A selective fluorescent probe for relay detection of Zn2+ and tartrate: Application to logic circuit and living cell imaging

A novel fluorescent probe 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(phenylethylamino)methyloxazole (HPO) has been synthesized, which performed highly selective and sensitive detection of Zn²⁺ ion with a discriminating enhancement over the other metal ions. The binding constant was calculated as 3.07 × 10³ M^-1 with detection limit of 1.22 × 10^-6 M in aqueous solution (CH₃CN-Tris v/v, 1/1, Tris, 10 mM, pH = 7.4). Moreover, the HPO-Zn²⁺ complex could serve as an excellent tartrate anion (TA). The detection mode maybe due to TA detach Zn²⁺ ion from HPO-Zn²⁺ complex leading to resulting in the release of the free probe HPO. As a result, a logic circuit has also been constructed on the basis of Zn²⁺ and TA as chemical inputs. Furthermore, fluorescence imaging experiments showed that probe HPO could be used as an effective fluorescent probe for detecting Zn²⁺ and TA in living cells.

Consistency evaluation between matrix components ratio and microbiological potency of tylosin major components

Background

The aim of our research work was to investigate the relative potencies of matrix components of tylosin, a multi-component antibiotic, and establishing a quantitative relationship between content and potency of each component.

Methods

The potencies of tylosin matrix components were determined by using three bioassay methods. The content of tylosin components (tylosin A, B, C, and D) in different tylosin samples were determined by using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique and their theoretical potencies were calculated. Equivalency of theoretical and microbiological potencies for each sample was evaluated using statistical analysis.

Results

The highest amount of tylosin B content was found in tylosin phosphate and tartrate (up to 19%). Tylosin D content in all tylosin samples varied in the range of 0.03 to 18.73%. Tylosin A, B, and C showed similar sensitivity to the Kocuria rhizophila, the test organism in agar-diffusion method, while the potency of tylosin D was 39% of A. In the turbidimetric methods by Staphylococcus aureus, tylosin D and B responses to A component were ranged from 22.5 to 22.8% and 77.3 to 79.3%, respectively, while potencies of tylosin C and A were almost equal. The biopotency conversion factors were not resulted to a single factor, due to the different antibacterial activity of tylosin components.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that defining individual limit for the low active matrix components and for the total of other components with similar high activity could improve the accuracy of potency results.

Graphical abstract

A stimuli-responsive fluorescence platform for simultaneous determination of d-isoascorbic acid and Tartaric acid based on Maillard reaction product

An activatable fluorescence monitoring platform based on a novel Maillard reaction product from d-glucose and L-arginine was prepared through a facile one-pot approach and applied for simultaneous detection of d-isoascorbic acid and tartaric acid. In this work, the new Maillard reaction product GLA was first obtained, and its fluorescence intensity can be effectively quenched by KMnO₄, resulting from a new complex (GLA-KMnO₄) formation between GLA and KMnO₄. Upon addition of d-isoascorbic acid or tartaric acid, an enhanced fluorescence was observed under the optimumed experimental conditions, indicating a stimuli-responsive fluorescence turn on platform for d-isoascorbic acid or tartaric acid can be developed. The corresponding experimental results showed that this turn on fluorescence sensing platform has a high sensitivity for d-isoascorbic acid or tartaric acid, because the detection limits were 5.9μM and 21.5μM, respectively. Additionally, this proposed sensing platform was applied to simultaneously detection of d-isoascorbic acid and tartaric acid in real tap water samples with satisfactory results.

Production of tartaric acid using immobilized recominant cis-epoxysuccinate hydrolase

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and immobilization of recombinant cis-epoxysuccinate hydrolase (ESH), and its application in the biological production of L-(+)-tartaric acid.

RESULTS

E. coli BL21 (DE3)/pET11a-ESH (His) was engineered to express recombinant ESH. The enzyme had an activity of 262 U mg^-1. The recombinant ESH was immobilized on agarose Ni-IDA matrix with metal ion affinity interaction to improve its thermostability and pH stability. The immobilization efficiency and activity yield were 94 and 95%, respectively. The specific catalytic efficiency of immobilized ESH was 104 mg U^-1 h^-1 during the continuous enzymatic production process.

CONCLUSION

ESH with a histidine tag was immobilized and used for the continuous production of L-(+)-tartaric acid.

Nutrient profiles of the hybrid grape cultivar 'Isabel' during berry maturation and ripening

BACKGROUND

The hybrid grape cultivar 'Isabel' (Vitis labrusca × V. vinifera) is widely grown in the Black Sea region of Turkey and constitutes an important part of the diet of its inhabitants. Phenological and ampelographic studies of the grape have previously been performed, but there are no data concerning nutrient composition. Its nutrient content needs to be investigated to ascertain its potential economic and nutritional uses in the region.

RESULTS

The concentrations (range, g kg^-1 fresh weight) of major soluble sugars (fructose 2.08-79.70; glucose 3.71-66.74) increased and those of organic acids (tartaric acid 0.05-6.60; malic acid 2.38-9.92) decreased in the skin and pulp during ripening. The major fatty acid was linoleic acid in the skin (50.13), pulp (18.11) and seed (704), while the main minerals (dry weight) were potassium (2.70-19.70), followed by phosphorus (0.53-3.40) and calcium (0.42-5.90) in the parts.

CONCLUSION

Berry maturation and ripening significantly influenced the concentrations of sugars and organic acids the most in the skin and pulp, but did not significantly affect the concentrations of fatty acids and minerals in the 'Isabel' grape. Our findings also suggest an optimal harvest time in terms of levels of the nutrients. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Rapid Measurement of Food Adulteration with Minimal Sample Preparation and No Chromatography Using Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry

A rapid method, with minimal sample preparation and no chromatography, was developed for analyzing food samples such as olive oil and pomegranate juice to measure adulteration with cheaper ingredients using the novel Direct Sample Analysis™ (DSA) ion source in conjunction with a time-of-flight (TOF)-MS. In less than 30 s, with minimal sample preparation and method development, adulteration of olive oil and pomegranate juice with cheaper seed oils and fruit juices, respectively, was measured with DSA/TOF-MS.

Pomegranate juice adulteration by addition of grape or peach juices

BACKGROUND

Pomegranate juice has gained a high reputation for its health properties and consequently is now a highly demanded product. However, owing to the limited production and high price of fresh pomegranates, adulteration of pomegranate juice seems to be happening. Hence it is imperative to establish criteria for detecting adulteration.

