Open-air storage with and without composting as post-treatment methods to degrade pharmaceutical residues in anaerobically digested and dewatered sewage sludge

Over a period of 12 months, the fate of three hormones, 12 antibiotics and 30 pharmaceutically active substances (PhACs) was investigated during open-air storage without and with composting of anaerobically digested and dewatered sewage sludge. The effect of oxidation conditions during storage on degradation of hormones and PhACs in the sludge biomass was also examined. Under summer and winter conditions in Uppsala County, Sweden, two field-scale sludge windrows were constructed: open-air storage of sewage sludge windrow without composting (NO-COM)) and open-air storage windrow with composting (COM). NO-COM achieved effective removal of ∑Hormones (85%) and ∑Antibiotics (95%), but lower removal of ∑PhACs (34%), during the study year. The top layers of the sludge pile had significantly lower concentrations of ∑PhACs (3100-5100 ng/g ash) than deeper layers (8000-11,000 ng/g ash). After one year of composting, the degradation in the COM windrow resulted in concentrations of ∑Hormones (<LOD), ∑Antibiotics (<LOD), while the ∑PhCAs was 5% (730 ng/g ash) of initial (13,000 ng/g ash). The half-life of substances during composting in COM was within 7-100 days for all substances except ibuprofen (156 days). The first-order degradation constant (K) was the lowest for ibuprofen (0.0045 day^-1) and the highest for oxazepam (0.0805 day^-1). In conclusion, composting of sludge was effective in degrading the target hormones, antibiotics, and PhACs.

N-Glycosylation profiling of intact target proteins by high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) and glycan analysis using ion mobility-MS/MS

Glycosylation characterization could lead to the discovery of biomarkers and is crucial in quality control of biopharmaceuticals. Here we present a method to quantify glycoforms on intact proteins, with parallel glycan identification by IMS-MS/MS.

Particle-based N-linked glycan analysis of selected proteins from biological samples using nonglycosylated binders

Glycosylation is one of the most common and important post-translational modifications, influencing both the chemical and the biological properties of proteins. Studying the glycosylation of the entire protein population of a sample can be challenging because variations in the concentrations of certain proteins can enhance or obscure changes in glycosylation. Furthermore, alterations in the glycosylation pattern of individual proteins, exhibiting larger variability in disease states, have been suggested as biomarkers for different types of cancer, as well as inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. In this paper, we present a rapid and efficient method for glycosylation analysis of individual proteins focusing on changes in the degree of fucosylation or other alterations to the core structure of the glycans, such as the presence of bisecting N-acetylglucosamines and a modified degree of branching. Streptavidin-coated magnetic beads are used in combination with genetically engineered immunoaffinity binders, called VHH antibody fragments. A major advantage of the VHHs is that they are nonglycosylated; thus, enzymatic release of glycans from the targeted protein can be performed directly on the beads. After deglycosylation, the glycans are analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS. The developed method was evaluated concerning its specificity, and thereafter implemented for studying the glycosylation pattern of two different proteins, alpha-1-antitrypsin and transferrin, in human serum and cerebrospinal fluid. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a protein array-type experiment that employs bead-based immunoaffinity purification in combination with mass spectrometry analysis for fast and efficient glycan analysis of individual proteins in biological fluid.

Benzothiazole, benzotriazole, and their derivates in clothing textiles--a potential source of environmental pollutants and human exposure

