A fast ultra performance supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method for profiling of targeted phytosterols

Comprehensive quantification of C4 to C26 free fatty acids using a supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry method in pharmaceutical-grade egg yolk powders intended for total parenteral nutrition use

Free fatty acids (FFAs) are important energy sources and significant for energy transport in the body. They also play a crucial role in cellular oxidative stress responses, following cell membrane depolarization, making accurate quantification of FFAs essential. This study presents a novel supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry (SFC-MS) method using selected ion recording in negative electrospray ionization mode, enabling rapid quantification of 31 FFAs within 6 min without derivatization. FFAs are identified and quantified using an HSS C18 SB column and a secondary mobile phase consisting of methanol with formic acid by detecting their [M - H]- ions. Calibration curves showed strong linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9910), spanning 1000-12,000 ng/mL for short-chain FFAs and 50-1200 ng/mL for medium- and long-chain FFAs. The method achieves detection limits as low as 1 ng/µL for short-chain FFAs and 0.05 pg/µL for other FFAs per on-column injection. The method demonstrated high accuracy and precision, with bias and coefficients of variation maintained below 15% across five quality control levels. Freeze-thaw and autosampler stability studies confirmed the behavior of matrix-matched standards under optimal storage conditions. The validated method was applied to the analysis of pharmaceutical-grade egg yolk powders, using 13 deuterated FFAs as internal standards (IS) in comparison with heptadecanoic acid (C17:0). Significant variations in FFA quantification using two different IS approaches underscore the importance of selecting an appropriate IS. In summary, this study introduces a reliable and validated SFC-MS method for analyzing FFAs ranging from C4 to C26, requiring minimal sample preparation.

Pakpahan N, Sitohang AI, Sukarno MA, Yuandani, Harahap Y, Setyowati EP, Park MN, Yusoff SD, Zainalabidin S, Prananda AT, Mahadi MK, Kim B, Harahap U, Syahputra RA. In-depth analysis of lupeol: delving into the diverse pharmacological profile

Lupeol, a naturally occurring lupane-type pentacyclic triterpenoid, is widely distributed in various edible vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants. Notably, it is found in high concentrations in plants like Tamarindus indica, Allanblackia monticola, and Emblica officinalis, among others. Quantitative studies have highlighted its presence in Elm bark, Olive fruit, Aloe leaf, Ginseng oil, Mango pulp, and Japanese Pear bark. This compound is synthesized from squalene through the mevalonate pathway and can also be synthetically produced in the lab, addressing challenges in natural product synthesis. Over the past four decades, extensive research has demonstrated lupeol's multifaceted pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial effects. Despite its significant therapeutic potential, clinical applications of lupeol have been limited by its poor water solubility and bioavailability. Recent advancements have focused on nano-based delivery systems to enhance its bioavailability, and the development of various lupeol derivatives has further amplified its bioactivity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in understanding the pharmacological benefits of lupeol. It also discusses innovative strategies to improve its bioavailability, thereby enhancing its clinical efficacy. The aim is to consolidate current knowledge and stimulate further research into the therapeutic potential of lupeol and its derivatives.

Resolving phytosterols in microalgae using offline two-dimensional reversed phase liquid chromatography-supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Sterols are unsaponifiable lipids resulting from plant metabolism that exhibit interesting bioactive properties. Microalgae are a major source of specific phytosterols, most of which are still not fully characterized. The similarity in sterol structures and the existence of positional isomers make the separation of phytosterols challenging. A method was developed based on an offline two-dimensional (2D) system, reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC)-supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC)/quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-ToF) mass spectrometry, for the identification of sterols in microalgae. Subsequent positive-mode MS/MS was used to confirm the identified phytosterols. The 2D chromatogram exhibited a pattern related to the positions of the double bonds, which were confirmed by standard injection, enabling structural elucidation. The analysis of the unsaponifiable fraction of two algae, namely Scenedesmus obliquus, a freshwater microalgae, and Padina pavonica, a marine macroalgae, highlighted the ability of the method to distinguish a large number of sterol isomers.