Application of solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for the early detection of active moulds on historical woollen objects

First Detection of Food-Derived Agricultural Chemicals Residues in Waste Wool Fibers by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction-QuEChERS Cleanup-UPLC-MS/MS

Food-derived agricultural chemical residues (FACRs) accumulate gradually in organisms and can damage their nervous system, endocrine system and reproductive system, posing significant harm. Currently, there is little literature on the detection of FACRs in waste wool fibers. In this paper, an ultrasound-assisted extraction-QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) cleanup-UPLC-Ms/Ms method was applied for the qualitative analysis and quantitative determination of trace FACRs in waste wool fibers with 0.2% formic acid-methanol as extraction solvent and multi-selective ion scanning. Using the external standard method, it was shown that the 13 target FACRs showed good linearity in the mass concentration range of 0.1-50 μg/kg. The limits of detection were 1.0- 10.0 μg/kg and the limits of quantification were 4.0-40.0 μg/kg. The recoveries of the 13 target FACRs ranged from 78 to 112.6% at the 5-, 10- and 20-fold detection limit spiked levels, and the intra- or inter-day relative standard deviations were 2.05-6.98% or 1.98-6.99%, respectively. This method satisfied the detection requirements and can be used in applications.

In Vitro Systems for Toxicity Evaluation of Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds on Humans: Current Status and Trends

Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOC) are metabolic products and by-products of bacteria and fungi. They play an important role in the biosphere: They are responsible for inter- and intra-species communication and can positively or negatively affect growth in plants. But they can also cause discomfort and disease symptoms in humans. Although a link between mVOCs and respiratory health symptoms in humans has been demonstrated by numerous studies, standardized test systems for evaluating the toxicity of mVOCs are currently not available. Also, mVOCs are not considered systematically at regulatory level. We therefore performed a literature survey of existing in vitro exposure systems and lung models in order to summarize the state-of-the-art and discuss their suitability for understanding the potential toxic effects of mVOCs on human health. We present a review of submerged cultivation, air-liquid-interface (ALI), spheroids and organoids as well as multi-organ approaches and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of mVOC fingerprinting. However, given the most recent developments in the field, we expect that there will soon be adequate models of the human respiratory tract and its response to mVOCs.

Mass spectrometry in art conservation-With focus on paintings

Conservation of historic artifacts has been a multidisciplinary field from its very beginning. Traditionally, it has been and still is associated with the history of art. It applies knowledge from technical and basic sciences, adapting their solutions to its goals. At present, however, a new tendency is clearly emerging-scientific research is starting to play an increasingly important role not only as a service, but also by proposing new solutions both in the traditional conservation areas and in new areas of conservation activities. The above trend opens up new perspectives for the field of preservation of our heritage but may also create new threats. Therefore, the conservators' caution in introducing new technologies should always be justified; after all, they are responsible for the effects of any activities on the historic objects. This, quite selective review, discusses application of mass spectrometry techniques for the detection of various components that are important to the conservators of our heritage with particular focus on paintings. The text also contains some basic knowledge of technical details to introduce the methodology to a broader group of professionals.

Identification of chemical components in Baidianling Capsule based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography combined with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Baidianling Capsule, which is made from 16 Chinese herbs, has been widely used for treating vitiligo clinically. In this study, the sensitive and rapid method has been developed for the analysis of chemical components in Baidianling Capsule by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in combination with retention indices and high-performance liquid chromatography combined with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Firstly, a total of 110 potential volatile compounds obtained from different extraction procedures including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, ketones, ethers, aldehydes, alcohols, phenols, organic acids, esters, furans, pyrrole, acid amides, heterocycles, and oxides were detected from Baidianling Capsule by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, of which 75 were identified by mass spectrometry in combination with the retention index. Then, a total of 124 components were tentatively identified by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Fifteen constituents from Baidianling Capsule were accurately identified by comparing the retention times with those of reference compounds, others were identified by comparing the retention times and mass spectrometry data, as well as retrieving the reference literature. This study provides a practical strategy for rapidly screening and identifying the multiple constituents of a complex traditional Chinese medicine.