Textiles play an important role in our daily life, and textile production is one of the oldest industries. In the manufacturing chain from natural and/or synthetic fibers to the final clothing products, the use of many different chemicals is ubiquitous. A lot of research has focused on chemicals in textile wastewater, but the knowledge of the actual content of harmful chemicals in clothes sold on the retail market is limited. In this paper, we have focused on eight benzothiazole and benzotriazole derivatives, compounds rated as high production volume chemicals. Twenty-six clothing samples of various textile materials and colors manufactured in 14 different countries were analyzed in textile clothing using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Among the investigated textile products, 11 clothes were for babies, toddlers, and children. Eight of the 11 compounds included in the investigation were detected in the textiles. Benzothiazole was present in 23 of 26 investigated garments in concentrations ranging from 0.45 to 51 μg/g textile. The garment with the highest concentration of benzothiazole contained a total amount of 8.3 mg of the chemical. The third highest concentration of benzothiazole (22 μg/g) was detected in a baby body made from "organic cotton" equipped with the "Nordic Ecolabel" ("Svanenmärkt"). It was also found that concentrations of benzothiazoles in general were much higher than those for benzotriazoles. This study implicates that clothing textiles can be a possible route for human exposure to harmful chemicals by skin contact, as well as being a potential source of environmental pollutants via laundering and release to household wastewater.

Community interactions modify the effects of pharmaceutical exposure: a microcosm study on responses to propranolol in Baltic Sea coastal organisms

This study investigated the uptake and effects of a common human pharmaceutical, propranolol, on the structure and function of a coastal Baltic Sea model community consisting of macroalga (Ceramium tenuicorne), mussels (Mytilus edulis trossulus), amphipods (Gammarus spp.), water and sediment. The most sensitive species, the mussel, was affected to the same extent as in previous single species studies, while the effects on the amphipod and alga were smaller or even positive compared to experiments performed in less complex test systems. The observed cascade of beneficial effects was a result of inter-specific species interactions that buffered for more severe effects. The poor condition of the mussel led to a feeding shift from alga to mussel by the amphipods. The better food quality, due to the dietary shift, counteracted the effects of the exposure. Less amphipod grazing, together with increased levels of nutrients in the water was favourable for the alga, despite the negative effects of propranolol. This microcosm study showed effects on organisms on different organizational levels as well as interactions among the different components resulting in indirect exposure effects of both functional and structural nature. The combination of both direct and indirect effects would not have been detected using simpler single- or even two-species study designs. The observed structural changes would in the natural environment have a long-term influence on ecosystem function, especially in a low-biodiversity ecosystem like the Baltic Sea.

Glycosylation profiling of therapeutic antibodies in serum samples using a microfluidic CD platform and MALDI-MS

The serum clearance rate of therapeutic antibodies is important as it affects the clinical efficacy, required dose, and dose frequency. The glycosylation of antibodies has in some studies been shown to have an impact on the elimination rates in vivo. Monitoring changes to the glycan profiles in pharmacokinetics studies can reveal whether the clearance rates of the therapeutic antibodies depend on the different glycoforms, thereby providing useful information for improvement of the drugs. In this paper, a novel method for glycosylation analysis of therapeutic antibodies in serum samples is presented. A microfluidic compact-disc (CD) platform in combination with MALDI-MS was used to monitor changes to the glycosylation profiles of samples incubated in vitro. Antibodies were selectively purified from serum using immunoaffinity capture on immobilized target antigens. The glycans were enzymatically released, purified, and finally analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS. To simulate changes to glycan profiles after administration in vivo, a therapeutic antibody was incubated in serum with the enzyme α1-2,3 mannosidase to artificially reduce the amount of the high mannose glycoforms. Glycan profiles were monitored at specific intervals during the incubation. The relative abundance of the high mannose 5 glycoform was clearly found to decrease and, simultaneously, that of high mannose 4 increased over the incubation period. The method can be performed in a rapid, parallel, and automated fashion for glycosylation profiling consuming low amounts of samples and reagents. This can contribute to less labor work and reduced cost of the studies of therapeutic antibodies glycosylation in vitro and in vivo.

