Simultaneous separation of naproxen and 6-O-desmethylnaproxen metabolite in saliva samples by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: Pharmacokinetic study of naproxen alone and associated with esomeprazole

Naproxen is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the control of postoperative inflammatory signs and symptoms in dentistry. Its association with esomeprazole has been widely studied and has yielded good results for the control of acute pain, even with the delayed absorption of naproxen owing to the presence of esomeprazole. To further understand the absorption, distribution, and metabolism of this drug alone and in combination with esomeprazole, we will analyze the pharmacokinetic parameters of naproxen and its major metabolite, 6-O-desmethylnaproxen, in saliva samples. A rapid, sensitive, and selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous determination of naproxen and 6-O-desmethylnaproxen in saliva will be developed and validated. Sequential saliva samples from six patients will be analyzed before and 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 8, 11, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after the ingestion of one naproxen tablet (500 mg) and esomeprazole-associated naproxen tablets (500 + 20 mg), at two different times. After liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and HCl, the samples will be analyzed using an 8040 Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). Separation of naproxen and its major metabolic products will be performed using a Shim-Pack XR-ODS 75Lx2.0 column and C18 pre-column (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) at 40°C using a mixture of methanol and 10 mM ammonium acetate (70:30, v/v) with an injection flow of 0.3 mL/min. The total analytical run time will be 5 min. The detection and quantification of naproxen and its metabolite will be validated, which elucidate the pharmacokinetics of this drug, thereby contributing to its proper prescription for the medical and dental interventions that cause acute pain.

Preparation of poly(4-vinylpyridine)-functionalized magnetic Al-MOF for the removal of naproxen from aqueous solution

In this work, a novel poly(4-vinylpyridine)-functionalized magnetic Al-MOF (Al-MOF-Fe₃O₄@P4VP) was synthesized successfully as an adsorbent for the adsorption of naproxen from aqueous solution. The resulting adsorbent was characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), BET surface area and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Al-MOF-Fe₃O₄@P4VP had high surface area (123.68 m²/g), porous structure, rough surface and magnetic property. The maximum adsorption capacity of Al-MOF-Fe₃O₄@P4VP for naproxen could reach up to 31.67 mg/g and the adsorption process was well described by the Freundlich isotherm. The adsorption rate of naproxen on Al-MOF-Fe₃O₄@P4VP was very fast and the kinetics could be well modeled by the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorbent exhibited good adsorption ability even after ten adsorption-desorption cycles. Al-MOF-Fe₃O₄@P4VP had the characteristics of high removal efficiency, fast adsorption speed, good reusability and easy separation, making it a novel environment-friendly and effective magnetic nanomaterial in adsorbing naproxen from wastewater.

Efficient degradation of refractory organic contaminants by zero-valent copper/hydroxylamine/peroxymonosulfate process

Degradation of naproxen, bisphenol S and ibuprofen in a hydroxylamine enhanced zero-valent copper (Cu⁰) catalyzed peroxymonosulfate system was investigated for the first time. We found that hydroxylamine addition accelerated the reduction of Cu²⁺ to Cu⁺ as well as the corrosion of Cu⁰, and environmental friendly gas nitrogen was the main product of hydroxylamine. Additionally, hydroxyl radical and sulfate radical were identified to be the dominant reaction species by competitive experiments. The degradation of naproxen, bisphenol S and ibuprofen kept highly efficient in the pH range of 3.0-7.0 in Cu⁰/hydroxylamine/peroxymonosulfate process, with their degradation products identified by HPLC-MS, which showed that Cu⁰/hydroxylamine/peroxymonosulfate system could be an alternative to remove non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs or plasticizers in wastewater. Furthermore, the effects of Cu⁰, hydroxylamine and peroxymonosulfate dosage were studied and optimized by a BBD based response surface model. This study provided a method to solve the disadvantages of Cu⁰/peroxymonosulfate systems, and gave a promising method to enhance the efficiencies of ZVMs activated system such as iron, cobalt and copper.

Competitive Protein Binding Assay of Naproxen by Human Serum Albumin Functionalized Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles

We have developed a new competitive protein binding assay (CPBA) based on human serum albumin functionalized silicon dioxide nanoparticles (nano-SiO₂-HSA) that can be used for naproxen determination in urine. Compared with a conventional multi-well reaction plate, nano-SiO₂ with a high surface-area-to-volume ratio could be introduced as a stationary phase, markedly improving the analytical performance. Nano-SiO₂-HSA and horseradish peroxidase-labeled-naproxen (HRP-naproxen) were prepared for the present CPBA method. In this study, a direct competitive binding to nano-SiO₂-HSAwas performed between the free naproxen in the sample and HRP-naproxen. Thus, the catalytic color reactions were investigated on an HRP/3,3'5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)/H₂O₂ system by the HRP-naproxen/nano-SiO₂-HSA composite for quantitative measurement via an ultraviolet spectrophotometer. A series of validation experiments indicated that our proposed methods can be applied satisfactorily to the determination of naproxen in urine samples. As a proof of principle, the newly developed nano-CPBA method for the quantification of naproxen in urine can be expected to have the advantages of low costs, fast speed, high accuracy, and relatively simple instrument requirements. Our method could be capable of expanding the analytical applications of nanomaterials and of determining other small-molecule compounds from various biological samples.

Physical-chemical interactions between pharmaceuticals and biochar in synthetic and real urine

This research advances the knowledge of the pharmaceutical removal interactions by biochar in synthetic and real urine through the use of reference adsorbents and adsorbate probes. Earlier work has combined biochar and urine for pharmaceutical removal, however, the interactions that influence adsorption are unknown. In this study, bamboo biochar and softwood biochar were chosen as the representative materials and the model pharmaceuticals were naproxen and paracetamol. To further investigate the physical-chemical interactions, two nonpolar adsorbates, para-xylene and dimethylnaphthalene, were tested. Graphite and anion exchange resin, were used to isolate van der Waals and electrostatic interactions, respectively. Experimental kinetic and equilibrium data were fit to multiple adsorption models where the pseudo-second order and Freundlich exhibited the best fit, respectively. The Freundlich and Langmuir parameters had similar trends showing that softwood had the highest adsorption capacity. The model parameters indicated higher selectivity for nonpolar para-xylene and dimethylnaphthalene by graphite and polar paracetamol and naproxen by softwood biochar. The decreasing trend of importance of key interactions for pharmaceutical sorption to biochar are: van der Waals > hydrogen bonding > electrostatic interactions. No statistically significant difference was found between urine age (fresh vs. hydrolyzed) and pharmaceutical removal; however, the urine matrix (synthetic vs. synthetic with metabolites vs. real urine) did show a statistically significant difference on pharmaceutical removal where synthetic urine had comparatively greater adsorption. As constituents (i.e., metabolites) were added to urine matrices, reduced adsorption of pharmaceuticals was observed, indicating that adsorption processes should be tested in real urine for accuracy.

