Aminoglycoside analysis in food of animal origin with a zwitterionic stationary phase and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Determination of four aminoglycoside antibiotics and spectinomycin in feed at cross-contamination level: Development and in-house validation of a LC-MS/MS method for enforcing EU Regulation

Combating antimicrobial resistance is a top priority worldwide involving a concerted action by several high-level institutions and organisations in the health sector. To ensure that a meaningful progress is achieved, several campaigns and political initiatives have been launched targeting the health professionals, the industry, the farmers, and the general public. The Regulation (EU) 2019/4 on medicated feed contains provisions for the limitation and control of the contamination of non-target compound feed with 24 antimicrobials. The purpose of this work was to develop a reliable and effective method for the determination of four aminoglycoside antibiotics (apramycin, paromomycin, tobramycin and neomycin) and spectinomycin in feed at cross-contamination level, where an absolute lack of suitable methods was identified. Four candidate methods described in the literature failed to provide adequate recoveries of all analytes. Therefore, an in-depth investigation was carried out to identify the bottleneck variable. The optimised method was then in-house validated and showed performance features appropriate for the intended purpose. The selected compounds could be analysed by LC-MS/MS in five animal feeds with LOQs between 2.6 and 9.2 μg kg-1 for the AGs and between 28 and 86 μg kg-1 for spectinomycin. Using isotopically labelled internal standards, the recovery rates varied from 63 % to 103 % and the intermediate precision (RSDip) varied from 1.1 % to 14 %. This work represents a step forward in the reliable determination of antibiotics in compound feed as the developed method has shown to be precise and sensitive. It is expected that this method gains wide acceptance and can supplement the legislation with effective control tools for antibiotic residues.

Unveiling Synergistic Potency: Exploring Butyrolactone I to Enhance Gentamicin Efficacy against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Strain USA300

Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA strains, poses significant health risks, imposing a significant disease burden and mortality. We investigate butyrolactone I (BL-1), a marine-derived metabolite from Aspergillus terreus, enhancing aminoglycoside efficacy against MRSA. A promising synergy is observed with BL-1 and various aminoglycosides, marked by low fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICIs < 0.5). Comprehensive studies utilizing USA300 MRSA and gentamicin reveal a remarkable one-fourth reduction in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) with 20 μg/mL BL-1. A relative abundance assay indicates that BL-1 enhances gentamicin uptake while restraining extracellular presence, involving intricate transmembrane signaling and molecular interactions. RNA-Seq analysis yielded an unexpected revelation, unveiling a distinctive gene expression profile and distinguishing it from other treatment approaches. Furthermore, meticulous analyses validated the extensive perturbations induced by BL-1 exposure, affecting diverse biological functions, encompassing glycolysis, amino acid metabolisms, substance transmembrane transport, and virulence generation. These valuable insights inspired further confirmation of bacterial virulence and the modulation of membrane permeability resulting from BL-1 treatment. Phenotypic validations corroborated our observations, revealing reduced membrane permeability and hemolytic toxicity, albeit demanding a deeper comprehension of the intricate interplay underlying these actions. Our study contributes crucial mechanistic insights to the development of therapeutic strategies against this notorious pathogen and the judicious employment of aminoglycosides. Additionally, it elucidates marine-derived metabolites' ecological and functional roles, exemplified by fungal quorum sensing signals. These compounds could give producers a competitive edge, inhibiting microorganism proliferation and suggesting novel approaches for combating resistant pathogens.

A selective dual quenching sensor (EY/BG@CDs) for simultaneous monitoring of gentamicin and ketorolac levels in plasma: a highly efficient platform that caters to the needs of therapeutic drug monitoring

This research work introduces a novel sensor that utilizes two fluorophores to enable simultaneous monitoring of gentamicin sulphate (GNT) and ketorolac tromethamine (KET). The innovative sensor is composed of carbon dots (CDs) derived from black grapes (BG) and eosin Y (EY) dye. The interaction between the studied drugs and EY/BG@CDs sensor components allows for their simultaneous detection where GNT quenches the fluorescence of EY at 535 nm without affecting the fluorescence of CDs, while KET quenches the fluorescence of BG@CDs at 385 nm without impacting EY fluorescence. The BG@CDs probe was successfully characterized using various techniques such as absorption spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, TEM imaging, infrared spectroscopic analysis, and XRD analysis. The suggested methodology was observed to be highly sensitive for the simultaneous determination of GNT and KET in their spiked rabbit plasma samples, with wide linear ranges and low limit of detection (LOD) values. The studied drugs were extracted using a highly selective extraction method involving protein precipitation followed by mixed mode solid phase extraction using an Oasis WCX cartridge. The simultaneous determination of GNT and KET is essential due to the potential interactions between the studied drugs. Therefore, this analysis can be used to evaluate the necessity of dose monitoring and the potential adverse effects of co-administration of these drugs.