Physiological effects of diclofenac, ibuprofen and propranolol on Baltic Sea blue mussels

Pharmaceuticals are constantly dispersed into the environment and little is known of the effects on non-target organisms. This is an issue of growing concern. In this study, Baltic Sea blue mussels, Mytilus edulis trossulus, were exposed to diclofenac, ibuprofen and propranolol, three pharmaceuticals that are produced and sold in large quantities and have a widespread occurrence in aquatic environments. The mussels were exposed to pharmaceuticals in concentrations ranging from 1 to 10,000 microg l(-1). The pharmaceuticals were added both separately and in combination. Mussels exposed to high concentrations of pharmaceuticals showed a clear response compared to controls. Firstly, they had a significantly lower scope for growth, which indicates that the organisms had a smaller part of their energy available for normal metabolism, and secondly, they had lower byssus strength and lower abundance of byssus threads, resulting in reduced ability to attach to the underlying substrate. Mussels exposed to lower concentrations showed tendencies of the same results. The concentration of diclofenac and propranolol was quantified in the mussels using both liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The measurements showed a significantly higher concentration in the organisms as compared to the water the mussels were exposed to; the uptake reached concentrations two orders of magnitudes higher than found in sewage treatment plant effluents. This study showed that common pharmaceuticals are taken up and negatively affect the physiology of a non-target species at levels of two to three orders of magnitudes higher than found in sewage treatment plant effluents.

SALDI-MS signal enhancement using oxidized graphitized carbon black nanoparticles

The signal intensity of low-molecular-weight compounds analyzed using surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SALDI-TOF-MS) was significantly enhanced when oxidized graphitized carbon black (GCB) particles were used as the desorption/ionization surface. The surface of oxidized GCB contains more carboxylic acid groups than non-oxidized GCB. Carboxylic acid groups enhance the efficiency of the ionization process and the desorption of more hydrophobic compounds. A common pharmaceutical compound, propranolol, was successfully extracted from Baltic Sea blue mussels and quantified using oxidized GCB as the SALDI surface, whereas deuterated propranolol was used as the internal standard. The calibration curve showed a wide linear dynamic range of response (0.1-20 microg/mL) and good reproducibility (RSD < 10%). It was not possible to detect propranolol in Baltic Sea blue mussels when non-oxidized GCB was used as the SALDI surface.

Parallel Nanoliter Microfluidic Analysis System

A parallel nanoliter microfluidic analysis system based on capillary action, centrifugal force, and hydrophobic barriers is described. The precision of 112 parallel volume definition operations is determined to 0.75% CV at 200 nL using the individual sample introduction structure. For 20 nL, the actual measurement error is the dominating factor, with a combined error of 1.9% CV. Individual dispensing as well as dispensing through a common distribution channel is described. The volume definition precision for the common distribution channel is 1.6% CV for 200 nL. Unlike the dominating forces in microliter-sized channel systems, we describe hysteresis effects as exerting a major influence, which needs to be considered in order to control the operation and design of discrete nanoliter fluidics. Hydrophobic patches at the corners of the rectangular channel control corner-enhanced wicking. Excellent flow control of 1 and 2 nL/s is achieved using a predefined spin program.

Micellar electrokinetic chromatography separation and laser-induced fluorescence detection of the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal

4-Hydroxnonenal (HNE) is a product of lipid peroxidation in biological systems that causes a variety of harmful biological effects. A method for identifying HNE based on derivatization with the fluorescent reagent dansylhydrazine (5-(dimethylamino)naphthalene-1-sulphonehydrazine (DNSH) followed by micellar electrokinetic chromatography separation laser-induced fluorescence detection has been developed. The derivatization reaction has also been investigated for significant experimental parameters and rat brain homogenates with induced lipid peroxidation have been analysed for HNE contents. The limit of detection (3 S/N) was 30 nM or 0.3 fmol in the injected sample.

