New method for analyzing the nitrite level in PC12 cells using capillary electrophoresis

Development of extraction and analytical methods of nitrite ion from food samples: microchip electrophoresis with a modified electrode

Two simple and fast methods for the extraction of the nitrite ion (NO(2)(-)) from food samples have been developed. The methods were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements, and their performance for NO(2)(-) extraction was compared with a standard method. The extraction methods yielded relative recoveries between 100 and 120% with good reproducibility of 3.9% (RSD, n = 4) in UV-visible experiments. Microchip electrophoresis with electrochemical detection (MCE-ED) coupled with a copper (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane [Cu(II)-MPS] complex-modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) has been employed to detect NO(2)(-) in extracted samples. The Cu(II)-MPS complex was synthesized and characterized by voltammetry, XPS, and FT-IR analyses. Experimental parameters affecting the separation and detection performances of the MCE-ED method were assessed and optimized. The potential for the electrocatalytic reduction of NO(2)(-) for MCE-ED was found to be -190 mV (vs Ag/AgCl). When extracted food samples were analyzed by the MCE-ED method, a reproducible response for the NO(2)(-) reduction (RSD of 4.3%) at the modified-CPE reflected the negligible electrode fouling. A wide dynamic range of 1.0-160 ppm was observed for analyzing standard NO(2)(-) with a sensitivity of 0.05106 ± 0.00141, and the detection limit, based on S/N = 3, was found to be 0.35 ± 0.05 ppm. No apparent interference from NO(3)(-), other inorganic ions, and biological compounds was observed under the optimal experimental conditions. A standard addition method for real samples showed wide concentration ranges of 1.10-155 and 1.2-150 ppm for analyzing NO(2)(-) in ham and sausage samples, respectively.

Bioanalytical profile of the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway and its evaluation by capillary electrophoresis

This review briefly summarizes recent progress in fundamental understanding and analytical profiling of the L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway. It focuses on key analytical references of NO actions and the experimental acquisition of these references in vivo, with capillary electrophoresis (CE) and high-performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) comprising one of the most flexible and technologically promising analytical platform for comprehensive high-resolution profiling of NO-related metabolites. Another aim of this review is to express demands and bridge efforts of experimental biologists, medical professionals and chemical analysis-oriented scientists who strive to understand evolution and physiological roles of NO and to develop analytical methods for use in biology and medicine.

Simultaneous analysis of nitrate and nitrite in a microfluidic device with a Cu-complex-modified electrode

A CE microsystem coupled with a microchip and a copper-(3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (Cu-MPS) complex-modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) was developed for the simultaneous analysis of nitrite and nitrate. The method is based on the electrocatalytic reduction of both analytes with the modified electrode. The Cu-MPS complex was characterized by voltammetric, XPS, and FT-IR analyses. Experimental parameters affecting the sensitivity of the modified electrode were assessed and optimized. The best separation was achieved in a 60 mm separation channel filled with a 20 mM acetate buffer of pH 5.0 containing 3.0 mM CTAB at separation field strength of -250 V/cm within 90 s. The detection potential for the simultaneous analysis of nitrite and nitrate was found to be -225 mV versus Ag/AgCl. A reproducible response (RSD of 3.2% (nitrite) and 2.8% (nitrate), n = 8) for repetitive sample injections reflected the negligible electrode fouling at the modified CPE. The interference effect was examined for other inorganic ions and biological compounds. A wide hydrodynamic range between 0.25 and 120 microM was observed for analyzing nitrite and nitrate with the sensitivities of 0.069 +/- 0.003 and 0.065 +/- 0.002 nA/microM, and the detection limits, based on S/N = 3, were found to be 0.09 +/- 0.007 and 0.08 +/- 0.009 microM, respectively. The applicability of the method to water and urine samples analyses was demonstrated.

Recent advances in the application of capillary electrophoresis to neuroscience

With fast separation times (seconds to minutes), minimal sample requirements (nanoliters to femtoliters), and excellent mass detection limits (femtomole to zeptomole), capillary electrophoresis (CE) is ideally suited for in vitro and in vivo sampling of neurological samples with a high degree of spatial resolution. Advances in extracellular fluid analysis employing improved microdialysis and push-pull perfusion sampling methodologies has enabled the resolution of neurotransmitters present in limited amounts using CE. Great progress has been made to resolve complex neuropeptides, amino acids, and biogenic amines in tissue and cell cultures. Finally, owing largely to the small volume sampling abilities of CE, investigations of single nerve cells, both invertebrate and mammalian, have been accomplished. These applications of CE to the advancement of neuroscience are presented.