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Nano- and microparticles are of increasing importance for a wide range of applications in the material and life sciences. Examples are their use as carriers for dye molecules and drugs, multichromophoric reporters for signal enhancement strategies in optical assays, targeted probes for bioimaging, and biosensors. All these applications require surface functionalization of the particles with e.g., ligands (to tune the dispersibility and prevent unspecific interactions), crosslinkers, sensor dyes, or analyte recognition moieties like biomolecules, and subsequently, the knowledge of the chemical nature and total number of surface groups as well as the number of groups accessible for coupling reactions. Particularly attractive for the latter are sensitive and fast photometric or fluorometric assays, which can be read out with simple, inexpensive instrumentation. Here, we present a novel family of cleavable photometric and multimodal reporters for the quantification of conjugatable amino and carboxyl surface groups on nano- and microparticles. These probes allow for the determination of particle-bound labels, unbound reporters in the supernatant, and reporters cleaved off from the particle surface as well as the remaining thiol groups on the particles by photometry and inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry (32S ICP-OES).3 Comparison of the performance of these cleavable reporters with conventional labels, utilizing changes in intensity and/or colour of absorption and/or emission, underlines the analytical potential of this versatile concept which elegantly circumvents signal distortions by light scattering and encoding dyes, and enables straightforward validation by method comparison.
Polymeric nanoparticles (NP) are of increasing importance for a wide range of applications in the material and life sciences, including their use as drug carriers, fluorescent sensors and multimodal reporters in a large variety of bioassays and bioimaging studies. Application-relevant properties of NP include their size (and size distribution), shape, optical properties, and ease of subsequent functionalization, e.g. with linkers, sensor molecules, and bioligands. In this respect, knowledge of the chemical nature, the total number of surface groups and the number of groups accessible for subsequent coupling reactions is mandatory.1 Commercially available polystyrene NP often contain different additives like stabilizers, radical starters and crosslinkers, which can influence the quantification of surface functionalities. Moreover, they often have unknown surface group densities that may vary from batch to batch, which complicates or even hampers their reliable use in many (bio)applications. To circumvent these issues, we synthesized amino- and carboxy-functionalized, monodisperse 100 nm polystyrene NP with three different, well-defined surface group densities. Using a recently developed approach for the quantification of functional groups on nano- and microparticles with cleavable reporters,2 we quantified the assessible functional groups on the self-synthesised PS particles via optical spectroscopy (photometry) and inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry (32S ICP-OES). In addition, we developed a fluorimetric approach for the quantification of surface functional groups on nanoparticles based on the labelling with luminescent lanthanide complexes (LLC). In contrast to common organic dyes, LLC are not prone to photo¬luminescence quenching arising from reabsorption or dye aggregation, and thus, enable a reliable fluorometric quantification of the assessible functional groups on NP surfaces. Moreover, lanthanide tags can be detected with high specificity and sensitivity with analytical techniques such as XPS and ICP-MS, which allow for the multimodal validation of the fluorometric quantification approach.
Colloidal semiconductor nanoparticles with a spherical core and an elongated shell form bright emitters with a high absorption cross section. They show great potential for a multitude of optoelectronic applications such as LEDs or photovoltaic cells and can be used as gain material or as markers for bio imaging. For most of these applications high fluorescence quantum yields are a figure of merit for the emitter quality. In this work we investigate how the ensemble quantum yield is affected by the properties of the individual particles. In particular, we prove the role of non-emitting particles as well as the role of blinking. Using a combination of AFM and spatially resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy we measured hundreds of individual CdSe/CdS dot/rod particles of different shell lengths exciting with two different excitation wavelengths for shell or core excitation, respectively.
Non-invasive Cereal Analysis by GC-MS detection of Trichodiene as a Volatile Mycotoxin Biomarker
(2018)
Due to the increasing consumption of cereals worldwide, the monitoring of growth, storage and processing is becoming more and more crucial. Particularly when stored, infested grains breed fungal clusters (“hot spots”) in which mycotoxins greatly exceed allowed maximum levels. Because of their unpredictable presence, current sample drawing and procedures for mycotoxin analysis represent a complex challenge for operators, involving invasive and cost intensive steps.
Therefore, new time- and labour-saving mycotoxin control methods including sampling and analysis steps are needed. A possible approach is the non-invasive analysis of the homogeneous gas phase above the crops, instead of analyzing random samples. However, this procedure requires microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC´s) being released by the samples and representing the present mycotoxins. Previous investigations revealed trichodiene to be a precursor in trichothecenes biosynthesis – one of the largest mycotoxin groups with over 180 compounds. Due to its non-functionalized sesquiterpene structure, trichodiene has already been quantified using Headspace GC-MS methods (for instance]). Thereby, it can possibly be used as a biomarker for trichothecene contamination in foodstuff.
However, further investigations are necessary. The correlation between trichodiene concentration in the gas phase and trichothecenes mass fraction in the sample must be examined closely to draw conclusions about the exact trichothecene content within samples. Realizing this idea, would widely extend the applicability of trichodiene and enormously simplify trichothecene quantification. Hence, this first step of an ongoing study aims to develop a laboratory reference method using trichodiene as volatile biomarker to quantify trichothecenes in cereals. Static headspace and SPME-enrichment coupled to gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed. In a second step, this reference method is intended to validate new approaches for fast on-site screening of trichodiene in cereals.
Zearalenone (ZEN) and its sulfate and glucoside conjugates have been detected in (a broad variety of) food and feed commodities1. Both conjugated derivatives are formed as part of fungal or plant secondary metabolism and thus, belong to the group of modified mycotoxins2. After consumption of contaminated foodstuff, the conjugates can be hydrolyzed by human intestinal microbiota leading to liberation of ZEN that implies an underestimation of the true ZEN exposure. In order to include ZEN conjugates in routine analysis, as well as for toxicological investigation reliable standards are needed.
The objective of the present study was to develop a simple and economic method for biosynthesis of ZEN conjugates. Preceding experiments on the biotransformation of ZEN by Rhizopus and Aspergillus species showed a mixed metabolite formation3. Therefore, these known ZEN conjugating fungal strains were screened for their potential to selectively synthesize the ZEN derivatives ZEN-14-sulfate (Z14S), ZEN-14-glucoside (Z14G) and ZEN-16-glucoside (Z16G). The screening was conducted by adding ZEN to liquid fungal cultures. Cultivation conditions and ZEN incubation time were varied. All media samples were analyzed for metabolite formation by HPLC-MS/MS. Z14S was exclusively formed by A. oryzae. Under optimized conditions a specific biosynthesis of Z14G by R. oryzae and Z16G by R. oligosporus was achieved. After liquid-liquid-extraction and preparative chromatographic cleanup 1H-NMR purities of ≥ 73% for Z14S, ≥ 82% for Z14G and ≥ 50% for Z16G were obtained. In addition, a consecutive biosynthesis was developed by first using Fusarium graminearum for ZEN biosynthesis on rice based liquid medium. After inactivation of Fusarium the subsequent conjugation reaction was conducted utilizing Aspergillus and Rhizopus species under the various optimized conditions.
In this study an easy and cost-efficient biosynthesis for Z14S, Z14G and Z16G was developed. The developed biosynthesis could be also used for other metabolites like ZEL conjugates. Our results of the in vitro screening indicate also the formation of a ZEL-glucoside and α ZEL-sulfate as major metabolites by R. oryzae. In sum, under optimized cultivation conditions fungi can be easily utilized for a targeted and stereospecific synthesis of ZEN conjugates.
The improvement of immunoanalytical methods for the determination of pharmaceuticals in wastewaters is a crucial yet challenging endeavor. In this work, the development of an automated miniaturized ELISA based on micro-Bead Injection Spectroscopy (μ-BIS) [1] for the determination of carbamazepine, a widely employed anti-epileptic drug and emergent pollutant [2], was pursued.
The experimental workflow comprised the offline functionalization of Sepharose beads with specific anti-CBZ antibodies via affinity immobilization using protein G, and 3 online steps inside the microfluidic analyzer lab-on-valve (LOV): I) packing of the bead column into the detection unit; II) sequential percolation of sample and a CBZ competitor- labeled with horseradish peroxidase (tracer) through the bead column; and III) on-column colorimetric detection employing the enzyme substrate 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine. After each analysis, the bead column was discarded, and the flow cell was washed before receiving new beads.
The elimination of manual washing steps is a novel feature compared to batch-wise ELISA, making the method less error-prone and therefore more robust. The replacement of the solid support prevents memory effects and cross-contamination between runs. The use of microparticles as solid support for the molecular recognition elements accounts for high area-to-volume ratios, and low molecular diffusion distances. For that reason, time-to-result was reduced from several hours to less than 10 min. The consumption of reagents was also very low. For instance, only ca. 200 μg of solid support and 900 ng of anti-CBZ antibody were required per determination. At last, the versatility of the LOV platform offers the possibility of adapting the assay to other relevant pharmaceuticals and anthropogenic markers in water.
Acknowledgements: Inês I. Ramos thanks FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia) and POPH (Programa Operacional Potencial Humano) for her grant (SFRH/BD/97540/2013). This work received financial support from the European Union (FEDER funds POCI/01/0145/FEDER/007265) and National Funds (FCT/MEC - Ministério da Educação e Ciência) under the Partnership Agreement PT2020 UID/QUI/50006/2013. Financial support from Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst and from Fundação das Universidades Portuguesas under the protocol CRUP-DAAD (Ações Integradas Luso-Alemãs nºE-20/16) is also acknowledged.
[1] Gutzman, Y.; Carrol, A. D. Analyst 2006, 131, 809.
[2] Murray, K. E.; Thomas, S. M.; Bodour, A. A. Environ. Pollut. 2010, 158, 3462.
Imaging of elemental distributions in single cell assays as well as tissue sections can be performed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). This powerful technique offers precise spatially resolved measurements at the trace and ultratrace level and has been established as an excellent tool to answer analytical, biological and biomedical questions. To date, imaging mass cytometry is already able to simultaneously detect up to 40 cellular targets due to conjugation of isotopically pure lanthanides to affinity binders, e.g. antibodies.
To further enhance the ability of multiparametric analysis to more than 100 analytes at once, we investigated lanthanide nanocrystals as new, highly sensitive metal tags for identification of targets in clinical cell assays and tissue samples. Multiparametric analysis will be possible by encoding the lanthanide composition of nanocrystals associated to the affinity binders. Nanocrystals showed remarkable potential for sensitive detection in MS due to high stability and signal amplification compared to e.g. polymer tags, carrying fewer metal atoms.
Synthesis of functionalized lanthanide nanocrystals for further bioconjugation was performed with high reproducibility and monodisperse size distribution. For proof of principle, the uptake and distribution of these nanocrystals within the monolayered cell line A549 were investigated by mapping the intensities at subcellular resolution using LA-ICP-MS. It could be shown, that the cells were efficiently labeled with the nanocrystals and mostly accumulate near the nucleus. Additionally, the bioconjugation of the nanocrystals to antibodies and particularly the preservation of the antibody specificity was investigated using Dot Blot experiments. All in all, the results imply high sensitivity and the possibility of multiparametric analysis by doting various lanthanides into the nanocrystals.
Due to their toxicity and widespread application for mining and industrial purposes, cyanides are ranking among the most important inorganic pollutants which should be tested and monitored not only in the aquatic environment, but also in soils and soil-like materials. Reference materials of soils with relevant contents of cyanide to ensure reliable test results of laboratories are rare today.
New certified reference material (CRM) BAM-U116/CGL306 “Cyanide in soil” was produced within a framework of cooperation between Central Geological Laboratory (CGL) of Mongolia and Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) of Germany in 2013-2017.
The CRM BAM-U116/CGL306 represents a mixture of a sandy soil collected from a contaminated former gasworks area in the Berlin region (Germany) and an unpolluted sandy soil from Nalaikh region (Mongolia). The bulk candidate material for this reference material was prepared at CGL CRM Laboratory exclusively destined to the preparation of reference materials and equipped with modern technical equipment. Homogeneity, stability and shelf life were studied in full compliance with ISO Guide 35. The CRM was evaluated as sufficiently homogeneous. Statistical evaluation of certification analysis was performed using software packages SoftCRM and ProLab Plus. Certified value of total cyanide of the CRM is 12.0 mg/kg and expanded uncertainty was assigned as 0.8 mg/kg.