RESULTS

Addition of grape juice significantly increased the contents of Ca, Mg and Fe and especially tartaric acid and proline and simultaneously decreased the content of K. Addition of peach juice up to 10% (v/v) only resulted in a significant increase in sucrose content. Regarding the volatile composition, adulteration of pomegranate juice with grape juice resulted in significant increases in acetic acid, isoamyl butyrate and especially 1-hexanol and linalool, while adulteration with peach juice resulted in significant increases in butyl acetate, isobutyl butyrate, benzyl acetate and especially isoamyl butyrate.

CONCLUSION

The control protocols used in this study can serve as a basis for identification of pomegranate juice adulteration. It is important to highlight that it is necessary to simultaneously analyze and have results from several parameters to conclude that a particular pomegranate juice has been adulterated by mixing with another fruit juice.

Development and in vitro evaluation of a transdermal hydrogel patch for ferulic acid

Current work aimed to develop and evaluate a transdermal delivery system of hydrogel patch for ferulic acid to treat skin damage induced by UV radiation. VISCOMATE(TM) NP700, dihydroxy aluminium aminoacetate, glycerine, tartaric acid were used in combination in different ratios to design the hydrogel patch. In vitro release rate was selected as an index to optimize the formulation. The formulated hydrogel patch was evaluated by several parameters like tacking strength, cohesive strength, peeling strength, residuals after peeling and drug content determination. The in vitro penetration was determined by Franz diffusion technology with hairless mouse skin as permeability media. Different kinetics models were employed to simulate the release and penetrate patterns of ferulic acid from patches in order to investigate the drug transport mechanism. The residual drugs in the patch and skin were determined after the penetration experiment. The optimized preparation was dihydroxy aluminium aminoacetate: NP700: glycerine: ferulic acid as a ratio of 0.02:0.4:1.5:1.25:0.25. The cumulative percentage of release was 60.4465±1.7679% for 24h, which results from a combination of diffusion effect and polymer erosion effect. For the barrier of stratum corneum, the cumulative penetrate rate was only 1.3156±0.3588% and the release mechanism turn out to be the effect of erosion of polymer surface. The residual drugs in the patch were 97.5949±1.4932%. The in vitro data revealed that it was easy for ferulic acid to release from the paste while difficult to permeate through the skin barrier, which resulted in most of drugs residued in the paste. Hence, further experiments will be necessary for finding the penetration enhancer in ferulic acid transdermal delivery.

Influence of the freezing method on the changes that occur in grape samples after frozen storage

BACKGROUND

Sample freezing is frequently used in oenological laboratories as a compromise solution to increase the number of samples that can be analysed, despite the fact that some grape characteristics are known to change after frozen storage. However, freezing is usually performed using standard freezers, which provide a slow freezing. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether blast freezing would decrease the impact of standard freezing on grape composition.

RESULTS

Grape quality parameters were assessed in fresh and in frozen stored samples that had been frozen using three different procedures: standard freezing and blast freezing using either a blast freezer or an ultra-freezer. The implications of frozen storage in grape samples reported in earlier research were observed for the three freezing methods evaluated. Although blast freezing improved repeatability for the most problematic parameters (tartaric acidity, TarA; total phenolics, TP), the improvement was not important from a practical point of view. However, TarA and TP were relatively repeatable among the three freezing procedures, which suggests that freezing had an effect on these parameters independently of the method used . According to our results, the salification potential of the must is probably implied in the changes observed for TarA, whereas for TP the precipitation of protoanthocyanins after association with cell wall material is hypothesized to cause the lack of repeatability between fresh and frozen grapes.

CONCLUSIONS

Blast freezing would not imply a great improvement if implemented in oenological laboratories, at least for the parameters included in this study.

Characterizing an extractive electrospray ionization (EESI) source for the online mass spectrometry analysis of organic aerosols

Organic compounds comprise a major fraction of tropospheric aerosol and understanding their chemical complexity is a key factor for determining their climate and health effects. We present and characterize here a new online technique for measuring the detailed chemical composition of organic aerosols, namely extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (EESI-MS). Aerosol particles composed of soluble organic compounds were extracted into and ionized by a solvent electrospray, producing molecular ions from the aerosol with minimal fragmentation. We demonstrate here that the technique has a time resolution of seconds and is capable of making stable measurements over several hours. The ion signal in the MS was linearly correlated with the mass of aerosol delivered to the EESI source over the range tested (3-600 μg/m(3)) and was independent of particle size and liquid water content, suggesting that the entire particle bulk is extracted for analysis. Tandem MS measurements enabled detection of known analytes in the sub-μg/m(3) range. Proof-of-principle measurements of the ozonolysis of oleic acid aerosol (20 μg/m(3)) revealed the formation of a variety of oxidation products in good agreement with previous offline studies. This demonstrates the technique's potential for studying the product-resolved kinetics of aerosol-phase chemistry at a molecular level with high sensitivity and time resolution.

Anion composition of açaı́ extracts

Many products labeled açaı́ are presently marketed as natural supplements with various claimed health benefits. Authentic açaı́ is expensive; as a result, numerous products labeled as containing açaı́ are being sold that actually contain little or no açaı́. Authentic açaı́ samples from Brazil and Florida as well as several reputed açaı́ products were analyzed by suppressed conductometric anion chromatography. Columns with different selectivities were used to obtain a complete separation of all anions. Tandem mass spectrometry was used for confirmation of the less common ions. Quinate, lactate, acetate, formate, galacturonate, chloride, sulfate, malate, oxalate, phosphate, citrate, isocitrate, and myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (phytate) were found. Only the Florida açaı́ had detectable levels of hexanoate. No açaı́ sample had any detectable levels of tartrate, which is present in abundance in grape juice, the most common adulterant. The highly characteristic anion profile and in particular the absence of tartrate can readily be used to identify authentic açaı́ products. Açaı́ from Florida had a 6 times greater level of phytate. The present analytical approach for phytate may be superior to extant methods.

Quality parameters and antioxidant properties in organic and conventionally grown broccoli after pre-storage hot water treatment

BACKGROUND

Demand for broccoli has increased due to its high content of bioactive compounds. However, broccoli is a perishable commodity with a short shelf life mainly due to dehydration, yellowing and losses of bioactive compounds. Thus, efficient treatments to preserve broccoli quality are needed.