Synthesis of N-doped TiO2/SiO2/Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposites as a novel purple LED illumination-driven photocatalyst for photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic degradation of naproxen: optimization and different scavenger agents study

N-doped TiO₂/SiO₂/Fe₃O₄ as a new magnetic photocatalyst that is active in visible light has been prepared by simple sol-gel method. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, FESEM, EDX, TEM, BET, BJH, VSM, XPS, FT-IR, and DRS-UV/Vis analysis. The photocatalytic effect of synthesized samples on naproxen degradation was studied. The operational parameters were optimized through central composite design to achieve maximum efficiency. The optimum values for maximum efficiency were obtained at pH of 4.29, catalyst mass of 0.06 g, naproxen concentration of 9.33 mg L^-1, and irradiation time of 217.06 min. At these optimum conditions, the maximum photocatalytic degradation percentages of naproxen were found to be 96.32% at desirability function value of 1.0. Coupling the electrical current with the photocatalytic process proved that the electrical current was considerably efficient in decreasing the degradation time of removing the naproxen from aqueous solutions. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles was also studied under sunlight. Considering the results provided by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and total organic carbon, it was found that the prepared samples are extraordinarily efficient to degrade naproxen under both purple LED and solar lights. Furthermore, the effect of different scavenger agents on naproxen degradation has been studied.

[Chlorination of Naproxen: Removal, Transformation and Risk Assessment]

The by-products produced during chlorination of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) have created widespread public concern. Chlorination of a typical PhAC, naproxen (NAP), was studied. NAP chlorination parameters, intermediates identification, chlorination mechanism, and risk assessment during chlorination process have also been discussed. The results showed that NAP chlorination could fit well with the fist-order kinetics. The rate of removal and rate constants of NAP chlorination decreased with increasing initial NAP concentration and ammonium dosage, while these values increased with increasing initial free chlorine concentration. Acidic condition of the solution could significantly promote NAP chlorination. Five intermediates were identified by HPLC-MS/MS, and the mechanism of NAP chlorination was also put forward. Vibrio fischeri toxicity analysis and ESCOAR prediction indicated that higher toxicity intermediates were produced during NAP chlorination, which pose a potential threat to drinking water safety.

Mechanisms of removal of three widespread pharmaceuticals by two clay materials

Pharmaceutical residues presence in the environment is among nowadays top emergent environmental issues. For removal of such pollutants, adsorption is a generally efficient process that can be complementary to conventional treatment. Research of cheap, widely available adsorbents may make this process economically attractive. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the capacity of two clay materials (exfoliated vermiculite, LECA) to adsorb gemfibrozil, mefenamic acid and naproxen in lab-scale batch assays. Results show that both adsorbents are able to remove the pharmaceuticals from aqueous medium. Although vermiculite exhibited higher adsorption capacities per unit mass of adsorbent, LECA yielded higher absolute removals of the pharmaceuticals due to the larger mass of adsorbent. Quantum chemistry calculations predicted that the forms of binding of the three molecules to the vermiculite surface are essentially identical, but the adsorption isotherm of naproxen differs substantially from the other two's. The linear forms of the latter impose limits at lower concentrations to the removal efficiencies of these pharmaceuticals by vermiculite, thereby electing LECA as more efficient. Notwithstanding, vermiculite's high specific adsorption capacity and also its much faster adsorption kinetics suggest that there may be some benefits in combining both materials as a composite adsorbent solution.

Sonocatalytic removal of naproxen by synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles on montmorillonite

ZnO/MMT nanocomposite as sonocatalyst was prepared by immobilizing synthesized ZnO on the montmorillonite surface. The characteristics of as-prepared nanocomposite were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The synthesized samples were used as a catalyst for sonocatalytic degradation of naproxen. ZnO/MMT catalyst in the presence of ultrasound irradiation was more effective compared to pure ZnO nanoparticles and MMT particles in the sonocatalysis of naproxen. The effect of different operational parameters on the sonocatalytic degradation of naproxen including initial drug concentration, sonocatalyst dosage, solution pH, ultrasonic power and the presence of organic and inorganic scavengers were evaluated. It was found that the presence of the scavengers suppressed the sonocatalytic degradation efficiency. The reusability of the nanocomposite was examined in several consecutive runs, and the degradation efficiency decreased only 2% after 5 repeated runs. The main intermediates of naproxen degradation were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-Mass).

Enhanced removal of naproxen and carbamazepine from wastewater using a novel countercurrent seepage bioreactor immobilized with Phanerochaete chrysosporium under non-sterile conditions

A countercurrent seepage bioreactor immobilized with Phanerochaete chrysosporium was continuously operated under non-sterile conditions to treat a synthetic wastewater spiked with naproxen and carbamazepine (1000μg/L each) for 165days. There were no serious bacterial contaminations occurred during the operational period. Naproxen was always removed to the undetectable level regardless of the experimental conditions, while the average removal efficiency for carbamazepine, a well-known recalcitrant pharmaceutically active compound, reached around 80%. The excellent removal performance was mainly attributed to the application of countercurrent seepage mode and the cardhouse fabric of the carriers, which provided the high efficiency in the transfer of oxygen and nutrients inside the bioreactor. From the fungal immobilization combined with the temperature adjustment, the fungal activity including the enzyme production was protected as well as the bacterial contamination inside the reactor was suppressed effectively.

Ion-exchange selectivity of diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen in ureolyzed human urine

This research advances the knowledge of ion-exchange of four non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - diclofenac (DCF), ibuprofen (IBP), ketoprofen (KTP), and naproxen (NPX) - and one analgesic drug-paracetamol (PCM) - by strong-base anion exchange resin (AER) in synthetic ureolyzed urine. Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin-Astakhov, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models were fit to experimental equilibrium data using nonlinear least squares method. Favorable ion-exchange was observed for DCF, KTP, and NPX, whereas unfavorable ion-exchange was observed for IBP and PCM. The ion-exchange selectivity of the AER was enhanced by van der Waals interactions between the pharmaceutical and AER as well as the hydrophobicity of the pharmaceutical. For instance, the high selectivity of the AER for DCF was due to the combination of Coulombic interactions between quaternary ammonium functional group of resin and carboxylate functional group of DCF, van der Waals interactions between polystyrene resin matrix and benzene rings of DCF, and possibly hydrogen bonding between dimethylethanol amine functional group side chain and carboxylate and amine functional groups of DCF. Based on analysis of covariance, the presence of multiple pharmaceuticals did not have a significant effect on ion-exchange removal when the NSAIDs were combined in solution. The AER reached saturation of the pharmaceuticals in a continuous-flow column at varying bed volumes following a decreasing order of DCF > NPX ≈ KTP > IBP. Complete regeneration of the column was achieved using a 5% (m/m) NaCl, equal-volume water-methanol solution. Results from multiple treatment and regeneration cycles provide insight into the practical application of pharmaceutical ion-exchange in ureolyzed urine using AER.

