Anatomy of a successful imprint: Analysing the recognition mechanisms of a molecularly imprinted polymer for quercetin

This study comprises a retrospective analysis of a successful molecular imprint for quercetin with the main aim of deriving rational design strategies for more effective molecularly imprinted polymers. Hence, polymers of varying composition were synthesised and chromatographically characterised to examine the effects of monomer-template ratios. (1)H NMR analysis of the pre-polymerisation mixture yielded further information on the nature of the complexes formed prior to the polymerisation step. A direct correlation between the optimum monomer-template ratio derived from the chromatographic studies and the monomer-template ratio providing the most stable pre-polymerisation complexes observed via (1)H NMR T(1) relaxation time measurements, suggests that the formation of particularly stable pre-polymerisation complexes is responsible for an increased formation of selective binding sites during the polymerisation step. Furthermore, physical aspects of the polymerisation, such as the MIP surface area and macroscopic phase partitioning of the mixture during the polymerisation are investigated. The observed effects and their analytical assessment offer insight into the mechanisms governing MIP selectivity at a molecular level.

Towards the rational development of molecularly imprinted polymers: 1H NMR studies on hydrophobicity and ion-pair interactions as driving forces for selectivity

The preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) based on non-covalent interactions has become a widely used technique for creating highly specific sorbent materials predominantly used in separation chemistry. A crucial factor in a successful imprinting protocol is the optimisation of the template/functional monomer interaction in the pre-polymerisation mixture, eventually leading to a maximum of high-affinity binding sites in the resulting polymer matrix. In order to develop more efficient preparation technologies for imprinted polymers, two separate pre-polymerisation complexes were investigated by NMR spectroscopic techniques in order to identify the types of interactions occurring in the pre-polymerisation mixture, and their implications for the subsequently formed imprinted polymer. In particular, hydrophobic effects have been followed by NMR spectroscopy and their contribution to the selectivity of the resulting MIP has been investigated. The 2,4-D imprint system is used as an example to fundamentally study whether observations at the pre-polymerisation stage correlate with properties of the finally prepared MIP, and which parameters govern success of an imprinting protocol.

Electrochemistry and application of a novel monosubstituted squarate electron-transfer mediator in a glucose oxidase-doped poly(phenol) sensor

Electrosynthetic poly(phenol) nanofilms were deposited in situ on platinum electrodes in the presence and absence of glucose oxidase. The synthesis charges and currents of the nonconducting polymer films were recorded at various applied potentials for films grown from 25 –100 mM phenol concentrations. Film parameters such as the standard rate constant for film deposition, film thickness, and surface concentration of the poly(phenol) films were evaluated from the cyclic and step voltammograms of the polymerization process. A novel electron-transfer mediator consisting of monosubstituted 4-hydroxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione (squarate) was used as a mediator for Pt/poly(phenol) nanofilm/GOx amperometric glucose biosensors. Amperometric responses for 3-diphenylamino-4-hydroxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione (diphenylaminosquarate: E°'=of +328 mV/Ag-AgCl at pH 7.0)-mediated systems were measured by both steady-state amperometric and cyclic voltammetry. The sensor sensitivity was calculated to be 558 nA cm−2 (µM)−1.

Creatinine biosensors: principles and designs

Creatinine biosensors, based on both potentiometric and amperometric devices, have been created. However, there are significant problems still to be addressed, including the balance between sensitivity and selectivity, interference rejection and sensor stability. In addition, many devices still rely on a dual-sensor approach for creatine and creatinine subtractive measurements. However, creatinine biosensors appear close to attaining the performance goals necessary for their widespread application. This article looks at the operating principle and design of both potentiometric and amperometric creatinine biosensors, and shows how the design of these devices affects their performance.

Simultaneous determination of levodopa, carbidopa and their metabolites in human plasma and urine samples using LC-EC

In this study levodopa (L-DOPA), carbidopa (C-DOPA) and their metabolites were resolved from other endogenous components present in human plasma and urine and determined quantitatively. The developed technique involved the use of a second pump, a switching valve, and a pre-column in the LC system in order to perform on-line sample clean-up and enrichment. This procedure is dependent on an effective removal of the many interfering matrix components that vitiate HPLC analysis. Several unknown endogenous electroactive compounds, present in plasma, were eliminated by the purification step, or suppressed by the pre-treatment or detection conditions. The analyses were separated on an Octyl-bonded reversed-phase column followed by amperometric detection using a carbon fibre microelectrode flow cell operated at +0.8 V versus silver/silver phosphate reference electrode. The cell was compatible with the mobile and the stationary phase used in the flow system without any complex surface reaction. The peak currents obtained for the different analytes were directly proportional to the analyse over the concentration range 0.02-4.0 microg ml(-1). Using this method, the minimum detectable concentration was estimated to be 5 and 8 ng ml(-1) for L-DOPA and C-DOPA, respectively. Recovery studies performed on human plasma samples ranged from 93.83 to 89.76%, with a relative standard deviation of < 6%. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were < 7%. The accuracy of the assay, which was defined as the percentage difference between the mean concentration found and the theoretical (true) concentration, was 12% or better. The electrochemical pre-treatment regime described in this work permitted a longer application of the same microelectrode. The method showed a good agreement with other available methods described in the introduction and offers the advantages of being simple, less time and labour consuming, does not require additional solvents for extraction, inexpensive and suitable for routine analysis and kinetic purposes.

