Highly sensitive and rapid profiling method for carotenoids and their epoxidized products using supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

Online SFE-SFC-MS/MS colony screening: A high-throughput approach for optimizing (-)-limonene production

Conventional analysis of microbial bioproducers requires the extraction of metabolites from liquid cultures, where the culturing steps are time consuming and greatly limit throughput. To break through this barrier, the current study aims to directly evaluate microbial bioproduction colonies by way of supercritical fluid extraction-supercritical fluid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (SFE-SFC-MS/MS). The online SFE-SFC-MS/MS system offers great potential for high-throughput analysis due to automated metabolite extraction without any need for pretreatment. This is the first report of SFE-SFC-MS/MS as a method for direct colony screening, as demonstrated in the high-throughput screening of (-)-limonene bioproducers. Compared with conventional analysis, the SFE-SFC-MS/MS system enables faster and more convenient screening of highly productive strains.

A technical overview of supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry (SFC-MS) and its recent applications in pharmaceutical research and development

In this paper, we review the growing development and applications of supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry (SFC-MS) for the analysis of small molecular analytes and biomarkers in drug discovery. As an alternative chromatographic technique, SFC instrumentation and methodology have dramatically advanced over the last decade. Mass spectrometry (MS) provides the powerful detection capability as it couples with SFC. A growing number of SFC-MS/MS applications were reported over the last decade and the application areas of SFC-MS/MS is rapidly expanding. The first part of this review is devoted to the different aspects of SFC-MS development and recent technological advancements. In the second part of this review, we highlight the recent application areas in pharmaceutical research and development.

Vitamin A Update: Forms, Sources, Kinetics, Detection, Function, Deficiency, Therapeutic Use and Toxicity

Vitamin A is a group of vital micronutrients widely present in the human diet. Animal-based products are a rich source of the retinyl ester form of the vitamin, while vegetables and fruits contain carotenoids, most of which are provitamin A. Vitamin A plays a key role in the correct functioning of multiple physiological functions. The human organism can metabolize natural forms of vitamin A and provitamin A into biologically active forms (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid), which interact with multiple molecular targets, including nuclear receptors, opsin in the retina and, according to the latest research, also some enzymes. In this review, we aim to provide a complex view on the present knowledge about vitamin A ranging from its sources through its physiological functions to consequences of its deficiency and metabolic fate up to possible pharmacological administration and potential toxicity. Current analytical methods used for its detection in real samples are included as well.

Carotenoid and Apocarotenoid Analysis by SFE-SFC-QqQ/MS

Carotenoids and carotenoids oxidative and enzymatic cleavage products called apocarotenoids are very important bioactive molecules in plants and humans, with different biological functions. Both central and noncentral carotenoid cleavage products have been reported to occur in food and in humans, where they may act as bioactive molecules with functions that were previously attributed to the parent carotenoid. However, relatively few studies are available in the literature on the apocarotenoid occurrence in food and biological fluids which were mainly based on liquid chromatographic separation approaches and even fewer reports are available on the carotenoid and apocarotenoid separation by a direct online supercritical fluid extraction-supercritical fluid chromatography with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry detection (SFE-SFC-QqQ/MS) methodology. In comparison with offline approaches the online nature of the system drastically reduces the extraction time required in traditional solid/liquid extraction, which may require a few hours. Moreover, it reduces the analysis run time, as well as the risks of sample contamination and the possible occurrence of operator errors, improves run-to-run precision, and enables the setting of batch-type applications. The purpose of this contribution was to provide an updated description of the SFE-SFC-QqQ/MS methodology applied to carotenoid and apocarotenoid analysis in various matrices, although with a particular focus on the apocarotenoid applications.