Effective anodic oxidation of naproxen by platinum nanoparticles coated FTO glass

This study investigated applications of the electrochemical anodic oxidation process with Pt-FTO and Pt/MWCNTs-FTO glasses as anodes on the treatment of one of the most important emerging contaminants, naproxen. The anodes used in this study have been synthesized using commercial FTO, MWCNTs and Pt nanoparticles (PtNP). XRD patterns of Pt nanoparticles coated on FTO and MWCNTs revealed that MWCNTs can prevent the surface of PtNPs from sintering and thus provide a greater reaction sites density to interact with naproxen, which have also been confirmed by higher degradation and mineralization efficiencies in the Pt/MWCNTs-FTO system. Results from the CV analysis showed that the Pt-FTO and Pt/MWCNTs-FTO electrodes possessed dual functions of decreasing activation energy and interactions between hydroxyl radicals to effectively degrade naproxen. The lower the solution pH value, the better the degradation efficiency. The existence of humic acid indeed inhibited the degradation ability of naproxen due to the competitions in the multiple-component system. The electrochemical degradation processes were controlled by diffusion mechanism and two major intermediates of 2-acetyl-6-methoxynaphthalene and 2-(6-Hydroxy-2-naphthyl)propanoic acid were identified. This study has successfully demonstrated new, easy, flexible and effective anodic materials which can be feasibly applied to the electrochemical oxidation of naproxen.

Optimization of naproxen and ibuprofen removal in photolysis using a Box-Behnken design: effect of Fe(III), NO3-, and humic acid

This study investigated the roles and optimum conditions of four independent variables [ultraviolet (UV) intensity, Fe(III), NO3 (-), and humic acid (HA) concentration] in the photolytic removal of naproxen (NPX) and ibuprofen (IBP) in water using a response surface method based on the Box-Behnken design. Lab-scale experiments used analysis of variance and t-test statistics to test the significance of independent variables and their interactions. Predicted levels of NPX and IBP removals were found to be in good agreement with experimental levels (R(2) = 0.9891 for NPX and 0.9936 for IBP). UV intensity and HA were the most positively and negatively significant variables (P < 0.001), respectively. However, Fe(III) and NO3 (-) ions had a less significant impact (P > 0.05). This result implies that NPX was removed by both direct photolysis (photons) and indirect reaction (OH radical), while IBP was removed mainly by the OH radical. NPX was more susceptible to the OH radical than IBP (kOH/NPX = 8.24 × 10(9) M(-1)s(-1) and kOH/IBP = 7.51 × 10(9) M(-1)s(-1)). According to a quadratic regression model, the predicted maximum removal efficiencies for NPX and IBP were 71.66% and 63.58% when the predicted optimum ratio of UV (mW cm(-2)):Fe(III) (mg/L):NO3(-) (mg/L):HA (mg/L) was 6.3:0.94:0:0 and 6.3:0.94:20:0, respectively, which was similar to the respective experimental NPX and IBP removal values of 70.21% and 62.16%. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A, to view the supplemental file.

[Photodegradation of naproxen in aqueous systems by UV irradiation: mechanism and toxicity of photolysis products]

This paper studies the degradation mechanism, the reaction kinetics and the toxicity of photolysis products of naproxen in waters under UV irradiation (120 W mercury lamp) by quenching experiments of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxygen concentration experiment and toxicity evaluation using Vibrio fischeri bacteria. The results demonstrated that NPX could be degraded effectively by UV irradiation and the photolysis pathways was the sum of the degradation by direct photolysis and self-sensitization via ROS, and the contribution rates of self-sensitized photodegradation were 0.1%, 80.2%, 35.7% via *OH, (1)O2, O2*-, respectively. The effect of oxygen concentration illustrated that dissolved oxygen had an inhibitory effect on the direct photodegradation of NPX, and the higher the oxygen content, the more obvious the inhibitory effect. The toxicity evaluation illustrated the formation of some intermediate products that were more toxic than NPX during the photodegradation of NPX. The process of NPX degradation in all cases could be fitted by the pseudo first-order kinetics model.

Effect of feeding strategies on pharmaceutical removal by subsurface flow constructed wetlands

This study presents findings on an assessment of the effect of continuous and batch feeding strategies on the removal of selected pharmaceuticals from synthetic wastewater. Six mesocosm-scale constructed wetlands, including three horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands and three sand filters, were set up at the campus of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The findings showed that ibuprofen and diclofenac removal in the wetlands was significantly ( < 0.05) enhanced in the batch versus continuous mode. In contrast, naproxen and carbamazepine showed no significant differences ( > 0.05) in elimination under either feeding strategy. Our results also clearly showed that the presence of plants exerts a stimulatory effect on pharmaceutical removal for ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen in batch and continuous mode. Estimation of the quantitative role of this stimulatory effect on pharmaceutical elimination of batch operation as compared with the effect of the presence of the higher plant alone showed that batch operation may account for 40 to 87% of the contribution conferred by the aquatic plant. The findings of this study imply that where maximal removal of pharmaceutical compounds is desired, periodic draining and filling might be the preferred operational strategy for full-scale, subsurface flow constructed wetlands.

Rejection of pharmaceuticals by forward osmosis membranes

Rejection of four pharmaceutical compounds, carbamazepine, diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen, by forward osmosis (FO) membranes was investigated in this study. For the first time, the rejection efficiency of the pharmaceutical compounds was compared between commercial cellulose triacetate (CTA) based membranes and thin film composite (TFC) polyamide based membranes. The rejection behavior was related to membrane interfacial properties, physicochemical characteristics of the pharmaceutical molecules and feed solution pH. TFC polyamide membranes exhibited excellent overall performance, with high water flux, excellent pH stability and great rejection of all pharmaceuticals investigated (>94%). For commercial CTA based FO membranes, hydrophobic interaction between the compounds and membranes exhibited strong influence on their rejection under acidic conditions. The pharmaceuticals rejection was well correlated to their hydrophobicity (log D). Under alkaline conditions, both electrostatic repulsion and size exclusion contributed to the removal of deprotonated molecules. The pharmaceuticals rejection by CTA-HW membrane at pH 8 followed the order: diclofenac (99%)>carbamazepine (95%)>ibuprofen (93%) ≈ naproxen (93%). These results can be important for FO membrane synthesis, modification and their application in water purification.