RESULTS

The effect of heat treatment on senescence and antioxidant compounds evolution during storage at 20 °C was evaluated in organic and conventionally grown broccoli. Senescence evolved quickly as manifested by floral head yellowing, which was higher in conventional than in organic broccolis, but senescence was significantly delayed by heat treatment. All organic acids, including ascorbic acid, were found at higher concentrations in organic than in conventional broccoli at harvest but decreased during storage in all broccolis. Phenolic concentration and antioxidant activity (in both hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions) also decreased during storage, although these decreases were higher in conventional than in organic broccolis, and no differences were found attributable to heat treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Heat treatment was effective in delaying broccoli senescence, manifested by chlorophyll retention. In addition, organic broccoli maintained higher concentrations of bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid and phenolics) and antioxidant potential during storage than conventional broccoli, with higher potential health beneficial effects.

Determination of the complexing capacity of wine for Zn using the absence of gradients and nernstian equilibrium stripping technique

The complexing capacity of synthetic (0.011 M tartrate in 13.5% ethanol) and real wine (Raimat Abadia) in titrations with added total Zn concentrations up to 0.03 M has been determined following the free Zn concentrations with AGNES (absence of gradients and Nernstian equilibrium stripping) technique. A correction to find the preconcentration factor or gain (Y(1)) really applied at each one of the ionic strengths reached due to Zn additions along the titration has been applied. The standard implementation of AGNES to real wine led to the observation of two anomalous behaviors: (a) an increasingly negative current in the deposition stage (labeled as "HER" effect) and (b) a minimum in the currents of the stripping stage plot (labeled as the "dip" effect). A practical strategy to apply AGNES avoiding the dip effect has been developed to quantify properly free Zn concentrations. The van den Berg-Ružic-Lee linearization method (assuming the existence of just 1:1 complexes) has been adapted to consider the dilution effect and the ionic strength changes. Aggregated stability constants and total ligand concentrations have been calculated from synthetic and wine titration data. The found complexing capacity in the studied wine (c(T,L) = 0.0179 ± 0.0007 M) indicates the contribution of ligands other than tartrate (which is confirmed to be the main one).

Profiling of hydroxycinnamoyl tartrates and acylated anthocyanins in the skin of 34 Vitis vinifera genotypes

The diversity of berry skin flavonoids in grape genotypes has been previously widely investigated with regard to major compounds (nonacylated anthocyanins and flavonols), but much less with regard to acylated anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamoyl tartrates (HCTs). In this study, the composition of the phenolic fraction of the berry skin (free and acylated anthocyanins, flavonols, and HCTs) was assessed on 34 grapevine genotypes grown in a collection vineyard in northwestern Italy. The phenolic fraction was profiled on berries collected in the same vineyard, at the same ripening level across two successive vintages. The anthocyanin, HCT, and flavonol profiles were specific of each genotype, and the first two were relatively little affected by the vintage. A wide diversity in the polyphenolic fraction was shown among cultivars. Besides expected discriminatory effects of free anthocyanins and flavonol profiles, principal component analyses allowed a good discrimination of cultivars on the basis of coumaroylated anthocyanins and of the HCT profile. Anthocyanins were mostly acylated by aromatic acids, and acylation was independent from the anthocyanin substrate. HCTs were present mostly as coumaroyl and caffeoyl derivatives, and no correlation was observed between the same acylation patterns of tartrate and of anthocyanins. The results of this study are discussed in the light of new hypotheses on still unknown biosynthetic steps of phenolic substances and of the potential use of these substances in discrimination and identification of different grape cultivars in wines.

Optimization of NIR spectral data management for quality control of grape bunches during on-vine ripening

NIR spectroscopy was used as a non-destructive technique for the assessment of chemical changes in the main internal quality properties of wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) during on-vine ripening and at harvest. A total of 363 samples from 25 white and red grape varieties were used to construct quality-prediction models based on reference data and on NIR spectral data obtained using a commercially-available diode-array spectrophotometer (380–1,700 nm). The feasibility of testing bunches of intact grapes was investigated and compared with the more traditional must-based method. Two regression approaches (MPLS and LOCAL algorithms) were tested for the quantification of changes in soluble solid content (SSC), reducing sugar content, pH-value, titratable acidity, tartaric acid, malic acid and potassium content. Cross-validation results indicated that NIRS technology provided excellent precision for sugar-related parameters (r² = 0.94 for SSC and reducing sugar content) and good precision for acidity-related parameters (r² ranging between 0.73 and 0.87) for the bunch-analysis mode assayed using MPLS regression. At validation level, comparison of LOCAL and MPLS algorithms showed that the non-linear strategy improved the predictive capacity of the models for all study parameters, with particularly good results for acidity-related parameters and potassium content.

Improving downstream processes to recover tartaric acid, tartrate and nutrients from vinasses and formulation of inexpensive fermentative broths for xylitol production

BACKGROUND

Vinasses, the main liquid wastes from the distillation process of grape marc and wine lees, are acidic effluents with high organic content, including acids, carbohydrates, phenols, and unsaturated compounds with high chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand and solid concentrations. These wastes can be revalued to provide additional benefits when they are employed as feedstock of some compounds including tartaric acid, calcium tartrate and economic nutrients for the elaboration of fermentable broths.

RESULT

This study attempts to recover tartaric acid and calcium tartrate from vinasses. All the tartaric acid initially solubilised was recovered in both processes. The residual streams can be successfully employed as economic nutrients for the xylose to xylitol bioconversion, achieving higher global volumetric productivities (Q(P, xylitol) = 0.232 g L(-1) h(-1)) and products yields (Y(xylitol/S) = 0.57 g g(-1)) than fermentations carried out using commercial nutrients (Q(P, xylitol) = 0.193 g L(-1) h(-1) and Y(xylitol/S) = 0.55 g g(-1) respectively).

CONCLUSION

Tartaric acid can be recovered from vinasses in the form of tartaric acid crystals and calcium tartrate. The residual streams generated in the process can be used as economic nutrients for the production of xylitol by D. hansenii.

Fenton (H2O2/Fe) reaction involved in Penicillium sp. culture for DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane)] degradation

The purpose of this work was to demonstrate that a Fenton (H(2)O(2)/Fe) reaction was involved in DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane)] degradation in a culture of Penicillium sp. spiked with FeSO(4). A commercial DDT mixture (10% DDE [1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene], 30% o,p-DDT and 60% of p,p' -DDT) of 10 mg L(-1) was used. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), tartaric acid and oxalic acid were identified at 18 h in culture media, with and without added DDT; this correlated positively with lowering of pH from 5.8 to 2.7. Lower concentrations of oxalic acid and H(2)O(2) (7.9 and 52.6 mg L(-1), respectively) occurred in media with DDT at 30 h, in comparison to that one without DDT mixture (27.9 and 65.3 mg L(-1), respectively), at this time there was maximum degradation (87.7, 91.7 and 94.2%) for DDE, o,p-DDT and p,p'-DDT, respectively. We propose that the degradation of the DDT mixture by Penicillium sp. was through a Fenton reaction (H(2)O(2)/Fe) under acidic conditions produced in situ during the fungal culture amended with FeSO(4).