Analysis of Aminoglycoside Antibiotics: A Challenge in Food Control

Aminoglycosides are a widely used group of antibiotics in veterinary medicine. However, misuse and abuse of these drugs can lead to residues in the edible tissues of animals. Due to the toxicity of aminoglycosides and the exposure of consumers to the emergence of drug resistance, new methods are being sought to determine aminoglycosides in food. The method presented in this manuscript describes the determination of twelve aminoglycosides (streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, spectinomycin, neomycin, gentamicin, hygromycin, paromomycin, kanamycin, tobramycin, amikacin, apramycin, and sisomycin) in thirteen matrices (muscle, kidney, liver, fat, sausages, shrimps, fish honey, milk, eggs, whey powder, sour cream, and curd). Aminoglycosides were isolated from samples with extraction buffer (10 mM NH₄OOCH₃, 0.4 mM Na₂EDTA, 1% NaCl, 2% TCA). For the clean-up purpose, HLB cartridges were used. Analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) with a Poroshell analytical column and a mobile phase of acetonitrile and heptafluorobutyric acid. The method was validated according to Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/808 requirements. Good performance characteristics were obtained for recovery, linearity, precision, specificity, and decision limits (CCα). This simple and high-sensitivity method can determine multi-aminoglycosides in various food samples for confirmatory analysis.

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Aminoglycosides in Foods Using an Ethylene-Bridged Hybrid Zwitterionic Stationary Phase and Hydrophilic-Lipophilic-Balanced Solid-Phase Extraction Cartridges

This work aimed to develop an analytical method for the screening of multiple aminoglycoside residues in foods of animal origin using an ethylene-bridged hybrid (BEH) particle-based sulfoalkylbetaine stationary phase. The effects of chromatographic conditions on the separation of 17 aminoglycosides have been systematically investigated. Sample preparation and mass spectrometry detection have also been investigated and optimized. In contrast to high buffer concentrations in the mobile phase required for silica-based sulfoalkylbetaine stationary phases, a moderate buffer concentration (20 mM) provided the optimal separation of 17 aminoglycosides with the BEH sulfoalkylbetaine stationary phase. The developed method has been evaluated in milk, beef, pork, liver, and honey samples with good performance for retention, selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, precision, and accuracy. The majority of the limit of quantitation estimated with the matrix was less than 25 μg/kg. The overall accuracy across five matrices was in the range from 96 to 111%, with standard deviations of less than 19%.

In-Depth Performance Analysis and Comparison of Monolithic and Particulate Zwitterionic Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography Polymer Columns

The kinetic performance of different zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography polymer columns is evaluated and compared in-depth. For this purpose, two lab-made monolithic columns, synthesized with different crosslinkers, and a commercial particle packed column are considered. It is found that performance evaluation techniques, such as comparing plate height curves or fitted A-, B- and C-terms, obtained by fitting experimental plate height data to a plate height model, are complicated by the determination of a reliable characteristic length. This is due to the very different morphology of these column types, and the heterogeneity of the monolithic columns. The occurrence of a convective flow through the packed particle column further complicates the interpretation of the obtained fitting parameters, as part of the C-term is wrongfully attributed to the A-term. Therefore, the use of the kinetic plot method is suggested for the comparative evaluation of these columns, as kinetic plots do not require the determination of a characteristic length, nor rely on any fitting parameters. With the kinetic plot method, it is demonstrated that the lab-made monolithic columns outperform the packed particle column for plate counts between 10,000 and 800,000. This is attributed to the higher column efficiency of these columns, due to their small domain and skeleton sizes, and their high permeability, resulting from their high external porosity and the occasional occurrence of preferential flow paths.

A Compendium of the Principal Stationary Phases Used in Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography: Where Have We Arrived?