Adsorptive removal of naproxen and clofibric acid from water using metal-organic frameworks

Adsorptive removal of naproxen and clofibric acid, two typical PPCPs (pharmaceuticals and personal care products), has been studied using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the first time. The removal efficiency decreases in the order of MIL-101>MIL-100-Fe>activated carbon both in adsorption rate and adsorption capacity. The adsorption kinetics and capacity of PPCPs generally depend on the average pore size and surface area (or pore volume), respectively, of the adsorbents. The adsorption mechanism may be explained with a simple electrostatic interaction between PPCPs and the adsorbent. Finally, it can be suggested that MOFs having high porosity and large pore size can be potential adsorbents to remove harmful PPCPs in contaminated water.

Validation and use of in vivo solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) for the detection of emerging contaminants in fish

A variety of emerging chemicals of concern are released continuously to surface water through the municipal wastewater effluent discharges. The ability to rapidly determine bioaccumulation of these contaminants in exposed fish without sacrificing the animal (i.e. in vivo) would be of significant advantage to facilitate research, assessment and monitoring of their risk to the environment. In this study, an in vivo solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) approach was developed and applied to the measurement of a variety of emerging contaminants (carbamazepine, naproxen, diclofenac, gemfibrozil, bisphenol A, fluoxetine, ibuprofen and atrazine) in fish. Our results indicated in vivo SPME was a potential alternative extraction technique for quantitative determination of contaminants in lab exposures and as well after exposure to two municipal wastewater effluents (MWWE), with a major advantage over conventional techniques due to its ability to non-lethally sample tissues of living organisms.

Kinetics of aqueous chlorination of some pharmaceuticals and their elimination from water matrices

Apparent rate constants for the reactions of four selected pharmaceutical compounds (metoprolol, naproxen, amoxicillin, and phenacetin) with chlorine in ultra-pure (UP) water were determined as a function of the pH. It was found that amoxicillin (in the whole pH range 3-12), and naproxen (in the low pH range 2-4) presented high reaction rates, while naproxen (in the pH range 5-9), and phenacetin and metoprolol (in the pH range 2.5-12 for phenacetin, and 3-10 for metoprolol) followed intermediate and slow reaction rates. A mechanism is proposed for the chlorination reaction, which allowed the evaluation of the intrinsic rate constants for the elementary reactions of the ionized and un-ionized species of each selected pharmaceutical with chlorine. An excellent agreement is obtained between experimental and calculated rate constants by this mechanism.The elimination of these substances in several waters (a groundwater, a surface water from a public reservoir, and two effluents from municipal wastewater treatment plants) was also investigated at neutral pH. The efficiency of the chlorination process with respect to the pharmaceuticals elimination and the formation THMs was also established. It is generally observed that the increasing presence of organic and inorganic matter in the water matrices demand more oxidant agent (chlorine), and therefore, less chlorine is available for the oxidation of these compounds. Finally, half-life times and oxidant exposures (CT) required for the removal of 99% of the four pharmaceuticals are also evaluated. These parameters are useful for the establishment of safety chlorine doses in oxidation or disinfection stages of pharmaceuticals in treatment plants.

Biodegradation of the analgesic naproxen by Trametes versicolor and identification of intermediates using HPLC-DAD-MS and NMR

The white-rot fungus Trametes vesicolor degraded naproxen (10 mg L(-1)) in a liquid medium to non-detectable levels after 6h. When naproxen was added in the range of concentrations typically found in the environment (55 microg L(-1)), it was almost completely degraded (95%) after 5h. In vitro degradation experiments with purified laccase and purified laccase plus mediator 1-hydroxybenzotriazol showed slight and almost complete naproxen degradation, respectively. A noticeable inhibition on naproxen degradation was also observed when the cytochrome P450 inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole was added to the fungal cultures. These data suggest that both enzymatic systems could play a role in naproxen degradation. 2-(6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)propanoic acid and 1-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)ethanone were structurally elucidated by HPLC-DAD-MS and NMR as degradation intermediates of naproxen. After 6h of incubation, both parent compound and intermediates disappeared from the medium. The non-toxicity of the treated medium was confirmed by Microtox test.

Degradation of naproxen and carbamazepine in spiked sludge by slurry and solid-phase Trametes versicolor systems

Growth and activity of the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor on sewage sludge were assessed in bioslurry and solid-phase systems. Bioslurry cultures with different loads of sludge (10%, 25% and 38%, w/v) were performed. A lag phase of at least 2 d appeared in the 25 and 38%-cultures, however, the total fungal biomass was higher for the latter and lower for the 10%-culture after 30 d, as revealed by ergosterol determination. Detectable laccase activity levels were found in the 10 and 25%-cultures (up to 1308 and 2588 AUL(-1), respectively) while it was negligible in the 38%-culture. Important levels of ergosterol and laccase were obtained over a 60 d period in sludge solid-phase cultures amended with different concentrations of wheat straw pellets as lignocellulosic bulking material. Degradation experiments in 25%-bioslurry cultures spiked with naproxene (NAP, analgesic) and carbamazepine (CBZ, antiepileptic) showed depletion of around 47% and 57% within 24h, respectively. Complete depletion of NAP and around 48% for CBZ were achieved within 72 h in sludge solid cultures with 38% bulking material. CBZ degradation is especially remarkable due to its high persistence in wastewater treatment plants. Results showed that T. versicolor may be an interesting bioremediation agent for elimination of emerging pollutants in sewage sludge.