Flow Calorimetry—A Useful Tool for Determination of Immobilizedcis-Epoxysuccinate Hydrolase Activity fromNocardia tartaricans

Bacterial cells Nocardia tartaricans with cis-epoxysuccinate hydrolase activity were entrapped in hardened calcium pectate gel by a commercial high performance encapsulator. This enzyme (in a single step reaction with no formation of side products) was used to hydrolyze disodium cis-epoxysuccinate to a pure enantiomer--disodium L-(+)-tartrate. Activities of this enzyme were determined using flow calorimetry. The validity of this method was corroborated by HPLC and isotachophoresis. The immobilized biocatalyst has activity (75.8 U/mgdry) able to convert disodium cis-epoxysuccinate to disodium tartrate at 94% yield in 5.5h. Immobilization of N. tartaricans in hardened calcium pectate gel beads had a positive effect on the activity of cis-epoxysuccinate hydrolase, storage stability, yield, and time of bioconversion.

Studies of the spin Hamiltonian parameters and local structure for ZnO:Cu2+

The spin Hamiltonian parameters (the g factors and the hyperfine structure constants) and local structure for ZnO:Cu2+ are theoretically studied from the perturbation formulas of these parameters for a 3d9 ion under trigonally distorted tetrahedra. The ligand orbital and spin-orbit coupling contributions are taken into account from the cluster approach due to the significant covalency of the [CuO4](6-) cluster. According to the investigations, the impurity Cu2+ is suggested not to locate on the ideal Zn2+ site in ZnO but to undergo a slight outward displacement (approximately 0.01 angstroms) away from the ligand triangle along C3 axis. The calculated spin Hamiltonian parameters are in good agreement with the observed values. The validity of the above impurity displacement is also discussed.

Scaling-up in industrial winemaking using low electric current as an alternative to sulfur dioxide addition

AIMS

To better understand the outcome of employing low electric current (LEC) technology as a new preservation and alternative in wine technology, and to contribute to its development. It is used in industrial-scale winemaking with commercial yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) during the grape must fermentation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

LEC (200 mA, time 16 days) was applied to fresh grape must as an alternative method to the usual sulfur dioxide addition used in the industrial process; two tanks, each 30,000 l, were employed for parallel fermentations. The results show that LEC decreased the survival time and increased the death rate of apiculate yeasts, whereas it did not affect the growth and survival of S. cerevisiae. A comparison was made of the main chemical and sensory parameters of the wines obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

The results have demonstrated that the low-voltage treatment had a positive effect on the grape juice fermentation (yeast microflora) during the early stages of winemaking. SIGINIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results could be of significant importance in developing, for 'biological wine', new winemaking technologies for an innovative control process of yeast fermentation.

Control of oenological products: discrimination between different botanical sources of L-tartaric acid by isotope ratio mass spectrometry

Following previous studies on counterfeit of wines with synthetic ingredients, the possibility of frauds by natural external L-tartaric acid has also been investigated. The aim of this research was to map the stable isotope ratios of L-tartaric acid coming from botanical species containing large amounts of this compound: grape and tamarind. Samples of L-tartaric acid were extracted from the pulp of tamarind fruits originating from several countries and from grape must. delta(13)C and delta(18)O were measured for all samples. Additional delta(2)H measurements were performed as a complementary analysis to help discrimination of the botanical origin. Different isotopic patterns were observed for the different botanical origins. The multivariate statistical analysis of the data shows clear discrimination among the different botanical and synthetic sources. This approach could be a complementary tool for the control of L-tartaric acid used in oenology.

[Simultaneous determination of eight organic acids in Fructus mume by RP-HPLC]

OBJECTIVE

To develop an HPLC method for the simultaneous separation and determination of oxalic acid (OA), tartaric acid(TA), malic acid(MA), vitamin C (VC), lactic acid (LA), acetic acid (AA) citric acid (CA) and succinic acid (SA) in Fructus mume.

METHOD

Analytical column was Zorbax Eclipse XDB C18. Mobile phase was 0.5% (NH4) H2PO4 aqueous solution and detection wavelength was 214 nm. The flow rate of mobile phase was 0.5 mL x min(-1).

RESULT

The regression equations (pH 2. 8, adjusted with phosphoric acid) of eight constituents have been established, r = 0.999 7, 0. 999 8, 0.999 2, 0.999 6, 0.999 1, 0.999 5, 0.999 8, 0.999 2 respectively. Meanwhile, the content and proportion relationship of eight organic acids in Fructus mume which yielded in Fujian (China) were investigated.

CONCLUSION

This method was simple, accuracy and quick. The method can be used for the purpose of routine analysis and the quality control of a botanic (Fructus mume) containing these organic acid components.

Identification of oxalic acid and tartaric acid as major persistent pain-inducing toxins in the stinging hairs of the nettle, Urtica thunbergiana

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Once human skin contacts stinging hairs of Urtica spp. (stinging nettles), the irritant is released and produces pain, wheals or a stinging sensation which may last for >12 h. However, the existence of pain-inducing toxins in the stinging hairs of Urtica thunbergiana has never been systematically demonstrated. Experiments were therefore conducted to identify the persistent pain-inducing agents in the stinging hairs of U. thunbergiana.

METHODS

The stinging hairs of U. thunbergiana were removed and immersed in deionized water. After centrifugation, the clear supernatants were then subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), enzymatic analysis and/or behavioural bioassays.

KEY RESULTS

The HPLC results showed that the major constituents in the stinging hairs of U. thunbergiana were histamine, oxalic acid and tartaric acid. However, the well-recognized pain-inducing agents, serotonin and formic acid, existed at a low concentration as estimated by HPLC and/or enzymatic analyses. The behavioural tests showed that 2% oxalic acid and 10% tartaric acid dramatically elicited persistent pain sensations in rats. In contrast, 10% formic acid and 2% serotonin only elicited moderate pain sensation in the first 10 min. Moreover, no significant pain-related behavioural response was observed after injecting 10% acetylcholine and histamine in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxalic acid and tartaric acid were identified, for the first time, as major long-lasting pain-inducing toxins in the stinging hairs of U. thunbergiana. The general view that formic acid, histamine and serotonin are the pain-inducing agents in the stinging hairs of U. dioica may require updating, since their concentrations in U. thunbergiana were too low to induce significant pain sensation in behavioural bioassays.