Supercritical fluid chromatography - Mass spectrometry in metabolomics: Past, present, and future perspectives

Metabolomics, which consists of the comprehensive analysis of metabolites within a biological system, has been playing a growing role in the implementation of personalized medicine in modern healthcare. A wide range of analytical approaches are used in metabolomics, notably mass spectrometry (MS) combined to liquid chromatography (LC), gas chromatography (GC), or capillary electrophoresis (CE). However, none of these methods enable a comprehensive analysis of the metabolome, due to its extreme complexity and the large differences in physico-chemical properties between metabolite classes. In this context, supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) represents a promising alternative approach to improve the metabolome coverage, while further increasing the analysis throughput. SFC, which uses supercritical CO₂ as mobile phase, leads to numerous advantages such as improved kinetic performance and lower environmental impact. This chromatographic technique has gained a significant interest since the introduction of advanced instrumentation, together with the introduction of dedicated interfaces for hyphenating SFC to MS. Moreover, new developments in SFC column chemistry (including sub-2 µm particles), as well as the use of large amounts of organic modifiers and additives in the CO₂-based mobile phase, significantly extended the application range of SFC, enabling the simultaneous analysis of a large diversity of metabolites. Over the last years, several applications have been reported in metabolomics using SFC-MS - from lipophilic compounds, such as steroids and other lipids, to highly polar compounds, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, or nucleosides. With all these advantages, SFC-MS is promised to a bright future in the field of metabolomics.

Wide target analysis of acylglycerols in miso (Japanese fermented soybean paste) by supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry and the analysis of the correlation between taste and both acylglycerols and free fatty acids

RATIONALE

The acylglycerols in miso have not been studied although it is known that they are important to the taste. In order to determine the fatty acid constituents in the acylglycerols and analyze them individually, multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was performed utilizing a single platform, typically using both gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

METHODS

Acylglycerols and fatty acids (FAs) in miso were extracted using the Bligh-Dyer method. Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) with a C30 column was conducted for separation, and mass spectrometric (MS) analysis was performed with electrospray ionization using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (QqQMS) in the MRM mode.

RESULTS

The detection of FAs from the hydrolysis of acylglycerols and individual acylglycerols was achieved using only an SFC/MS platform. From the quality control (QC) sample of miso, we determined the main FA constituents, and then performed wide target analysis using MRM. In total, 23 triacylglycerols, 10 diacylglycerols, two monoacylglycerols, and five FAs were annotated effectively. Furthermore, the important compounds related to taste were determined through the analysis using both the relative quantitative data of acylglycerols and FAs and the quantitative descriptive analysis data of miso.

CONCLUSIONS

A method for the determination of the FA constituents in acylglycerols after hydrolysis and the comprehensive analysis of acylglycerols and FAs using MRM with SFC/QqQMS was developed. Using the data from the comprehensive analysis of acylglycerols and quantitative descriptive data, the key compounds related to taste were investigated. This type of research on lipids and the taste of food is expected to progress hereafter. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Development of an Advanced HPLC-MS/MS Method for the Determination of Carotenoids and Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Human Plasma

The concentration of carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins in human plasma may play a significant role in numerous chronic diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and some types of cancer. Although these compounds are of utmost interest for human health, methods for their simultaneous determination are scarce. A new high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method for the quantification of selected carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins in human plasma was developed, validated, and then applied in a pilot dietary intervention study with healthy volunteers. In 50 min, 16 analytes were separated with an excellent resolution and suitable MS signal intensity. The proposed HPLC-MS/MS method led to improvements in the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for all analyzed compounds compared to the most often used HPLC-DAD methods, in some cases being more than 100-fold lower. LOD values were between 0.001 and 0.422 µg/mL and LOQ values ranged from 0.003 to 1.406 µg/mL, according to the analyte. The accuracy, precision, and stability met with the acceptance criteria of the AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) International. According to these results, the described HPLC-MS/MS method is adequately sensitive, repeatable and suitable for the large-scale analysis of compounds in biological fluids.

Development of an Advanced HPLC-MS/MS Method for the Determination of Carotenoids and Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Human Plasma

The concentration of carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins in human plasma may play a significant role in numerous chronic diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and some types of cancer. Although these compounds are of utmost interest for human health, methods for their simultaneous determination are scarce. A new high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method for the quantification of selected carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins in human plasma was developed, validated, and then applied in a pilot dietary intervention study with healthy volunteers. In 50 min, 16 analytes were separated with an excellent resolution and suitable MS signal intensity. The proposed HPLC-MS/MS method led to improvements in the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for all analyzed compounds compared to the most often used HPLC-DAD methods, in some cases being more than 100-fold lower. LOD values were between 0.001 and 0.422 µg/mL and LOQ values ranged from 0.003 to 1.406 µg/mL, according to the analyte. The accuracy, precision, and stability met with the acceptance criteria of the AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) International. According to these results, the described HPLC-MS/MS method is adequately sensitive, repeatable and suitable for the large-scale analysis of compounds in biological fluids.