Bioavailability studies of oral dosage forms containing levodopa and carbidopa using column-switching chromatography followed by electrochemical detection

A reliable multi-dimensional column chromatographic method employing amperometric detection using a carbon fibre microelectrode procedure was used for monitoring the plasma profiles and to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of levodopa (L-dopa) and carbidopa (C-dopa), after ingestion of oral formulations containing these drugs. The peak currents obtained for the different analytes were directly proportional to the analyte over the concentration range 0.02-4 micrograms ml-1. Using this method, the minimum detectable concentration was estimated to be 5 and 8 ng ml-1 for L-dopa and C-dopa, respectively. Recovery studies ranged from 93.83 to 89.76%, with a relative standard deviation of less than 7%. The study was carried out in two separate weeks on five healthy non-patient fasted male/female volunteers in the age range 20-37 years and weighing between 60 kg and 78 kg. The pharmacokinetic profile of two controlled-release products containing both L-dopa and C-dopa (Sinemet CR3 and CR4) was compared on the one hand and Sinemet conventional tablets on the other. The pharmacokinetic parameters, peak concentration (Cmax), the time taken to obtain this level (Tmax), elimination half-time T1/2, elimination rate constant (Kel), plasma level ratio, fluctuation index (FI) and the area under the time-concentration curve (AUC0-8), were investigated for each individual formulation. A comparison of the uptake of L-dopa from the conventional formulation showed that L-dopa entered the plasma and achieved peak levels higher than that of the controlled release formulations. However, it showed a much higher fluctuation index and the plasma concentrations were more stable with the controlled release formulations. The data also indicated a very low accumulation of both levodopa and carbidopa following repeated administration of the drugs, which was consistent with their relatively short half-lives (less than 2 h). In contrast, the half-life for the metabolite 3-orthomethyl dopa (3-OMD) is in the order of 13 h. As a result, there was an extensive accumulation of 3-OMD and its levels were significantly higher than those of levodopa or carbidopa upon repeated administration. Urine recoveries of the three analytes over one 8 h dosing interval showed that the majority of the excreted levodopa and carbidopa was recovered during the first 4 h, and there is proportionally greater excretion of the carbidopa dose than the levodopa dose.

Rapid antibody biosensor assays for environmental analysis

Traditionally, biosensor development has focused on molecules with a defined metabolic role that can be exploited by enzyme-based systems. Antibodies have the ability to move beyond this range of analytes, and are particularly useful in detecting small, hapten molecules. Electrochemically based biosensor developments have been less fruitful in this regard, as enzyme labelling is required, and such assays require the separation from bound and unbound species. These separations and the removal of background signals result in the increased complexity of the assay format, making it unsuitable for rapid sensor analysis. We have developed an electrochemical sensor based on antibodies that does not require the separation of bound and unbound molecules in a competition immunoassay format. This removes the need for several washing and separation steps as is normally employed in this type of assay. This allows single-step immunoassays to be performed using this system, and also allows for the real-time monitoring of antibody-antigen interactions. We have shown that such assays are possible in both batch and flow-injection formats and we are currently developing an assay for the pesticide atrazine. Tentative results show that analysis with this system is possible in the p.p.m. to p.p.b. range.

A comparative bioavailability study of different aspirin formulations using on-line multidimensional chromatography

A multi-dimensional column chromatographic method employing UV spectrometric detection was optimised and successfully used in a comparative bio-availability study of aspirin obtained from different commercially available oral dosage forms. Sample clean-up was achieved by on-line solid-phase extraction. In this study, the bioavailability of aspirin was compared in plain aspirin tablets, chewed tablets, effervescent tablets and Enteric-coated aspirin tablets. Blood samples were taken at frequent intervals after single dosing in ten healthy volunteers, the plasma samples were first treated with physostigmine sulphate to minimise enzymatic hydrolysis of aspirin to salicylate. The results showed the measured Tmax, Cmax, and AUC was significantly higher for soluble aspirin than for the other formulations and the t1/2 was shorter. This indicates the rapid absorption of aspirin from a soluble formulation compared with that from the other formulations. These differences suggest that the soluble formulation could be the aspirin of choice to treat patients suspected to be at high risk of myocardial infarction. The method performs, in a single step, an efficient extraction and clean-up of aspirin from human plasma. The calibration graph was linear over the calibration range 0.2-12 microg ml(-1) plasma with a limit of detection of 0.1 microg ml(-1). The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than 6% and the recoveries ranged from 86 to 98%. The proposed method combines the advantages of being simple and selective in the presence of other potential interfering drugs and is suitable for routine analyses to obtain valuable information about the clinical effects of the drug and its use in prevention treatments of acute myocardial infarction. The whole procedure takes 7 min and is in agreement with other conventional methods.

