Carbohydrate-Containing Low Molecular Weight Metabolites of Microalgae

Microalgae are abundant components of the biosphere rich in low molecular weight carbohydrate-containing natural products (glycoconjugates). Glycoconjugates take part in the processes of photosynthesis, provide producers with important biological molecules, influence other organisms and are known by their biological activities. Some of them, for example, glycosylated toxins and arsenicals, are detrimental and can be transferred via food chains into higher organisms, including humans. So far, the studies on a series of particular groups of microalgal glycoconjugates were not comprehensively discussed in special reviews. In this review, a special focus is given to glycoconjugates' isolation, structure determination, properties and approaches to search for new bioactive metabolites. Analysis of literature data concerning structures, functions and biological activities of ribosylated arsenicals, galactosylated and sulfoquinovosylated lipids, phosphoglycolipids, glycoside derivatives of toxins, and other groups of glycoconjugates was carried out and discussed. Recent studies were fundamental in the discovery of a great variety of new carbohydrate-containing metabolites and their biological activities in defining the role of microalgal viral infections in regulating microalgal blooms as well as in the detection of glycoconjugates with potent immunomodulatory properties. Those discoveries support growing interest in these molecules.

Bean and Pea Plastoglobules Change in Response to Chilling Stress

Plastoglobules (PGs) might be characterised as microdomains of the thylakoid membrane that serve as a platform to recruit proteins and metabolites in their spatial proximity in order to facilitate metabolic channelling or signal transduction. This study provides new insight into changes in PGs isolated from two plant species with different responses to chilling stress, namely chilling-tolerant pea (Pisum sativum) and chilling-sensitive bean (Phaseolus coccineus). Using multiple analytical methods, such as high-performance liquid chromatography and visualisation techniques including transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, we determined changes in PGs' biochemical and biophysical characteristics as a function of chilling stress. Some of the observed alterations occurred in both studied plant species, such as increased particle size and plastoquinone-9 content, while others were more typical of a particular type of response to chilling stress. Additionally, PGs of first green leaves were examined to highlight differences at this stage of development. Observed changes appear to be a dynamic response to the demands of photosynthetic membranes under stress conditions.

Separation and identification of lipids in the photosynthetic cousins of Apicomplexa Chromera velia and Vitrella brassicaformis

The alveolate algae Chromera velia and Vitrella brassicaformis (chromerids) are the closest known phototrophic relatives to apicomplexan parasites. Apicomplexans are responsible for fatal diseases of humans and animals and severe economic losses. Availability of the genome sequences of chromerids together with easy and rapid culturing of C. velia makes this alga a suitable model for investigating elementary biochemical principals potentially important for the apicomplexan pathogenicity. Such knowledge allows us to better understand processes during the evolutionary transition from a phototrophy to the parasitism in Apicomplexa. We explored lipidomes of both algae using high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry or gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. A single high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis in both ionization modes was sufficient for the separation and semi-quantification of lipids in chromerid algae. We detected more than 250 analytes belonging to five structural lipid classes, two lipid classes of precursors and intermediates, and triacylglycerols as storage lipids. Identification of suggested structures was confirmed by high-resolution mass spectrometry with an Orbitrap mass analyzer. An outstandingly high accumulation of storage triacylglycerols was found in both species. All the investigated aspects make C. velia a prospective organism for further applications in biotechnology.

Speciation of Selenium in Selenium-Enriched Sunflower Oil by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry/Electrospray-Orbitrap Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The reaction of sunflower oil with selenite produces a complex mixture of selenitriglycerides with antioxidant and anticancer properties. To obtain insight into the identity and characteristics of the species formed, an analytical approach based on the combination of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with (78)Se-specific selenium detection by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) and high-resolution (100 000), high mass accuracy (<1 ppm) molecule-specific detection by electrospray-Orbitrap MS(3) was developed. For the first time, a non-aqueous mobile phase gradient was used in reversed-phase HPLC-ICP MS for the separation of a complex mixture of selenospecies and a mathematical correction of the background signal was developed. The identical chromatographic conditions served for the sample introduction into electrospray MS. Two types of samples were analyzed: sunflower oil dissolved in isopropanol and methanol extract of the oil containing 65% selenium. HPLC-ICP MS showed 14 peaks, 11 of which could also be detected in the methanol extract. Isotopic patterns corresponding to molecules with one or two selenium atoms could be attributed by Orbitrap MS at the retention times corresponding to the HPLC-ICP MS peak apexes. Structural data for these species were acquired by MS(2) and MS(3) fragmentation of protonated or sodiated ions using high-energy collisional dissociation (HCD). A total of 11 selenium-containing triglycerol derivatives resulting from the oxidation of one or two double bonds of linoleic acid and analogous derivatives of glycerol-mixed linoleate(s)/oleinate(s) have been identified for the first time. The presence of these species was confirmed by the targeted analysis in the total oil isopropanol solution. Their identification corroborated the predicted elution order in reversed-phase chromatography: LLL (glycerol trilinoleate), LLO (glycerol dilinoleate-oleinate), LOO (glycerol linoleate-dioleinate), OOO (glycerol trioleinate), of which the extrapolation allowed for the prediction of the identity [glycerol dioleinate-stearate (OOS) and glycerol oleinate-distearate (OSS)] of the nonpolar species detected by ICP MS in the oil but not detected by electrospray MS.