The intended purpose of this material is the verification of analytical results obtained for the mass fraction of total cyanide in soils and soil-like materials applying the standardized procedure ISO 11262:2011. As any reference material, it can also be used for routine performance checks (quality control charts) or validation studies.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and its early detection and resultant treatment contributes significantly to patient recovery and survival. Detection is currently based on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, methods that are expensive, while processing of the results is time consuming. There is a need for low-cost cancer-detection techniques that give conclusive results in the shortest time possible. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) targeting tumor markers on cancerous cells may provide a cheaper solution for cancer detection. Thin MIP layers immobilized on particle platforms are known to give faster response times and increased selectivity in comparison to bulk MIPs. It has been reported that a fluorescent monomer can be incorporated into the MIP layer, allowing for faster detection of the target group, thus significantly shortening the turn-around time for biopsies.
Changes in sialylation patterns of cell surface glycoproteins indicate malignancy. Here, we present the development of MIPs that target sialic acid-terminated glycoproteins (SA MIPs), prepared as a thin layer on a silica nanoparticle platform. A fluorescent monomer is incorporated into the MIP layer, and upon binding of the target group to the specific binding pockets in the MIP, the fluorescence signal is enhanced. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used for structural characterization. To validate the specificity, fluorescence changes of MIPs in the presence and absence of template are compared to their corresponding non-imprinted polymer particles (NIP). Initial binding experiments with tumor cells using fluorescence microscopy demonstrate that the presented technique shows promise as a cheaper alternative to current detection methods, while allowing for relatively shorter analysis of biopsy results.
Due to the increasing consumption of cereals worldwide, monitoring of growth, storage and processing is becoming more crucial. Particularly when stored, infested grains breed fungal clusters (“hot spots”) in which mycotoxins greatly exceed allowed maximum levels. Because of their unpredictable presence, current sampling and procedures for mycotoxin analysis are complex and contain invasive and cost intensive steps.
A possible approach to avoid sampling inaccuracies is the non-invasive analysis of the homogeneous gas phase above the crops, instead of analyzing random samples. However, this procedure requires microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC´s) being released by the samples. Previous investigations revealed trichodiene to be a precursor in trichothecenes biosynthesis – one of the largest mycotoxin groups with more than 180 compounds. Due to its non-functionalized sesquiterpene structure, quantification of trichodiene using Headspace GC-MS methods is possible (e.g. [1]). Thereby, it could be used as biomarker for trichothecene contamination in foodstuff.
However, further studies are necessary. The correlation between trichodiene concentration in the gas phase and trichothecenes mass fraction in the sample must be examined closely to draw conclusions about the trichothecene content in samples. Realizing this idea, would widely extend the applicability of trichodiene and enormously simplify trichothecene quantification. Hence, this first step of an ongoing study aims to develop a laboratory reference method using trichodiene as volatile biomarker to quantify trichothecenes in cereals. Static headspace and SPME-enrichment coupled to gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed. In a second step, this reference method is intended to validate new approaches for fast on-site screening of trichodiene in cereals.
IAPR participates in the EMPIR 16SRT02, entitled ‘Certified forensic alcohol reference materials - ALCOREF’ funded by EURAMET as an external funded partner. The Research in this project will address the needs for better enforcement of drink-driving legislation in several European countries, by building up long-term capacities for the production and certification of forensic alcohol reference materials, suitable for the calibration of evidential breath alcohol analyzers. The certification procedure includes characterization of the materials, assessment of homogeneity, stability, and uncertainty estimation. An interlaboratory comparison will be conducted to test the materials and capabilities developed. EMPIR 16SRT02-ALCOREF project is coordinated by BAM (DE).
Sialic acid (SA) is a cell surface glycan, which has a decisive role in many cell activities including differentiation, proliferation, and the immune response. The amount of SA has been found to correlate with cancer, with an upregulation on more aggressive cancers. Therefore, there is a great interest in developing methods for detection of SA on cancer cells. We are screening SA on cancer cell lines by using fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymers, SA-MIPs. Macrophages, which evolve from mono-cytes, are well known for their extraordinary ability to phagocytose foreign objects. This could lead to the hypothesis that the SA-MIPs can be recognized by macrophages as foreign object; thus leading to internalization and potentially degradation.
We have demonstrated that SA-MIPs can be detected after incubation with the RAW macrophage cells, with increasing fluorescence over time. The microscopy analysis shows that the RAW cells ingest the SA-MIP particles. This information is important when planning to use SA-MIPs in future in vivo applications.
Sialic acid (SA) is a cell surface glycan, which has a strong role in many cell activities including differentiation, proliferation, and the immune response. The amount of SA has been found to be correlated with cancer, with an upregulation on more aggressive cancers. Therefore, there is great interest in developing methods for detection of SA on cancer cells. We are screening SA on cancer cell lines by using fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymers, SA-MIPs.Macrophages, which evolve from mono-cytes, are well known for their extraordinary ability to phagocytose foreign objects. This could lead to the hypothesis that the SA-MIPs can be recognized by macrophages as foreign object; thus leading to internalization and potential degradation. We have discovered that SA-MIPs can be detected after incubation with the RAW macrophage cells, with increasing fluorescence over time. The microscopy analysis shows that the RAW cells ingest the SA-MIP particles. This information is important when planning to use SA-MIPs in future in vivo applications.
Carbamazepine (CBZ) and cetirizine (CTZ) are pharmaceutical drugs detected in the aquatic environment. However, the effects to marine invertebrates derived from the combination of these drugs with decreased pH conditions due to ocean acidification are poorly explored. This study investigated the biochemical parameters related to metabolic capacity and oxidative stress response and the transcription of genes related to the mode of action (MoA) of CBZ (1.0 μg/L) and CTZ (0.6 μg/L) in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum chronically exposed (28 days) to control (7.8) and low (7.5) pH conditions. The biochemical parameters applied were: the activity of electron transport system (indicator of organisms’ metabolic capacity); lipid peroxidation content (indicator of cell damage); total glutathione peroxidase activity (indicator of antioxidant defense). The transcription of genes related with drug neurotransmission and metabolism, cell defense and immunity and biomineralization was studied. No metabolic changes and oxidative stress was induced by the exposure to CBZ or CTZ at each pH level, but the transcription of several genes related with the MoA (neurotransmission, immunity and biomineralization) was altered by low pH, drug exposure and the combination of both stressors. In conclusion, it was shown that the interaction of drug exposure and low pH conditions can change bivalves’ sensitivity to drugs or alter drugs toxicity.
Diclofenac (DCF) is a widely used drug against fever, inflammation, pain, and rheumatic diseases. An average of 70 % of the ingested diclofenac is excreted in the urine. Thus, 63 tons per year are introduced into the water cycle in Germany. Due to insufficient removal of diclofenac in wastewater treatment plants, residues of diclofenac can be found in surface water and sometimes in drinking water. In order to establish an immunoassay, an anti-DCF antibody was required. Some antibody developments have been reported, based on an immunogen resulting from direct coupling of diclofenac to proteins via the carboxylic function. Finally, we used a monoclonal antibody, clone F01G21.
Highly selective and sensitive antibodies are only available for a limited number of small molecules. Hence the development of new antibodies is important to exploit the full potential of immunoanalytics. Small molecules do not elicit an immune response in mammals unless conjugated to carrier molecules. The choice of the structures to be conjugated, called haptens, is critical for the antibody production. Here we present our Approach to produce antibodies for the plasticizer diisononyl 1,2-cyclehexane-dicarboxylic acid (DINCH) and di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate (DEHT) as well as the bile acid isolithocholic acid (ILA).
Gold-shell coated NaYF4:Er3+, Yb3+ nanoparticles for the enhancement of fluorescence emission
(2018)
In the present work, we aim to explore how far the UCNP emission intensity can be enhanced by the aid of plasmonic interactions using a gold shell. The distance between the UCNP core and the gold shell is varied by adding a silica spacer of different thicknesses.
The synthetic conditions for obtaining UCNP@SiO2@Au core-shell nanoparticles with precisely tuneable silica shell thicknesses were investigated. A gold shell on the UCNP@SiO2 nanoparticles is expected to give rise to a noticeable enhancement of particle brightness and fluorescence, given that the thicknesses of the silica shell and the gold coating can be controlled and fine-tuned. First single particle studies revealing shortening of the Er3+ lifetimes suggest that plasmonic enhancement occurs.
Phage display is used to find specific target binding peptides for polypropylene (PP) surfaces. PP is one of the most commonly used plastics in the world. Millions of tons are produced every year. PP binders are of particular interest because so far gluing or printing on PP is challenging due to its low surface energy. A phage display protocol for PP was developed followed by Next Generation DNA Sequencing of the whole phage library. Data analysis of millions of sequences yields promising peptide candidates which were synthesized as PEG conjugates. Fluorescence-based adsorption-elution-experiments show high adsorption on PP for several sequences.
Gold-shell coated NaYF4:Er3+, Yb3+ nanoparticles for the enhancement of fluorescence emission
(2018)
In the present work, we aim to explore how far the UCNP emission intensity can be enhanced by the aid of plasmonic interactions using a gold shell. The distance between the UCNP core and the gold shell is varied by adding a silica spacer of different thicknesses.
The synthetic conditions for obtaining UCNP@SiO2@Au core-shell nanoparticles with precisely tuneable silica shell thicknesses were investigated. A gold shell on the UCNP@SiO2 nanoparticles is expected to give rise to a noticeable enhancement of particle brightness and fluorescence, given that the thicknesses of the silica shell and the gold coating can be controlled and fine-tuned. First single particle studies revealing shortening of the Er3+ lifetimes suggest that plasmonic enhancement occurs.
Aim of the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) in the frame of I4S - “Intelligence for Soil” is the characterization of an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) based sensor for robust online-application of arable land.Fast soil mapping for agricultural purpose allows the site-specific optimized introduction of plant essential nutrients like S, K, Ca, and Fe. This is important given that the distribution of minor and trace elements varies widely. The non-destructive and contactless XRF is suitable for rapid in-situ analysis on the field due to minimal sample preparation and simultaneous multi-element analysis.
Soils are already considered as a complex matrix due to their wide range of elements in different contents, especially light elements with low atomic numbers (Z<19). Problems by measuring soil samples also arise from heterogeneity of the sample and matrix effects. Large grain size distribution causes strong inhomogeneity and matrix effects occur through physical properties related to high concentration of main components. Matrix-specific calibration strategies for determination of total major and minor plant essential nutrients are particularly important regarding these difficulties. For accurate calibration, data treatment and evaluation must also be considered. Empirical univariate and multivariate data analysis were compared regarding their analytical figures of merit. Using principal component analysis (PCA) it was possible to classify German soils in different groups as sand, clay and silt. A calibration curve was obtained by partial least squares regression (PLSR) and the elemental content of German soils was predicted. Elemental distribution maps for different German arable lands were created and the results compared to reference measurements. The correlation between predicted values and reference values were in good agreement for most major and minor nutrients.
In respect of an efficient cultivation of agricultural cropland, a site-specific fertility management is necessary. Therefore, affordable and extensive mapping methods are needed. The research projects I4S (intelligence for soil) has the goal to develop a system for this purpose. I4S is one of ten interdisciplinary research project associations of the innovation programme called BonaRes, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
The system includes a sensor platform, which contains different sensors, like XRF, VIS-NIR, Gamma and LIBS. The main task of LIBS measurements in this project is the real-time determination of the elemental contents of major and minor nutrients in soils, like calcium, magnesium, potassium. LIBS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) is known as a fast and simultaneous multi-element analysis with little or no sample preparation. The main task of LIBS measurements in this project is the real-time determination of the elemental contents of nutrients in soils, like calcium, magnesium, potassium. For this purpose, a special setup has been designed. The sample uptake operates with the help of a rotatable sample plate which circulates with different velocities to simulate the application on the field. To provide a higher intensity and a better reproducibility of the obtained signal, a double-pulse Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm)was used. In order to minimize dust formation from the soil during the operation of the laser, a dust removal by suction has been integrated. When using relative methods such as LIBS, a suitable calibration curve is needed for absolute quantification. The complex matrix of soils, as well as the influence of moisture and grain size in soils makes the absolute quantification by LIBS challenging. To overcome these influences, chemometric methods were used. With the principal component analysis (PCA) a classification of soils into different soil types was performed and a calibration curve based on partial least squares regression (PLSR) was generated. With this calibration model’s elemental distribution maps for different German agricultural fields were created.
