 mg ml-1 sucrose and 46.6 ± 1.8 μg ml-1 sunset yellow have been simultaneously measured without any separation procedure.

Assessment of safety, nutritional, and spoilage characteristics of different lagoon grey mullets (Liza ramada, Liza aurata, and Liza saliens)

Different lagoon grey mullets such as Liza ramada (thinlip mullet), Liza aurata (golden grey mullet), and Liza saliens (leaping grey mullet) were analyzed for their nutritional, microbiological, and safety parameters. The microbiological values never exceeded the lower limits stipulated by the Italian Higher Institute of Health. The pathogenic species frequently associated with seafood (Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Aeromonas hydrophila) were never detected. The absence of coliforms and of Escherichia coli was noted in all fish species after 4 days of storage in ice. Heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury were always below the detection limits (0.01 mg/kg). All three fish species had low levels of total biogenic amines (80 to 100 mg/kg), and the presence of histamine was sporadic. All Liza species, particularly L. ramada and L. saliens, are a good source of omega3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Neutral desorption sampling coupled to extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for rapid differentiation of biosamples by metabolomic fingerprinting

It is of increasing interest and practical importance to develop convenient methods based on mass spectrometry for high-throughput analyses of biological samples. This is usually difficult because of the complex matrix and ion suppression effects. Generation of ions at ambient conditions is a promising solution to these problems because the sample is easily accessible and the ion suppression effect is reduced significantly. A new method for rapid on-line detection of metabolic markers in complex biological samples is described here. It combines atmospheric pressure desorption sampling by a gentle stream of air or nitrogen with extractive electrospray ionization (EESI) and mass spectrometric analysis. The resulting mass spectral fingerprints are shown to be able to detect spoilage of meat even in the frozen (-20 degrees C) state and the contamination of spinach by E. coli, and to identify metabolites and contaminants on human skin within seconds, in an on-line and high-throughput fashion. Typical molecular markers are identified using MS/MS data and by comparison with reference compounds. Differences between closely related samples are easily visualized by using principal component analysis (PCA) of the mass spectra data. The detection limit achieved is 10 fg/cm2 (S/N = 3) for histamine on the surface of frozen meat. The technique reported here shows potential for more advanced applications in multiple disciplines, including food regulation, homeland security, in vivo metabolomics, and clinical diagnosis.

Surface desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry for direct ambient sample analysis without toxic chemical contamination

Ambient mass spectrometry, pioneered with desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) technique, is of increasing interest in recent years. In this study, a corona discharge ionization source is adapted for direct surface desorption chemical ionization of compounds on various surfaces at atmospheric pressure. Ambient air, with about 60% relative humidity, is used as a reagent to generate primary ions such as H(3)O(+), which is then directed to impact the sample surface for desorption and ionization. Under experimental conditions, protonated or deprotonated molecules of analytes present on various samples are observed using positive or negative corona discharge. Fast detection of trace amounts of analytes present in pharmaceutical preparations, viz foods, skins and clothes has been demonstrated without any sample pretreatment. Taking the advantage of the gasless setup, powder samples such as amino acids and mixtures of pharmaceutical preparations are rapidly analyzed. Impurities such as sudan dyes in tomato sauce are detected semiquantitatively. Molecular markers (e.g. putrescine) for meat spoilage are successfully identified from an artificially spoiled fish sample. Chemical warfare agent stimulants, explosives and herbicides are directly detected from the skin samples and clothing exposed to these compounds. This provides a detection limit of sub-pg (S/N > or = 3) range in MS2. Metabolites and consumed chemicals such as glucose are detected successfully from human skins. Conclusively, surface desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (DAPCI) mass spectrometry, without toxic chemical contamination, detects various compounds in complex matrices, showing promising applications for analyses of human related samples.

Simultaneous determination of tyramine and tryptamine and their precursor amino acids by micellar liquid chromatography and pulsed amperometric detection in wines

Two biogenic amines, tryptamine and tyramine, and their precursors, tryptophan and tyrosine, were determined by a liquid chromatographic procedure. A hybrid micellar mobile phase of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and 1-propanol, a C18 column and electrochemical detection were used. A pH study in the range of 3-9 was performed and pH 3 was finally selected in accordance with resolution and analysis time. Oxidation potential was also checked in the range 0.6-0.9V: the maximum area obtained in all those potentials was at 0.8V, which was selected to carry out the analysis using a sequence of pulsed amperometric detection waveform. The four compounds were resolved using a mobile phase of 0.15M SDS-5% 1-propanol with an analysis time of 16 min. Repeatabilities and intermediate precision were evaluated at three different concentrations for each compound with RSD values lower than 2.6 and 4.8%, respectively. Limits of detection and quantification were also obtained within the 10-40 and 33-135 ng/ml ranges, respectively. Finally, the applicability of the procedure was tested in several types of wine and no matrix effect was observed. The possibility of direct sample introduction simplifies and greatly expedites the treatments with reduced cost, improving the accuracy of the procedures.

