Speciation of organotin compounds by capillary electrophoresis: comparison of aqueous and mixed organic-aqueous systems

Ultrasensitive determination of organotin compounds in plastic food packaging and edible oils by sheathless capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry

The determination of trace-amount organotins in plastic food packaging materials is of great significance in food safety. However, due to the complexity of organotins and sample treatment processes, it is still a challenging task. Here, we report a method for the sensitive and simultaneous determination of organotins in plastic food packaging materials and edible oils, by utilizing sheathless capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. The method of sample pretreatment with ultrasonic extraction and solid phase extraction is used to eliminate interference. The results showed low limits of detection (LODs) of 2 pg mL^-1-50 pg mL^-1 and excellent inter/intra-day repeatability. Good average recoveries in the range of 80.27% to 108.52% were obtained at three spiked concentrations, with a relative standard deviation less than 8.71%. The successful simultaneous determination of the target analytes will pave the way for further assessment of contamination and migration behaviour of organotins from packaging materials to food, which is of great significance for evaluating and controlling food safety.

Recent advances in the application of capillary electromigration methods for food analysis

This article reviews the latest developments in the application of capillary electromigration methods for the analysis of foods and food components. Nowadays, methods based on CE techniques are becoming widely used in food analytical and research laboratories. This review covers the application of CE to analyze amino acids, biogenic amines, peptides, proteins, DNAs, carbohydrates, phenols, polyphenols, pigments, toxins, pesticides, vitamins, additives, small organic and inorganic ions, chiral compounds, and other compounds in foods, as well as to investigate food interactions and food processing. The use of microchips as well as other foreseen trends in CE analysis of foods is discussed. Papers that were published during the period June 2002-June 2005 are included following the previous review by Frazier and Papadopoulou (Electrophoresis 2003, 24, 4095-4105).