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) today is a well-known and largely applied technique to analyse polar compounds such as pharmaceuticals, metabolites, proteins, peptides, amino acids, oligonucleotides, and carbohydrates. Due to the large number of stationary phases employed for HILIC applications, this review aims to help the reader in choosing a proper stationary phase, which often represents the critical point for the success of a separation. A great offer is present for achiral applications in contrast to the chiral phases developed for HILIC enantioseparations. In the last case, up-to-date solutions are presented.

Characterization of a highly stable zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction chromatography stationary phase based on hybrid organic/inorganic particles

We have characterized a sulfobetaine stationary phase based on 1.7 μm ethylene-bridged hybrid organic/inorganic particles, which is intended for use in hydrophilic interaction chromatography. The efficiency of columns packed with this material were determined as a function of flow rate, demonstrating a minimum reduced plate height of 2.4. The batch-to-batch reproducibility was assessed using the separation of a mixture of acids, bases and neutrals. We compared the retention and selectivity of the hybrid sulfobetaine stationary phase to that of several benchmark materials. The hybrid sulfobetaine material gave strong retention for polar neutrals and high selectivity for methyl groups, hydroxy groups and configurational isomers. Large differences in cation and anion retention were observed among the columns. We characterized the acid and base stability of the hybrid sulfobetaine stationary phase, using accelerated tests at pH 1.3 and 11.0, both at 70°C. The results support a recommended pH range of 2 to 10. We also investigated the performance of columns packed with this material for metal-sensitive analytes, comparing conventional stainless steel column hardware to hardware that incorporates hybrid surface technology to mitigate interactions with metal surfaces. Compared to the conventional columns, the hybrid surface technology columns showed greatly improved peak shape. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

[Determination of ten aminoglycoside residues in eggs by mixed-mode ion exchange liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry]

Aminoglycosides (AGs) are a class of broad spectrum antibiotics that have bactericidal activity against some aerobic gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. AGs have been extensively employed in animal husbandry for the treatment of bacterial infections or growth promotion. Many countries have issued strict maximum residue levels (MRLs) for AGs in many animal-origin foods. Analysis of AGs is quite challenging due to their physicochemical properties. The lack of any notable chromophores or fluorophores makes direct detection using ultraviolet (UV) or fluorescence (FLR) spectroscopy unfeasible. Therefore, AGs must be derivatized before they can be analyzed by UV or FLR detection techniques. However, the sensitivity of such derivatization methods is relatively low. Methods based on chromatographic analysis coupled with tandem mass spectrometric detection are emerging as the most common way of identification and quantification. The retention of AGs on reversed-phase column is poor due to the presence of various amino and hydroxyl groups in their structures. Therefore, ion-pair chromatography has reportedly been used to improve the retention of AGs. However, electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric detection was hampered by using an ion pairing reagent due to the suppression of ionization. In this study, a method based on mixed-mode ion exchange liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of ten AGs residues (streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, hygromycin B, kanamycin, amikacin, tobramycin, apramycin, spectinomycin, neomycin, and gentamycin) in eggs. The main factors governing the method, such as the type of chromatographic column used, the type and proportion of the mobile phase used, mass spectroscopy parameters, type and volume of the extraction solvent used, pH, and the type of solid phase extraction (SPE) column, were investigated during sample pretreatment and instrument analysis. The residues of AGs in the test samples were extracted by ultrasonication with 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate buffer solution (comprising 0.4 mmol/L EDTA and 50 g/L trichloroacetic acid). After adjusting the pH, the AG residues in the sample were purified and enriched using a PRiME HLB SPE column. The target analytes were separated on a SIELC Obelisc R column (150 mm×2.1mm, 5 μm), the column temperature being 40 ℃, the flow rate being 0.3 mL/min, and the injection volume being 5 μL. Gradient elution was carried out with acetonitrile and 1.0%(v/v) formic acid aqueous solution (including 1 mmol/L ammonium formate) as the mobile phases. The detection was performed by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The retention times and ionic ratios were used for qualitative analysis, and the peak areas were used for quantitative analysis by the external standard method. Good correlation coefficients exceeding 0.99 were observed for all the AGs in the concentration range of 5-200 μg/L under the optimum conditions. The limits of detection (LODs, S/N ≥ 3) and limits of quantification (LOQs, S/N≥10) for the ten AGs were 2-5 μg/kg and 5-10 μg/kg, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 68.1% to 111.3% (n=6) at three levels (LODs, 20 μg/kg, and 100 μg/kg) in spiked blank egg samples, and the relative standard deviations were 1.2%-12.3%. The matrix effects of the analytes were between 0.3% and 94.3% after purification on the PRiME HLB column. The applicability of the method was validated by analyzing egg samples purchased from local markets. Overall, the method of mixed-mode ion exchange liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry has proven to be a reliable and powerful technique for the simultaneous quantification and confirmation of ten AGs without using an ion pair reagent. Moreover, the clean-up step only required a kind of PRiME HLB sorbent cartridge. The relative parameter data of established method were consistent with GB/T 27404-2008. With simple pretreatment, rapid determination and high sensitivity, the method can be used in the determination of AGs in eggs.

