Authors



Anja Grüning

Latest:

Determination of Contaminants in Beer Using LC–MS/MS and ICP-MS

The authors compare LC–MS/MS methods for quantification of the pesticide glyphosate with and without sample derivatization, and discuss ICP-MS methods for the determination of heavy metals.


Florian Pitterl

Latest:

Applying LC with Low-Resolution MS/ MS and Subsequent Library Search for Reliable Compound Identification in Systematic Toxicological Analysis

Systematic toxicological analysis is an important step in medicolegal investigations of death, poisoning, and drug use. The primary goal is the detection and confirmation of potentially toxic compounds in evidence. This article describes a workflow using nontargeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for reliable compound identification.


Aliaksandra Sikirzhytskaya

Latest:

Raman Spectroscopy Coupled with Advanced Chemometrics for Forensic Analysis of Semen and Blood Mixtures

In this study, regression and classification chemometrical algorithms were combined to achieve effective discrimination of pure body fluids from their binary mixtures.


Jerry Sellors

Latest:

Verification of Pharmaceutical Raw Materials Using FT-NIR Spectroscopy

FT-NIR spectroscopy can be used to overcome a range of challenges in raw material identification while also meeting the stringent requirements of regulated environments.


Mary Jane Mullen

Latest:

A Rapid FT-IR-Based Method for Monitoring Detergent Removal from Biological Samples

In life science research, detergents are primarily used in sample preparation to liberate cellular components through membrane disruption and to solubilize lipid-associated proteins.


Tomoko Numata

Latest:

Raman Spectroscopy Applied to the Lithium-Ion Battery Analysis

The application note explains how the Raman Spectroscopy can be helpful in the analysis of cathodes and anodes in Li-ion batteries.


Don Sackett, PhD

Latest:

Handheld Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectrometer for In-field Elemental Analysis

SciAps has developed a handheld analyzer based on laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).


Ed Connor

Latest:

Determination of Low Levels of Chromium in Biological Samples by ICP-MS Using Hydrogen as a Reaction Gas

Chromium is a key ingredient in a number of metal alloys used for metal implants which, despite being coated with inert surface layer coatings, can break down over time as a result of biocorrosion. Leeching of metal ions from implants into surrounding bone, tissue, and body fluids can cause severe health problems. Although the toxicity of the metal is low, there is a potential health risk if chromium ions enter the body. In ICP-MS, the chromium (52Cr) signal can be affected by interference from the recombination of background plasma 40Ar and sample-specific matrix 12C. To eliminate this interference, hydrogen can be used in the iCRC as a reaction gas to allow accurate analysis of 52Cr. Results using certified clinical standards of chromium in blood, plasma, urine, and serum clearly demonstrate the benefit of using hydrogen as a collision gas to remove the argon-carbide polyatomic interference. This study shows that ICP-MS is an essential tool for clinical monitoring of metal ions in complex matrices and that hydrogen iCRC gas allowed for greater accuracy and a lower level of quantitation in clinical matrices.


Ivona Strug

Latest:

A Rapid FT-IR-Based Method for Monitoring Detergent Removal from Biological Samples

In life science research, detergents are primarily used in sample preparation to liberate cellular components through membrane disruption and to solubilize lipid-associated proteins.


Jessica Prenni

Latest:

Nontargeted Metabolite Profiling in Next-Generation Plant Breeding: A Case Study in Malting Barley

The power of nontargeted metabolite profiling is illustrated in a study focused on the determination of molecular markers in malting barley that are predictive of desirable malting quality for brewing applications. The metabolite extraction, detection, and analysis methods are highthroughput and reproducible, and therefore, this approach represents a practical addition to the plant breeder’s molecular toolbox.



Timothy Nadler

Latest:

A Rapid FT-IR-Based Method for Monitoring Detergent Removal from Biological Samples

In life science research, detergents are primarily used in sample preparation to liberate cellular components through membrane disruption and to solubilize lipid-associated proteins.


O. Lancry

Latest:

High-Speed TERS Imaging: The Latest Achievements in nano-Raman Spectroscopy

This article presents developments in tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) that make possible nanoscale imaging of chemical and physical properties of graphene and other carbon species: Innovative integration of technologies brings high-throughput optics and high-resolution scanning for high-speed imaging without interferences between the techniques.


David M. Hercules

Latest:

Comparison of Quadrupole, Time-of-Flight, and Fourier Transform Mass Analyzers for LC-MS Applications (PDF)

The authors investigated the analytical capabilities of three types of mass analyzers for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) applications, studying the effects of instrument parameters and issues related to sample preparation on the performance of LC-MS analytical methods.


Daniel Eikel

Latest:

Using Compact Mass Spectrometry for Detection and Quantitation of Cannibis-Related Compounds

The transition of cannabis from an illegal drug to a drug for medical and even recreational use raises challenging questions for regulatory agencies and analytical chemists alike. Here, we show a selection of analytical techniques based on compact mass spectrometry in combination with three different sample inlets (atmospheric solids analysis probe), thin-layer chromatography, as well as classical liquid chromatography) for the detection and quantification of cannabinoids and pesticides in cannabis-related material and contraband.


Adrian Guckian

Latest:

Detection of Melamine and Other Harmful Food Contaminants Using Gold Nanoparticles, Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering, and Raster Orbital Scanning

Melamine is a dangerous substance when it is used to increase the apparent protein content of food. In this article, the use of novel gold nanoparticles for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurements with raster orbital scanning sampling is described for the detection of melamine and other food contaminants.