The aim of this work is to investigate the Synthesis of core-shell upconverting nanoparticles (UCNP).
The UCNP are coated with a Gold Shell to plasmonically enhance the fluorescence emision. The distance between the UCNP core and the plasmonic structure is tuned by the aid of a silica at different Shell thicknesses.
As part of the BonaRes research initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), strategies are being developed to use soil as a sustainable resource in the bioeconomy. The interdisciplinary subproject I4S - “Intelligence for soil” - is responsible for the development of an integrated system for site-specific management of soil fertility. For this purpose, a platform is constructed and various sensors are installed. Real-time data will be summarized in models and decision-making algorithms will be used to control fertilization and accordingly improve soil functions. This would allow investigations in close meshed dynamic grid and fast analysis of large areas to generate higher yields. This is important given that the distribution of minor and trace elements varies widely. Aim of the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) in the frame of I4S is the characterization of an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) based sensor for robust online-analysis of arable land. The non-destructive and contactless XRF is suitable for rapid in-situ analysis on the field due to minimal sample preparation and simultaneous multi-element analysis.
Soils are already considered as a complex matrix due to their wide range of elements in different contents, especially light elements with low atomic numbers (Z<19). Problems by measuring soil samples also arise from heterogeneity of the sample and matrix effects. Large grain size distribution causes strong inhomogeneity and matrix effects occur through physical properties related to high concentration of main components. Matrix-specific calibration strategies for determination of total major and minor plant essential nutrients are particularly important regarding these difficulties. For accurate calibration, data treatment and evaluation must also be considered. Univariate and multivariate data analysis were compared regarding their analytical figures of merit. Using principal component analysis (PCA) it was possible to classify German soils in different groups as sand, clay and silt. Calibration models were obtained by partial least squares regression (PLSR) and the content of macro- and micronutrients in German soils was predicted. Elemental distribution maps for different German arable lands were created and the results compared to reference measurements. The correlation between predicted values and reference values were in good agreement for most major and minor nutrients.
In respect of an efficient cultivation of agricultural cropland, a site-specific fertility management is necessary. Therefore, affordable and extensive mapping methods are needed. For this purpose, the research project I4S (intelligence for soil) has the goal to develop an integrated system. This system includes a sensor platform, which contains different sensors, like XRF, VIS-NIR, Gamma and LIBS.
LIBS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) is known as a fast and simultaneous multi-element analysis with little or no sample preparation. The main task of LIBS measurements in this project is the real time determination of the elemental contents of nutrients in soils, like calcium, magnesium, potassium. For this purpose, a special setup has been designed. The sample uptake operates with the help of a rotatable sample plate which circulates with different velocities to simulate the application on the field. To provide a higher intensity and a better reproducibility of the obtained signal, a double-pulse Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) was used. In order to minimize dust formation from the soil during the operation of the laser, a dust removal by suction has been integrated.[1] When using relative methods such as LIBS, a suitable calibration curve is needed for absolute quantification. The complex matrix of soils, as well as the influence of moisture and grain size in soils makes the absolute quantification by LIBS challenging. To overcome these influences, chemometric methods were used. With the principal component analysis (PCA) a classification of soils into different soil types was performed and a calibration curve based on partial least squares regression (PLSR) was generated. With this calibration model’s elemental distribution maps for different German agricultural fields were created.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), have a high scientific and commercial impact due to their important antibacterial properties. However, there are serious concerns about their toxicological adverse effects as a consequence of their broad range of applications. Particularly, the impact of AgNPs on cells is not very well understood yet and there is a current demand to develop analytical methodologies providing information about the interaction and distribution of AgNPs at a single cell level. In this research, mass cytometry was used to introduce a new quantitative approach to study the uptake of AgNPs by individual THP-1 macrophages as a cell model system. Here, we show that this methodology provides not only multi-variate phenotypic information of individual cells but enables the quantitative analysis of AgNPs associated to cells in a single measurement by performing an external calibration using AgNPs suspension. Using differentiated THP-1 cells, we monitored and quantified the uptake of 50 nm AgNPs in a time and dose-dependent manner by mass cytometry. 7 to 120 AgNPs per cell (2 to 89 fg Ag/cell) were determined after exposure of differentiated THP-1 cells to low AgNPs concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mg L-1, at time points of 4 and 24 h. The results were validated by mass cytometric analysis of digested cells working as a conventional inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, ICP-MS. This study demonstrates the power of single cell analysis by mass cytometry even for low doses experiments as a new analytical tool for hitherto unaddressed questions in nanotoxicology.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), have a high scientific and commercial impact due to their important antibacterial properties. However, there are serious concerns about their toxicological adverse effects as a consequence of their broad range of applications. Particularly, the impact of AgNPs on cells is not very well understood yet and there is a current demand to develop analytical methodologies providing information about the interaction and distribution of AgNPs at a single cell level. In this research, mass cytometry was used to introduce a new quantitative approach to study the uptake of AgNPs by individual THP-1 macrophages as a cell model system. Here, we show that this methodology provides not only multi-variate phenotypic information of individual cells but enables the quantitative analysis of AgNPs associated to cells in a single measurement by performing an external calibration using AgNPs suspension. Using differentiated THP-1 cells, we monitored and quantified the uptake of 50 nm AgNPs in a time and dose-dependent manner by mass cytometry. 7 to 120 AgNPs per cell (2 to 89 fg Ag/cell) were determined after exposure of differentiated THP-1 cells to low AgNPs concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mg L-1, at time points of 4 and 24 h. The results were validated by mass cytometric analysis of digested cells working as a conventional inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, ICP-MS. This study demonstrates the power of single cell analysis by mass cytometry even for low doses experiments as a new analytical tool for hitherto unaddressed questions in nanotoxicology.
Tandem MS techniques are widely used for both, structure and sequence elucidation of biopolymers. Thereby, fragmentation activation is realized by various methods, for example with lasers or collisions with neutral gases. In this study, we present a new Tandem MS system using a commercially available vacuum ultraviolet lamp. On the one hand, this approach provides efficient fragmentation in both ionization modes, positive as well as negative. On the other hand, it enables an additional previously not achieved post ionization of the fragments. While the first results in atypical fragment patterns and, thus provides orthogonal information, the second is crucial especially to identify low abundant ions.
Alternariol (AOH) and Alternariol monomethylether (AME) are two secondary metabolites of Alternaria fungi which can be found in various foodstuffs like tomatoes, nuts and grains. Due to their toxicity and potential mutagenic activity the need for the development of high-throughput methods for the supervision of AOH- and AME-levels is of increasing interest. As the availability of both native and labelled AOH and AME analytical standards is very limited we herein wish to present a novel concise approach towards their synthesis employing a ruthenium-catalyzed ortho-arylation4 as the key step.
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is gaining importance for bioimaging cytometry to answer analytical, biological and biomedical questions. High sensitivity and spatial resolution make it an excellent tool for imaging of metal and heteroelement distribution in single cells. Comparable to CyTOF imaging mass cytometry, metal coded antibodies can be used for multiparametric analysis as well as quantification.
In this project, nanocrystals are investigated as new highly sensitive metal tags for identification and quantification of biomarkers, like Alzheimer’s or breast cancer, in clinical cell assays and tissue samples. Of high significance is the simultaneous analysis of several biomarkers at once, which is possible by special coding of lanthanide tags on the biomarker associated antibody. Nanocrystals show potential for sensitive measurement in MS due to high stability and signal amplification compared to tags with fewer metal atoms. For proof of principle, synthesis and characterization of lanthanide doped nanocrystals was performed by a nanoPET pharma GmbH with great reproducibility and homogenous size. In A549 cell cultures, the uptake and distribution of these nanocrystals within the monolayered cells was investigated by LA-ICP-MS measurements using subcellular resolution. The nanocrystals showed high sensitivity and the possibility of multiparametric analysis by doting different lanthanides. Additionally, stability of the bioconjugation of the nanocrystals and target antibodies was investigated using Dot Blot experiments and LA-ICP-MS.
Multidimensional high throughput methods for the analysis of particle-based peptide libraries
(2018)
Screening of one-bead-one-peptide libraries is a useful procedure for the identification of protein ligands. The demand for binders with high affinity and high specificity towards various target proteins has surged in the biomedical field in the recent years. The 1 traditional peptide screening procedure involves tedious steps as selection, sequencing, and characterization. Herein, we developed a high-throughput – “all in one chip” system to avoid time-consuming separation steps.
Screening of one-bead-one-peptide libraries is a useful procedure for the identification of protein ligands. The demand for binders with high affinity and high specificity towards various target proteins has surged in the biomedical field in the recent years. The traditional peptide screening procedure involves tedious steps as selection, sequencing, and characterization. Herein, we developed a high-throughput – “all in one chip” system to avoid time-consuming separation steps.
Hepcidin-25 has attracted much attention ever since its discovery in 2001. It is widely recognized that this peptide hormone plays a major role in the regulation of iron levels in mammals and can reveal important clinical information about several iron-related disorders. However, the development of a reliable assay to quantify hepcidin proved to be problematic and serum hepcidin-25 concentrations determined by various assays differ substantially. Challenges arise in the MS analysis of hepcidin due to the “sticky” character of the peptide and the lack of suitable standards.
With the aim to tackle the current difficulties in hepcidin quantification and improve the status of this promising biomarker in the clinical field, we developed a rapid and robust analytical strategy for the quantification of hepcidin-25 in human samples based on HPLC-MS/MS (QqQ) as a reference method candidate to be implemented in routine laboratories. The novelty of the method is the use of amino- and fluoro-silanized autosampler vials to reduce hepcidin interaction to laboratory glassware surfaces. Furthermore, we have investigated two sample preparation strategies and two chromatographic separation conditions where the use of acidic mobile phases was compared with a novel approach involving solvents at high pH containing 0.1% of ammonia. Both methods were carefully validated and applied to clinical samples in an intra-laboratory comparison of two LC-MS/MS methods using the same hepcidin-25 calibrators with very good correlation of the results.
Small organic molecule drugs are one of the key classes, taking increasingly important roles in modern drug development strategies. With the focus on small molecule drugs, difficulties originate frequently from a pronounced lipophilic character, resulting in poor water solubility, low bioavailability and unfavored pharmacokinetics. Recently, peptide-poly(ethylene glycol) conjugates (peptide-PEG conjugates) were described as precisely tunable platforms to solubilize a broad scope of fluorescent or non-fluorescent small organic molecules [1-2]. Selection of drug hosting peptides was achieved by combinatorial means, which can further be extended by implementation of a drug release screening step.
One-bead-one-compound peptide libraries are powerful tools to select high affinity binders. However, the selection of positive hits from the peptide libraries remains tedious as it occurs by handpicking, strongly limiting the pool of investigated beads. Here we report our recent results on improving the analytical platform, using automated fluorescence scanning and MALDI-ToF-ToF MS/MS imaging to screen larger sets of beads, broadening the statistical base and unraveling more precisely suitable peptides. The screening puts special emphasis on loading capacities and drug-release of transporters by performing additional washing steps in different media (cf. Fig. 1). Peptides representing strong, medium, weak releaser were chosen for further analysis and synthesized as peptide-polymer transporters. Release was analyzed by fluorescence anisotropy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, due to the fluorescent characteristics of the drug.
Solubilization studies confirmed sufficient loading capacities for a potential anti-Alzheimer disease drug of three transporter molecules representing strong/weak drug releaser, reaching solubilization of up to 1:3.4 (µmol drug/µmol conjugate). Fluorescence anisotropy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy of the drug-loaded transporter showed significant differences in drug releasing properties, confirming the screening process.
Application of pesticides is ubiquitous to better manage agricultural production. However, most of these compounds are harmful or toxic for humans and highly persistent in the environment, even in the crops themselves. Therefore, the rapid and reliable monitoring of pesticide residues is a very important area of environmental analysis. If conducted directly in the field, the use of fluorescence sensing methods is particularly attractive, because they allow for sensitive and rapid analyses while being very versatile. Recently, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as promising candidates for the primary sensing phase. Their robustness, low price and tunability render them an attractive alternative to more conventional biosensors based on antibodies.