A Review on Metal- and Metal Oxide-Based Nanozymes: Properties, Mechanisms, and Applications

Since the ferromagnetic (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were firstly reported to exert enzyme-like activity in 2007, extensive research progress in nanozymes has been made with deep investigation of diverse nanozymes and rapid development of related nanotechnologies. As promising alternatives for natural enzymes, nanozymes have broadened the way toward clinical medicine, food safety, environmental monitoring, and chemical production. The past decade has witnessed the rapid development of metal- and metal oxide-based nanozymes owing to their remarkable physicochemical properties in parallel with low cost, high stability, and easy storage. It is widely known that the deep study of catalytic activities and mechanism sheds significant influence on the applications of nanozymes. This review digs into the characteristics and intrinsic properties of metal- and metal oxide-based nanozymes, especially emphasizing their catalytic mechanism and recent applications in biological analysis, relieving inflammation, antibacterial, and cancer therapy. We also conclude the present challenges and provide insights into the future research of nanozymes constituted of metal and metal oxide nanomaterials.

Preparation and evaluation of a polymer-based sulfobetaine zwitterionic stationary phase

We describe a polymer-based sulfobetaine zwitterionic stationary phase for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). It was prepared by grafting acrylamide-type sulfobetaine monomer instead of common methacrylate-type sulfobetaine onto hydrolysed poly (glycidyl methacrylate-divinylbenzene) (GMA-DVB) microspheres via pendant double bonds of DVB. The phase has been characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron micrograph and N₂ adsorption-desorption experiment. It shows wider pH tolerance range (from 2 to 12) and excellent separation ability towards common strong polar analytes such as nucleosides and nucleic bases, water-soluble vitamins, amino acids, inorganic anions and cations. Notably, it exhibits negligible baseline noise level (~0.15 pA) under typical HILIC mobile phase. Excellent selectivity in separation of α- and β-anomers of reducing sugars and lactose/lactulose has also been observed.

Aminoglycosides analysis optimization using ion pairing liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and application on wastewater samples

Aminoglycosides are mostly used as veterinary antibiotics. In France, their consumption accounts for about 10% of all prescribed animal medicine. Due to their high polarity nature (log Kow < -3), they require chromatographic separation by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography or ion-pairing chromatography. This study presents the development of an ion pairing liquid chromatography with alkanesulfonates coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of 10 aminoglycosides (spectinomycin, streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, kanamycin, apramycin, gentamicin, neomycin and sisomicin) in wastewater samples. The novelty of this method lies in the addition of the ion paring salt directly and only into the sample vial and not in the mobile phase, lowering the amount of salt added and consequently reducing signal inhibition. The optimized method was validated and showed satisfactory resolution, performances suitable with the analysis of aminoglycosides in wastewater samples, with limits of quantifications less than 10 ng/mL for most of the compounds, low matrix effects, high accuracy (85%-115% recoveries) and reproducibility (2%-12%RSD). It was then applied successfully to raw and treated wastewater samples.

Kanamycin Adsorption on Gold Nanoparticles Dominates Its Label-Free Colorimetric Sensing with Its Aptamer

A short kanamycin-binding aptamer has been widely used for detecting kanamycin. One of the popular signaling methods is based on the color change of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to develop label-free colorimetric biosensors. The general perception was that aptamer binding to its target would inhibit aptamer adsorption by the AuNPs. This inhibited adsorption results in the aggregation of the AuNPs and a color change upon addition of salt. However, the potential adsorption of kanamycin was ignored. Herein, we carefully studied the adsorption of kanamycin on AuNPs and performed a comprehensive analysis using two mutated aptamers and a randomly sequenced DNA which were not supposed to bind kanamycin. In addition, a total of six antibiotics were studied over a wide concentration range. As low as 90 nM kanamycin can induce the aggregation of 3 nM citrate-capped AuNPs, indicating very strong adsorption of kanamycin. The color change was independent of DNA sequence, and all the tested sequences showed a similar color response, regardless of aptamer. Among the different antibiotics, kanamycin and streptomycin induced a color change but not the other four. Our results support an alternative mechanism that kanamycin and streptomycin adsorption by the AuNPs was the main reason for the color change instead of aptamer binding.