Sorption of the pharmaceuticals carbamazepine and naproxen to dissolved organic matter: role of structural fractions

Pharmaceutical compounds and dissolved organic matter (DOM) are co-introduced into the environment by irrigation with reclaimed wastewater and/or application of biosolids. In this study, we evaluate the role and mechanism of interaction of the pharmaceuticals naproxen and carbamazepine with structural fractions of biosolids-derived DOM. Sorption interactions were estimated from dialysis-bag experiments at different pHs. Sorption of naproxen and carbamazepine by the hydrophobic acid fraction exhibited strong pH-dependence. With both pharmaceuticals, the highest sorption coefficients (K(DOC)) were at pH 4. With the hydrophobic neutral fraction, pH affected only naproxen sorption (decreasing with increasing pH). Among the hydrophilic DOM fractions, the hydrophilic acid fraction exhibited the highest K(DOC) value for carbamazepine, probably due to their bipolar character. In the hydrophilic acid fraction-naproxen system, significant anionic repulsion was observed with increasing pH. The hydrophilic base fraction contains positively charged functional groups. Therefore with increasing ionization of naproxen (with increasing pH), K(DOC) to this fraction increased. The hydrophilic neutral fraction exhibited the lowest K(DOC) with both studied pharmaceuticals. The K(DOC) value of carbamazepine with the bulk DOM sample was higher than the calculated K(DOC) value based on sorption by the individual isolated fractions. The opposite trend was observed with naproxen at pH 8: the calculated K(DOC) value was higher than the value obtained for the bulk DOM. These results demonstrate that DOM fractions interact with each other and do not act as separate sorption domains.

Assessment of the pharmaceutical active compounds removal in wastewater treatment systems at enantiomeric level. Ibuprofen and naproxen

The enantioselective degradation of ibuprofen and naproxen enantiomers was evaluated in five different wastewater treatment systems, including three constructed wetlands (vertical- and horizontal-flow configurations), a sand filter and an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant. In addition, injection experiments were carried out with racemic ibuprofen at microcosm- and pilot-scale constructed wetlands. Ibuprofen and naproxen have an asymmetric carbon atom and, consequently, two enantiomeric forms (i.e. S and R). The enantiomeric fraction (EF=S/(S+R)) in the raw sewage and effluents of various wastewater treatments were found to be compound-dependent (i.e. ibuprofen: EF(influent)=0.73-0.90, EF(effluent)=0.60-0.76; naproxen: EF(influent)=0.88-0.90, EF(effluent)=0.71-0.86). Of the two chiral pharmaceuticals, naproxen was the only one whose effluent EF correlated with its removal efficiency (p<0.05). The lack of correlation found for ibuprofen was attributable to the fact that its enantioselective degradation kinetics were different under prevailing aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Injection experiments of ibuprofen in constructed wetlands at microcosm and pilot-scale followed similar trends. Hence, under prevailing aerobic conditions, S-ibuprofen degraded faster than R-ibuprofen, whereas under prevailing anaerobic conditions, the degradation was not enantioselective. In summary, the naproxen EF measurements in wastewater effluents show that naproxen is a suitable alternative for evaluating the removal efficiency of treatment systems because its enantioselective degradation is similar under prevailing aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Removal of selected pharmaceuticals by chlorination, coagulation-sedimentation and powdered activated carbon treatment

Removal property of nine pharmaceuticals (clofibric acid, diclofenac, fenoprofen, gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, naproxen and propyphenazone) by chlorination, coagulation-sedimentation and powdered activated carbon treatment was examined by laboratory-scale experiments under the conditions close to actual drinking water treatment processes. Indomethacin and propyphenazone were completely degraded by chlorination within 30 minutes, but others remained around 30% (naproxen and diclofenac) or more than 80% of the initial concentration after 24 hours. A couple of unidentified peaks in a chromatogram of the chlorinated samples suggested the formation of unknown chlorination by-products. Competitive adsorption was observed when the mixed solution of the target pharmaceuticals was subjected to batch adsorption test with powdered activated carbon. Clofibric acid and ibuprofen, which were relatively less hydrophobic among the nine compounds, persisted around 60% of the initial concentration after 3 hours of contact time. Removal performance in actual drinking water treatment would become lower due to existence of other competitive substances in raw water (e.g. natural organic matter). Coagulation-sedimentation using polyaluminium chloride hardly removed most of the pharmaceuticals even under its optimal dose for turbidity removal. It is suggested that the most part of pharmaceuticals in raw water might persist in the course of conventional drinking water treatments.

Electrokinetic migration of acidic drugs across a supported liquid membrane

Electrokinetic cross membrane extraction of acidic drugs was demonstrated for the first time. The acidic drugs were extracted from an alkaline aqueous donor solution (300 microl), through a thin supported liquid membrane of 1-heptanol sustained in the pores of the wall of a porous hollow fiber, and into an aqueous alkaline acceptor solution (30 microl) present inside the lumen of the hollow fiber by the application of a d.c. electrical potential. The negative electrode was placed in the donor solution, and the positive electrode was placed in the acceptor solution. Optimal extractions were accomplished with 1-heptanol as the supported liquid membrane, with 50 V as the driving force, and with pH 12.0 in both the donor and acceptor solutions, respectively (NaOH). Equilibrium extraction conditions were obtained after 5 min of operation with the whole assembly agitated at 1200 rpm. Eleven different acidic drugs were extracted with recovery values between 8 and 100%, and initial data supported that electrokinetic cross membrane extraction provided repeatable data and linear response between original donor concentration and final acceptor concentration of the acidic model compounds.

Signal suppression/enhancement in HPLC-ESI-MS/MS from concomitant medications

This paper presents a study of the signal suppression and enhancement effects in assays based on HPLC-ESI-MS/MS detection. The major focus was to investigate the effect of signal suppression/enhancement of typical co-administered (concomitant) medications, i.e. naproxen and ibuprofen. The results demonstrate that the analyte and internal standard can experience signal enhancement up to a factor of ca 2.9 if the test analyte or internal standard co-elute with concomitant. Experimental results also demonstrate that the analyte and internal standard signal increased by a factor of ca 2.0 in the negative ion mode at physiological relevant levels of naproxen (100 microg/mL) and by a factor of ca 1.6 in the negative ion mode at physiological relevant level of ibuprofen (10 microg/mL) in both neat and plasma samples. Signal enhancement significantly increased when concomitant medications ionized in the same ion mode as the analyte and internal standard. To overcome signal enhancement or potential suppression from concomitant medications, a comprehensive HPLC method needs to be developed with sufficient separation of concomitant medication from the analyte and internal standard. Other means to reduce signal enhancement or potential suppression include switching ionization polarity and performing comprehensive sample clean-up to remove concomitant medications before analysis.

Separation of naproxen enantiomers by supercritical/subcritical fluid chromatography

An isocratic supercritical/subcritical fluid chromatography method for the separation of naproxen enantiomers on the Kromasil CHI-TBB column was investigated. The mobile phase was composed of supercritical CO2 with 2-propanol as modifier. The experimental conditions were temperature 293 K-323 K, pressure 9.4 MPa-21.3 MPa, and 2-propanol concentration 6%-15% (by mass), respectively. The enthalpic contribution to the overall enantiomer transfer energy was more important than the entropic contribution in the temperature range examined. The preferred operation conditions were 293 K, 9.4 MPa, and the concentration of 2-propanol in the mobile phase 11% (by mass).