Rapid Separation and Analysis of Six Organic Acids in Bayer Liquors by RP-HPLC after Solid-Phase Extraction

A rapid revised phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method for the determination of six organic acids in Bayer liquors is reported. Oxalic, tartaric, acetic, succinic, glutaric and butene dicarboxylic acid were separated and quantified in 10 min. First time repeatability, reproducibility and recoveries were determined out for these acids in Bayer liquors. The organic acids were removed from Bayer liquor by using a solid-phase extraction procedure with anion-exchange cartridges. The chromatographic separation was achieved with only one Kromasil RP-C18 column thermo stated at 25 degrees C. Organic acids were detected with a UV-vis detector (215 nm). The precision results showed that the relative standard deviations of the repeatability and reproducibility were < 2.80% and < 3.74%, respectively. The accuracy of the method was confirmed with an average recovery ranging between 85.2 and 107.3%. Under optimum conditions the detection limits ranged from 50 to 1000 mg/L.

[Relationships between cadmium accumulation and organic acids in leaves of Solanum nigrum L. as a cadmium-hyperaccumulator]

The influence of different cadmium concentrations on the organic acid level in leaves of the Cd hyperaccumulator, Solanum nigrum L., in particular, the relationship of organic acids with Cd accumulation in S. nigrum was investigated based on the pot-culture experiment. The results showed that the Cd concentration in S. nigrum leaves exceeded 100 microg x g(-1), the threshold value used to define Cd-hyperaccumulators, and the bioaccumulation coefficient of cadmium in shoots of S. nigrum was higher than 1 when Cd concentration in soil was 25 microg x g(-1). The level of organic acids in leaves of S. nigrum had significant differences between the seedling stage and the mature stage. At the seedling stage, the sequence of organic acids in leaves of S. nigrum was acetic acid> tartaric acid> malic acid> citric acid. On the contrary, the accumulation of organic acids in S. nigrum at the mature stage was approximately in the following sequence malic acid> tartaric acid, acetic acid> citric acid. The significant positive correlation between Cd accumulation in leaves of S. nigrum and the concentration of tartaric acid in leaves of S. nigrum was observed at the seedling stage, whereas there was a significant positive correlation between Cd accumulation in leaves of S. nigrum and both acetic and citric acid concentrations at the mature stage. These results indicated that tartaric, acetic and citric acids in leaves of S. nigrum might act as the indication of Cd hyperaccumulation.

Application of electron spin resonance spectroscopy and spin probes to investigate the effect of ingredients on changes in wheat dough during heating

The change in microviscosity of the aqueous and lipid phases of wheat flour dough, during heating and subsequent cooling, has been measured using novel spin probes based on the isoindolin-yloxyl structure. The spin probes, water and/or lipid soluble, were used with combinations of dough ingredients: diacetyl tartaric acid ester of monoglycerides (DATEM), salt, yeast, and sodium ascorbate. The lipid soluble probe showed that DATEM does not produce a homogeneous phase with endogenous lipids but is found in a separate, less mobile phase. Also, the lipids were shown not to be involved in the baking process, although DATEM may be incorporated into the gelled starch matrix. The water soluble probe enabled starch gelatinization to be investigated in detail and showed that gelatinization produces a reduction of dielectric constant. The technique is appropriate for the detailed examination of the behavior of different ingredients during baking and also potentially to examine interactions between ingredients and flour components in dough.

Determination of α-hydroxy acids in cosmetic products by capillary electrophoresis

In this work, a simple and reliable method for the simultaneous analysis of alpha-hydroxy acids such as tartaric, glycolic and lactic acids in cosmetic products was developed using capillary electrophoresis with indirect UV detection at 254 nm. A buffer solution containing 10 mmoll(-1) potassium phthalate (pH 4.1) and 0.5 mmoll(-1) cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as electroosmotic flow modifier allowed baseline resolution of the analytes in approximately 3 min. A few validation parameters of the proposed method include: good linearity for all compounds in the range from 10 to 100 mgl(-1) with coefficients of correlation larger than 0.9999. The average recoveries of tartaric, glycolic and lactic acids in commercial samples were 99.12, 99.41 and 99.43%, respectively. The method presented acceptable precision with average relative standard deviation of 0.54% (assay of commercial samples), 0.44% (peak area) and 0.16% (migration time).

Determination of the enantiomeric excess of an M3 antagonist drug substance by chemometric analysis of the IR spectra of different guest-host complexes

A novel approach for the potential on-line determination of the enantiomeric excess (ee) of an M3 antagonist drug substance combining attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy, guest-host complexes, and chemometric data analysis is described. Chiral recognition through a formation of diastereomeric complexes was measured by ATR-IR. Small changes on the IR spectra reflect the interaction between the guest (M3) and host (chiral selector). These changes are measured as a function of M3 enantiomer excess. The standard error of prediction is 1.3 ee%. The prediction results based on the IR method were in good agreement with the gravimetric method. The robustness of the calibration model was evaluated by varying the concentration of the chiral selector, the pH of the solution, and the organic solvents. The stability of the calibration model was also demonstrated through measuring different sets of samples on different days.

Pyrolysis mass spectrometry for distinguishing potential hoax materials from bioterror agents

Pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PyMS) was investigated as a rapid tool to distinguish potential bioterror hoax materials from samples containing pathogenic bacteria. A pyrolysis time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer equipped with an alternative ionization technique, metastable atom bombardment (MAB), was used to produce sample spectra. These spectra were analyzed by principal component and discriminant analysis for pattern recognition. Materials investigated were two strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, one of which produced the tdh toxin, two Salmonella enterica serotypes, a biological mosquito control product containing spores of Bacillus thuringiensis, and several white to off-white powders (which could be used as hoax materials), such as flour, corn starch, methyl cellulose, and xanthan gum. PyMS distinguished bacterial samples from hoax materials. Furthermore, pattern analysis differentiated Vibrios from Salmonellae, Salmonella enterica Anatum from S. enterica Heidelberg, and the two V. parahaemolyticus strains from each other. The B. thuringiensis mixture was distinguished from other bacteria and powders, suggesting that PyMS with pattern recognition may differentiate samples containing pathogens, including Bacillus spp., from nonbiological agents and that it can be a rapid method for detection of bacteria. MS data acquisition took only 7 min for each sample.