Multi-residue analysis of penicillin residues in porcine tissue using matrix solid phase dispersion

The aim of this study was to develop a multi-residue method for the analysis of penicillins in animal tissue. Matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) was employed to extract the residues and the extracts were then cleaned-up by C18 solid phase extraction (SPE). Pre-column derivatisation using acetic anhydride and 1,2,4-triazole in the presence of mercuric chloride was employed to allow detection in 325 nm. Gradient elution was required to elute amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin G, cloxacillin and dicloxacillin derivatives from a C18 reversed phase column using phosphate buffer-acetonitrile mobile phase. The developed method had a limit of detection of 20 ng g-1 and had recoveries in the range 40-90% for the 5 drugs in samples fortified at 40 and 200 ng g-1; the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for these drugs were in the range of 50-300 ng g-1 (ppb).

Drug metabolism biosensors: electrochemical reactivities of cytochrome P450cam immobilised in synthetic vesicular systems

Biosensors containing cytochrome P450cam in a didodecyldimethylammonium bromide vesicular system were prepared by cross-linking onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with glutaraldehyde in the presence of bovine serum albumin. Cyclic voltammetric responses of the sensor in air-free buffer solution showed that the sensor exhibited reversible electrochemistry due to direct electron exchange between the haem Fe(3+/2+) redox system and the GCE surface. In air-saturated solution containing camphor, the biosensor gave an irreversible electrocatalytic current which is compatible with the monooxygenation of the substrate. Steady state amperometric experiments with camphor, adamantanone and fenchone were performed with a biosensor prepared by cross-linking P450cam with glutaraldehyde onto a Pt disc electrode. The sensor was characterised by fast amperometric responses, attaining steady-state in about 20 s in a cobalt sepulchrate mediated electrochemical system. The kinetic parameters of the biosensor were analysed using the electrochemical Michaelis Menten equation. The estimated apparent Michaelis-Menten constant, Km, values for the biosensors were in the range of 1.41-3.9 mM.

Electrochemical detection of microcystins, cyanobacterial peptide hepatotoxins, following high-performance liquid chromatography

A novel amperometric HPLC detection method for the cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) peptide toxins microcystin-LR, -YR and -RR was developed. Purified microcystins and cyanobacterial extracts were chromatographed using an internal surface reversed-phase column with acetate- and phosphate-based mobile phase systems. Electrochemical oxidation reactions at 1.20 V vs. Ag/AgCl (glassy carbon working electrode) were show to originate in arginine and tyrosine residues of microcystins.

Development of a capillary electrophoretic separation of an N-(substituted)-glycine-peptoid combinatorial mixture

Capillary electrophoresis was used for the separation of a combinatorially synthesized N-(substituted)-glycine (NSG) peptoid mixture. This mixture consisted of 24 trimeric compounds sharing a common backbone structure but differing in the side chain attached at the N-terminal residue. Standards of the individual components were unavailable so that development of the separation was based on the mixture. A variety of buffer additives were investigated to enhance the CE resolution of this diverse mixture. Ion-pairing agents, cyclodextrins and organic modifiers were all evaluated as buffer additives. The best separations were achieved using a combination of buffer additives, each serving a different purpose in the separation. Heptane sulphonic acid (HSA) was used to reduce hydrophobic intramolecular interactions. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin was used to provide host-guest interactions in order to resolve the very hydrophobic components of the NSG-peptoid mixture. The optimized run buffer consisted of 250 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 2.0, with 25 mM HSA and 40 mg/ml BCD and resulted in the resolution of 21 peaks for the 24 peptoids in the combinatorial mixture.

Application of capillary electrophoresis to the separation of structurally diverse N-(substituted)-glycine-peptoid combinatorial mixtures

The capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based separation of five N-(substituted)-glycine (NSG)-peptoid mixtures with a wide range of physical and chemical properties was studied. A CE separation, initially developed using a single representative peptoid mixture, with a background electrolyte (BGE) modified by the addition of both methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and heptane sulfonic acid was found to provide good separations of most of the combinatorial mixtures investigated. For those mixtures not separated well by this procedure, the use of SDS micelles in conjunction with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin resulted in dramatic improvements in the separation. While no single set of separation conditions proved sufficient for all of the NSG-peptoid combinatorial mixtures, the two methods were able to provide separation sufficient for characterization of a set of mixtures with a wide range of physical and chemical properties. The efficiency of the CE-based separation of the combinatorial mixtures studied was compared to a reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method using gradient elution.

Effects of acetonitrile on horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-anti HRP antibody interaction

The effects of the water-miscible organic solvent acetonitrile on the enzymatic activity of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and on HRP-anti-HRP binding have been investigated. Results showed that both the catalytic activity of HRP and the binding ability of the antibody were affected on increasing the concentration of the organic solvent. The activity of HRP varied with the organic composition of the solvent, indicating that the conformation of the enzyme was affected. The binding ability of the antibody also decreased significantly with an increase of the organic composition of the solvent, and in absolute acetonitrile, the activity of the antibody is about 500 times lower than that in aqueous medium. Binding reversibility experiments indicated that the antibody was not irreversibly damaged in solutions with acetonitrile composition greater than 80% and below 40%; however, an irreversible decrease in the binding was observed in solutions with an acetonitrile composition between 40 and 80%. The reduction in the binding ability is probably due to the irreversible conformation changes in the antibody.