Peak shape modeling by Haarhoff-Van der Linde function for the determination of correct migration times: A new insight into affinity capillary electrophoresis

Among the different experimental strategies available in capillary electrophoresis (CE) to determine binding parameters, affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) has been the most widely embraced due to its easiness of implementation and of data handling. Ligand-substrate binding constants are thus directly derived from the substrate migration time shifts resulting from the variation of ligand concentration introduced in a background electrolyte. Classically, the substrate migration time is measured on top of the electrophoretic peak, assuming symmetrical peak shape. Depending on both substrate and ligand concentrations that may be required to meet detection sensitivity or complexation conditions, zonal migrations in ACE may, however, produce triangular peak shape, most often due to pronounced electromigration dispersion (EMD), and this may result in positively or negatively erroneous migration time assessments. In this work, EMD distorted triangular peak shapes obtained in the course of host-guest complexation studies were fitted with the Haarhoff-Van der Linde function, allowing better estimation of migration time. The model systems studied were those of beta-cyclodextrin and naproxen, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, or 1-adamantanecarboxylate. The impact of this correction on binding isotherms and binding constant evaluation was exemplified. Furthermore, in situations where the substrate concentration injected by far overtakes that of the ligand in the electrolyte, the interest in this peak shape correction was discussed in connection with the question of whether the free ligand concentration can be still considered equal to the ligand concentration introduced, a question that still remains under debate nowadays.

Effects of non-ionic surfactants on isotachophoretic separations of 2-arylpropionic acids

Non-ionic surfactant (Brij 35, Tween 20, Tween 80 and Tergitol NPX) modified capillary isotachophoresis was investigated for the separation of 2-arylpropionic acids (fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen) and benzoic acid and its derivatives (salicylic, acetylsalicylic and gallic acids). The relative step height (RSH) values of analytes were found to be dependent on the type and concentration of the surfactant. The strength of the affinity of the 2-arylpropionic acids to the non-ionic micelles was found to be as follows: flurbiprofen > fenoprofen > ibuprofen > naproxen > ketoprofen. In general, the RSH values of 2-arylpropionic acids increase with an increase in the concentration of surfactants. However, the RSHs of benzoic, salicylic and gallic acids are not considerably affected. Separation of all acids was obtained with the Tween 20 (1.5%, w/v) in the leading electrolyte 10 mmol L(-1) hydrochloric acid/L-histidine (pH 6.0). Changes in the fluorescence intensity of fenoprofen, flurbiprofen and naproxen were also investigated in micellar media (Tween 20, Tween 80 and Brij 35). The strength of the affinity of the 2-arylpropionic acids to the Tweens micelles was found to be as follows: flurbiprofen > fenoprofen > naproxen, which is consistent with the isotachophoretic results. On the contrary, the strength of the affinity to the Brij micelles was found to be as follows: fenoprofen > naproxen > flurbiprofen.

Chiral recognition ability of an (S)-naproxen- imprinted monolith by capillary electrochromatography

The racemic naproxen was selectively recognized by capillary electrochromatography (CEC) on an (S)-naproxen-imprinted monolith, which was prepared by an in situ thermal-initiated polymerization. The recognition selectivity of a selected monolith strictly relied on the CEC conditions involved. The factors that influence the imprinting selectivity as well as the electroosmotic flow (EOF), including the applied voltage, organic solvent, salt concentration and pH value of the buffer, column temperature, and surfactant modifiers were systematically studied. Once the column was prepared, the experiment results showed that the successful chiral recognition was dependent on CEC variables. For example: the recognition could be observed in acetonitrile and ethanol electrolytes, while methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) electrolytes had no chiral recognition ability. The buffer with pH values of 2.6 or 3.0 at a higher salt concentration had chiral recognition ability. Column temperatures of 25-35 degrees C were optimal. Three surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), can improve the recognition. Baseline resolution was obtained under optimized conditions and the column efficiency of the later eluent (S)-naproxen was 90 000 plates/m.

Naproxen removal from water by chlorination and biofilm processes

Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical that has been detected in natural and engineered aquatic environments. The primary aim of this research was to study chemical transformations of naproxen following chlorine oxidation, which is common in water and wastewater treatment systems. Synthetic waters containing elevated concentrations of naproxen were oxidized by free chlorine at naproxen:chlorine molar ratios of 0.02-3:1 and pH values of 5-9. The formation of naproxen products was dependent on pH, chlorine dosage and contact time. This study demonstrates that naproxen readily reacts with free chlorine and forms disinfection products. The formation of specific reaction products can vary depending on the characteristics of the water or wastewater and treatment operating conditions. More research is needed to identify intermediate and chemical reaction end products and to understand the reaction kinetics of naproxen chlorination for a range of water and wastewater treatment conditions. A secondary aim of this research was to study effects of naproxen and its chlorination products on biofilm processes, which are common in water and wastewater treatment systems and natural aquatic environments. A bioreactor was fed a naproxen solution and then fed a solution at the same naproxen concentration following contact with free chlorine. Results indicate that naproxen was not degraded biologically for the conditions of this study. In contrast, the naproxen solution containing products of chlorination caused an adverse response by discharging biomass from the bioreactor. Results therefore demonstrate that naproxen products of chlorination can adversely affect a biofilm process, which potentially can impact the performance of biofilm processes in natural and engineered aquatic environments. More research is needed to study naproxen chlorination reactions at low concentrations and in complex matrices, and to understand the toxicological relevance of naproxen and its products of chlorination in natural and engineered aquatic environments.

Enantiomeric resolution of 2-aryl propionic esters with hyperthermophilic and mesophilic esterases: contrasting thermodynamic mechanisms

The enantiomeric resolution of 2-aryl propionic esters by hyperthermophilic and mesophilic esterases was found to be governed by contrasting thermodynamic mechanisms. Entropic contributions predominated for mesophilic esterases from Candida rugosa and Rhizomucor miehei, while enthalpic forces controlled this resolution by the esterase from the extremely thermoacidophilic archaeon, Sulfolobus solfataricus P1. This disparity in thermodynamic mechanism can be attributed to the differences in conformational flexibility of mesophilic and thermophilic enzymes as they relate to the temperature range (4-70 degrees C) examined.