Synergistic Effect and Mechanism of Plumbagin with Gentamicin Against Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

Background

Aminoglycosides are one of a few susceptible antimicrobials available for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). However, the altered pharmacokinetics and increasing drug resistance of aminoglycosides will make them hardly effective if used in monotherapy. The purpose of this study was to identify herbal compounds that potentiate the antibacterial effect of gentamicin against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKp) with gentamicin resistance and explore the action mechanisms.

Methods

A collection of 280 Chinese herbal compounds was screened for synergistic effect with gentamicin against CRKp by broth microdilution method according to the standard of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Intracellular gentamicin was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The membrane potential was evaluated by BacLight^TM Bacterial Membrane Potential Kit. Plumbagin-induced metabolite changes of vital metabolic pathways were measured by an optimized untargeted metabolomics method based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) was detected via EnzyChrom NAD/NADH assay kit.

Results

We identified plumbagin to remarkably potentiate the antimicrobial activity of gentamicin against the CRKp with gentamicin resistance. Plumbagin at 100 μM could bring the MIC of gentamicin from >16 μg/mL to ~4 μg/mL despite its minimal inhibitory effect on the CRKp. A similar synergistic effect with gentamicin was also observed in an antibiotics-susceptible strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Compared with gentamicin monotreatment, the combination group showed a higher intracellular concentration of gentamicin and increased membrane potential in CRKp. Metabolomics analysis indicated remarkable increases of malate and α-ketoglutarate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in the CRKp upon plumbagin treatment. Further analysis revealed higher intracellular NADH concentration in plumbagin-treated CRKp, supporting increased proton-motive force (PMF) that facilitates aminoglycosides uptake.

Conclusion

Herbal compound plumbagin was identified to stimulate gentamicin uptake by CRKp via enhancing TCA efflux and PMF to achieve a synergistic antibacterial effect. Plumbagin may be used in combination with aminoglycosides for severe CRKp infection by potentiating their therapeutic efficacy and lowering dosage.

Rapid and sensitive determination of neomycin and kanamycin in measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine via high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using modified super-paramagnetic Fe3O4 nanospheres

A simple magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction (MDSPE) methodology based on mesoporous Fe₃O₄@ succinic acid nanospheres and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) has been developed to determine kanamycin (KNM) and neomycin (NEO) contents in Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine products. The monodispersed mesoporous Fe₃O₄ nanospheres with self-assembled carboxyl terminated shell have been prepared via a simple solvothermal method. These as-synthesized mesoporous Fe₃O₄ nanospheres showed a high magnetic saturation value (M_s = 46 emu g^-1) and large specific surface area (111.12 m² g^-1) which made them potential candidates as sorbents in magnetic solid-phase extraction. The adsorption experimental data fitted well with the Freundlich-Langmuir isotherm and followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Moreover influential parameters on extraction efficiency were investigated and optimized. Under optimal conditions, the limits of detection for KNM and NEO were 1.0 and 0.1 ng mL^-1, respectively. Recovery assessments using real samples exhibited recoveries in the range of 96.0 ± 4.3 to 101.5 ± 7.1 %, with relative standard deviations of <10.7% (for intra- day) and <14.6% (for inter- day). The proposed method was successfully applied for different spiked and un-spiked MMR vaccine samples. The presented extraction method provides a fast, selective, robust and practical platform for the detection of KNM and NEO in MMR vaccine samples.