The preparation of a molecular imprinted polymer to 7-hydroxycoumarin and its use as a solid-phase extraction material

A molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) was prepared to 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-OHC). A number of preparation parameters were examined by ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, including the amount of solvent used for reaction, equilibration time, selectivity and capacity of material. The polymer which showed the most selectivity for 7-OHC was then packed into cartridges and used as a solid-phase extraction sorbent. An extraction procedure was then developed from first principles. The cartridges were examined for selectivity of 7-OHC over some other members of the coumarin family. 7-OHC was then extracted from urine using this solid-phase extraction (SPE) method, and its concentration determined using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The method was found to be linear over the range 10-50 micrograms ml-1. Inter- and Intra-assay precision studies were performed to validate the method.

Voltammetric detection for capillary electrophoresis

Several approaches to implementing amperometric detection for capillary electrophoresis have been reported. This report describes the development of a voltammetric detector for CE. The detector is designed to minimize distortion of the voltammetry due to ohmic potential drop. This was accomplished by using a cast Nafion detection cell at the end of the separation capillary. The cast Nafion detection cell provided a low-dead-volume, low-resistance cell that minimized ohmic potential drop and peak band broadening. The ability to detect the current due to oxidation of analytes superimposed on a large background current was also improved. A dynamic background subtraction scheme was used in which a second working electrode, positioned in the electrochemical cell but outside of the detection cell, was used to compensate for the background current in real time. The output of the compensating working electrode was subtracted from the output of the detecting working electrode prior to analog-to-digital conversion. Postexperimental digital background subtraction was also implemented. This approach provided optimal elimination of the background current with maximal detection of the analytical signal. The voltammetric detector developed produced high-quality voltammetric response of analytes with injected concentrations as low as 0.20 microM. The system was evaluated by obtaining CE voltammograms of a mixture of eight test phenolic acids.

In vitro optimisation of a microdialysis system with potential for on-line monitoring of lactate and glucose in biological samples

The optimisation and evaluation of the microdialysis component of a prototype miniaturised total analysis system for application in the continuous monitoring of lactate and glucose is reported. The complete unit comprises a high efficiency microdialysis sampling system, a miniaturised microflow manifold with an integrated biosensor array, together with the hardware and software necessary for controlling the flow parameters and monitoring the sensor signals. Sampling occurs via a microdialysis shunt probe which is perfused continuously with a physiological buffered saline solution. The continuous dialysate outflow is presented to the biosensor array, resulting in the appropriate amperometric signals. Aspects of technological significance addressed here include probe membrane size, perfusate flow rate, sample flow rate, temperature change, probe sterilisation procedures, and heparin content of the physiological saline solution employed.

Differential-pulse voltammetric determination of clenbuterol in bovine urine using a Nafion-modified carbon paste electrode

A method has been developed for the determination of clenbuterol in bovine urine using differential-pulse voltammetry (DPV), based on the electrochemical behaviour of clenbuterol at a Nafion-modified carbon paste electrode (CPE). Clenbuterol is irreversibly oxidized at high positive potentials, its irreversibility being due to a chemical follow-up reaction which results in a product showing quasi-reversible electrochemical behaviour at much lower potentials. It is the oxidation peak of this product, arising in acidic media at 0.42 V, which was analysed using DPV, again following the accumulation of clenbuterol at the Nafion-modified CPE. Electrode renewal was achieved by holding the potential at -0.6 V for 120 s in 0.1 mol l-1 NaOH. The determination of clenbuterol in the presence of interfering compounds present in bovine urine samples was then carried out after a two-step clean-up of the urine involving liquid-liquid extraction followed by a mixed-mode solid-phase extraction procedure. This allowed clenbuterol to be detected down to a level of 1.02 x 10(-9) mol l-1 in bovine urine extracts.

Interspecies differences in coumarin metabolism in liver microsomes examined by capillary electrophoresis

1. A simple, rapid method was developed for studying xenobiotic metabolism by cytochrome P450 in liver microsome preparations. Capillary electrophoresis was used to separate the metabolite from the metabolic mixture. 2. Coumarin is metabolized to 7-hydroxycoumarin by a cytochrome P450 isoenzyme. Human, bovine, gerbil, mouse (Schofield, CO1), rat, rabbit, porcine, and cynomologus monkey microsomal preparations were investigated for coumarin metabolism by determining the content of 7-hydroxycoumarin present after metabolism. 3. Separation of 7-hydroxycoumarin from the reaction mixture was carried out in 50 mM phosphate buffer, pH 6.8, on a fused silica capillary at 25 degrees C and 15 kV. The metabolic matrix consisted of an NADPH regeneration system, 205.5 mu M coumarin, and the microsomal preparation. Standard curves were prepared in the microsomal preparation and the limit of quantification was 6.17 mu M, with a linear range from 0 to 308.5 mu M. 4. The reaction was initiated by the addition of the microsomes. An aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed at specific timed intervals over 2 h and injected directly onto a capillary electrophoresis column and the concentration of 7-hydroxycoumarin determined. The metabolism of coumarin to 7-hydroxycoumarin is greatest in human and monkey microsomes.

