Screening analysis

Indirect Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Based on Broad-Spectrum Antibody for Simultaneous Determination of Thirteen Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics in Rana catesbeianus

Fluoroquinolone (FQ) is a type of widely used antibiotic in agriculture and aquaculture, and exposure to low doses of FQs may result in the transfer of resistance between animal and human pathogens. Based on the optimization of the operating parameters, an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) standard curve was constructed for the simultaneous detection of 13 FQs, including enrofloxacin (ENR), ciprofloxacin (CIP), sarafloxacin (SAR), ofloxacin (OFL), norfloxacin (NOR), pefloxacin mesylate (PM), pefloxacin (PEF), enoxacin (ENX), marbofloxacin (MAR), fleroxacin (FLE), lomefloxacin (LOM), danofloxacin (DAN), and difloxacin (DIF). The limit of detection (LOD, computed as IC₁₀) and sensitivity (IC₅₀) of the ic-ELISA for ENR were 0.59 μg/L and 19.23 μg/L, respectively. The precision and dependability of the detection results of this ic-ELISA were properly verified by HPLC in Rana catesbeianus samples. This indicated that the established ic-ELISA approach could be utilized to determine the FQs in Rana catesbeianus. In addition, this ic-ELISA, based on a broad-spectrum antibody, provides a technical reference and potential strategy for an immunoassay of hazard factors with similar structure.

Revealing adulterated olive oils by triacylglycerol screening methods: Beyond the official method

Official control methods to detect olive oil (OO) adulteration fail to provide satisfactory consumer protection. Thus, faster and more sensitive screening tools are needed to increase their effectiveness. Here, the official method for adulterant detection in OO was compared with three untargeted screening methods based on triacylglycerol analysis using high-throughput (FIA-HESI-HRMS; HT-GC-MS; HPLC-RID) and pattern recognition techniques (PLS-DA). They were assayed on a set of genuine and adulterated samples with a high natural variability (n = 143). The sensitivity of the official method was 1 for high linoleic (HL) blends at ≥2 % but only 0.39 for high oleic (HO) blends at ≥5 %, while specificity was 0.96. The sensitivity of the screening methods in external validation was 0.90-0.99 for the detection of HL and 0.82-0.88 for HO blends. Among them, HT-GC-MS offered the highest sensitivity (0.94) and specificity (0.76), proving to be the most suitable screening tool for OO authentication.

Chemical Characterization and Non-targeted Analysis of Medical Device Extracts: A Review of Current Approaches, Gaps, and Emerging Practices

The developers of medical devices evaluate the biocompatibility of their device prior to FDA's review and subsequent introduction to the market. Chemical characterization, described in ISO 10993-18:2020, can generate information for toxicological risk assessment and is an alternative approach for addressing some biocompatibility end points (e.g., systemic toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive/developmental toxicity) that can reduce the time and cost of testing and the need for animal testing. Additionally, chemical characterization can be used to determine whether modifications to the materials and manufacturing processes alter the chemistry of a patient-contacting device to an extent that could impact device safety. Extractables testing is one approach to chemical characterization that employs combinations of non-targeted analysis, non-targeted screening, and/or targeted analysis to establish the identities and quantities of the various chemical constituents that can be released from a device. Due to the difficulty in obtaining a priori information on all the constituents in finished devices, information generation strategies in the form of analytical chemistry testing are often used. Identified and quantified extractables are then assessed using toxicological risk assessment approaches to determine if reported quantities are sufficiently low to overcome the need for further chemical analysis, biological evaluation of select end points, or risk control. For extractables studies to be useful as a screening tool, comprehensive and reliable non-targeted methods are needed. Although non-targeted methods have been adopted by many laboratories, they are laboratory-specific and require expensive analytical instruments and advanced technical expertise to perform. In this Perspective, we describe the elements of extractables studies and provide an overview of the current practices, identified gaps, and emerging practices that may be adopted on a wider scale in the future. This Perspective is outlined according to the steps of an extractables study: information gathering, extraction, extract sample processing, system selection, qualification, quantification, and identification.

Passive Sampling with Active Carbon Fibres in the Determination of Organic Pollutants in Groundwater

Legislation addressing the quality of groundwater and increasing concerns over public health calls for the development of analytical methods that can produce accurate and precise results at the ppt level. Passive sampling has been recognised as a helpful tool in identifying various organic pollutants in groundwater, even when their presence had not yet been identified through conventional groundwater quality monitoring. The article presents an analytical method involving a simple and cost-effective passive sampling device using Zorflex® activated carbon fibres (ACFs) for the qualitative monitoring of a broad range of organic pollutants in water in a single run. The applicability of the method developed was tested in three hydrogeological studies. In the first case, we present a non-targeted qualitative screening and a list of 892 different contaminants detected in the groundwater in Slovenia. In the second case, we discuss the presence and origin of organic compounds in the groundwater from a pilot area of the urban aquifer, Ljubljansko polje. The third case presents a comparison of results between passive and grab sampling. Passive sampling with ACFs confirmed the presence of a pollutant, even when it had not been previously detected through a quantitative method.