At present, a number of MIP formats are available besides the initial bulk polymer monoliths. Core/shell micro- and nanoparticles are especially suitable for sensor applications. A thin shell provides many advantages compared to a bulk polymer, such as fast diffusion of analyte, homogeneity of binding cavities and a higher number of binding sites closer to the surface. A strategy for sensory MIP synthesis is to introduce the fluorophore covalently into the polymer layer. The fluorescent probe monomer may thus consist of a fluorophore unit, a polymerizable unit and a recognition unit.
One of the issues in targeting acidic pesticides such as 2,4-D is the fact that usually their deprotonated form is used for imprinting in organic solvents, commonly as the tetraalkylammonium salt. This approach harbours drawbacks when it comes to analytical rebinding, because real samples seldom contain such counterions. In our group, we have thus developed a new fluorescent probe monomer containing the 2-aminopyridine moiety, which forms strong enough intermolecular hydrogen bonds with the carboxylic acid group of neat 2,4-D. During a titration of the probe monomer with the analyte, hydrogen bond formation is indicated by spectral shifts and fluorescence enhancement. Crystallography studies verified complex formation. The higher fluorometric response of the core-shell MIP compared to a non-imprinted control polymer proved successful imprinting.
Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of neutral molecule vs. salt imprinting, potentially expanding the possibilities of fluorescent sensory MIPs.
Ionophore antibiotics are used to cure and prevent coccidiosis by chicken especially in broiler farming. The residues are found not only in food products (chicken and eggs) but also in the environment (manure, soil or water). In this work the ionophores monensin (MON), salinomycin (SAL), maduramicin (MAD) and lasalocid (LAS) are investigated aiming to study their transformation products (TPs) through biotransformation processes. Biotransformation can be divided into two phases, phase I: oxidation, reduction or hydrolysis and Phase II: conjugation reactions. It is necessary to further examine the biotransformation pathways to determine TPs to be able to detect residues more specifically in different matrices.
The technique of electrochemistry (EC) offers the opportunity to simulate biotransformation processes and to generate TPs for further analysis. The combination of EC with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (EC-LC-MS) provide a fast and simple tool to separate and determine the EC-generated TPs. The electrochemical flow through cell is coupled to the (LC)-MS system, allowing the reaction mixture to be separated by a RP-18 column and then analyzed in the MS. The oxidation products are generated at different potentials between 0.0 – 2.5 V vs. Pd/H2 using glassy carbon or boron doped diamond as working electrode materials .
The results show a broad spectrum of different TPs depending on used solvents and working electrode materials. Among the generated TPs already known as well as unknown TPs of the drugs can be found. Further investigations on structure elucidation of unkown TPs are planned.
Contamination of natural bodies of water with oil and lubricants (or generally, hydrocarbon derivatives such as petrol, fuel and others) is a commonly found phenomenon around the world due to the extensive production, transfer and use of fossil fuels. In this work, we develop a simple system for the on-field detection of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in water and soil. The test is based on fluorescence emission of a 4-dimethylamino-4′-nitrostilbene derivative (4-DNS-OH). This fluorescent molecular rotor is embedded in a hydrophobic polymeric matrix (PVDF), avoiding interactions with water and providing a robust support for use in test-strip fashion. For the fluorescence detection a portable sensor device was developed, featuring two excitation LEDs, a micro-spectrometer and Bluetooth control. A limit of detection of at least 6 ppm of TPH in water was demonstrated.
Thermal sensing using the luminescence intensity ratio of the green Er3+ emissions is affected by the solvent and requires steady-state conditions during the excitation. It is important to keep the excitation power at a moderate level or short exposure times to avoid local heating of aqueous samples. The solvent also determines whether the red emission of Er3+ is excited via a two- or three-photon process.
Functionalisation of UCNPs with analyte-responsive dyes as resonance energy transfer (RET)acceptors, which is in the focus of our work, will yield chemoresponsive nanoprobes with unique features: they can be excited in the NIR range (which minimizes the photo-damage of biological samples, as well as the autofluoresence background) and one of their several sharp UC emission bands can be used as donor for RET sensing applications in combination with analyte-sensitive dyes which serve as indicators, whereas the other UC band(s) can act as internal reference. The first step upon preparation of such nanosensors is the functionalisation of the UCNPs with different surface chemistries for indicator conjugation. Desirable are systems with short distance between the UCNP(donor) and the indicator (acceptor) as a prerequisite for efficient RET. Additionally, dyes with a large spectral overlap between their absorption and one of the UC emission bands are required. Several classes of pH-responsive fluorescent dyes like xanthenes are eligible. Here, we present first studies to optimize the surface functionalization to achieve high RET efficiencies, which would improve the performance of such nanosensors for ratiometric fluorescence measurements of pH in biological matrices.
Ternary semiconductors quantum dots (t-QD) are Cd-free nanocrystals made from I-III-VI group elements like silver or copper, indium and sulfide yielding CIS (CuInS2) or AIS (AgInS2) QDs. They are interesting alternatives to Cd-based QDs for applications as solar concentrators or optically active material for solar cells, light emitting diodes (LED) or reporters for diagnostic assays.
To avoid ligand exchange procedures for high quality QDs, commonly synthesized in high boiling apolar solvents with apolar surface ligands, AIS QDs are synthesized in aqueous solution, required for bioanalytical application, by a microwave-assisted procedure. The surface of these QDs is passivated by a ZnS shell to enhance photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) and prevent material decomposition and oxidation. The resulting AIS/ZnS QDs exhibit broad PL spectra in the visible and near infrared, tunable by size and chemical composition.
I will show the simple synthetic procedure and a spectroscopic study of different AIS QDs evaluating their PL properties and stability, PL QY, and PL decay kinetics. The analyzed sample showed long lifetimes, relatively high QY (50%) and good stability. Ligand conjugation is also performed to allow the embedding in polymer matrix, which requires apolar cappng.
The simple aqueous synthesis together with the tunable emission color, the high PL QY, the high absorption coefficients and the long luminescence lifetimes make these t-QDs promising Cd-free materials for many different applications in the material and life sciences.
Nanoparticles (NPs) have found a wide range of applications in research and industry. Thereby the interaction of NPs with biological systems like cells has become a major field of interest, ranging from medical applications to nanotoxicology. Size, shape and surface modification of the nanomaterials determine the uptake rate and pathway into the cells, and therefore impact specific cell components and processes.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a well-established analytical method offering high sensitivity and multi-element capability. By coupling a laser ablation (LA) system to an ICP-MS the analysis of different kinds of solid samples is possible. In recent years, it was shown that LA-ICP-MS can provide quantitative as well as distribution information of metal containing nanoparticles (NPs) in cell samples.
Here LA-ICP-MS was applied for the imaging of individual fibroblast cells to study the uptake and intracellular processing of NPs. Our results show that LA-ICP-MS can be used to localize nanoparticle aggregates within cellular compartments. The studied NPs accumulate in the perinuclear region in the course of intracellular processing, but do not enter the cell nucleus. The uptake efficiency depends strongly on the physico-chemical properties of the nanostructures as well as on the incubation conditions like concentration and incubation time.
ICP-MS was used to determine the composition of the nanomaterials as well as the number of NPs in cells after acid digestion of the samples.
The overall interest in nanotoxicity, triggered by the increasing use of nanomaterials in the material and life sciences, and the synthesis of an ever increasing number of new functional nanoparticles calls for standardized test procedures and for efficient approaches to screen the potential genotoxicity of these materials. Aiming at the development of fast and easy to use, automated microscopic methods for the determination of the genotoxicity of different types of nanoparticles, we assess the potential of the fluorometric γH2AX assay for this purpose. This assay, which can be run on an automated microscopic detection system, relies on the detection of DNA double strand breaks (DSB) as a sign for genotoxicity. Here, we provide first results obtained with broadly used nanomaterials like CdSe/CdS and InP/ZnS quantum dots as well as iron oxide, gold, and polymer particles of different surface chemistry with previously tested colloidal stability and different cell lines like Hep-2 and 8E11 cells, which reveal a dependence of the genotoxicity on the chemical composition as well as the surface chemistry of these nanomaterials. These studies will be also used to establish nanomaterials as positive and negative genotoxicity controls or standards for assay performance validation for users of this fluorometric genotoxicity assay. In the future, after proper validation, this microscopic platform technology will be expanded to other typical toxicity assays.
Polymer nanoparticles (NPs) are of increasing importance for a wide range of applications in the material and life sciences. This includes their application as carriers for e.g., analyte-responsive ligands for DNA sequencing platforms, drugs as well as dye molecules for use as multichromophoric reporters for signal enhancement in optical assays or the fabrication of nanosensors and targeted probes in bioimaging studies. All these applications require surface functionalization of the particles with e.g., ligands, sensor dyes, or analyte recognition moieties like biomolecules, and subsequently, the knowledge of the chemical nature and total number of surface groups as well as the number of groups accessible for coupling reactions. Particularly attractive for the latter are optically active reporters together with sensitive and fast optical assays, which can be read out with simple, inexpensive instrumentation.
We assessed a variety of conventional and newly developed colorimetric and fluorometric labels for optical surface group analysis, utilizing e.g., changes in intensity and/or color for signal generation. Moreover, novel cleavable and multimodal reporters were developed which consist of a reactive group, a cleavable linker, and an optically active moiety, chosen to contain also heteroatoms for straightforward method validation by elemental analysis, ICP-OES, ICP-MS or NMR. In contrast to conventional labels measured bound at the particle surface, which can favor signal distortions by scattering and encoding dyes, cleavable reporters can be detected colorimetrically or fluorometrically both attached at the particle surface and after quantitative cleavage of the linker in the transparent supernatant after particle removal e.g., by centrifugation. Here, we present first results obtained for the optical quantification of carboxylic and amino groups on a series of self-made polystyrene NPs with different types of labels and compare their potential and drawbacks for surface group analysis.
Many applications of nanomaterials in the life sciences require the controlled functionalization of these materials with ligands like polyethylene glycol (PEG) and/or biomolecules such as peptides, proteins, and DNA. This enables to tune their hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, minimize unspecific interactions, improve biofunctionalization efficiencies, and enhance blood circulation times. Moreover, it is the ultimate prerequisite for their use as reporters in assays or the design of targeted optial probes for bioimaging. At the core of these functionalization strategies are reliable and validated methods for surface group and ligand quantification that can be preferably performed with routine laboratory instrumentation, require only small amounts of substances, and are suitable for many different types of nanomaterials.
We present here versatile and simple concepts for the quantification of common functional groups, ligands, and biomolecules on different types of organic and inorganic nano-materials, using different types of optical reporters and method validation with the aid of multimodal reporters, method comparisons, and mass balances.
Development of a robust calibration model for determination of nutrients in soils using EDXRF
(2018)
As part of the BonaRes research initiative, funded by the BMBF, strategies are being developed to use soil as a sustainable resource in the bio economy. The interdisciplinary subproject I4S - “Intelligence for soil” - is responsible for the development of an integrated system for site-specific management of soil fertility. For this purpose, a platform is constructed and various sensors are installed. Real-time data will be summarised in models and decision-making algorithms will be used to control fertilisation and accordingly improve soil functions. Aim of the BAM in the frame of I4S is the characterisation of an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) based sensor for robust determination of plant essential nutrients in soil.
First a principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify outliers and to observe the largest variance within the German soil samples. It could be monitored that splitting of the samples was due to their iron content. Given that clay samples contain high amounts of iron and sandy samples low amounts, a classification of the samples by their soil texture according to VD LUFA was possible. Considering the complex composition of soil, a matrix-specific calibration was carried out by univariate and multivariate data analysis. The figures of merit demonstrated that a more robust calibration model with negligible matrix effects can be obtained by a multivariate approach using partial least squares regression (PLSR). A better correlation between predicted values compared to reference values for German soil samples was observed for the chemometric calibration model than for the univariate one.
Different factors can affect the received calibration models such as moisture and particle size distribution which is especially important due to later online Analysis.
In first studies the influence of moisture on the detection of plant essential nutrients was investigated. With increasing water content, the characteristic fluorescence peaks decrease and start to increase again at a water content of 15 %. With lower moisture content the soil agglomerates which leads to lower packing of the sample, resulting in a rougher surface which negatively influence the signals. Whereas, agglomerates are not formed at higher water content. This allows the sample to be packed more tightly thus a smoother surface and a better homogeneity is obtained.
Furthermore, particle size distribution leads to significantly higher uncertainties and lower signals when comparing grounded (< 500 μm) and not grounded (< 2 mm) samples. This can be explained by amplifying of the already known inhomogeneity of soils. Both factors must be included in the chemometric PLSR to obtain robust calibration models for each macro and micro nutrient.