Analysis of biologically active amines by CE

This paper provides an overview on the current status of the analysis of biogenic amines by CE. The basic CE separation and detection strategies for the analysis of biogenic amines are briefly described. CZE and MEKC that provide highly efficient and reproducible analysis of biogenic amines are particularly surveyed. With respect to the detection of biogenic amines, we focus on LIF, UV-visible absorption, electrochemiluminescence, and MS. Derivatization strategies, indirect methods, and on-line concentration techniques such as field-amplified sample stacking, sweeping, and use of polymer solution are described. To show the practicality of CE, we highlight currently developed techniques for the determinations of biogenic amines in biological samples, including foods, beverages, cerebrospinal fluids, urine, and single cells.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of biogenic amines in wines with an experimental design optimization procedure

A novel and sensitive HPLC method for determining biogenic amines in wine samples is described. It involves pre-column labeling of the analytes with 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate (NQS) and liquid-liquid extraction of derivatives with chloroform for analyte preconcentration and sample clean-up. A linear gradient elution consisting of a mixture of 2% of acetic acid aqueous solution and methanol is used to separate the amine derivatives in a C18 column. The eluted compounds are detected spectrophotometrically at 270 nm. The optimization of both derivatization and separation conditions is accomplished by means of factorial and central composite designs and multicriteria decision functions. The analytical parameters of the method are established using red wine samples. Detection limits range from 0.006 to 0.315 mg L(-1). The run-to-run repeatabilities of retention times and peak areas are around 0.6 and 5.6%, respectively. Recoveries ranging from 91.9 to 105% prove the accuracy of the method for determining histamine, putrescine, cadaverine, tryptamine, phenylethylamine and serotonin in red wines. The proposed method has been applied to the analysis of commercial wines from different Spanish regions.

Capillary electrophoresis determination of biogenic amines by field-amplified sample stacking and in-capillary derivatization

A sensitive CE method for determining biogenic amines in wines based on in-capillary derivatization with 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate is presented. In this method, reagent and buffer solutions are introduced hydrodynamically into the capillary whereas the sample is injected electrokinetically, thus, allowing a selective preconcentration of the analytes by field-amplified sample stacking. Amines are labeled inside the capillary using a zone-passing derivatization approach in mixed tandem mode. The most relevant variables influencing on the derivatization and separation as well as significant interactions have been evaluated using experimental design. Multi-criteria decision making is utilized for the simultaneous optimization of interacting variables through overall desirability response surfaces. The validation of the method has proven an excellent separation performance and accuracy for the determination of biogenic amines such as histamine, tryptamine, phenylethylamine, tyramine, agmatine, ethanolamine, serotonin, cadaverine, and putrescine in red wines. Detection limits range from 0.02 mg/L for ethanolamine to 0.91 mg/L for serotonin. The RSDs for migration time and peak area are around 1.2 and 6.2%, respectively. Red wines from different Spanish regions have been analyzed using the proposed method.

Simple and rapid determination of histamine in food using a new histamine dehydrogenase from Rhizobium sp

A colorimetric enzyme assay for the quantitative analysis of histamine in food has been developed using a new histamine dehydrogenase (HDH) from Rhizobium sp. The HDH specifically catalyzes the oxidation of histamine but not other biogenic amines such as putrescine and cadaverine. The principle of our photometric assay is as follows. The HDH catalyzes the oxidative deamination of histamine in the presence of 1-methoxy PMS (electron carrier), which converts WST-8 (tetrazolium salt) to a formazan. This product is measured in the visible range at 460 nm. The correlation between the histamine level and absorbance was acceptable, ranging from 0 to 96 microM with histamine standard solutions, corresponding to 0 to 30 microM of the reaction solution (r = 1.000, CV = 1.0% or less). Assays of canned tuna (in oil and soup) and raw tuna with 45-675 micromol/kg histamine added showed good recoveries of 96-113, 98-108, and 100-106%. The histamine contents of a commercial canned tuna and fish meal containing histamine at high concentrations were determined using the new method and other reference methods (HPLC method, Association of Official Analytical Chemists official method, and two commercial enzyme immunoassay test kits). This simple and rapid enzymatic method is as reliable as the conventional methods.