The occurrence: A meaningful parameter to be considered in the validation of multivariate classification-based screening methods - Application for authenticating virgin olive oil

The development of multivariate screening analytical methods in the analytical chemistry field focused particularly on food authentication is growing in recent years, which is evidenced by the increase of scientific publications. Currently there are several guides and technical reports about how -univariate qualitative methods should be properly validated to produce reliable and accurate (fitted-for-purpose) results. Nevertheless, this is not the case when multivariate methods are considered. Aimed at redressing this untenable disadvantage, this paper proposes some guidelines for the validation of multivariate classification-based screening methods. As an application example, the detection of adulteration of virgin olive oil with any other edible vegetal oils is showed. The analytical techniques employed are liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector (LC-DAD) and gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector (GC-FID). For the correct validation of the multivariate screening method a new parameter which never considered before, named occurrence, is accounted. Also, it has been developed two new applicability indicators of the multivariate screening methods: the assignation error index (I_ERROR) and the index saving (I_SAVING) to establish the validation requirements. Then the validation parameters of the methods: precision (or target predictive value), sensitivity, non-target predictive value, specificity and accuracy were estimated. The main conclusion of the work has been the need to take accounts the occurrence value to establish the specific validation requirements to apply the multivariate screening method in a particular scenario.

A field screening test for the assessment of concentrations and mobility of potentially toxic elements in soils: a case study on urban soils from Rome and Novi Sad

The increasing demand for environmental pollution control results in the development and use of new procedures for the determination of dangerous chemicals. Simple screening methods, which can be used directly in the field for a preliminary assessment of soil contamination, seem to be extremely advantageous. In our laboratory, we developed and optimized a rapid test for a preliminary evaluation of both the concentration and the mobility of some potentially toxic metals in soils. This screening test consists of a single extraction of the soil sample with a buffer solution, followed by the titration of the extracted solution with dithizone to determine the contents of bi-valent heavy metals (such as Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd). This screening method was then directly applied in the field during the sampling campaign in the framework of an Italian-Serbian collaborative project, finalized in the study of metal availability in soils. The results obtained in the field with the rapid test were compared with those obtained in the laboratory following the conventional procedure commonly used to evaluate metal bioavailability (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic extraction). Moreover, selected samples were analyzed sequentially in the laboratory using the standardized BCR three-step sequential extraction procedure. The screening test gave results conceptually in good agreement with those obtained via the BCR procedure. These preliminary data show that the proposed screening test is a reliable method for the preliminary rapid evaluation of metal total concentrations and of potential metal mobility in soils, supporting sampling activities directly in the field.

Moving your laboratories to the field--Advantages and limitations of the use of field portable instruments in environmental sample analysis

The recent rapid progress in technology of field portable instruments has increased their applications in environmental sample analysis. These instruments offer a possibility of cost-effective, non-destructive, real-time, direct, on-site measurements of a wide range of both inorganic and organic analytes in gaseous, liquid and solid samples. Some of them do not require the use of reagents and do not produce any analytical waste. All these features contribute to the greenness of field portable techniques. Several stationary analytical instruments have their portable versions. The most popular ones include: gas chromatographs with different detectors (mass spectrometer (MS), flame ionization detector, photoionization detector), ultraviolet-visible and near-infrared spectrophotometers, X-ray fluorescence spectrometers, ion mobility spectrometers, electronic noses and electronic tongues. The use of portable instruments in environmental sample analysis gives a possibility of on-site screening and a subsequent selection of samples for routine laboratory analyses. They are also very useful in situations that require an emergency response and for process monitoring applications. However, quantification of results is still problematic in many cases. The other disadvantages include: higher detection limits and lower sensitivity than these obtained in laboratory conditions, a strong influence of environmental factors on the instrument performance and a high possibility of sample contamination in the field. This paper reviews recent applications of field portable instruments in environmental sample analysis and discusses their analytical capabilities.

Multivariate optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of zinc and copper from soybean

In this study, a simple and fast microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method combined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was developed and optimized for the extraction and determination of zinc and copper in soybean. The optimization of the MAE conditions was conducted using a full factorial design and Box-Behnken matrix. Firstly, the full factorial design was carried out for preliminary evaluation of the significance of the factors, the factors chosen being: irradiation power, temperature, extraction time, and concentration of nitric acid. The results showed that all of the factors were significant. Because of this, a Box-Behnken experimental design was carried out in order to determine the optimum condition. The total 27 experiments were conducted in the study towards the construction of a quadratic model. According to analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, the proposed model can be used to navigate the design space. High regression coefficient between the variables and the response (R (2) = 0.97) indicated excellent evaluation of experimental data by polynomial regression model. The method was applied to the determination of zinc and copper in soybean samples.