A naked-eye sensing ensemble for the selective detection of citrate—but not tartrate or malate—in water based on a tris-cationic receptor

Citrate 3 can be selectively detected in aqueous solvents even in the presence of malate or tartrate using a naked-eye detection system based on the complex between tris-cation 1 and carboxyfluorescein 2.

Calcium tartrate crystals in the midgut of the grape leafhopper

Calcium tartrate crystals were observed in the midgut of grape leafhoppers. This unique compound was found for the first time in insects. The size of the crystals varied strongly between and within individuals with a mean length of 153 +/- 87 microm and a mean width of 71 +/- 46 microm. In addition, the number of crystals per individual showed a broad variation and ranged from 1 to 150 crystals/individual. The occurrence of calcium tartrate crystals as well as the number of crystals per individual followed the same seasonal pattern as seasonal vine leaf concentrations of tartaric acid found in a previous study, indicating that calcium tartrate is formed to neutralize the tartaric acid in the gut system. It further implies that the grape leafhopper, rather than being a pure phloem sucker, employs a mixed feeding strategy to satisfy its demands for calcium uptake.

Quantifying crystal form content in physical mixtures of (+/-)-tartaric acid and (+)-tartaric acid using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy

The objective of this study was to use diffuse reflectance near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to determine racemic compound content in physical mixtures composed primarily of the enantiomorph and to assess the error, instrument reproducibility and limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of the method. Physical mixtures ranging from 0 to 25% (+/-)-tartaric acid in (+)-tartaric acid were prepared and spectra of the powder samples contained in glass vials were obtained using a Foss NIRSystems Model 5000 monochrometer equipped with a Rapid Content Analyzer scanning from 1100 to 2500 nm. A calibration curve was constructed by plotting (+/-)-tartaric acid weight percent against the 2(nd) derivative values of log (1/R) vs lambda at a single wavelength, normalized with a denominator wavelength (1480 nm/1280 nm). Excellent linearity was observed (R(2)=0.9999). The standard error of calibration (SEC) was 0.07 and the standard error of prediction (SEP) for the validation set was 0.11. Instrument and method errors for samples in the 2% composition range ((+/-)-tartaric acid in (+)-tartaric acid) were less than 1% RSD and 3% RSD, respectively. The practical LOD and LOQ were 0.1% and 0.5%, respectively, and comparable to the calculated LOD and LOQ. These studies show that NIRS can be used as a rapid and sensitive quantitative method for determining racemate content in the presence of the enatiomerically pure crystal in the solid-state.

13C and 18O isotopic analysis to determine the origin of L-tartaric acid

Due to the ever-increasing amount of attention paid to the 'naturalness' of ingredients in food and beverages by both consumers and controlling authorities, the search for suitable methods for the characterisation of origin is of primary importance. Within the European Community the wine production industry is often faced with the problem of origin control of tartaric acid. This has led to the decision that only L-tartaric acid extracted from grapes (therefore natural) should be used. In order to implement these regulations, a screening of different techniques has been carried out to assess the methodology that best identifies the origin of the tartaric acid. It has already been indicated in previous scientific literature that isotope ratio mass spectrometry is an ideal technique for this type of identification. In this paper we present the results obtained for the measurement of the isotope ratios of carbon-13 and oxygen-18 of natural and synthetic samples of L-tartaric acid considering also natural samples of different geographical origin and years of production.

Multicomponent complex formation between vinpocetine, cyclodextrins, tartaric acid and water-soluble polymers monitored by NMR and solubility studies

This work deals with multicomponent complex formation of vinpocetine (VP) with beta-cyclodextrin (betaCD), sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin (SBEbetaCD) and tartaric acid (TA), in the presence or absence of water-soluble polymers, in aqueous solution. Complexation was monitored by phase-solubility and proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) studies. TA demonstrated a synergistic effect on VP solubility, and in the complexation efficiency of betaCD and SBEbetaCD. Additionally, water-soluble polymers increased even more the complexation efficiency of the CDs that was reflected by a 2.1-2.5 increase on K(C) values for VP-CD-TA-polymer multicomponent complexes. SBEbetaCD was more effective in VP solubilization, as K(C) values of VP-SBEbetaCD-TA multicomponent complexes were notably higher than in corresponding betaCD complexes. The large chemical shift displacements from protons located in the interior of the hydrophobic CD cavities (i.e., H-3 and H-5) coupled with significant chemical shift displacements of VP aromatic protons suggested that this moiety was included in the cavity of both betaCD and SBEbetaCD. Two-dimensional rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY) experiments were carried out in order to obtain information about the multicomponent complex geometry in solution. Inspection of ROESY spectra allowed the establishment of spatial proximities between all aromatic protons of VP and the internal protons of the CDs, confirming that the aromatic moiety of VP is included in CD cavities being deeply inserted in SBEbetaCD multicomponent complexes, since additional interactions with the sulfobutyl side chains were evidenced.

Characterization and in vitro degradation of poly(2,3-(1,4-diethyl tartrate)-co-2,3-isopropyliden tartrate)

In the present study, a less known polyester based on tartaric acid was characterized with respect to its degradation mechanism. Poly(2,3-(1,4-diethyl tartrate)-co-2,3-isopropyliden tartrate) (PTA) differs from commonly used biodegradable polyesters, such as poly(lactides-co-glycolides) (PLGA) by the presence of additional cleavable bonds in the polymer side chains. This modification results in different polymer properties and influences polymer degradation. The hydrolytic degradation of PTA was studied in parallel to PLGA using disc-shape matrices, which were obtained by compression-molding. The discs were incubated in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution at 37 degrees C. The degraded samples were characterized for percentage mass loss, water absorption, decay of molecular weight and change in glass transition temperature. The results demonstrate that the degradation of PTA proceeds via bulk erosion similar to PLGA. However, the degradation of PTA implants is characterized by a rapid mass loss within a short period of time appearing after a definite lag phase without remarkable mass loss. This makes the polymer promising for pulsatile drug release systems.

Threshold Detection Using Indicator-Displacement Assays: An Application in the Analysis of Malate in Pinot Noir Grapes

The mathematics for modeling indicator-displacement assay isotherms is presented and contrasted to the classical host-guest binding isotherm. It is shown that the signal response can be tuned to occur closer to 1 equiv of guest relative to a standard binding algorithm. This delay in response leads to a better triggering protocol for threshold detection schemes. The determination of malate in Pinot Noir must was calculated using this new mathematical model, which demonstrates how a color change can be tuned to occur near a desired concentration of analyte.