Highly sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method for the quantification of paromomycin in human plasma

A highly sensitive method was developed to quantitate the antileishmanial agent paromomycin in human plasma, with a lower limit of quantification of 5 ng/mL. Separation was achieved using an isocratic ion-pair ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic (UPLC) method with a minimal concentration of heptafluorobutyric acid, which was coupled through an electrospray ionization interface to a triple quadrupole - linear ion trap mass spectrometer for detection. The method was validated over a linear calibration range of 5 to 1000 ng/mL (r²≥0.997) with inter-assay accuracies and precisions within the internationally accepted criteria. Volumes of 50 μL of human K₂EDTA plasma were processed by using a simple protein precipitation method with 40 μL 20 % trichloroacetic acid. A good performance was shown in terms of recovery (100 %), matrix effect (C.V. ≤ 12.0 %) and carry-over (≤17.5 % of the lower limit of quantitation). Paromomycin spiked to human plasma samples was stable for at least 24 h at room temperature, 6 h at 35 °C, and 104 days at -20 °C. Paromomycin adsorbs to glass containers at low concentrations, and therefore acidic conditions were used throughout the assay, in combination with polypropylene tubes and autosampler vials. The assay was successfully applied in a pharmacokinetic study in visceral leishmaniasis patients from Eastern Africa.

Development of carbohydrate functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for aminoglycosides magnetic solid phase extraction

Magnetic nanoparticles decorated with d-galactose and galactitol (Fe₃O₄@SiN-galactose and Fe₃O₄@SiN-galactitol) were synthesized and employed as sorbent in a magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) procedure prior the analysis of aminoglycosides (AGs) in honey samples by LC-MS/MS. AGs are broad spectrum antibiotics, characterized by aminosugars, widespread used in therapeutic and veterinary applications. AGs can be found in the environment and food of animal origin. Fe₃O₄@SiN-galactose and Fe₃O₄@SiN-galactitol were synthesized via copper catalyzed alkyne azide cycloaddition and the synthesis was efficiently followed by infrared spectroscopy. They were characterized by electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and magnetization curves. The nature of the loading (acetonitrile:water, 50:50 v/v) and elution solution (formic acid 190 mM) were studied in order to optimize the MSPE. Quantitative difference between MSPE with Fe₃O₄@SiN-galactose and MSPE with Fe₃O₄@SiN-galactitol in terms of recovery was found. The final optimized method using Fe₃O₄@SiN-galactose and Fe₃O₄@SiN-galactitol was applied in the determination of AGs in honey. The MSPE performance of Fe₃O₄@SiN-galactitol was found to be superior to that of MSPE with Fe₃O₄@SiN-galactose. The limits of quantification were between 2 and 19 μg kg^-1 for amikacin, dihydrostreptomycin, tobramicyn and gentamycin. A good correlation between predicted and nominal values of AGs in honey was found (trueness from 84% to 109%). This MSPE procedure not only requires a minimum amount of sorbent (1 mg) and sample (0.2 g), but it can also be accomplish in a rather short time.

Antibiotic residues in milk: Past, present, and future

Now-a-days, various types of antibiotics are being used worldwide in veterinary sector indiscriminately for promotion of growth and treatment of the livestock. Significant portions of antibiotics are released through milk of dairy animals unaltered and exert serious harmful effects on human health. This review evaluates and compare researches on antibiotic residues in milk in published literatures from Pubmed, CrossRef, CAB direct, DOAJ, JournalTOCs, AGRICOLA, ScientificGate, Electronic Journals Library, CAB abstracts, Global Health Databases, Global Impact Factor, Google Scholar, Park Directory of Open Access Journals, BanglaJOL and ISC E-Journals. Antibiotics residue in milk was first detected in 60s and then with an increasing trend with highest after 2,000 (188). The highest no. of works, 49 (21.87%) were accomplished in China, followed by Spain, 30 (13.39%); Germany, 11 (4.91%); and USA, 10 (4.46%). Continent-wise highest researches are published from Europe, 105 (46.88%), followed by Asia, 77 (34.38%); South America, 18 (8.04%); North America, 16 (7.14%); and Africa, 8 (3.57%). For detection, Bovine milk sample is mostly used, 193 (86.16%), followed by ovine, 19 (8.48%); and caprine, 14 (6.25%). Acetonitrile was used in maximum cases (77) for processing the samples. Chromatographic technique was the highest, 115 (51.34%) for detection. Residue of β-lactam group have been detected mostly 133 (36.54%), followed by tetracyclines, 51 (14.01%); fluoroquinolones, 49 (13.46%); sulfonamides, 46 (12.64%); and aminoglycosides, 38 (10.44%). This review observe that antibiotics residues are more common in milk samples that are being manifested in increasing researches on antibiotic detection and measures should adopt to cease this residue.