A rapid sample screening method for authenticity control of whiskey using capillary electrophoresis with online preconcentration

The present study aimed to develop a methodology using capillary electrophoresis for the determination of sinapaldehyde, syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde, and vanillin in whiskey samples. The main objective was to obtain a screening method to differentiate authentic samples from seized samples suspected of being false using the phenolic aldehydes as chemical markers. The optimized background electrolyte was composed of 20 mmol L(-1) sodium tetraborate with 10% MeOH at pH 9.3. The study examined two kinds of sample stacking, using a long-end injection mode: normal sample stacking (NSM) and sample stacking with matrix removal (SWMR). In SWMR, the optimized injection time of the samples was 42 s (SWMR42); at this time, no matrix effects were observed. Values of r were >0.99 for the both methods. The LOD and LOQ were better than 100 and 330 mg mL(-1) for NSM and better than 22 and 73 mg L(-1) for SWMR. The CE-UV reliability in the aldehyde analysis in the real sample was compared statistically with LC-MS/MS methodology, and no significant differences were found, with a 95% confidence interval between the methodologies.

Bioautography detection in thin-layer chromatography

Bioautography is a microbial detection method hyphenated with planar chromatography techniques. It is based mainly on antimicrobial or antifungal properties of analyzed substances. The review discusses three versions of bioautography, i.e. contact, immersion and direct bioautography. The more concern is given to the last one. Many applications are quoted, not only for testing various groups of compounds, but also for investigating biochemical processes and factors influencing bacterial growth. Additionally, related methods, which can be included into direct bioautography, are discussed. The most promising among them seems to be TLC-bioluminescence screening.

Sediment toxicity and deformities of chironomid larvae in Lake Piediluco (Central Italy)

The chemical analysis of the bottom sediments of the Lake Piediluco (Central Italy) has been carried out in order to individuate the potential correlation between the sediment toxicity and the high incidence of mouthpart deformities in chironomid larvae (biological indicators) found in this lake. The environmental contamination has been analyzed by determining the concentrations of the main heavy metals (lead, copper, cadmium, chromium, zinc and nickel), and the concentrations of organic compounds of anthropic source: PAHs, NPPs and OCPs. Heavy metals concentrations have pointed out a non-elevated contamination grade for the Lake Piediluco. The highest level of metals has been detected in the western area that feels the effect of the continuous tributaries incoming load. Also, concerning PAHs, NPPs and OCPs the lake does not present high values of pollution. The highest concentrations of the organic toxicants has been observed in the eastern sector of the lake, which presents typical lentic characteristics. A clear relationship has not found between the toxic substances present in the lacustrine sediments and the deformities incidence for chironomid larvae, which represent an index of environmental alteration. Probably, the mouthpart deformities found in the chironomid larvae of Chironomus plumosus are affected by a synergic action due to the whole toxic mixture present in the sediments of the Lake Piediluco.

Rapid analysis of tile industry gaseous emissions by ion mobility spectrometry and comparison with solid phase micro-extraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

The present paper reports on a rapid method for the analysis of gaseous emissions from ceramic industry, based on ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) as a means for on-site monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during tile baking. IMS was calibrated with a set of reference compounds (i.e. ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane, 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, benzene, toluene, cyclohexane, acetone, acetic acid) via air-flow permeation. The technique was tested on a laboratory-scale kiln and tiles prepared with selected glycol- and resin-based additives. Finally, the analytical method was applied to emissions from two industries in the Modena (Italy) ceramic area. The results of all experimental phases were compared to those obtained by solid phase micro-extraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME/GC/MS). IMS showed potential as a real-time monitoring device for quality assessment in ceramic industry emissions. IMS spectra, SPME/GC/MS data, relationship between additives/baking conditions and produced VOCs and advantages and limitations of both techniques will be discussed.

Analytical approaches to expanding the use of capillary electrophoresis in routine food analysis

Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) is becoming an ever more powerful analytical technique for the separation, identification, and quantification of a wide variety of compounds of interest in many application fields. Particularly in food analysis this technique can offer interesting advantages over chromatographic techniques because of its greater simplicity and efficiency. Nevertheless, CE needs to advance with regard to compatibility with sample matrices, sensitivity, and robustness of the methodologies in order to gain even wider acceptance in food analysis laboratories, specially for routine work. This article presents various approaches to expanding the analytical usefulness of CE in food analysis, discussing their advantages over conventional CE. These approaches focus on sample screening, automated sample preparation with on-line CE arrangements, and the automatic integration of calibration in routine analytical work with CE.