Enantiomeric separation of R,S-naproxen by conventional and nano-liquid chromatography with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin as a mobile phase additive

Chiral separations of R,S-naproxen mixtures were obtained on an achiral column (ODS) with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin as a mobile phase additive using conventional and nano-LC. The optimised mobile phase composition was 20 mmol l(-1) methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, 20% (v/v) acetonitrile, and 50 mmol l(-1) sodium acetate buffer at pH 3 using hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment. In addition to UV detection at 232 nm, amperometric detection was also investigated. Without using any internal standard, the reproducibility of amperometric detection (+1.05 V vs. Ag/AgCl) over a long analysis cycle in LC was greatly improved by choosing the peak area ratio between R- and S-naproxen as the analytical readout (the relative standard deviation was 2.11%) and enantiomeric purity could be assessed directly. This method was successfully employed for enantiomeric purity assessment in commercial naproxen tablets. Finally, successful transfer from conventional LC to nano-LC was realised, resulting in over 1000-fold reduction in reagent consumption.

LC-1H NMR used for determination of the elution order of S-naproxen glucuronide isomers in two isocratic reversed-phase LC-systems

The reactive metabolite S-naproxen-beta-1-O-acyl glucuronide was purified from human urine using solid phase extraction (SPE) and preparative HPLC. The structure was confirmed by 600 MHz 1H NMR. Directly coupled 600 MHz HPLC-1H NMR was used to assign the peaks in chromatograms obtained when analysing a sample containing S-naproxen aglycone and the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-isomers of S-naproxen-beta-1-O-acyl glucuronide in two simple isocratic reversed phase HPLC-systems. Using mobile phase 1 (50 mM formate buffer pH 5.75/acetonitrile 75:25 v/v) the elution order was: 4-O-acyl isomers, beta-1-O-acyl glucuronide, 3-O-acyl isomers, 2-O-acyl isomers, and S-naproxen aglycone. Using mobile phase II (25 mM potassium phosphate pH 7.40/acetonitrile 80:20 v/v) the elution order was: alpha/beta-4-O-acyl isomers, S-naproxen aglycone, beta-1-O-acyl glucuronide, 3-O-acyl isomers, and alpha/beta-2-O-acyl isomers. In both systems the elution order for the 2-, 3- and 4-O-acyl isomers corresponded with previously published results for 2-, 3-, and 4-fluorobenzoic acid glucuronide isomers determined by reversed phase HPLC-1H NMR (U.G. Sidelmann, S.H. Hansen, C. Gavaghan, A.W. Nicholls, H.A.J. Carless, J.C. Lindon, I.D. Wilson, J.K. Nicholson, J. Chromatogr. B Biomed. Appl. 685 (1996) 113-122]. The alpha-1-O-acyl isomer was found to be present at approximately 3% of the initial S-naproxen-beta-1-O-acyl glucuronide concentration in the glucuronide isomer mixture after 6 h of incubation at pH 7.40 and 37 degrees C. In both HPLC systems it eluted just before the beta-1-O-acyl glucuronide well separated from other isomers. Investigators should consider the possible formation of a alpha-1-O-acyl isomer when studying glucuronide reactivity and degradation.

Synthesis and characteristics of the human serum albumin-triazine chiral stationary phase

Human serum albumin (HSA) was successfully bonded to silica with s-triazine as activator. The coupling reaction by this method was rapid and effective. The triazine-activated silica is relatively stable and can be installed for at least 1 month without obvious loss of reactivity when stored below 30 degrees C, pH below 7. It was observed that the amount of bound HSA reached 120 mg/g silica calculated from the UV absorbance difference of the HSA solution. d, l-tryptophan was selected as the probe solute to characterize the properties of HSA bonded s-triazine chiral stationary phase, and separation factor of 9.4 was obtained for d,l-tryptophan. Furthermore, the amount of effective HSA on silica was measured by high-performance frontal analysis, and only 16.8 mg/g silica was responsible for the resolution of d,l-tryptophan. These results indicate that the amount of both the bound and effective HSA on silica with triazine as activator was much higher than those by the Schiff base coupling method. Different kinds of enantiomers were resolved successfully on the aminopropylsilica-bonded HSA s-triazine chiral stationary phase.

Dynamic kinetic resolution of suprofen thioester via coupled trioctylamine and lipase catalysis

A lipase-catalyzed enantioselective hydrolysis process under conditions of continuous in situ racemization of substrate with trioctylamine as the catalyst was developed for the production of (S)-suprofen from (R,S)-suprofen 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl thioester in isooctane. A detailed investigation of trioctylamine concentration on the enzyme activation and stability as well as the kinetic behaviors of the thioester in racemization and enzymatic reaction was conducted, in which good agreement between the experimental data and theoretical results was observed. A complete conversion of the racemate for the desired (S)-suprofen in 95% ee(P) was obtained. Moreover, the recovery of the acid product by extraction and reuse of the organic solution were reported.

Isolation of (S)-(+)-naproxene from Musa acuminata. Inhibitory effect of naproxene and its 7-methoxy isomer on constitutive COX-1 and inducible COX-2

The isolation and characterisation of (S)-(+)-6-methoxy-alpha-methyl-2-naphthaleneacetic acid, a well known synthetic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (naproxene), from a natural source is described for the first time. We evaluated the ability of naproxene and its 7-methoxy isomer to abrogate constitutive COX-1 and inducible COX-2 activity in human A549 cells. Naproxene inhibited COX-1 (IC50 = 3.42 microM) and COX-2 (IC50 = 1.53 microM), whereas the 7-methoxy isomer had no appreciable effect on COX-1 (IC50 >> 100 microM) but also abrogated the activity of COX-2 enzyme (IC50 = 14.42 microM).

Liquid-phase microextraction and capillary electrophoresis of acidic drugs

Vial liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) combined with capillary electrophoresis (CE) was evaluated for the determination of the acidic drugs ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen present in water samples and in human urine. The 2.5 mL samples containing the drugs were filled into conventional vials and subsequently acidified by 250 microL of 1-10 M HCl. Porous hollow fibers of polypropylene containing 25 microL of an aqueous solution of 0.01-0.1 M NaOH (acceptor solution) and with dihexyl ether immobilized in the pores of the wall were placed into each of the samples. The acidic drugs were extracted from the acidified sample solutions into the dihexyl ether phase, in the pores of the hollow fiber, and further into the alkaline acceptor solution forced by high partition coefficients. The drugs were extracted almost quantitatively (75-100% extraction efficiency) from the 2.5 mL samples and into the 25 microL acceptor solutions, providing 75-100 times preconcentration. The acceptor solutions were collected for automated CE analysis, which enabled the drugs to be detected down to the 1 ng/mL level.