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi. The contamination of mycotoxins in food and feed products has been recognized to be an important safety issue for human and animal health. In the context of food safety, medical herbs nowadays are also considered as potential source of mycotoxins. Considering that mycotoxins are generally stable compounds and could not be destroyed completely during food-processing operations, prevention of contamination is identified as main issue.
Currently, biochemical, and immunochemical methods based on the use of antibodies as a specific recognition bioreagents are increasingly found to be applied in screening. Along with good common enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), more and more widely used method is fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). These methods help to monitor of many toxic substances in large number of samples and carried out quickly, easily, cheaply, and give good results in quantifying the one or more substances. That is why the use of immunochemical methods of analysis, such as ELISA and FPIA, is the most promising for solving this problem.
Thus, the aim of our work is to optimize the determination of mycotoxins by ELISA and FPIA in medical herbs. We selected antibodies and a tracer for the FPIA, then we constructed obtained a calibration curve and determined the sensitivity of this method for the samples in aqueous media. Then, the optimal sample preparation was elaborated: for spiked nuts samples were selected and prepared and a calibration curve was obtained with respect to the matrix effect. After that, the analysis of spiked nuts samples was performed by ELISA and FPIA and the sensitivity of both methods was compared.
Cyanide is known to be a very hazardous and toxic substance. Through the binding to cytochrome oxidase it inhibits the oxygen utilization in cells. The LD50 of cyanide is as low as 1.0 mg/kg. Therefore it is inalienable to develop sensing methods to detect cyanide with a very high selectivity and sensitivity.
In our group we developed a non-fluorescent monomer which is able to detect cyanide-anions with very high selectivity and sensitivity based on a “turn-on” fluorescence method. As cyanide-source we used tetrabutylammoniumcyanide (TBAC). Using an excitation wavelength of 600 nm the increase in fluorescence at 642 nm is strictly selective with cyanide-anions. Different anions like fluoride, hydroxide or acetate show no increase at all. With this new detection system, concentrations as low as 1.6 nM can be detected.
Tandem MS techniques are widely used for both, structure and sequence elucidation of biopolymers. Thereby, fragmentation activation is realized by various methods, for example with lasers or collisions with neutral gases. In this study, we present a new Tandem MS System using a commercially available vacuum ultraviolet lamp. On the one hand, this approach provides efficient fragmentation in both ionization modes, positive as well as negative. On the other hand, it enables an additional previously not achieved post ionization of the fragments. While the first results in atypical fragment patterns and, thus provides orthogonal information, the second is crucial especially to identify low abundant ions.
Nanoparticles (NPs) have found a wide range of applications in research and industry. Thereby the interaction of NPs with biological systems like cells has become a major field of interest, ranging from medical applications to nanotoxicology. Size, shape and surface modification of the nanomaterials determine the uptake rate and pathway into the cells, and therefore impact specific cell components and processes.
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is an established quantitative multi-elemental analysis and mapping technique. In recent years, it was shown that LA-ICP-MS can provide quantitative as well as distribution information of metal containing nanoparticles (NPs) in cell samples.
Here LA-ICP-MS was applied for the imaging of individual fibroblast cells to study the uptake and intracellular processing of NPs. Our results show that LA-ICP-MS can be used to localize nanoparticle aggregates within cellular compartments. The studied NPs accumulate in the perinuclear region in the course of intracellular processing, but do not enter the cell nucleus. The uptake efficiency depends strongly on the physico-chemical properties of the nanostructures as well as on the incubation conditions like concentration and incubation time.
ICP-MS was used to determine the composition of the nanomaterials as well as the number of NPs in cells after acid digestion of the samples.
Imaging of elemental distributions in single cell assays as well as tissue sections can be performed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). This powerful technique offers precise spatially resolved measurements at trace and ultratrace levels and has been established as an excellent tool to answer analytical, biological and biomedical questions. To date, mass cytometry is already able to simultaneously detect up to 40 cellular targets due to conjugation of isotopically pure lanthanides to affinity binders, e.g. antibodies.
To further enhance the ability of multiparametric analysis to more than 100 analytes at once, we investigated lanthanide nanocrystals as new, highly sensitive metal tags for identification of targets in clinical cell assays and tissue samples. Multiparametric analysis will be possible by encoding the lanthanide composition of nanocrystals associated to the affinity binders. Nanocrystals showed remarkable potential for sensitive detection in MS due to high stability and signal amplification compared to e.g. polymer tags, carrying fewer metal atoms. Furthermore, the nanocrystals allow multimodal imaging due fluorescence of Eu3+ as well as contrast enhancing properties of Gd3+ in magnetic resonance imaging.
Synthesis of functionalized lanthanide nanocrystals for further bioconjugation was performed with high reproducibility and monodisperse size distribution. For proof of principle, the uptake and distribution of these nanocrystals within the monolayered cell line A549 were investigated by mapping the intensities at subcellular resolution using LA-ICP-MS. It could be shown, that the cells were efficiently labeled with the nanocrystals. Additionally, the bioconjugation of the nanocrystals to antibodies and particularly the preservation of the antibody specificity was investigated using Dot Blot experiments. All in all, the results imply high sensitivity and the possibility of multiparametric analysis by doting various lanthanides into the nanocrystals.
Imaging of elemental distributions in single cell assays as well as tissue sections can be performed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). This powerful technique offers precise spatially resolved measurements at trace and ultratrace levels and has been established as an excellent tool to answer analytical, biological and biomedical questions. To date, mass cytometry is already able to simultaneously detect up to 40 cellular targets due to conjugation of isotopically pure lanthanides to affinity binders, e.g. antibodies.
To further enhance the ability of multiparametric analysis to more than 100 analytes at once, we investigated lanthanide nanocrystals as new, highly sensitive metal tags for identification of targets in clinical cell assays and tissue samples. Multiparametric analysis will be possible by encoding the lanthanide composition of nanocrystals associated to the affinity binders. Nanocrystals showed remarkable potential for sensitive detection in MS due to high stability and signal amplification compared to e.g. polymer tags, carrying fewer metal atoms. Furthermore, the nanocrystals allow multimodal imaging due fluorescence of Eu3+ as well as contrast enhancing properties of Gd3+ in magnetic resonance imaging.
Synthesis of functionalized lanthanide nanocrystals for further bioconjugation was performed with high reproducibility and monodisperse size distribution. For proof of principle, the uptake and distribution of these nanocrystals within the monolayered cell line A549 were investigated by mapping the intensities at subcellular resolution using LA-ICP-MS. It could be shown, that the cells were efficiently labeled with the nanocrystals. Additionally, the bioconjugation of the nanocrystals to antibodies and particularly the preservation of the antibody specificity was investigated using Dot Blot experiments. All in all, the results imply high sensitivity and the possibility of multiparametric analysis by doting various lanthanides into the nanocrystals.
Influence of moisture and grain sizes on the analysis of nutrients in agricultural soils using LIBS
(2018)
Over the last few years, there has been a growing interest to apply spectroscopic methods to the agricultural field for better understanding of soil properties and for efficient, sustainable management of arable land. Within the project I4S (intelligence for soil), funded by the BMBF, an integrated system for site-specific soil fertility management is developed, consisting of different sensors like X-Ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). LIBS provides a fast and simultaneous multi-element analysis with little to no sample preparation, which makes it a suitable method for real-time analysis on the field.
The quantification of macro and micro nutrients in soils with LIBS is challenging due to matrix effects, different levels of moisture content and varying grain sizes. First studies revealed that the problems with matrix effects can be overcome by using well characterised soils as reference materials and chemometric tools like Partial Least Squares Regression(PLSR) for calibration.
The next step was to investigate the influence of moisture and grain sizes on the LIBS signal, which is a big issue when measuring directly on the field. The results showed that the LIBS signal decreases exponentially with increasing moisture content, as most of the laser energy is used for vaporising the water. With moisture contents of 30 % or higher almost no signal can be detected. This decrease is more severe for sandy soils than for clay soils. First tests of different grain size distributions indicate that the variation of the LIBS signal increases with growing amounts of larger grains. This results in a higher standard deviation, because of a poorer reproducibility of the plasma formation and plasma characteristic. With the help of chemometric tools the influence of moisture and grain sizes should be implemented in the calibration model for accurate analysis of nutrient composition in agricultural soils.
For years there have been more and more reports on the presence of drugs in the aquatic environment. Due to the demographic change, the consumption of pharmaceuticals has risen sharply. After taking the drugs, they are partly metabolized in the human body. However, the metabolism is not complete so that both the metabolites and non-metabolized amounts of the parent compounds are excreted. These compounds reach the waste water and afterwards the sewage treatment plants. In sewage treatment plants transformation products can be formed by the oxidative conditions during wastewater treatment processes. The transformation products may have a higher toxicity than the actual environmental pollutants and are often only partly removed during the waste water treatment. Since a lot of these compounds are still unknown, the transformation products are not detected by target analysis used in sewage treatment plants and are often released undetected in the aquatic ecosystems. The released substances may be subject to additional transformation processes in the environment. Pharmaceuticals produced in high amounts can be already detected in the μg/L range in water bodies worldwide.
Metformin and its major transformation product guanylurea are one of the main representatives. Metformin is the drug of choice for treating type 2 diabetes. The drug therapy for diabetes mellitus has increased significantly in recent years. In the year 2015 1500 tons of metformin were prescribed in Germany (for statutory insured persons). Metformin is not metabolized in the human body and is excreted unchanged therefore concentrations between 57 μg/L and 129 μg/L are found in German waste water treatment plants influents.
In this work the transformation of the antidiabetic drug metformin is investigated. The degradation of metformin is initialize by commercial water treatment techniques like UV-radiation or noncommercial techniques like heterogenous photocatalysis based on titanium dioxide. The degradation of metformin and resulting transformation products are analyzed by LC-MS/MS and LC-HRMS.
Cancer is modern medicine’s biggest challenge. It is now thought to be responsible for one in six deaths worldwide making early diagnosis, and treatment thereon, essential for better prognoses1. Protein phosphorylation is a post-translational modification of particular interest as a biomarker in the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and a number of cancer pathways. There is therefore a need for robust, fast and low-cost techniques for the detection of these phosphorylations. Fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are a cheap and selective material for both the extraction and detection of a multitude of analytes. Often referred to as “plastic antibodies”, MIPs provide added robustness and chemical stability compared to their natural counterparts. Application of these fluorescent MIPs to a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip platform offers a fast, versatile method for the detection of biomarkers containing phosphorylated amino-acids such as phosphorylated tyrosine.
Here, we present a tuneable core-shell MIP system consisting of a polystyrene core, silica inner-shell and MIP outer-shell. The MIP outer-shell contains a urea-based fluorescent probe monomer co-polymerised into the polymer matrix that can detect phosphorylated-tyrosine based on a change in its optical properties. The phosphate group interacts with the fluorescent probe via hydrogen bonding interactions yielding a fluorescence enhancement in organic solvents. The fluorescent MIPs are to be applied to a microfluidic platform, for rapid extraction of the analyte from the aqueous sample phase and simple optical detection in the organic phase that contains the MIP microparticles.
In addition to previously reported results on the simulated aging of polystyrene samples (PS) containing 1 wt. % hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), we present the first results of our investigations of polypropylene (PP)-samples containing 0.1 wt. % BDE-209. All studied polymer samples were exposed to a defined weathering schedule in a climate chamber in accordance to regulation EN ISO 4892-3:2006.For the determination of BDE-209 in the collected rain water samples derived from the used climate chamber, the samples were prepared in accordance with a validated protocol. Before the analyses, each sample was spiked with 2 µL of isotopically labeled BDE-209 (13C10-BDE-209) to serve as internal standard (ISTD) in the performed stable isotope dilution analysis. Subsequently the samples were extracted with isooctane, the obtained aliquots of the extracts were concentrated to 200 µL and 2 µL of the resulting solution were injected to the GC/MS for quantification.
Additionally, the total bromine contents are monitored for the aged and untreated samples using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) as well as X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) as non-destructive and rapid method. Furthermore, results from surface analysis using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) for morphological characterization of the aged and untreated samples were presented and discussed. In general, the resulting data from the accelerated aging will be compared to those from the natural weathering experiments (“atmospheric exposure”, in soil).