Bacteria-host interactions of Salmonella Paratyphi B dT+ in poultry

In recent years, a dramatic increase in incidence of the dextro-rotatory tartrate-positive variant (dT+) of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Paratyphi B has been observed in poultry and poultry products. In the present study the interactions of this bacterium with the host were studied in vivo and in vitro in an attempt to explain the preferential association of this serotype with poultry. The ability of this organism to invade and multiply in chicken intestinal epithelial cells and the intracellular behaviour in chicken macrophages was studied in vitro using chicken cell lines. In vivo challenge experiments in specific pathogen-free chickens were carried out to determine the level of colonization of caeca and internal organs early after experimental infection. An in vivo trial with commercial broiler chickens, using a seeder model, was performed to determine whether S. Paratyphi B dT+ could persist and spread in broilers until slaughter. S. Paratyphi B dT+ invaded and multiplied in the chicken epithelial cell line and survived in a chicken macrophage cell line. The strain used colonized caeca and internal organs of chickens to a high extent 1 week after infection with a low-dose inoculum. Moreover, the strain was efficiently transmitted within a group of broilers and persisted until slaughter. It was concluded that S. Paratyphi B dT+ was well adapted to poultry and therefore it is suggested that specific control measures against this serotype should be considered.

High-performance liquid chromatographic separation and quantification of citric, lactic, malic, oxalic and tartaric acids using a post-column photochemical reaction and chemiluminescence detection

An HPLC method was developed for the determination of citric, lactic, malic, oxalic and tartaric acids by chemiluminescent detection following online irradiation with visible light. The organic acids were irradiated with visible light in the presence of Fe3+ and UO2(2+) to generate Fe2+, which was determined by measuring the chemiluminescence intensity in a luminol system in the absence of added oxidant. Factors affecting the photochemical and chemiluminescence reactions were optimised so that their contribution to the total band-broadening was negligible. The chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column under isocratic reversed-phase conditions using 0.005 M H2SO4 mobile phase. The optimised method was validated with respect to linearity, precision, limits of detection and quantification, accuracy specificity and robustness. The applicability of the assay was demonstrated by analysing these compounds in real samples such as milk, fruit juices, soft drinks, wine and beer.

Evaluation of chiral recognition characteristics of metal and proton complexes of di-o-benzoyl-tartaric acid dibutyl ester and L-tryptophan in the gas phase

Chiral recognition of di-o-benzoyl-tartaric acid dibutyl ester (T) was achieved in the gas phase by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. In this method two divalent transition metal cations, zinc(II) and copper(II), were used as binding metal ions, and L-tryptophan (A) was used as a chiral reference. Multimeric complexes were readily formed by electrospray ionization of a methanol:water (50:50) solution containing metal ion, L-tryptophan and T. These multimeric complexes included singly charged protonated dimeric [TAH](+), doubly charged copper(II) bound tetrameric [TACu-H](2)(2+) and doubly charged zinc(II) bound tetrameric [TAZn-H](2)(2+), together with other complexes. The mass-selected complex, i.e., [TAH](+), [TACu-H](2)(2+) and [TAZn-H](2)(2+), was used to acquire the second stage mass spectra. The chiral recognition capability of these three complexes was evaluated using the abundance ratios of daughter ion to parent ion. A high degree of chiral recognition ability was observed in [TACu-H](2)(2+) and [TAZn-H](2)(2+). It was found that the type of binding ion played an important role in the chiral recognition. Different binding ions exhibited distinctive dissociation pathways and unique chiral recognition characteristics. The present method is based not only on whole-molecule loss but also on fractional-molecule loss. In addition, the reproducibility of the chiral recognition method was confirmed by several determinations of the abundance ratios of daughter ion to parent ion with a fixed activation energy and with five different activation energies. It was also shown that this chiral recognition method can tolerate acid interference.

Histochemical analysis of phenylphenalenone-related compounds in Xiphidium caeruleum (Haemodoraceae)

Phenylphenalenones represent a typical group of secondary metabolites of the Haemodoraceae. Some of these phenolic compounds show organ-specific distribution within the plant. However, detailed information on cellular localisation is still lacking. To this end, confocal laser-scanning microscopy, microspectral photometry and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to study the tissue localisation of phenylphenalenone-type compounds in Xiphidium caeruleum Aubl. From the autofluorescence potential of these compounds, specific distribution of allophanylglucosides and non-glucosidic compounds of the phenylphenalenone-type in distinct cells of the roots (apical meristem, cortex, cap, epidermis) and the shoot system was revealed. Fluorescence enhancement using "Naturstoff reagent A" (NA) indicated the occurrence of NA-positive natural products in the vacuoles of leaf epidermal cells. The present results provide new insights into the possible functions of phenylphenalenone-related compounds in the context of their localisation. Additionally, the advantages and limitations of the techniques are discussed.

Protective agents used to reverse the metabolic changes induced in wine yeasts by concomitant osmotic and thermal stress

AIMS

The reversion of the metabolic changes induced in wine yeasts by stressors.

METHODS

Six strains of Saccharomyces were inoculated in grape must containing over 400 g l-1 of sugar and incubated at 35 degrees C, both with and without the addition of 100 mg l-1 of catechin, inositol or SO2.

RESULTS

Significant correlations between addition of the stress-protectants and change in the metabolic behaviour of the wine yeasts were observed. Depending on strain and protectant, and expressing data as a percentage of increase or decrease compared to the control, fermentation vigour after 3 d increased by up to 10%, titratable acidity of the wines increased by up to 7%, ethanol content increased by up to 20%, unitary acetic acid production decreased by up to 35%, and unitary glycerol production decreased by up to 20%. IMPACT OF STUDY: By using protective agents it is possible to minimize the abnormal fermentation performance that wine yeasts exhibit under thermal and osmotic stress.

Phytochemical variation in echinacea from roots and flowerheads of wild and cultivated populations

Quantitative phytochemical variation was determined from roots and inflorescences of native plant populations in the genus Echinacea. Specimens were collected in situ throughout the natural range of each putative taxon and transplanted to greenhouse cultivation. Ethanolic extracts from individual plants were separated by reversed-phase HPLC to quantify the alkamides, polyenes/ynes, and phenolics, and then grouped by age and taxonomically, according to a recent morphometric taxonomic revision of the genus. Canonical discriminant analysis revealed that cichoric acid, the diene alkamides 1-3 and 7, and ketoalkene 24 were the best taxonomic markers. Mean content for each of 26 phytochemicals revealed useful agronomic information, such as those varieties and organs with the highest accumulations, as well as the optimal age and growth conditions for each variety. The highest amounts of cichoric acid were measured from the older, wild inflorescences of E. pallida var.sanguinea, whereas the highest quantities of the alkamides 1-3 and 7 were present in roots of wild and transplanted E. purpurea. Baseline phytochemical data and chromatographic profiles for all types of wild Echinacea may be used for protection of wild stands, germplasm identification, and crop improvement.