[Chiral separation of naproxen and flurbiprofen by capillary electrophoresis]

The acidic chiral drugs naproxen and flurbiprofen were successfully separated into two enantiomers when beta-cyclodextrins (beta-CDs) were used as chiral selectors by capillary zone electrophoresis, under the conditions of 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer with pH 4.92. The comparison of four CDs, namely beta-CD, DM-beta-CD, HP-beta-CD and TM-beta-CD for chiral separation was made. Naproxen can be separated by either beta-CD or its derivatives, while flurbiprofen can only be separated by TM-beta-CD among the CDs. The elution order of enantiomers of naproxen in different CDs was also studied, and the R form always eluted before S form when any of the four CDs was used as chiral selectors. The method of chiral separation for weak acidic compounds was also developed. It was proved that the optimum pH value for their chiral separation was about 5, close to its pKa value.

[Separation and determination of naproxen by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography]

A reversed-phase HPLC method has been developed for the separation and determination of naproxen and its bromo-substituted compound. These compounds were separated on a Shim-pack CLC ODS column (5 microns, 250 mm x 4.6 mm i.d.) by using a methanol-water (80/20, V/V) solution containing 50 mmol/L lactic acid and adjusted to pH 2.5 with perchloric acid as mobile phase, with flow rate of 0.8 mL/min and UV detection at 271 nm. Benzoic acid was selected as an internal standard. At the concentration range of 5-100 mg/L, the linear internal standard working curves with r > 0.9995 were obtained. The accuracy of this method for naproxen and its bromo-substituted compound were 99.83%-102.07% and 99.00%-100.83%, and RSD were < 2.58% and < 3.64% respectively.

Novel separation scheme for capillary electrophoresis of enantiomers

A systematic approach is described for methods development of chiral separations of weak acidic and basic compounds by capillary electrophoresis, using several natural and derivatized neutral cyclodextrins as chiral selectors. Following the methods development scheme suggested here, the appropriate pH of the running buffer as well as the type and concentration of the cyclodextrin is established for the separation of enantiomers. Preselected chiral selectors of beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin in low and high concentrations, dissolved in low pH, high pH or pH = pK buffers, are employed during the separation method development and optimization. Depending on the type of separation, introduced by Vigh (desionoselective: only the nondissociated; ionoselective: only the dissociated; duo-selective: both enantiomers complex selectively), in most instances at least one of the pH/cyclodextrin combinations results in acceptable separation of the solute enantiomers. The viability of the approach is demonstrated through step by step development of chiral separation for several basic and acidic enantiomers.

Enzyme-catalysed enantioselective hydrolysis of racemic naproxen nitrile

The bacterial strain Rhodococcus butanica (ATCC 21197), which exhibits nitrilase and nitrile hydratase/amidase activities, catalyses the enantioselective hydrolysis of racemic naproxen nitrile (R/S)-1 to furnish a moderate enantiomeric excess of (S)-naproxen (S)-3. Racemic naproxen amide (R/S)-2 is not a good substrate for this strain. Resting cells of the newly selected bacterial strain Rhodococcus sp. C3II catalyse the enantioselective hydrolyses of racemic naproxen nitrile (R/S)-1 and naproxen amide (R/S)-2 as well, to give (S)-3 in excellent optical (99% e.e.) and good chemical yields in aqueous medium and in the biphasic system of phosphate buffer/hexane.

Evaluation of the macrocyclic antibiotic vancomycin as a chiral selector for capillary electrophoresis

Vancomycin is one of a family of related macrocyclic glycopeptide antibiotics that were discovered by scientists at the Eli Lilly Company in the 1950s. It has been used to treat severe staphylococcal infections, particularly when bacterial resistance to other antibiotics has developed. Vancomycin is a naturally occurring chiral compound and has a number of stereogenic centers. Furthermore, it contains a variety of functionalities that are known to be useful for enantioselective interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding groups, hydrophobic pockets, aromatic groups, amide linkages, etc.). The physiochemical properties of vancomycin, including its stability in solution, are discussed as they pertain to capillary electrophoresis. Over 100 racemates were resolved including many nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, antineoplastic compounds and N-derivatized amino acids. Many of these compounds had very high resolution factors. Optimization and the effect of different experimental parameters on the enantioselective separations are discussed.

Separation of (R)- and (S)-naproxen using micellar chromatography and an alpha 1-acid-glycoprotein column: application for chiral monitoring in human liver microsomes by coupled-column chromatography

A column-switching system for fast determination of (R)- and (S)-naproxen in liver microsomes has been developed. The centrifuged sample was injected directly onto a pre-column with octadecylcoated silica. The retained analytes were then directed to an alpha 1-AGP column using a mobile phase composed of phosphate buffer (pH 6.5), dimethylocytylamine (30 mM) and the nonionic surfactant, Tween 20 (40 g/l). The method gave high absolute recoveries and good repeatabilities: 99.6% (1.7% relative standard deviation) and 94.9% (2.4% R.S.D.) for the (R)- and (S)-naproxen, respectively. The use of a surfactant in combination with an aliphatic amine in the mobile phase involves reduced retention times with retained enantioselectivity. Furthermore, the presence of the surfactant makes it possible to inject biological samples directly into the chromatographic system.

Isolation and identification of 6-desmethylnaproxen sulfate as a new metabolite of naproxen in human plasma

A new metabolite of naproxen, 6-desmethylnaproxen sulfate (6-DMNS), has been identified in plasma from normal and uremic subjects after oral administration of a single 500 mg dose of naproxen. Tentative identification was achieved by the finding of an increase in the concentration of 6-DMN upon incubation of the plasma with arylsulfatase from Helix pomatia or from Aerobacter aerogenes. More definitive identification was established through demonstration that the HPLC retention time of the conjugate is identical to that of an authentic reference sample of 6-DMNS. Unequivocal identification was accomplished by means of LC-MS after the metabolite was isolated from the plasma by protein precipitation with acetonitrile and further purified by anion-exchange and reversed phase HPLC. Plasma profiles of 6-DMNS for normal and uremic subjects, obtained by a procedure involving differential enzymatic hydrolysis using arylsulfatase from H. pomatia, revealed that 6-DMNS was present in plasma from all subjects but in relatively high concentrations only in subjects with impaired renal function and that the extent of the conjugation is related directly to the severity of the dysfunction. No evidence was found for the presence of glucuronide or sulfate conjugates of naproxen in plasma.