The atmospheric exposure was performed by placing the samples on a weathering rack, which is aligned in SW direction (in a 45° angle to the horizon). The weathering data were regularly recorded by Deutscher Wetterdienst at this site. The surfaces of the test specimens (aged and stored references) were analyzed by ESEM as well as by LA-ICP-MS and by XRF. The surface of PS and PP specimens aged outdoors present the aging under real conditions and allow the comparison to the accelerated aged specimens by means of the weathering chamber. This way, we explore the efficiency of the accelerated aging procedure, which provides the advantage of well-defined and reproducible conditions compared to natural weathering, as a tool for testing different plastic materials.
Additionally “in soil” experiments were conducted in-door in a well characterized testing soil. The soil (boulder-clay, sand with 12 % loam, particle size in total 0.2-4 mm) is filled in a free-draining concrete basin inside of an air-conditioned room. In this manner, TOC, water capacity and humidity are recorded parameters. To assure a washing out process from the samples by the raining water, the target water content is calculated to 8%. The actual humidity is measured by a tensiometer, assuring the duration of the raining period. The water content is additionally monitored by weight of the basin, capturing water from raining periods. The correct humidity is a fundamental parameter for biological activity. Samples of PS resp. PP were of dimension 10x1cm and 5 specimens were placed up to the half in the soil per basin. Microbial activity of the soil, monitored by the reference polyurethane, sets HBCD resp. BDE-209 of the samples free and will be leached from the samples by raining water. Thereafter these will be captured by passive samplers placed in a distinct distance to the samples in the soil. The “in soil” experiments are complementary to the weathering experiments due to the biological activity in the soil. These experiments simulate the fate of the brominated flame retardants in the biosphere.
As part of the BonaRes research initiative, funded by the BMBF, strategies are being developed to use soil as a sustainable resource in the bio economy. The interdisciplinary subproject I4S - “Intelligence for soil” - is responsible for the development of an integrated system for site-specific management of soil fertility. For this purpose, a platform is constructed and various sensors are installed. Real-time data will be summarised in models and decision-making algorithms will be used to control fertilisation and accordingly improve soil functions. Aim of the BAM in the frame of I4S is the characterisation of an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) based sensor for robust determination of plant essential nutrients in soil.
First a principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify outliers and to observe the largest variance within the German soil samples. It could be monitored that splitting of the samples was due to their iron content. Given that clay samples contain high amounts of iron and sandy samples low amounts, a classification of the samples by their soil texture according to VD LUFA was possible. Considering the complex composition of soil, a matrix-specific calibration was carried out by univariate and multivariate data analysis. The figures of merit demonstrated that a more robust calibration model with negligible matrix effects can be obtained by a multivariate approach using partial least squares regression (PLSR). A better correlation between predicted values compared to reference values for German soil samples was observed for the chemometric calibration model than for the univariate one.
Different factors can affect the received calibration models such as moisture and particle size distribution which is especially important due to later online analysis.
In first studies the influence of moisture on the detection of plant essential nutrients was investigated. With increasing water content, the characteristic fluorescence peaks decrease and start to increase again at a water content of 15 %. With lower moisture content the soil agglomerates which leads to lower packing of the sample, resulting in a rougher surface which negatively influence the signals. Whereas, agglomerates are not formed at higher water content. This allows the sample to be packed more tightly thus a smoother surface and a better homogeneity is obtained.
Furthermore, particle size distribution leads to significantly higher uncertainties and lower signals when comparing grounded (< 500 μm) and not grounded (< 2 mm) samples. This can be explained by amplifying of the already known inhomogeneity of soils.
Both factors must be included in the chemometric PLSR to obtain robust calibration models for each macro and micro nutrient.
Type-I pyrethroids are frequently used for disinfection purposes against insects such as adult mosquitoes, or diseases carried by insects, like Malaria or Zika in cabins of airplanes on long-distance flights especially from tropical destinations. This treatment is mandatory at various airports but compliance with the rules is difficult to test for. Moreover, if improperly used, these compounds can entail negative health effects for crews and passengers.
The detection of the pyrethroids will be achieved thanks to an antibody-gated indicator delivery system (gAID) utilizing monoclonal antibodies and hybrid sensory nanoparticles. After the interaction of the pyrethroid with the gAID, the liberated indicator (dye) will be detected. Since only few analyte molecules are necessary for pore opening yet release a large number of dyes, the system shows intrinsic signal amplification.
The device system to be developed has to be so simple that chemically untrained personnel, such as ground or cabin crew, can use it and obtain a result in a reasonably short period of time, e.g., ≤5 min. The need for high accuracy and sufficient sensitivity, established at 0.001 g m–2, is a critical requirement and imposes another significant challenge since this value is beyond current LFTs reported in the literature for pesticide detection to date.
In order to achieve the selectivity and sensitivity required by the test itself, and to avoid cross reactivity with other type I pyrethroids, the production of a monoclonal antibody for both Permethrin and Phenontrin is necessary. The synthesis of the two hapten molecules and the subsequent immunization with different immunogens represent the first goal of the work.
Luminescence techniques are amongst the most commonly used analytical methods in life and material sciences due to their high sensitivity, nondestructive character, and easy instrumentation suitable for miniaturization. Photoluminescence signals are, however, affected by wavelength-, polarization-, and time-dependent instrument-related effects. Thus, at the core of standardization approaches for all fluorescence-based techniques are evaluated fluorescence standards for the consideration of instrument-specific spectral and intensity distortions of measured signals and for instrument performance validation (IPV).
Here, we summarize the research of BAM division 1.2 on development of liquid and solid fluorescence standards for various application-relevant fluorescence parameters and techniques. The portfolio of BAM fluorescence reference materials presently consists of:
i) a Spectral Fluorescence Standard Kit, i.e., a set of liquid fluorescence standards with certified normalized corrected emission spectra, for the determination of a broad variety of fluorescence parameters
ii) a ready-to-use, glass-based multi-emitter fluorescence standard for IPV and the determination of instrument-to-instrument variations
iii) specially adapted calibration tools and validation concepts for microarray-based platforms used in molecular diagnostics and food safety control
iv) quantum yield (Φf) standards for relative determination of the key performance parameter Φf of fluorescent materials, which can be also used for the evaluation of the performance of absolute, standard-free methods utilizing integrating sphere setups or spectrometer accessories. These materials, that will eventually cover the ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared spectral region, are currently under certification.
This toolbox of method-adapted reference materials can perfectly complement existing fluorescence standards. These easy-to-use, reference materials can pave the way to traceable fluorescence measurements to a radiometric scale like the spectral radiance or spectral photon radiance for all users of fluorescence techniques in material sciences and analysis, as well as environmental monitoring and biotechnology. They are particularly useful for customers working in strongly regulated areas like medical diagnostics or pharmaceutical research, where certified standards in conjunction with validated standard operating procedures are mandatory.
Tanks for heating oil made of polyethylene grades have been on the market since the early 1970s in Germany. Tank manufacturers recommend the replacement of the tanks after a period of 30 years due to guarantee safety. Polyethylene grades are subject to ageing by alteration of the properties during their life cycle. The degree of ageing and the nature of the degradation process mainly depend on the chemical degradation of the polyethylene, the wall thickness of the tank and the environmental conditions. There are no results available on the long-term behavior of the polyethylene grades, especially after a service life of more than 30 years. The aim of this investigation was the determination of the factual degree of damage in comparison to the uncontaminated polyethylene grades. Material data of the used polyethylene grades are available because the BAM was the competent authority for the tests and expert reports for the approval of these tanks until the middle of the 1990s.
The determination of the Melt Flow Rate (MFR) and the Fourier Transmission IR Spectroscopy (FTIR) of tank sections from the bottom, the shell and the roof of 10 segregated heating oil storage tanks produced of polyethylene grades A and B were used as tests methods.
The MFR measurements of the tank sections showed differences in the values depending on the weight which was used (5 kg or 21.6 kg). A reduction of the MFR values was measured for most of the sections of tanks made of polyethylene grade B after a service life of the tanks of more than 30 years. This grade is mainly subject to the internal ageing by cross-linkages, increased degree of branched molecules and loss of the plasticizer, and to a lesser extent by oxidative degradation. The FTIR analysis, especially of tank sections of the bottom and the shell showed that the intensity of the CH2 asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations in the range: 2800 - 2900 cm-1 and the CH2 bending deformation vibration at 1400 cm-1 increased due chain scissions. The intensity of the carbonyl stretching vibration C=O at 1740 cm-1 is low. The carbonyl index characterizes the degree of oxidation.
This paper describes a wireless mobile prototype able to perform optical measurements by means of a miniaturized spectrometer for low light analysis, e.g. fluorescent sensors.
Evaluations, calculations, calibration management and result display are performed by a computer or a standard tablet. The device was designed primarily to detect traces of oil in drinking or ground water and for the analyses of crude oils. However, it can also address a wide range of fluorescent sensors. The fast and user-friendly inspection of water quality or oil properties, as well as the adaptability and mobility, make the device attractive for a variety of users. Further application areas could be easily implemented by adapting the optics and the software (database, data processing and calibration plots, etc.).
Sialic acid (SA) is a cell surface glycan, which has been found to be upregulated on more aggressive cancers. Therefore, there is a great interest in developing methods for detection of SA on a great interest in developing methods for detection of SA o on cancer cells. We are screening SA on cell lines by fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymers, SA fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymers, SA fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymers, SA fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymers, SA fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymers, SA fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymers, SA -MIPs. Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) is a digital holographic technique. Various cellular parameters can be visualized and calculated from the particular hologram, including individual cell area, thickness, volume and population confluence and cell counts. The aim was to investigate the possible uptake of SA in macrophage cell lines in in vitro cell cultures and check if they affected the cell.
Alternariol (AOH) and Alternariol monomethylether (AME) are two secondary metabolites of Alternaria fungi which can be found in various foodstuffs like tomatoes, nuts and grains. Due to their toxicity and potential mutagenic activity, the need for the development of high-throughput methods for the supervision of AOH- and AME-levels is of increasing interest. As the availability of both native and labelled AOH and AME analytical standards is very limited we herein wish to present a novel concise approach towards their synthesis employing a ruthenium-catalyzed ortho-arylation4 as the key step.
Glycosylation is a post-translational modification that is involved in the regulation of many biological processes. The glycosylation pattern in cancer cells differs from that in normal cells. One of the main alterations that has been observed in several cancers is the increase of sialic acids at the end of the glycan. The increase of sialic acids and other alterations affect development and progression of tumors and are found to play an important role in cancer invasiveness and metastasis. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic recognition elements that show high selectivity and affinity for their targets. These polymers show promising applications in detection methods for cancer cells. In this study newly synthesized MIPs, labelled with a nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) fluorophore, are investigated for their specificity and utility in the detection of cancer cell-related sialic acids.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally according to the WHO 2018. Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervix and thyroid cancer are the most common among women. Sialic acid (SA) plays an important role in a variety of biological processes in cells. Tumor cells express high levels of SA, which is often associated with poor prognosis due to increased invasive potential. In this study, we have performed a screening of SA-MIPs binding to different cancer cell lines. The overall aim is to use the SA-MIPs for detection of tumor cells, analyzed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. To confirm the levels of SA expression on the investigated cell lines, we started out by analyzing the binding of the lectins MAL I and SNA. The staining pattern of the two lectins binding to either α-2,3 or α-2,6 linkage SA, respectively, was compared with the staining pattern of the SA-MIPs. We show that the different cell types analyzed have a varying pattern of SA-MIP binding. The comparison with lectin binding will be further evaluated.
ALCOREF is a project within the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research (EMPIR. It is part of the 2016 EMPIR Research Potential Call dedicated to build up metrological and research capacity in less developed National Metrology Institutes (NMIs).
The project will develop long term expertise for the production and certification of ethanol/water reference materials in the participating NMIs. Materials to be developed will be suitable for the calibration and approval of evidential breath alcohol analysers as defined by recommendation R 126 of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). Certification includes the characterisation of the materials, assessment of homogeneity, stability and uncertainty. Target certified values and volumes will address end-users’ needs regarding regional legal limits for alcohol in traffic and the instrumentation for breath analyser calibration available in different countries. Thus, the project supports the law enforcement of national drink-driving legislation.