R. Seemamahannop

Latest:

Rapid Quantification of Trypsin Inhibitors in Food and Feed Formulations with Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

A rapid, accurate, and precise method for the quantification of trypsin inhibitor activity was evaluated. The method utilizes alpha hydroxyl acid capped oligo-lysines [hydroxy acid (Lys)n] or alpha hydroxyl acid capped oligo-lysines-methionine [hydroxy acid (Lys-Met)] as substrates. Hydrolysis of the oligopeptides yields unique chemical residues that were readily quantified with electrospray–mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Accuracy and precision of the approach compared favorably with that of the standard test method.


Laura Ruvuna

Latest:

Advancements in Molecular Spectroscopy: Instrumentation and Applications

Highlights of recent advances in three major areas of molecular spectroscopy: infrared (IR), Raman, and fluorescence.


E. Leroy

Latest:

High-Speed TERS Imaging: The Latest Achievements in nano-Raman Spectroscopy

This article presents developments in tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) that make possible nanoscale imaging of chemical and physical properties of graphene and other carbon species: Innovative integration of technologies brings high-throughput optics and high-resolution scanning for high-speed imaging without interferences between the techniques.





David Barden

Latest:

Comprehensive Fragrance Profiling of Ginger, Wintergreen, and Rosemary Essential Oils by GC–TOF-MS with Soft Electron Ionization

This article investigates the use of gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC–TOF MS) to fragrance-profile three essential oils (ginger, wintergreen and rosemary). As well as considering the compositional differences between the oils, we will examine the use of peak deconvolution to identify closely-eluting compounds, and explore the use of soft electron ionization, assisted by comparison of ion ratios, to discriminate between isomeric monoterpenes that are difficult to identify at conventional 70 eV ionization energies due to their very similar mass spectra.


Christine A. Miller

Latest:

New Sample Fractionation Strategies for Proteomic Analyses by LC–MS

Mass spectrometry has long been a preferred tool for protein identification and biomarker discovery, but preparation of biological samples remains a challenge. Hindrances include the wide range of protein concentrations, sample complexity, and loss or alteration of important proteins due to sample handling. This article describes recent developments in sample fractionation technologies that are overcoming these challenges in interesting ways and are enabling in-depth proteomic studies that were not possible in the past.


Claudio Medana

Latest:

Analysis of Nicotine Alkaloids and Impurities in Liquids for e-Cigarettes by LC–MS, GC–MS, and ICP-MS

The purpose of this study was the development of various analytical MS methods to investigate the chemical composition of e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes and characterize their quality. Low-quality nicotine (the main active compound), glycerol, propylene glycol (solvents), or flavors could greatly increase the toxicity. The search of alkaloid contaminants of nicotine was performed by LC–MS-MS after a deep study of fragmentation pathways by high resolution ESI-MS. A fully validated method for quantitation of organic polar impurities such as cotinine, anabasine, myosmine, nornicotine, and N-nitroso-nornicotine and nicotine itself was developed using MS coupled to UHPLC. To evaluate organic volatile toxicants, headspace from e-cigarette refill liquids was sampled by SPME to perform GC–MS analysis. Finally, heavy metal residues as inorganic toxicants were determined by ICP-MS after simple dilution. A number of cases of contamination by metals (mainly arsenic) was detected.


Terrance Hettipathirana

Latest:

High Performance ICP-OES Sample Introduction: How to Choose and Use the Best Nebulizer for Your Analysis

Nebulizer selection is a critical but often overlooked aspect of inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analyses. There are many different nebulizers available for ICP-OES, and choosing the optimal one can be confusing and difficult. To achieve peak performance from your ICP, it is essential to choose the proper nebulizer based on your sample types in addition to any necessary accessories to maintain long-term performance. In this study, we compare the performance of Glass Expansion’s most popular concentric nebulizer designs for ICP-OES applications as well as a parallel-path nebulizer from another vendor, providing a complete selection guide based on performance and design.


A.F. Sauer-Budge

Latest:

Rapid Bacterial Diagnostics Via Surface-Enhanced Raman Microscopy

SERS of bacterial cells can be a useful technique for clinical diagnostics, as illustrated by the analysis of a human urine sample spiked with urinary tract infection bacteria.



Claudio Baiocchi

Latest:

Analysis of Nicotine Alkaloids and Impurities in Liquids for e-Cigarettes by LC–MS, GC–MS, and ICP-MS

The purpose of this study was the development of various analytical MS methods to investigate the chemical composition of e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes and characterize their quality. Low-quality nicotine (the main active compound), glycerol, propylene glycol (solvents), or flavors could greatly increase the toxicity. The search of alkaloid contaminants of nicotine was performed by LC–MS-MS after a deep study of fragmentation pathways by high resolution ESI-MS. A fully validated method for quantitation of organic polar impurities such as cotinine, anabasine, myosmine, nornicotine, and N-nitroso-nornicotine and nicotine itself was developed using MS coupled to UHPLC. To evaluate organic volatile toxicants, headspace from e-cigarette refill liquids was sampled by SPME to perform GC–MS analysis. Finally, heavy metal residues as inorganic toxicants were determined by ICP-MS after simple dilution. A number of cases of contamination by metals (mainly arsenic) was detected.