Simultaneous and direct determination of oxalic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, vitamin C, citric acid, and succinic acid in Fructus mume by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A method for the simultaneous separation and direct determination of oxalic acid (OA), tartaric acid (TA), malic acid (MA), vitamin C (VC), citric acid (CA), and succinic acid (SA) in Fructus mume using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with a UV detector in an acidic medium is presented in this study. In the experiment, the optimization of chromatographic conditions (i.e., the pH and flow rate of the mobile phase, the absorption wavelength, and temperature of column) that affect the separation degree and peak shape of organic acids has been obtained. The linear ranges are found to be 0.05-4.7 microg for OA (r = 0.9999), 0.11-10.5 microg for TA (r = 0.9999), 0.114-11.4 microg for MA (r = 0.9999), 0.033-3.30 microg for VC (r = 0.9999), 0.155-15.5 microg for CA (r = 0.9998), and 0.194-19.4 microg for SA (r = 0.9996). For OA, TA, MA, VC, CA, and SA, the even recovery (n = 3) of six effective components are 100.9%, 99.97%, 101.2%, 102.1%, 101.1%, and 100.7%, respectively, and the largest relative standard deviation (n = 11) for the six components is less than 1.7%. The detection limits are 0.01 microg for OA, TA, and VC; 0.05 microg for MA; 0.03 microg for CA; and 0.1 microg for SA. In a single chromatographic run, OA, TA, MA, VC, CA, and SA can be determined in less than 7 min. The method can be used for the purpose of routine analysis and the quality control of a botanic (Fructus mume) containing these effective components.

Teaching old indicators new tricks

Most synthetic sensors are designed with covalent attachment between a receptor and a reporter moiety. In this report, we describe the current progress of our use of noncovalently attached indicators to signal binding of analytes. With these systems, analyte binding leads to indicator displacement from the binding cavity, which in turn yields an optical signal modulation. We include previous examples, the strategies involved in our development, and the advantages as well as disadvantages of this method. Finally, our latest research in this field is briefly presented.

Direct chiral resolution of tartaric acid in food products by ligand exchange capillary electrophoresis using copper(II)-D-quinic acid as a chiral selector

Chiral resolution of native DL-tartaric acid was performed by ligand-exchange capillary electrophoresis using copper(II)-D-quinic acid as a chiral selector. Factors affecting chiral resolution, migration time, and peak area of tartaric acid were studied. The running conditions for optimum separation of tartaric acid were found to be 1 mM copper(II) sulfate-10 mM D-quinic acid (pH 5.0) with an effective voltage of -15 kV at 30 degrees C, using direct detection at 250 nm, and resolution of racemic tartaric acid was approximately 1.3. With this system, chiral resolution of DL-tartaric acid in food products was conducted successfully.

[Simultaneous determination of 11 organic acids in fruit juice by ion exclusion chromatography]

A method for the quantitative determination of 11 organic acids (oxalic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, glutaric acid and fumaric acid) in fruit juice was developed successfully. It was based on an ion exclusion chromatographic separation under the conditions of isocratic elution with 17 mmol/L sulphuric acid solution with the ICE-ION-300 ion exclusion column, and the UV detection at 210 nm. The precision of the method was investigated and the relative standard deviations were from 1.5% to 9.8% (n = 10).

[Measurement of binding constants of metal complex by indirect ultraviolet affinity capillary electrophoresis]

The binding constants of complexes formed by metal ions and ligands have been obtained by affinity capillary electrophoresis, according to the measurement of the migration times of metal ions effected by ligands in aqueous media, under the experimental model named electrophoretic peak shifting. This method has been applied to the research of magnesium ion with citric acid and manganese ion with tartaric acid. Under the condition of imidazole and acetate buffer (pH 5.01) at 20 kV running voltage, the migration times of metal ion with ligand of different concentrations have been measured. The estimated logarithmic values of binding constants after computation were 3.27 for magnesium-citric acid and 2.28 for manganese-tartaric acid, which showed that the results were in agreement with the data in previous literature. This method is applicable to the measurement of the binding constants of complex systems with 1:1 ratio.

Determination of tartaric acid in wines by FIA with tubular tartrate-selective electrodes

A flow injection analysis (FIA) system comprising a tartrate-(TAT) selective electrode has been developed for determination of tartaric acid in wines. Several electrodes constructed for this purpose had a PVC membrane with a complex of quaternary ammonium and TAT as anion exchanger, a phenol derivative as additive, and a more or less polar mediator solvent. Characterization of the electrodes showed behavior was best for membranes with o-nitrophenyl octyl ether as solvent. On injection of 500 microL into a phosphate buffer carrier (pH = 3.1; ionic strength 10(-2) mol/L) flowing at 3 mL/min, the slope was 58.06 +/- 0.6 with a lower limit of linear range of 5.0 x 10(-4) mol/L TAT and R2 = 0.9989. The interference of several species, e.g. chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, gallic acid, tannin, sucrose, glucose, fructose, acetate, and citrate, was evaluated in terms of potentiometric selectivity coefficients. The Hofmeister series was followed for inorganic species and the most interfering organic ion was citrate. When red and white wines were analyzed and the results compared with those from an independent method they were found to be accurate, with relative standard deviations below 5.0%.

Predicting quantitative phytochemical markers in single Echinacea plants or clones from their DNA fingerprints

Amplified restricted fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) data analysis was found to be a statistically significant predictor of phytochemical markers in cultivated Echinacea purpurea germplasm and some related wild species. Over 50 accessions grown under greenhouse conditions were subjected to AFLP analysis and the same assessed for content of tetraene and cichoric acid by high pressure liquid chromatography. The first and second canonical correlation of DNA variables and the phytochemical variables were significant. Individual regressions of cichoric acid and dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10E/Z-tetraenoic acid isobutyl amide predicted by DNA polymorphism analysis against actual HPLC determined values were nearly linear. Mantel's test showed that there was a weak correlation but a strong association of values of the phytochemical variables and the DNA polymorphism data.