Differentiation of Whole Grain from Refined Wheat (T. aestivum) Flour Using Lipid Profile of Wheat Bran, Germ, and Endosperm with UHPLC-HRAM Mass Spectrometry

A comprehensive analysis of wheat lipids from milling fractions of bran, germ, and endosperm was performed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution accurate-mass multistage mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRAM-MS(n)) with electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in both positive and negative modes. About 155 lipid compounds, including free fatty acids (FA), oxylipins, alk(en)ylresorcinols (ARs), γ-oryzanol, sphingolipids, triglycerides (TGs), diglycerides (DGs), phospholipids, and galactolipids were characterized from the three milling fractions. Galactolipids and phospholipids were proposed to be potential discriminatory compounds for refined flour, whereas γ-oryzanols, ARs, TGs, and DGs could distinguish whole wheat flour from a refined one based on principal component analysis (PCA).

Multistage fragmentation of ion trap mass spectrometry system and pseudo-MS3 of triple quadrupole mass spectrometry characterize certain (E)-3-(dimethylamino)-1-arylprop-2-en-1-ones: a comparative study

A new approach was recently introduced to improve the structure elucidation power of tandem mass spectrometry simulating the MS³ of ion trap mass spectrometry system overcoming the different drawbacks of the latter. The fact that collision induced dissociation in the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer system provides richer fragment ions compared to those achieved in the ion trap mass spectrometer system utilizing resonance excitation. Moreover, extracting comprehensive spectra in the ion trap needs multistage fragmentation, whereas similar fragment ions may be acquired from one stage product ion scan using the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The new strategy was proven to enhance the qualitative performance of tandem mass spectrometry for structural elucidation of different chemical entities. In the current study we are endeavoring to prove our hypothesis of the efficiency of the new pseudo-MS³ technique via its comparison with the MS³ mode of ion trap mass spectrometry system. Ten pharmacologically and synthetically important (E)-3-(dimethylamino)-1-arylprop-2-en-1-ones (enaminones 4a–j) were chosen as model compounds for this study. This strategy permitted rigorous identification of all fragment ions using triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with sufficient specificity. It can be used to elucidate structures of different unknown components. The data presented in this paper provide clear evidence that our new pseudo-MS³ may simulate the MS³ of ion trap spectrometry system.

Pseudo-MS3Approach Using Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) to Characterize Certain (2E)-2-[3-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpropylidene]hydrazinecarboxamide Derivatives

An approach for the use of in-source fragmentation with electrospray ionization followed by product ion scan in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer system is described. This approach is based on the elucidation of the various fragmentation pathways by further dissociation of each fragment ion in the ion spectrum. This can be achieved predominately, by combining fragmentor voltage induced dissociation (in-source fragmentation) with subsequent collision-induced dissociation; this process can be referred to as pseudo-MS3scan mode. This technique permitted unambiguous assignment and provided sufficient sensitivity and specificity. It is advantageous for structure elucidation of unknown compounds. We investigate the possibility of using in-source fragmentation with the diverse novel chemical entities encompassing different substituents. This process was intended to improve the qualitative capability of tandem mass spectrometry simulating the MS3of ion trap for studying fragmentation mechanisms. The approach is to implement the investigated technique as a well established tool for the characterization of new pharmacologically important chemical entities. The data presented in this paper provided useful information on the effect of different substituents on the ionization/fragmentation processes and can be used in the characterization of (2E)-2-[3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpropylidene]-hydrazinecarboxamide derivatives3a–h.

Induced in-source fragmentation pattern of certain novel (1Z,2E)-N-(aryl)propanehydrazonoyl chlorides by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS)

Background

Collision induced dissociation (CID) in the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer system (QQQ) typically yields more abundant fragment ions than those produced with resonance excitation in the presence of helium gas in the ion trap mass spectrometer system (IT). Detailed product ion spectra can be obtained from one stage MS² scan using the QQQ. In contrast, generating the same number of fragment ions in the ion trap requires multiple stages of fragmentation (MSⁿ) using CID via in-trap resonance excitation with the associated time penalties and drop in sensitivity.