Spectroscopic Fingerprinting of Aminoglycosides and Determination of Neomycin Sulphate Through Oxidative Ion-pair Complex Formation using Ammonium Molybdate

Background:

Aminoglycosides are non-chromophoric antibiotics. The official method of assay in pharmacopoeias is microbiological. Bioassay methods are potency-semi-quantitative, laborious and time-consuming. In contrast, spectrophotometric methods are rapid, convenient, specific, sensitive and selective. The presence of NH2 and -OH functional groups in aminoglycosides makes them susceptible to redox reaction.

Objective:

A simple, cheap, quick, accurate and reliable spectrophotometric method for aminoglycoside analysis using neomycin as prototype via oxidation by ammonium molybdate reagent is proposed.

Methods:

Four aminoglycosides - amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin and streptomycin, were oxidized using ammonium molybdate (pH<2). These were scanned to obtain visible-spectrophotometric fingerprints. Two assay methods were developed. Method I involved the determination of the drug via the linear proportionality between neomycin and residual molybdate measured at 780nm and 850nm. Method II, an indirect determination using ion-pair reaction of excess molybdate and methyl orange measured at 430nm and 480nm.

Results:

All aminoglycosides formed blue complex, with distinct spectra peaks at 500nm, 640nm, 780nm and 850nm.The limit of detection and limit of quantification were from 0.33 to 2.32 μgmL-1 and 1.00 to 7.03 μgm L-1 respectively for both methods. Percentage recoveries ranged from 89.60 and 113.05 %, while precision and accuracy as RSD ranged from 0.23 to 3.55%. The regression coefficient (R2) ranged from 0.9968 to 0.9995. Percentage neomycin in dosage forms ranged from 95.67- 104.16% and 96.04 - 99.46% for methods I and II, respectively.

Conclusion:

The methods were successfully applied for neomycin sulphate determination in tablets and drops, therefore aminoglycosides could be assayed via the proposed methods.

Determination of Kanamycin by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Kanamycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic widely used in treating animal diseases caused by Gram-negative and Gram-positive infections. Kanamycin has a relatively narrow therapeutic index, and can accumulate in the human body through the food chain. The abuse of kanamycin can have serious side-effects. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a sensitive and selective analysis method to detect kanamycin residue in food to ensure public health. There are many analytical methods to determine kanamycin concentration, among which high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a common and practical tool. This paper presents a review of the application of HPLC analysis of kanamycin in different sample matrices. The different detectors coupled with HPLC, including Ultraviolet (UV)/Fluorescence, Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (ELSD)/Pulsed Electrochemical Detection (PED), and Mass Spectrometry, are discussed. Meanwhile, the strengths and weaknesses of each method are compared. The pre-treatment methods of food samples, including protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), and solid-phase extraction (SPE) are also summarized in this paper.

Electrochemical detection of tobramycin based on enzymes-assisted dual signal amplification by using a novel truncated aptamer with high affinity

An aptamer with the length of only 15 nucleotides specific for tobramycin was obtained through rationally designed truncation from a previously reported long sequence. The structural and binding properties of the aptamer were characterized. The dissociation constant (K_d) was determined to be 42.12 nM, indicating high affinity of the aptamer for tobramycin. Then an electrochemical sensor based on this aptamer was developed, which employed an enzymes-assisted dual signal amplification cycle through target recycling and strand-displacement DNA polymerization. A hairpin probe containing the aptamer sequence was designed and used to start the production cycle of a short ssDNA fragment in the presence of tobramycin, with the help of phi29 DNA polymerase and nicking endonuclease Nt.AlwI. The ssDNA fragment was captured by a signal transduction probe modified on gold electrode to form a triple-helix structure. With the help of [Ru(NH₃)₆]³⁺, a significant electrochemical signal was observed in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under the optimal conditions, the current in DPV is linearly related with the concentration of tobramycin in the range of 10-200 nM, and the detection limit is 5.13 nM. The electrochemical sensor showed high specificity for tobramycin when it was challenged by other antibiotics. In addition, the constructed sensor was used to detect tobramycin in milk and water samples, and showed satisfactory performance. Therefore, the screened aptamer as well as the developed sensor has great application prospects in the fields of food safety control, medical test and environment monitoring.