Oriented immobilization of antibodies and its applications in immunoassays and immunosensors

The immobilization of antibodies on solid-phase materials has been used in many areas such as purification, diagnostic immunoassays and immunosensors. Problems associated with the loss of biological activity of the antibodies upon immobilization have been noticed in many cases. One of the main reasons for such loss is attributed to the random orientation of the asymmetric macromolecules on support surfaces. In this paper, the approaches for achieving oriented coupling of antibodies to increase the antigen binding capacity are reviewed. Some issues such as steric hindrance caused by neighbouring antibody molecules, the distance between an antibody and the support surface and the use of antibody fragments are dealt with. Some applications of the oriented immobilized antibodies in immunoassays and immunosensors are examined.

Comparison of two extraction methods for determination of propranolol and furosemide in human plasma by mixed-mode chromatography

An isocratic high performance liquid chromatographic method is described for the determination of the beta-adrenergic blocking drug, propranolol, and the diuretic, furosemide, in human plasma. The two compounds and the internal standard were extracted from plasma using a two-step extraction technique. Propranolol and pindolol (internal standard) were first extracted from alkaline plasma into diethyl ether; this was followed by extraction of furosemide into acidified ether: hexane (65:35). The two extracts were then combined and evaporated under nitrogen, and the reconstituted residues were analysed on a C18/SCX reversed-phase/cation exchange column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile: 0.1 M sodium acetate pH 4 (33:67). The drugs and the internal standard were detected by UV absorption at 230 nm. The drugs were also extracted from plasma by a column-switching technique utilizing a ten-port valve. The drug compounds were retained on a C18 pre-column. A comparison of RSD for within-batch (intra-assay) and between-batch (inter-assay) runs for both methods was carried out, the liquid/liquid extraction method giving better recovery values. The calibration graphs were linear from 25-300 ng ml-1 for furosemide and 50-400 ng ml-1 for propranolol. Recovery values were > 90.0% by liquid/liquid extraction and > 76.0% by column switching.

Electrochemical behaviour of clenbuterol at Nafion-modified carbon-paste electrodes

A detailed study of the electrochemistry of clenbuterol at bare carbon-paste electrodes (CPEs) has been carried out. Results showed that clenbuterol undergoes an ECE process. This compound is irreversibly oxidised at high potentials, resulting in the formation of a product which demonstrates quasi-reversible electrochemical behaviour at less positive potentials. The amount of this chemical product formed is very pH-dependent. Investigations into the electrochemical behaviour of clenbuterol at Nafion-modified CPEs were also made. The use of a thin Nafion film cast over the CPE resulted in a large increase in peak current over bare electrodes. Linear accumulation occurred with time, the linear range increasing with decreasing concentration. This allowed the detection of low concentrations of clenbuterol. Diffusion proved to be the rate-controlling process of clenbuterol through the Nafion membrane.

Use of micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography in the study of in vitro metabolism of phenol by human liver microsomes

Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC) is used for analysis of microsome incubation samples. Phenol, a neutral analyte, is separated from interferences. The separation is achieved without sample clean-up. MECC is shown to be advantageous for situations where rapid sampling with minimum handling is desired.

Determination of free and total 7-hydroxycoumarin in urine and serum by capillary electrophoresis

A new method for the rapid determination of 7-hydroxycoumarin, the predominant metabolite of coumarin in humans, was developed for analysis in urine and serum, based on separation by capillary electrophoresis, with UV detection at 210 nm. The linear detection range for 7-hydroxycoumarin was 0-50 micrograms/ml while the limit of quantitation was 1 microgram/ml. An internal standard, 3-(alpha-acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin, was utilised for the determination of free 7-hydroxycoumarin, but it was found not to be suitable in the analysis of total 7-hydroxycoumarin present. Urine from two volunteers, who had been administered coumarin, was analysed by both capillary electrophoresis and by HPLC. The results from the two methods were compared and contrasted. The CE method was found to decrease the analysis time in comparison to HPLC analysis, with results available after 1.5 min as compared to 12 min with HPLC. There was no statistical difference between the results determined by either method.

The use of differential measurements with a glucose biosensor for interference compensation during glucose determinations by flow injection analysis

A novel detection system for the determination of glucose in the presence of clinically important interferents, based on the use of dual sensors and flow-injection analysis (FIA), is described. The normalisation methodology involves measurement of the interference signal at a reference sensor; this signal can then be subtracted from the glucose sensor signal (post-run) to give a corrected measurement of the glucose concentration. The detection system consists of a thin layer with dual glassy carbon working electrodes. One electrode was surface modified to act as a glucose biosensor by immobilisation of glucose oxidase (GOx) (from Aspergillus niger) with 1% glutaraldehyde and bovine serum albumin. The second electrode (glucose oxidase omitted) was utilised to measure the interference signal responding only to electroactive species present in the injected sample. A computer controlled multichannel potentiostat was used for potential application and current monitoring duties. The sensor responses were saved in ASCII format to facilitate post-run analysis in Microsoft Excel. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was utilised to investigate the manner in which the interference signal contributed to the total signal obtained at the biosensor in the presence of glucose. The kinetics parameters Imax and the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant, K'm, were calculated for the sensor operating under flow-injection conditions.