Cationic surfactant-based polyfluorate salts: phase separation and analytical applications in the extraction and preconcentration of ionic species prior to liquid chromatography

The liquid-solid phase separation originating from the formation of cationic surfactant-based polyfluorate salts (CSBPS) has been explored for extracting and preconcentrating ionic species. Two cationic surfactants were tested; one with aliphatic hydrocarbon tail [Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)]and the other containing a heterocyclic ring [Hexadecylpyridinium bromide (HPyBr)]. Phase separation possibility was investigated with the use of hexafluorophosphates (PF6-) and tetrafluoroborates (BF4-). The effect of added acid, base and salt on the phase separation and analyte extraction was also investigated. In all cases the obtained phase diagrams consisted of two regions: a homogeneous liquid region and a solid-liquid region. Analytes of hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature such as amines, amino acids and organic chromophores were used as test compounds in both their anionic and cationic forms. The respective recoveries ranged from over 90% for anionic species and in the proximity of 50% for cationic species, remaining below 20% for neutral species. Extracts from alkaline aqueous and plasma samples spiked with tyrosine and phenylalanine were also subjected to HPLC separation with UV detection with satisfactory results. On line application was also enabled using a flow through-solid phase extraction-HPLC hyphenated apparatus, thus adding the element of automatization and increased reproducibility.

Determination of biogenic amines in fresh and processed meat by suppressed ion chromatography-mass spectrometry using a cation-exchange column

A new method for simultaneous determination of underivatized biogenic amines based on the separation by cation-exchange chromatography and suppressed conductivity coupled with mass spectrometry detection has been developed. The method has been applied to the analysis of cadaverine, putrescine, histamine, agmatine, phenethylamine and spermidine in processed meat products. The amines were extracted from muscle tissue with methanesulfonic acid without any additional derivative step or sample clean-up. Biogenic amines were separated by the IonPac CS17 column, a cation-exchange column used with gradient elution, and detection was done by suppressed conductivity and mass spectrometry. Tyramine was simultaneously analysed by using a spectrophotometer (275 nm) before the suppressed conductivity detection. Linearity of response was obtained in the range 0.25-25 microg mL(-1). The detection limits ranged from 23 microg L(-1) for putrescine to 155 microg L(-1) for spermidine (suppressed conductivity) and from 9 microg L(-1) for agmatine to 34 microg L(-1) for spermidine (MS). Average recoveries from meat samples ranged from 85 to 97% and coefficients of variation ranged from 4.5 to 9.7%. The analysis of biogenic amines in fresh and processed meats (dry-cured, cooked and fermented products) can be used as a quality marker of raw material and for studying the relationship between their changes and the fermentation process involved in dry sausage ripening.

Rapid assay for analyzing biogenic amines in cheese: matrix solid-phase dispersion followed by liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry

A new rapid and sensitive method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) followed by liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry was devised for the determination of biogenic amines at trace levels in cheese samples. The method required 0.25 g of sample, CN-bonded silica as a dispersant sorbent, and a formic acid aqueous solution/methanol mixture as an eluting solvent. Extraction recoveries from soft cheese products were calculated in the 98 +/- 4-110 +/- 6% range. A procedure based on solid-phase extraction was also evaluated for the extraction of these compounds in cheese. Chromatographic separation was performed using a C18 column with an aqueous ammonium acetate/methanol mixture as the mobile phase under gradient conditions. The method was validated in terms of detection limits (LOD), quantitation limits (LOQ), linearity, recovery, precision, and trueness. Results in the 0.05-0.25 mg kg(-1) range were obtained for the LOD of histamine, tyramine, and beta-phenylethylamine in soft cheese samples. Linearity was established over 2 orders of magnitude. Excellent precision in terms of intra-day repeatability was calculated (RSD% < 5). The applicability of the method to the determination of biogenic amines in cheese products was demonstrated.

Determination of histamine in wines with an on-line pre-column flow derivatization system coupled to high performance liquid chromatography

A new rapid and sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for determining histamine in red wine samples, based on continuous flow derivatization with 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate (NQS), is proposed. In this system, samples are derivatized on-line in a three-channel flow manifold for reagent, buffer and sample. The reaction takes place in a PTFE coil heated at 80 degrees C and with a residence time of 2.9 min. The reaction mixture is injected directly into the chromatographic system, where the histamine derivative is separated from other aminated compounds present in the wine matrix in less than ten minutes. The HPLC procedure involves a C18 column, a binary gradient of 2% acetic acid-methanol as a mobile phase, and UV detection at 305 nm. Analytical parameters of the method are evaluated using red wine samples. The linear range is up to 66.7 mg L(-1) (r = 0.9999), the precision (RSD) is 3%, the detection limit is 0.22 mg L(-1), and the average histamine recovery is 101.5% +/- 6.7%. Commercial red wines from different Spanish regions are analyzed with the proposed method.

Tosylation of Endocrine-Disruptive Alkylphenolic Compounds in a Solid-Phase Reaction System Consisting of C18-Modified Silica Gel and Aqueous Buffer Solution

The tosylation reaction of endocrine-disruptive alkylphenolic compounds in a solid-phase aqueous system was investigated with the aim of developing an environment-friendly and efficient derivatization method for HPLC analyses of environmental samples. The phenols were rapidly and efficiently converted to the tosyl derivatives on a commercially available ODS solid-phase cartridge by passing an aqueous buffer solution through it. The solid-phase aqueous tosylation system has been incorporated into a preconcentration step performed by solid-phase extraction from environmental water.