A fast and sensitive method for the separation of carotenoids using ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry

In this study, a rapid and sensitive ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPSFC-MS) method has been developed and partially validated for the separation of carotenoids within less than 6 min. Six columns of orthogonal selectivity were examined, and the best separation was obtained by using a 1-aminoanthracene (1-AA) column. The length of polyene chain as well as the number of hydroxyl groups in the structure of the studied carotenoids determines their differences in the physiochemical properties and thus the separation that is achieved on this column. All of the investigated carotenoids were baseline separated with resolution values greater than 1.5. The effects of gradient program, back pressure, and column temperature were studied with respect to chromatographic properties such as retention and selectivity. Electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) were compared in both positive and negative mode, using both direct infusion and hyphenated with UHPSFC. The ESI in positive mode provided the highest response. The coefficient of determination (R (2)) for all calibration curves were greater than 0.998. Limit of detection (LOD) was in the range of 2.6 and 25.2 ng/mL for α-carotene and astaxanthin, respectively, whereas limit of quantification (LOQ) was in the range of 7.8 and 58.0 ng/mL for α-carotene and astaxanthin, respectively. Repeatability and intermediate precision of the developed UHPSFC-MS method were determined and found to be RSD < 3 % and RSD < 6 %, respectively. The method was applied in order to determine carotenoids in supercritical fluid extracts of microalgae and rosehip. Graphical Abstract Ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography-a rapid separation method for the analysis of carotenoids in rosehip and microalgae samples.

Application of ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography for the determination of carotenoids in dietary supplements

A quick and simple ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography-photodiode array detector method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 9 carotenoids in dietary supplements. The influences of stationary phase, co-solvent, pressure, temperature and flow rate on the separation of carotenoids were evaluated. The separation of the carotenoids was carried out using an Acquity UPC(2) HSS C18 SB column (150mm×3.0mm, 1.8μm) by gradient elution with carbon dioxide and a 1:2 (v:v) methanol/ethanol mixture. The column temperature was set to 35°C and the backpressure was 15.2MPa. Under these conditions, 9 carotenoids and the internal standard, β-apo-8'-carotenal, were successfully separated within 10min. The correlation coefficients (R(2)) of the calibration curves were all above 0.997, the limits of detection for the 9 carotenoids were in the range of 0.33-1.08μg/mL, and the limits of quantification were in the range of 1.09-3.58μg/mL. The mean recoveries were from 93.4% to 109.5% at different spiking levels, and the relative standard deviations were between 0.8% and 6.0%. This method was successfully applied to the determination of 9 carotenoids in commercial dietary supplements.

Screening of Carotenoids in Tomato Fruits by Using Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array-Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry Detection

This paper presents an analytical strategy for a large-scale screening of carotenoids in tomato fruits by exploiting the potentialities of the triple quadrupole-linear ion trap hybrid mass spectrometer (QqQLIT). The method involves separation on C30 reversed-phase column and identification by means of diode array detection (DAD) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (APCI-MS). The authentic standards of six model compounds were used to optimize the separative conditions and to predict the chromatographic behavior of untargeted carotenoids. An information dependent acquisition (IDA) was performed with (i) enhanced-mass scan (EMS) as the survey scan, (ii) enhanced-resolution (ER) scan to obtain the exact mass of the precursor ions (16-35 ppm), and (iii) enhanced product ion (EPI) scan as dependent scan to obtain structural information. LC-DAD-multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) chromatograms were also acquired for the identification of targeted carotenoids occurring at low concentrations; for the first time, the relative abundance between the MRM transitions (ion ratio) was used as an extra tool for the MS distinction of structural isomers and the related families of geometrical isomers. The whole analytical strategy was high-throughput, because a great number of experimental data could be acquired with few analytical steps, and cost-effective, because only few standards were used; when applied to characterize some tomato varieties ('Tangerine', 'Pachino', 'Datterino', and 'Camone') and passata of 'San Marzano' tomatoes, our method succeeded in identifying up to 44 carotenoids in the 'Tangerine'" variety.