The consortium comprises of 11 institutions from 10 European countries. Project participants will establish reliable analytical methods for the purity assessment of ethanol, such as Karl-Fischer titration, to achieve traceability of their certified values. Chromatographic or density methods for the quantification of ethanol in water will also be established, validated and applied for homogeneity and stability assessment. An interlaboratory comparison will be conducted within the European Association of National Metrology Institutes’ (EURAMET) Technical Committee Metrology in Chemistry to test the equivalence of the new certified reference materials and the analytical methods implemented.
The poster will present the outline and first results of the ALCOREF project.
In civil engineering, the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy has been applied as a fast and reliable method for a quantitative evaluation of concrete cores. Due to a two-dimensional scanning, the heterogeneity of concrete can be evaluated and elements like Cl, Na, and S are related to the cement matrix only. This study deals with the temporal evaluation and imaging of laser-induced plasmas on cement-based materials, in order to investigate the impact of aggregates with diffrent grain size on the spectral response in LIBS.
An immunochromatographic assay for the determination of bisphenol a releases from plastic materials
(2018)
Background. The worldwide increase in the use of bisphenol A (BPA), a monomer commonly used to manufacture polycarbonate plastic products and the epoxy resins that line metal cans, has resulted in an increased human exposure because both products come in contact with food and beverages. Since BPA is an endocrine disruptor excessive exposure could affect human reproductive function. In response, various countries have adopted a range of measures, from voluntary reductions to outright bans of BPA in some products, mostly in baby bottles and containers for canned foods. Nonetheless, consumers would certainly appreciate a quick test for their own assessment of contaminations by bisphenol A.
Methods. An immunochromatographic test strip was developed. This lateral-flow immunoassay (LFIA) is based on anti-BPA antibodies (from mouse) conjugated with gold nanoparticles as the marker, deposited in an elaborate pad. To form control and test zones, anti-mouse antibody and a BPA-BSA conjugate were spotted on the nitrocellulose membrane, respectively.
Results. Negative samples are revealed by red lines both in the test and control zones, respectively, whereas positive samples produce a single red line only in the control zone. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.05 µg/l, visually detected by the naked eye within 5 minutes. In addition, the intensities at the test line can be read by dedicated lateral flow readers (opTrilyzer® and Cube by opTricon, Berlin) for a more precise and documented determination.
Conclusion. Pregnancy-test like strips in combination with hand-held readers provide a simple and versatile tool to determine the presence of bisphenol A quantitatively, making it a very attractive analytical approach especially for on-site applications at critical points, such as environmental analysis, consumer protection, and materials testing.
Two calibration-free (CF) LIBS approaches are used for the quantitative analysis of cement samples: the CF-LIBS based on the Boltzmann plot method and the Monte Carlo (MC) LIBS based on the iterative spectrum fitting. In CF-LIBS, the inverse problem is solved, i.e. the elemental concentrations are determined by the reconstruction of plasma parameters from spectra. The MC-LIBS technique solves the direct problem by finding the highest correlation between the model-generated and experimental spectrum. The accuracy of both calibration-free LIBS methods suffers from factors such as inaccurately determined instrumental function, the deviation of experimental plasma from the mathematical model used, not taking into account the collection geometry, and from the uncertainty of spectroscopic data. The both calibration-free LIBS approaches are first applied to synthetic spectra which perfectly suit the mathematical model of the method, i.e. the model of the uniform, isothermal, and stationary plasma. This test yields the accuracy of both the approaches for the ideal case. In addition, the accuracy of both the methods is investigated for non-uniform and non-isothermal plasma, because real laser-induced plasma often has high gradients in temperature and particle number densities. Finally, both calibration-free LIBS approaches are applied to experimental spectra obtained from cement samples. The figures of merits of two approaches are compared when working with both synthetic and experimental spectra.
Expression, purification and characterization of the recombinant cysteine-rich biomarker Hepcidin-25
(2018)
Hepcidin regulates iron homeostasis in response to inflammation, erythropoietic demand, and iron stores. The native state of hepcidin-25 is an attractive target for the development of a reliable analytical tool that can quantify the hepcidin concentration in biological samples and reveal iron metabolic disorders. Therefore, a selective immunoassay would have to discriminate between different types of hepcidin and quantify only hepcidin-25’s concentration. The peptide contains a well-defined β-sheets and a β-hairpin loop stabilized by four disulfide bonds. Recently, it was shown that hepcidin-25 contains an ATCUN motif at its N-terminus. This motif is known to have high affinity towards Cu2+ and Ni2+.
One of the aims of this study is to determine the three-dimensional (3D) structure of metal-bound hepcidin-25. Here, we present an optimized procedure for preparing natively folded hepcidin 25 (~2.80 kDa) and structural analysis of metal binding to hepcidin-25. Hepcidin was expressed as a His6-SUMO-hepcidin-25 fusion protein (~16.20 kDa) in Escherichia coli, Origami B strains, and purified as a soluble recombinant protein in three steps. After purification based on the nickel affinity chromatography, the purified His6-SUMO-hepcidin 25 fusion protein was cleaved by the SUMO-specific ULP1 protease. The liberated hepcidin 25 was further purified on a Superdex 30 16/600 column and folded in the last step of purification in the presence of glutathione. Freshly expressed hepcidin was kept in its reduced form to prevent misfolding and allow for efficient removal of the SUMO tag. The presence of natively folded hepcidin 25 after RP-HPLC was confirmed by ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopy. Based on published chemical shifts, we achieved a nearly complete assignment of the labeled and unlabeled hepcidin-25 at pH=3. Comparison of 1H chemical shifts and TOCSY spectra at pH=7 in the presence and absence of Ni2+ demonstrates that the metal binds at the N-terminus of hepcidin 25. Chemical shift changes due to metal complexation decrease further away from the metal binding site.
Hepcidin-25 regulates iron homeostasis in response to inflammation, erythropoietic demand and iron stores. The liver synthesizes three types of hepcidin, only hepcidin-25 indirectly regulates and coordinates use and storage of iron. Hepcidin-25 contains a well defined β-sheet and β-hairpin loop stabilized by four disulfide bonds. The N-terminus which plays a crucial role in the biological activity of hepcidin-25 was found to be disordered. The ATCUN motif sequence is present at the N-terminus (Asp-Thr-His). The ATCUN motif (H2N-X-X-His) binds Cu2+ and Ni2+ with high affinity and always contains histidine in its sequence. NMR provides an ideal tool to determine hepcidin-25’s threedimensional(3D) structure taking into account the Cu2+ and Ni2+ binding capacity of hepcidin’s ATCUN motif.
Comparison of 1H chemical shifts and TOCSY data in the presence and absence of Ni2+ demonstrates that the metal binds at the N-terminus of the hepcidin-25. Chemical shift changes due to metal complexation decrease further away from the metal binding site, with the smallest effect at phenylalanine [Phe-4], proline [Pro-5] and isoleucine [Ile-6].
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) can contaminate plastic and rubber parts of consumer products including toys. PAH are present as impurities in some of the raw materials used for production of such articles, particularly in extender oils and in carbon black. Because PAH have negative effects on health (e.g. carcinogenic), standard methods have been developed in several countries to control PAH in consumer/toy products, mainly based on gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS).
To protect consumers from hazards of PAH, national regulations and maximum levels are already in force, for example in Germany. Recently, maximum levels for 8 PAH compounds (benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[j]fluoranthene, benzo[e]pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene and dibenz[a,h]anthracene) have been established by EC-regulation 1272/2013. This resulted in an urgent need for certified reference materials (CRM) to meet the requirements of the EC-regulation (1 mg/kg for each PAH compound in consumer products and 0.5 mg/kg in toys, respectively).
In 2016 BAM started a project to certify the PAH mass fractions in a toy CRM to fill the current gap of available reference materials. Several different toys from retailers were screened to obtain a real-life material representing PAH mass fractions in the range of the EC-maximum level. The finally selected material (rubber balls for children) was prepared and characterized with respect to homogeneity and stability of 18 PAH. The extension to other health-relevant PAH compounds, e.g. indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and benzo[ghi]perylene, will increase the applicability of the CRM for costumers, e.g. from industry, conformity assessment bodies and private testing laboratories.
The poster will present the current status of the ongoing CRM project including preparation of the candidate material and results from homogeneity and stability studies. In addition, first results of a joint German-Chinese interlaboratory comparison study will be shown.
Two calibration-free LIBS techniques are used for the quantitative analysis of synthetic cement samples: the CF-LIBS based on the Boltzmann plot method and the Monte Carlo (MC) LIBS based on the iterative spectrum fitting. In CF-LIBS, the inverse problem is solved, i.e. the elemental concentrations are determined by the reconstruction of plasma parameters from spectra. The MC-LIBS technique solves the direct problem by finding the highest correlation between the model-generated and experimental spectrum. The accuracy of both calibration-free LIBS methods suffers from factors such as inaccurately determined instrumental function, the deviation of experimental plasma from the mathematical model used, not taking into account the collection geometry and from the uncertainty of spectroscopic data. Therefore, the both calibration-free LIBS approaches are applied to synthetic spectra which perfectly suit the mathematical model of the method. This test yields the accuracy of both the approaches for the ideal case. In addition, the accuracy of both methods is investigated for non-isothermal plasma, because real laser-induced plasma often has high gradients in temperature. Both methods assume an isothermal plasma.
Compact nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instruments make NMR spectroscopy and relaxometry accessible in industrial and harsh environments for reaction characterization and process control. Robust field integration of NMR systems have to face explosion protection or integration into process control systems with short set-up times. This paves the way for industrial automation in real process environments.
The design of failsafe, temperature and pressure resistant flow through cells along with their NMR-specific requirements is an essential cornerstone to enter industrial production plants and fulfill explosion safety requirements. Additionally, if fast reactions are monitored, suitable mixing devices need to be placed in close vicinity to the measuring volume to mix the reactants properly.
NMR-specific requirements aim at full quantitative pre-magnetization and acquisition with maximum sensitivity while reducing sample transfer times and dwell-times. All parameters are individually dependent on the applied NMR instrument.
Luckily, an increasing number of applications are reported together with an increasing variety of commercial equipment. However, these contributions have to be reviewed thoroughly.
The performance of sample flow cells commonly used in online analytics and especially for low-field NMR spectroscopy was experimentally and theoretically investigated by 1H-NMR experiments and numerical simulations. Especially, the applicability of 3D printed zirconium dioxide for innovative flow cell designs was of interest. Here, we demonstrate and discuss an automated test method to determine the critical parameters of flow through cells for quantitative online NMR spectroscopy. The setup is based on randomized setpoints of flow rates in order to reduce temperature related effects. Five flow cells and tubing were assessed and compared for high-field as well as low-field NMR spectrometers.
The departure from the current automation landscape to next generation automation concepts for the process industry has already begun. Smart functions of sensors simplify their use and enable plug-and-play integration, even though they may appear to be more complex at first sight. Monitoring specific information (i.e., “chemical” such as physico-chemical properties, chemical reactions, etc.) is the key to “chemical” process control. Here we introduce our smart online NMR sensor module provided in an explosion proof housing as example.
Due to NMR spectroscopy as an “absolute analytical comparison method”, independent of the matrix, it runs with extremely short set-up times in combination with “modular” spectral models. Such models can simply be built upon pure component NMR spectra within a few hours (i.e., assignment of the NMR signals to the components) instead of tedious calibrations runs. We present a range of approaches for the automated spectra analysis moving from statistical approach, (i.e., Partial Least Squares Regression) to physically motivated spectral models (i.e., Indirect Hard Modelling and Quantum Mechanical calculations).
Based on concentration measurements of reagents and products by the NMR analyzer a continuous production and direct loop process control were successfully realized for several validation runs in a modular industrial pilot plant and compared to conventional analytical methods (HPLC, near infrared spectroscopy). The NMR analyser was developed for an intensified industrial process funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (“Integrated CONtrol and SENsing”, www.consens-spire.eu).
Improvement in deep process understanding is a mandatory prerequisite for the application of modern concepts like Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) or “Industrie 4.0”. This is particularly relevant in new process concepts such as intensified production in modularized plants. The direct hyphenation with online methods of process analytical technology (PAT) allows profound insights into the actual reactions within chemical and pharmaceutical production steps and provides necessary information for associated advanced control strategies.
While the industrial application of online Raman spectroscopy has already been successfully demonstrated, low-field NMR spectroscopy is not yet adequately developed as an online method for use in process industry. The high Information content combined with the low calibration effort makes NMR spectroscopy a highly promising method for modern process automation with a high flexibility due to short set-up times and novel calibration concepts. This is a Major advantage especially within multi-purpose production plants, as well as for processes suffering from fluctuating quality of raw materials.