Identification of aminoglycoside antibiotics in milk matrix with a colorimetric sensor array and pattern recognition methods

Aminoglycoside antibiotics (AAs) abused in animal husbandry can cause antibiotic residues in animal-derived foods, which do harm to human beings' health. Therefore the detection of AAs residues in the animal-origin foods, such as milk, eggs and meat is necessary. We used two single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligonucleotides as nonspecific receptors to develop a simple colorimetric sensor array based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for identification and quantification the AAs. Different AA addition triggered the DNA detaching from AuNPs then resulted in different degree salt induced aggregation of AuNPs. The aggregation induced spectral changes of AuNPs with five AA addition were analyzed based on pattern recognition techniques, fisher linear discriminant analysis (FLD) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The results indicated that colorimetric sensor array has successfully identified five AAs at a concentration range of 120-280 nM. Five AAs in aqueous solution and complex milk matrix can be identified with an accuracy of 100%. More importantly, our developed sensor array is sufficiently sensitive for the discrimination of pure streptomycin (STR), binary mixtures of STR and gentamicin (GEN) at a total concentration of 120 nM.

Development and validation of a sensitive LC-MS/MS method without derivatization/ion-pairing agents for etimicin quantification in rat plasma, internal ear and kidney

Etimicin (ETM), which belongs to the newest generation of aminoglycosides (AGs), has been proven to not only maintain but also strengthen the advantages of former AGs with relatively less toxicity. Now, it is widely applied for the treatment of bacterial infections in the clinic. Nevertheless, nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity are unavoidable issues for AGs, and while ETM is no exception, the seriousness of these issues is different. To explore the reason why ETM exhibits less toxicity and to better direct the optimization and development of new AGs, it is of great necessity and importance to monitor the pharmacokinetic behaviors of ETM in its potential toxicity target organs, the kidney and internal ear, as well as in plasma. Therefore, a novel, sensitive and efficient LC-MS/MS method without derivatization or ion-pairing agents had been developed and validated for quantification of ETM in rat plasma, kidney and internal ear for the first time. This method showed good linearity over the range of 50-2000ng/mL for rat plasma/internal ear and 100-5000ng/mL for rat kidney. The precision was less than 4.4% and the accuracy was below 4.8%. Recovery and matrix effects were 71.3%-82.8% and 97.6%-108.5%, respectively. After intravenous administration of a single dose of ETM, plasma drug concentrations fit well with a two-compartmental model, and the AUC_0-∞, t_1/2α, t_1/2β, MRT and CL were 127.96±5.52μg*h/mL, 0.53±0.03h, 3.32±1.11h, 1.01±0.03h and 234.80±10.05mL/h/kg, respectively. Particularly, ETM showed a considerably long half-life in kidney and internal ear, up to 155.96±19.95h and 83.11±26.60h, respectively, which might contribute greatly to its toxicity.

Restriction capillaries as an innovative mixing unit for intermediate mobile phase exchange in multidimensional analysis

A novel mixing unit is proposed for the serial coupling of orthogonal columns to analyze polar and non-polar compounds in a single run. The principle relies on the isolation of unretained peaks eluting from a first dimension column in a sample loop, before directing them to a second column for separation. Since the mobile phases employed in highly orthogonal separations are not directly compatible, a mixing unit is required to alter the mobile phase composition before executing the second dimension separation. The mixing unit proposed in this work is based on the use of two restriction capillaries with different flow resistances to dilute the mobile phase eluting from the first dimension with a solvent appropriate for the second dimension separation. The restriction capillaries are implemented in an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography set-up using three high-pressure switching valves and two T-pieces. It is demonstrated that the dilution ratio can be adequately predicted using the law of Hagen-Poiseuille and can be adjusted easily by changing the dimensions of the restriction capillaries. The dilution volume required to obtain acceptable recoveries is investigated and the use of different column diameters in the first and second dimension is proposed to increase the sensitivity of the analysis. Under optimum dilution conditions, recoveries ranging between 82% and 99% are always obtained, while repeatability values are excellent. The proof-of-concept of the different set-ups is demonstrated for the separation of 20 pharmaceuticals with log D-values ranging between -5.75 and 4.22.

Simultaneous determination of aminoglycoside antibiotics in feeds using high performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection

A HPLC-ELSD method was developed for the simultaneous detection of ten aminoglycoside antibiotics.