Multi-residue analysis for beta-agonists in urine and liver samples using mixed phase columns with determination by radioimmunoassay

A method is described for the extraction of four beta-agonists, clenbuterol, salbutamol, mabuterol and terbutaline from bovine urine and liver samples using radioimmunoassay (RIA) as the method of determination. Following enzymic digestion of the liver samples using protease enzyme, the digest is centrifuged and the harvested supernatant is saturated with sodium chloride and adjusted to pH 11.0. An ethyl acetate-propan-2-ol mixture is used to extract the beta-agonists from the liver digest. The samples of urine and liver extracts are adjusted to pH 6.0 and applied to mixed phase (XtrackT) columns. The column is washed with water and methanol and the beta-agonists are eluted with methanol containing 2% ammonia. After evaporation of the eluting solvent and reconstitution in ethanol the beta-agonist residues are determined by RIA, with standard graphs prepared in residue-free sample extract. The procedure has been validated for clenbuterol, salbutamol, mabuterol and terbutaline. The mean recovery of the beta-agonists from urine and liver is > 75% and > 85%, respectively. The detection limit is 0.13 ng ml-1 and 0.46 ng g-1 of clenbuterol in urine and liver, respectively. The high recoveries attained for both types of beta-agonists are a result of an efficient liquid-liquid extraction step coupled with a selective mixed solid-phase extraction procedure.

Application of a Nafion-modified carbon paste electrode for the absorptive stripping voltammetric determination of fenoterol in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids

The preconcentration of fenoterol on a Nafion-modified carbon paste electrode and its subsequent determination using differential pulse voltammetry is described. The effect of pH and percentage Nafion concentration on the accumulation behaviour of fenoterol was studied, and accumulation curves, calibration graphs and reproducibility studies at two different Nafion concentrations have been carried out in the range 2.5 x 10(-8)-5.0 x 10(-7) M fenoterol. A limit of detection in aqueous solutions, calculated using a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 3, was 9.0 x 10(-9) M. Application of the electrode to pharmaceutical preparations, without sample pretreatment, resulted in acceptable deviation from the stated concentration (RSD = +/- 3.81%, n = 4). For more complex matrices, a suitable extraction procedure was developed, resulting in recoveries of > 90% (urine) and > 75% (serum).

Matrix solid-phase dispersion as a multiresidue extraction technique for beta-agonists in bovine liver tissue

A procedure for the extraction of salbutamol including conjugated forms of the drug, from liver samples, is described. It combines matrix solid-phase dispersion with radioimmunoassay for the measurement of salbutamol residues at the sub-ppb level. Inter- and intra-assay validation, carried out on fortified liver samples, show good recoveries over the range 1-5 ppb of salbutamol. An enzyme hydrolysis procedure was optimized for the deconjugation of incurred residue. The developed procedure is shown to be suitable for the extraction and determination of other beta-agonists such as clenbuterol, mabuterol, terbutaline, and cimaterol at residue levels of less than 1 ng g-1.

Thermostabilized chemical derivatives of horseradish peroxidase

Horseradish peroxidase finds a variety of uses in analysis, immunology, organic synthesis, and biosensors. Although moderately stable, its applicability to biosensors and other fields would be greatly enhanced if it could be made yet more stable. Appropriate chemical modification can substantially stabilize enzymes. Here we describe the use of bis-imidates and of bis-succinimides to modify free amino groups of commercial horseradish peroxidase under mild conditions of pH and temperature. Imidates yielded a marginal stabilization. Some of the succinimide derivatives, however, are much more thermostable than the native enzyme. Apparent half-lives indicate stabilizations of 6- to 23-fold, depending on the bis-succinimide used. These modifications preserve the carbohydrate side chains for subsequent reaction or immobilization.

Determination of proanthocyanidins and catechins in beer and barley by high-performance liquid chromatography with dual-electrode electrochemical detection

A method was developed to determine the flavanols prodelphinidin B3, procyanidin B3, (+)-catechin, and (-)-epicatechin by high-performance liquid chromatography, using dual-channel electrochemical detection. This method was especially suited to the direct analysis of beer samples and to analysis of acetone extracts of barley samples, and was capable of determining proanthocyanidins and catechins at levels of 0.1-5.0 mg l-1. The use of dual-channel electrochemical detection also enabled unambiguous peak identification by measurement of collection efficiencies. This method offered improved sensitivity and selectivity compared with ultraviolet detection, and sample preparation procedures were greatly simplified. The method was applied to the comparison of stabilized and unstabilized lagers, and to the analysis of different barley varieties grown in Ireland.

Antibody-based approaches to coumarin analysis

7-Hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) was chemically conjugated by diazo coupling to carrier proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), thyroglobulin and ovalbumin. These conjugates were characterised by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Rabbits were immunised using the 7-HC-BSA conjugate. The highest antibody titre achieved was 1:10,000, as determined by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The resulting antibodies were purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, followed by protein A affinity chromatography. Their purity was assessed by SDS-PAGE and HPLC. These antibodies have been used in the development of a competitive ELISA, an amperometric biosensor and an electrochemical immunoassay. Both the ELISA and amperometric biosensor have been successfully applied to the analysis of 7-HC and its glucuronide conjugate in human urine samples. Each of these antibody-based methods provides a novel approach to the analysis of the main metabolites of coumarin.