Results

The use of in-source fragmentation with electrospray ionization (ESI) followed by product ion scan (MS²) in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer system, was demonstrated. This process enhances the qualitative power of tandem mass spectrometry to simulate the MS³ of ion trap for a comprehensive study of fragmentation mechanisms. A five pharmacologically significant (1Z, 2E)-N-arylpropanehydrazonoyl chlorides (3a-e) were chosen as model compounds for this study. In this work, detailed fragmentation pathways were elucidated by further dissociation of each fragment ion in the ion spectrum, essentially, by incorporating fragmentor voltage induced dissociation (in-source fragmentation) and isolation of fragments in a quadrupole cell Q1. Subsequently, CID occurs in cell, Q2, and fragment ions are analyzed in Q3 operated in product ion mode this process can be referred to as pseudo-MS³ scan mode.

Conclusions

This approach allowed unambiguous assignment of all fragment ions using tandem mass spectrometer and provided adequate sensitivity and selectivity. It is beneficial for structure determination of unknown trace components. The data presented in this paper provide useful information on the effect of different substituents on the ionization/fragmentation processes and can be used in the characterization of this important class of compounds.

Analysis of plant galactolipids by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry with accurate mass measurement

The composition of plant membrane lipids was investigated by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry with accurate mass measurement. The data dependent methods for the analysis of monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDGs) and digalactosyldiacylglycerols (DGDGs) have been developed. The optimised chromatographic systems were based on a 2.0 mm i.d. Nucleosil C18 column with methanol/water (MGDGs) or acetonitrile/methanol/water (DGDGs) gradients. The galactolipids were ionised by electrospray operated in the positive ion mode and identified based on their MS/MS spectra. High resolution spectra with accurate masses were found to be essential for correct interpretation of the MS data. The elution order of non-oxidised MGDGs and DGDGs followed the equivalent carbon numbers. The methods were applied for detailed characterisation of the MGDGs and DGDGs in the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana and Melissa officinalis.

Glycolipid composition of Hevea brasiliensis latex

Glycolipids of fresh latex from three clones of Hevea brasiliensis were characterized and quantified by HPLC/ESI-MS. Their fatty acyl and sterol components were further confirmed by GC/MS after saponification. The four detected glycolipid classes were steryl glucosides (SG), esterified steryl glucosides (ESG), monogalactosyl diacylglycerols (MGDG) and digalactosyl diacylglycerols (DGDG). Sterols in SG, ESG and total latex unsaponifiable were stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and Δ⁵-avenasterol. The latter was found instead of fucosterol formerly described. Galactolipids were mainly DGDG and had a fatty acid composition different from that of plant leaves as they contained less than 5% C18:3. Glycolipids, which represented 27-37% of total lipids, displayed important clonal variations in the proportions of the different fatty acids. ESG, MGDG and DGDG from clone PB235 differed notably by their higher content in furan fatty acid, which accounted for more than 40% of total fatty acids. Clonal variation was also observed in the relative proportions of glycolipid classes except MGDG (8%), with 43-51% DGDG, 30-34% SG and 7-19% ESG. When compared with other plant cell content, the unusual glycolipid composition of H. brasiliensis latex may be linked to the peculiar nature of this specialized cytoplasm expelled from laticiferous system, especially in terms of functional and structural properties.

Galactosyl headgroup interactions control the molecular packing of wheat lipids in Langmuir films and in hydrated liquid-crystalline mesophases

The behavior of the two major galactolipids of wheat endosperm, mono- (MGDG) and di-galactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) was studied in aqueous dispersion and at the air/liquid interface. The acyl chains of the pure galactolipids and their binary equimolar mixture are in the fluid or liquid expanded phase. SAXS measurements on liquid-crystalline mesophases associated with the electron density reconstructions show that the DGDG adopts a lamellar phase L(alpha) with parallel orientation of the headgroups with respect to the plane of the bilayer, whereas MGDG forms an inverse hexagonal phase H(II) with a specific organization of galactosyl headgroups. The equimolar mixture shows a different behavior from those previously described with formation of an Im3m cubic phase. In comparing monolayers composed of the pure galactolipids and their equimolar mixtures, PM-IRRAS spectra show significant differences in the optical properties and orientation of galactosyl groups with respect to the interface. Furthermore, Raman and FTIR spectroscopies show that the acyl chains of the galactolipid mixture are more ordered compared to those of the pure components. These results suggest strong interactions between MGDG and DGDG galactosyl headgroups and these specific physical properties of galactolipids are discussed in relation to their biological interest in wheat seed.

Isolation of lipids from photosystem I complex and its characterization with high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A method for simultaneous analysis of lipids extracted from photosystem I complex was developed with high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The photosystem I complex was firstly solubilized and separated using deoxycholate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method after ultrasonic treatment of the sample (leaves of pea, Pisum sativum L.). The Photosystem I complexes were electrophoretically eluted from the deoxycholate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis bands containing them, and the electron transport activity of the eluent measured as confirmation. Lipids, which were isolated from the complex having photosystem I activity, were separated and characterized with high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Five lipids, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerol and phosphaditylcholine were found combining with photosystem I complex. Different species of these lipids were found in the ESI mass spectra and the compositions of the acyl groups in them were determined.