Stereoselective determination of amino acids in beta-amyloid peptides and senile plaques

A novel method for the determination of the enantiomeric composition of peptides is presented. In this paper, the focus has been on beta-amyloid peptides from deceased Alzheimer's disease patients. The peptides are hydrolyzed using mineral acid. The free amino acids are derivatized with the chiral reagent (+)- or (-)-1-(9-anthryl)-2-propyl chloroformate and subsequently separated using micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) and detected using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. The high separation efficiency of the MEKC-LIF system, yielding approximately 1 million theoretical plates/m for most amino acids, facilitates the simultaneous chiral determination of nine amino acids. The samples that have been analyzed were standard 1-40 beta-amyloid peptides, in vitro precipitated beta-amyloid fibrils, and human senile plaque samples.

Methyl malondialdehyde as an internal standard for the determination of malondialdehyde

Methyl malondialdehyde (Me-MDA) is suggested as an internal standard for the determination of the lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA). A procedure for synthesising the Me-MDA sodium salt is described in detail. The purity and identity of the synthesised Me-MDA have been confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance and UV spectroscopy, and by micellar electrokinetic chromatography. The applicability of Me-MDA as an internal standard has been demonstrated for rat brain homogenate samples. These samples were purified solely through ultrafiltration. The preferred analytical technique was capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with UV detection at 267 nm. The limits of detection (3 S/N) for the CZE separations of Me-MDA and MDA were 0.5 and 0.2 microM, respectively, and the total analysis time was approximately 10 min. Details of separations are also presented using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection at 245 nm, and gas chromatography, together with either electron capture or mass spectrometric detection. The GC separations require derivatisation of MDA and Me-MDA with pentafluorophenylhydrazine while the CZE and HPLC separations can be performed on the native molecules.

Optimisation of resolution in micellar electrokinetic chromatography by multivariate evaluation of electrolytes

A novel approach to multivariate evaluation of separation electrolytes for micellar electrokinetic chromatography is presented. An initial screening of the experimental parameters is performed using a Plackett-Burman design. Significant parameters are further evaluated using full factorial designs. The total resolution of the separation is calculated and used as response. The proposed scheme has been applied to the optimisation of the separation of phenols and the chiral separation of (+)-1-(9-anthryl)-2-propyl chloroformate-derivatized amino acids. A total of eight experimental parameters were evaluated and optimal conditions found in less than 48 experiments.

Chiral separation of amino acids in biological fluids by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with laser-induced fluorescence detection

A method is presented for the chiral analysis of amino acids in biological fluids using micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). The amino acids are derivatized with the chiral reagent (+/-)-1-(9-anthryl)-2-propyl chloroformate (APOC) and separated using a mixed micellar separation system. No tedious pre-purification of samples is required. The excellent separation efficiency and good detection capabilities of the MEKC-LIF system are exemplified in the analysis of urine and cerebrospinal fluid. This is the first time MEKC has been reported for chiral analysis of amino acids in biological fluids. The amino acids D-alanine, D-glutamine, and D-aspartic acid have been observed in cerebrospinal fluid, and D-alanine and D-glutamic acid in urine. To the best of our knowledge no measurements of either D-alanine in cerebrospinal fluid or D-glutamic acid in urine have been presented in the literature before.

Enantiomeric determination of amino compounds with high sensitivity using the chiral reagents (+)- and (-)-1-(9-anthryl)-2-propyl chloroformate

New chiral precolumn reagents, (+)- and (-)-1-(9-anthryl)-2-propyl chloroformate (APOC), are introduced for the chiral separation of amino acids and small peptides in capillary electrophoresis. Chiral separation of 17 amino acids and four small peptides as their diastereomeric 1-(9-anthryl)-2-propyl carbamate derivatives have been achieved by micellar electrokinetic chromatography. The detection limit for the derivatives is in the femtomole range with UV detection and in the attomole range with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. LIF detection was used to determine the enantiomeric excess of four APOC-derivatised peptides. The use of the new, anthracene-based reagents in conjunction with argon ion LIF makes enantiomeric determinations at ppm levels feasible. In this paper determinations below promille levels are performed without overloading the separation system.