Comparison of matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) with a standard solvent extraction method for sulphamethazine in pork muscle using high performance liquid and thin layer chromatography

A rapid and simple extraction/clean-up procedure (matrix solid phase dispersion, MSPD) for the determination of sulphamethazine (SMZ) in pork muscle tissue is compared with a solvent extraction method. Extracts of samples fortified with SMZ or of incurred samples were found to be free from interfering compounds when chromatographed using HPLC or TLC separation systems. Recovery of SMZ from fortified samples is greater than 80% and residue levels of incurred samples found using the MSPD procedure compare favourably with results obtained using the solvent extraction method. Use of aqueous back extraction of SMZ from dichloromethane is also reported as an alternative step to solvent evaporation for ease of use in both the laboratory and in industry (i.e. at slaughter plants).

Determination of peptides by capillary electrophoresis-electrochemical detection using on-column Cu(II) complexation

A Cu(II)-coated capillary has been developed for the determination of peptides by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection. Capillaries were prepared by forcing a solution 48 microM in CuSO4, 120 microM in tartaric acid, 2.4 mM in NaOH and 120 microM in KI through them for 25 min; the resulting capillaries are stable for at least 12 h. Under alkaline conditions, peptides complex with Cu(II) present on the walls of the capillary to form Cu(II)-peptide complexes which can be detected oxidatively at a carbon fiber electrode. Di-, tri-, tetra- and pentaglycine were determined with a detection limit of 7 x 10(-7) M for triglycine. N-Terminal-blocked peptides can also be determined via this method. This system is more sensitive than direct detection of peptides by UV at 210 nm and exhibits higher selectivity than commonly employed derivatization procedures based on reactions with a primary amine functionality.

Phase-selective AC adsorptive stripping voltammetric assay for aminopterin and 10-Edam in human serum

Aminopterin was studied as a model compound for its analogues which maintain the pteridine ring in their structure. Its adsorptive behaviour on mercury was studied and the DC adsorptive stripping and phase-selective AC adsorptive stripping conditions were optimized. 10-Edam, an aminopterin analogue, was studied and shown to behave similarly to aminopterin. Phase-selective AC voltammetry provided the best signal and gave a detection limit of 4 x 10(-12) M aminopterin in aqueous solution employing an accumulation time of 10 min. The optimized method was applied to the analysis of both aminopterin and 10-Edam respectively in human serum. After extraction with a C18 reversed-phase cartridge the detection limit of the method was 1 x 10(-8) M aminopterin and the overall assay percentage recovery was 73.5% (n = 5) at a concentration of 5 x 10(-7) M aminopterin in serum. The analysis of 10-Edam at the same concentration in serum yielded the higher percentage recovery of 94.46% (n = 5) following the same procedure.

Voltammetric study of salbutamol and application to its determination in a tablet dosage form and dissolution profiles for the dosage form

The oxidative voltammetric behaviour of salbutamol at a glassy carbon electrode surface has been studied using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Oxidation of the drug was effected in a single irreversible, adsorption-controlled step in phosphate buffer. The process was found to be dependent on the ionic strength and the pH of the supporting electrolyte. The response was evaluated with respect to accumulation time, scan rate and other variables. Using differential pulse voltammetry following electrochemical pretreatment of the electrode surface, the drug yielded a well-defined voltammetric response in phosphate buffer, pH 5.0, at +0.75 V (vs SCE). This process could be used to determine salbutamol concentrations in the range 8 x 10(-7) M to 8 x 10(-5) M with a detection limit of 2 x 10(-7) M. The method was applied, without any interferences from the excipients, to the determination of the drug in a tablet dosage form and in drug dissolution studies. The absolute recovery for salbutamol was greater than 95% at the concentration levels studied, and reproducible voltammetric signals were obtained with a relative standard deviation of 2.4% for n = 7 at a concentration level of 8 x 10(-5) M.

Differential pulse voltammetric determination of 7-hydroxycoumarin in human urine

The electrochemical behaviour of 7-OH-coumarin at the bare glassy carbon electrode has been studied using differential pulse voltammetry, and based on anodic detection of this metabolite at 0.66 V (vs SCE) using DC amperometry, a method has been developed for the determination of 7-OH-coumarin levels in urine samples, and a pharmacokinetic profile established.

Development of an antibody-based amperometric biosensor to study the reaction of 7-hydroxycoumarin with its specific antibody

An amperometric biosensor, based on an anti-7-hydroxycoumarin (7-OH-coumarin) antibody immobilized at the surface of a glassy carbon electrode, and contained behind a cellulose dialysis membrane, is described. The electrochemical behaviour of this metabolite at the bare glassy carbon electrode was found to be well defined by using differential-pulse voltammetry, and a 90% decrease in peak height was observed on binding of the antibody to the antigen, which occurs at the electroactive site of 7-OH-coumarin. The kinetics of the antibody-antigen reaction was investigated and a first-order reaction was observed with k = 0.0329 mA min-1. This system provides a novel method for studying antibody specificity and the kinetics of such antibody-antigen interactions.