Lipidomics by Supercritical Fluid Chromatography

This review enlightens the role of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) in the field of lipid analysis. SFC has been popular in the late 1980s and 1990s before almost disappearing due to the commercial success of liquid chromatography (LC). It is only 20 years later that a regain of interest appeared when new commercial instruments were introduced. As SFC is fully compatible with the injection of extracts in pure organic solvent, this technique is perfectly suitable for lipid analysis and can be coupled with either highly universal (UV or evaporative light scattering) or highly specific (mass spectrometry) detection methods. A short history of the use of supercritical fluids as mobile phase for the separation oflipids will be introduced first. Then, the advantages and drawbacks of SFC are discussed for each class of lipids (fatty acyls, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols, prenols, polyketides) defined by the LIPID MAPS consortium.

Green extraction methods and environmental applications of carotenoids-a review

This review covers and discusses various aspects of carotenoids including their chemistry, classification, biosynthesis, extraction methods (conventional and non-conventional), analytical techniques and biological roles in living beings.

Determination of niacin and its metabolites using supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

Niacin, a water-soluble vitamin belonging to the vitamin B group, has been known to cause various problems in the human body when deficient. The vitamin is derived from the diet and afterwards, niacin and its metabolites are secreted in blood or urine. It can be analyzed using liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to mass spectrometry, but niacin and its metabolites are very polar compounds. Recently, supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) is gaining attention for polar compound analysis. To our best knowledge, the report on the analysis of endogenous-very hydrophilic metabolites in biofluids by SFC has not been found. In this study, we investigated whether the separation of hydrophilic metabolites in biofluids is achievable by SFC. In addition, we also examined the applicability of SFC coupled to MS in extrapolating unknown metabolites by means of spectra information. As a result, an analysis method to quantify the target compounds using SFC/MS/MS was constructed for niacin and its metabolites. Additional putative metabolites from niacin were also identified using the MS fragmentation spectra in plasma and urine. Consequently, the method using SFC/MS/MS allowed for the analysis of polar compounds with low log P ranging from -3.7 to 0.29. This study is the first report of the separation of niacin and its seven metabolites in human urine and these results showed that SFC-MS/MS can be an alternative technique for hydrophilic metabolite analysis.

Supercritical fluid chromatography/mass spectrometry in metabolite analysis

Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) owes many of its advantages to the properties of supercritical CO2, which possesses benefits as mobile phase. SFC has recently gained attention as a separation technique because it can be utilized for not only non-polar but also polar compound analysis. In addition, MS is widely adopted for SFC, and the options for MS are equivalent to liquid chromatography. Sensitive and selective detection is crucial in metabolite analysis. The SFC/MS system can be an alternative approach to liquid chromatography, as can metabolite analysis using packed-column SFC in biosamples. In this review we cover the fundamentals of SFC in combination with MS, and discuss the results of metabolite analysis using SFC/MS.

Metabolic profiling of lipids by supercritical fluid chromatography/mass spectrometry

This review describes the usefulness of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) for the metabolic profiling of lipids. First, non-targeted lipid profiling by SFC/MS is described. The use of SFC/MS allows for high-throughput, exhaustive analysis of diverse lipids, and hence, this technique finds potential applications in lipidomics. Development of a polar lipid profiling method with trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatization widens the scope of applicability of SFC/MS. SFC is a high-resolution technique that is suitable for non-targeted profiling aimed at the simultaneous analysis of many components. Next, targeted lipid profiling by SFC/MS is described. SFC is useful for the separation of lipids, such as carotenoids and triacylglycerols, which have numerous analogs with similar structures. In addition, SFC/MS shows the maximum efficiency for the target analysis of lipids in a biological sample that includes many matrices. Finally, a high-resolution, high-throughput analytical system based on SFC/MS is stated to be suitable for lipidomics because it is useful not only for the screening of lipid mixtures (as a fingerprint method) but also for the detailed profiling of individual components.