Determination of ivermectin in bovine plasma by column-switching LC using on-line solid-phase extraction and trace enrichment

Ivermectin is a potent avermectin anthelmintic, derived from the soil organism Streptomyces avermitilis. Because of its potency, it is administered in very low doses (200 micrograms kg-1), giving rise to plasma levels in the ppb region, and hence sensitive methods are required for its determination in biological samples. A method is described for the determination of ivermectin in bovine plasma, based on a commercially available C18 column employing a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile-water-isopropanol (40:40:35, v/v/v). Extraction from plasma is carried out on-line using coupled-column technology; switching between the extraction and analytical columns is achieved using a six-port column-switching valve. The method is linear over the range 2-100 ng ml-1 (r = 0.9994) and has a limit of detection of 0.8 ng ml-1 (signal-to-noise ratio = 3). Reproducibility of the method, expressed as the overall mean relative standard deviation, is 6.7% (intra-assay) and 3.8% (inter-assay). The mean recovery of the drug from plasma is 76.4%. The method is simple and economical in its execution and is sufficiently reproducible to obviate the need for an internal standard.

Simultaneous determination of salbutamol and terbutaline at overdose levels in human plasma by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A multidimensional column chromatographic method involving electrochemical detection using a carbon fibre microelectrode flow cell was optimized and successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of salbutamol and terbutaline in plasma at overdose levels. This method performs, in a single step, an efficient extraction and clean-up of salbutamol and terbutaline from human plasma. The calibration graphs over three days were linear over the calibration range 20-100 ng/mL plasma with a limit of detection of 1 ng and 0.8 ng/mL plasma for salbutamol and terbutaline, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than 8% and the recoveries ranged from 94 to 96%. The accuracy of the assay, which was defined as the percentage difference between the mean concentration found and the theoretical concentration, was 7% or better. The proposed method combines the advantages of being simple, reproducible and selective in the presence of other sympathomimetic and commonly ingested drugs and is suitable for routine analyses to obtain valuable information about the clinical effects and treatment of overdose with these drugs. The whole procedure takes ca. 10 min and compares favourably with detection at a conventional glassy carbon electrode.

A study of intracolonic hydrogen and methane levels during colonoscopy

Gas samples were obtained during colonoscopy for analysis. Patients were prepared with polyethylene glycol (PEG) (N = 23), phosphate enema (N = 34) and mannitol (N = 4). Air insufflation was used in all procedures. High concentrations of hydrogen were detected in 3 out of 38 gas samples in the PEG group, in 2 of 41 samples in the phosphate enema group and in one of the 8 samples in the mannitol group. All patients had a coexisting intracolonic oxygen concentration > 5%. The results suggest that potentially explosive concentrations of hydrogen may occur after conventional bowel preparations, and that insufflation of carbon dioxide during polypectomy should be a routine.

Monitoring excitatory amino acid release in vivo by microdialysis with capillary electrophoresis-electrochemistry

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) with electrochemical detection (ED) was used to determine extracellular levels of aspartate, glutamate and alanine in samples from the frontoparietal cortex of the rat which were obtained by microdialysis. The method was used to monitor the effect on the overflow of the excitatory amino acids aspartate and glutamate of an influx of high concentrations of potassium ion. Samples were derivatized with naphthalenedialdehyde-cyanide prior to analysis. Detection limits for aspartate and glutamate were 80 and 100 nM, respectively. CE-ED is extremely useful for the analysis of microdialysis samples because of the very small sample volumes required by this analytical technique. The use of ED provides the requisite sensitivity and allows verification of peak purity by voltammetry.

Analysis of terbutaline in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection using a micro-electrochemical flow cell

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method is described for the determination of terbutaline in human plasma in the range 1-35 ng/ml. Detection was achieved using a carbon fibre micro-electrochemical detector and a column-switching system. The microelectrode cell has advantages over conventional glassy carbon electrode-based detection systems in that it is easy to prepare, flexible in its operation and suffers less trouble from problems such as air bubbles and leaks. Furthermore, it has a better detection limit for terbutaline (0.8 ng/ml) to that obtained using a conventional glassy carbon electrode flow detector (2 ng/ml). Sample clean-up was by on-line solid-phase extraction with column switching, providing a method which was sensitive and reproducible, where the mean overall coefficient of variation was 5.60% and drug recovery in excess of 86% at the concentration levels studied.

Differential pulse voltammetric determination of sumatriptan succinate (1:1) in a tablet dosage form

A voltammetric study of the oxidation of sumatriptan succinate (1:1) has been carried out at the glassy carbon electrode. This compound exhibited a single wave in Britton-Robinson buffer solutions of pH 2-11, with a maximum current at pH 5.0. The mechanism of oxidation was shown to be due to oxidation of the N-H group in the indole ring. Based on this study, a simple, rapid and sensitive voltammetric method was developed for the determination of the drug in a tablet dosage form.

A lysine dehydrogenase-based electrode for biosensing of L-lysine

An amperometric biosensor for L-lysine based on the recently isolated enzyme lysine dehydrogenase is described. Immobilization of the enzyme onto a platinum electrode is achieved via entrapment within a gelatin support on a cellulose membrane. Anodic detection (at 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl) is facilitated by the presence of a redox-mediating ferricyanide ion. The effect of experimental variables such as pH, enzyme loading, applied potential, cofactor and mediator concentrations were evaluated in order to optimize the analytical performance. A detection limit of 7 x 10(-8) M, and linearity up to 7 x 10(-4) M are reported. The fast response permits adaptation for flow injection operation with good precision (RSD = 1.9%) and high sample throughout (40 samples per hour). The high specificity offered by this new enzyme is indicated by the lack of interference by other L-amino acids, alcohols or carbohydrates.