The concept was evaluated on several example processes of pharmaceutical and chemical industry. The one presented here represents a stage of the synthesis of the industrially important solvent tetrahydrofuran consisting of the catalytic hydrogenation of 2-butine-1,4-diol was monitored. This reaction is proceeding via an intermediate product and suffers from competitive reaction paths. In this application, different spectroscopic methods were combined with the data obtained from classical process sensors, e.g., pressure, temperature, and flow transducers for the development of innovative control concepts.
Such an analyzer for direct implementation in an industrial process environment based on a commercially available laboratory benchtop NMR instrument was recently developed within the EU project CONSENS (www.consens-spire.eu), challenging hyphenation to the production plant as well as compliance to all requirements of chemical industry such as explosion safety regulations (ATEX), robust automation, and modern, as well as classical communication interfaces such as OPC-UA or 4–20 mA communication.
Spectroscopic methods possess important advantages for the observation of bioprocesses: they are robust, gain many data within a short time scale, and allow for the measurement of multiple relevant information at the same time. Next to Near-infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy is increasingly applied as a powerful online tool to monitor bioprocesses. However, Raman spectra may be obscured by straylight, cosmic rays and fluorescence. To achieve the best performance, optimal conditions for spectral quality and stability should be pursued. This comprises not only the choice of highly-sensitive equipment, but also the way of implementation into the process. Here we compared the potential of introducing a sterilized fiber optical Raman probe, and a flow-through cell into the bypass of a stirred tank reactor to monitor an autotrophic cultivation of Ralstonia eutropha where gasses are the energy and carbon sources. Raman spectra were continuously recorded over seven days and 22 samples were taken for the reference analytics of biomass, optical density, and protein. In addition, data for of phosphate and ammonium were available. The quantitative Evaluation of Raman spectra by Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) yielded comparable results for both approaches, however, there was a general trend of lower prediction errors with the immersion probe.
The better performance of the non-contact optic may be either related to a more representative interaction of the measurement optics with the probe or simply to the absence of probe-fouling, which was observed with the immersion optic in the interstice between window and metal frame.
Improvement in deep process understanding is a mandatory prerequisite for the application of modern concepts like Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) or “Industrie 4.0”. This is particularly relevant in new process concepts such as intensified production in modularized plants. The direct hyphenation with online methods of process analytical technology (PAT) allows profound insights into the actual reactions within chemical and pharmaceutical production steps and provides necessary information for associated advanced control strategies.
While the industrial application of online Raman spectroscopy has already been successfully demonstrated, low-field NMR spectroscopy is not yet adequately developed as an online method for use in process industry. The high information content combined with the low calibration effort makes NMR spectroscopy a highly promising method for modern process automation with a high flexibility due to short set-up times and novel calibration concepts. This is a major advantage especially within multi-purpose production plants, as well as for processes suffering from fluctuating quality of raw materials.
The concept was evaluated on several example processes of pharmaceutical and chemical industry. The one presented here represents a stage of the synthesis of the industrially important solvent tetrahydrofuran consisting of the catalytic hydrogenation of 2-butine-1,4-diol was monitored. This reaction is proceeding via an intermediate product and suffers from competitive reaction paths. In this application, different spectroscopic methods were combined with the data obtained from classical process sensors, e.g., pressure, temperature, and flow transducers for the development of innovative control concepts.
Certification of the mass fractions of trace elements in a medium purity graphite reference material
(2018)
The increasing application of graphite materials in various fields of technology and science enhances the demand for strictly controlled properties which are often directly correlated to the contents of trace element impurities. Therefore, the availability of powerful, rapid and reliable analytical methods for the determination of trace impurities is essential for process and quality control. Certified reference materials, indispensable for the development and validation of appropriate trace analytical methods for the characterization of special purity graphite materials are still lacking. Therefore, BAM in co-operation with the working group “Special Materials” of the committee of chemists of GDMB (Gesellschaft der Metallurgen und Bergleute e.V.) certified an industrially sourced graphite material with genuine elemental impurities.
The candidate material was a commercial product (NBG 18) taken from the customary production line of the producer SGL CARBON, Chedde (France). The homogeneity of the powdered material was assessed by means of ETV-ICP OES and DC Arc-OES. Certification of the candidate reference material was based on an inter-laboratory comparison involving 17 expert laboratories from Germany, France, Slovenia, USA, South Africa. A variety of different mineralization, digestion, leaching, fusion and combustion techniques prior to ICP OES and photometry, methods without sample preparation (INAA, k0-INAA) as well as typical solid sampling methods (ETV-ICP OES, ETV-ICP-MS, SS-ET AAS, DC Arc-OES, MF-DC Arc-OES) were used to characterise the material. Certified mass fractions and their expanded uncertainties (k = 2) were assigned for 27 elements (Al, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Si, Sr, Ti, V, W, Y, Zn, Zr), ranging from (0.00050 ± 0.00027) mg/kg for Be to (41 ± 6) mg/kg for Si. Additionally, informative values are given for the: trace element contents of Ag, As, Au, Bi, Cd, Cs, Dy, Eu, Ga, Gd, Hg, In, La, Nb, Rb, Re, Rh, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, U; method specific values obtained by ETV-ICP OES (BETV and SiETV) and the ash content of the material.
The certified material “BAM-S009 Medium Purity Graphite Powder” is available for purchase from BAM.
The analysis of Zinc layers on Iron sheets is one of the most essential application of Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometry (GD-OES). Since the year 2000 for this application calibration of GD-OES instruments mostly included the set of the six calibration samples CZ 2009-CZ 2014 from CKD. These CRMs are no longer available. Furthermore, in this application the analysis of Al and Mg became essential. To overcome this lack of calibration materials, the working group VDEh FA II.47 decided to organize the production and characterization of a new set of certified reference materials.
The analysis of Zinc layers on Iron sheets is one of the most essential application of Glow Discharge - Optical Emission Spectrometry (GD-OES). Since the year 2000 for this application calibration of GD-OES instruments mostly included the set of the six calibration samples CZ 2009-CZ 2014 from CKD. These CRMs are no longer available. Furthermore, in this application the analysis of Al and Mg became essential. To overcome this lack of calibration materials, the working group VDEh FA II.47 decided to organize the production and characterization of a new set of certified reference materials.
Certification of the mass fractions of trace elements in a medium purity graphite reference material
(2018)
The increasing application of graphite materials in various fields of technology and science enhances the demand for strictly controlled properties which are often directly correlated to the contents of trace element impurities. Therefore, the availability of powerful, rapid and reliable analytical methods for the determination of trace impurities is essential for process and quality control. Certified reference materials, indispensable for the development and validation of appropriate trace analytical methods for the characterization of special purity graphite materials are still lacking. Therefore, BAM in co-operation with the working group “Special Materials” of the committee of chemists of GDMB (Gesellschaft der Metallurgen und Bergleute e.V.) certified an industrially sourced graphite material with genuine elemental impurities.
The candidate material was a commercial product (NBG 18) taken from the customary production line of the producer SGL CARBON, Chedde (France). The homogeneity of the powdered material was assessed by means of ETV-ICP OES and DC Arc-OES. Certification of the candidate reference material was based on an inter-laboratory comparison involving 17 expert laboratories from Germany, France, Slovenia, USA, South Africa. A variety of different mineralization, digestion, leaching, fusion and combustion techniques prior to ICP OES and photometry, methods without sample preparation (INAA, k0-INAA) as well as typical solid sampling methods (ETV-ICP OES, ETV-ICP-MS, SS-ET AAS, DC Arc-OES, MF-DC Arc-OES) were used to characterise the material. Certified mass fractions and their expanded uncertainties (k = 2) were assigned for 27 elements (Al, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Si, Sr, Ti, V, W, Y, Zn, Zr), ranging from (0.00050 ± 0.00027) mg/kg for Be to (41 ± 6) mg/kg for Si. Informative values are given for further parameters: trace element contents of Ag, As, Au, Bi, Cd, Cs, Dy, Eu, Ga, Gd, Hg, In, La, Nb, Rb, Re, Rh, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, U; method specific values obtained by ETV-ICP OES (BETV and SiETV) and ash content.
The new certified material is available as BAM Reference Material BAM-S009 Medium Purity Graphite Powder.
A candidate material for the use as primary standard for nickel determination was characterized with respect to total purity. For element determination a pure material can serve as primary standard. However, real world materials are never absolutely pure, hence the total purity of such materials need to be determined experimentally. A reasonable target uncertainty for the purity statement is 10-4 relative. Usually, the purer the material, the easier it is to achieve this target uncertainty. There are two basic ways in order to be able to establish a total purity statement. One is to determine the main component of a high purity material by a direct method such as coulometry, gravimetry or titrimetry. However, these methods are not selective enough for one element and therefore require certain efforts to analyse the material with respect to impurities with interfering analytes. Moreover, to reach the defined target uncertainty is not easy or often impossible to achieve. The second approach is to determine the sum of all possible impurities (as mass fraction) and to subtract it from the ideal purity of 100 % (1 kg/kg). In principle all impurities (all elements not being the matrix element), metals and non-metals must be considered. In this work both approaches to determine the total purity of the nickel material were followed and compared.
The primary (solid) standards are usually used to prepare primary calibration solutions to which secondary and lower order calibration solutions are linked.
Laser-induced plasma (LIP) has drawn significant amount of attentions in the past decades, particular in elemental analyses for solid or liquid samples. Through proper focusing of the highly energetic laser beam, the plasma can also be ignited in the ambient air, where airborne analytes can be ionized. Such an effect enabled the use of airborne LIP as an ambient ionization source for mass spectrometric analyses. In contrast to other ambient desorption/ionization sources, airborne LIP does not require a specific discharge medium or expensive gas stream. Meanwhile, the airborne LIP produces reagent ion species for both proton-transfer and charge-transfer reactions in addition to the vacuum ultraviolent photons that are capable of promoting single photon ionization, which can be utilized to ionize polar and non-polar analytes. In order to gauge the analytical performance of airborne LIP, it is critical to understand the undergoing chemistry and physics during and after the plasma formation.
Due to the ambient nature of airborne LIP, the variations of air composition and flow strongly affect the plasma behaviors. Preliminary result suggested the addition of a laminar flow of nitrogen gas favored the formation of protonated species (MH+) against the molecular ones (M+). Although the gas addition approach cannot fully tune the ionization process towards the specific production of pseudo-molecular species versus molecular ones, the alternation of molecular ion formation can be used for analyte recognitions through post processing of the ion patterns. The pulsed character of the used lasers makes the reagent ion equilibrium both transient- and highly fluid-dynamically controlled. The acoustic shock-waves induced by the airborne LIP get affected by an applied gas streams towards the plasma center, influencing the molecular-ion and ion-ion interactions in the near proximity of the plasma.
To understand the airborne LIP formation, the temporally and spatially resolved optical emission spectra were recorded. The results will be correlated to time-resolved mass-spectrometric investigations of the ion profile during different stages of the plasma formation. As one example, the formation of pyrylium ion originating from aromatic compounds will be highlighted.
The development and improvement of new ionization techniques for mass spectrometry often requires dedicated, specific sampling approaches. Recently, a novel ionization scheme for ambient MS has been introduced based on a quasi-continuous laser-induced plasma, which was ignited directly before the MS inlet. This setup combines the general advantages of ambient ionization, provides electro neutrality, sufficient duty cycle and a ubiquitous plasma medium.
A high repetition rate DPSS laser (Conqueror 3-LAMBDA, Nd:YVO4, 1 - 500 kHz, average output power: 12 W at 50 kHz, Compact Laser Solutions GmbH, Germany) and the corresponding optomechanical system were installed on an optical breadboard above the inlet of a LCQ DecaXP ion trap mass spectrometer. The quasi-continuous airborne plasma was ignited inside the sprayed sample in front of the inlet via focused laser irradiation.
The introduction of liquid samples into laser-induced plasmas requires higher plasma power during solvent evaporation as compared to gaseous samples. This increased demand was approached via a two-fold strategy: Firstly, an alternative, more powerful, laser plasma driven by the fundamental instead of the second harmonic wavelength was implemented, which provided a 10-fold increase of signal intensity, while maintaining the same reagent ion pattern as the previous plasma. Protonated water clusters [(H2O]nH]+, NH4+ as well as charge transfer promoting ion O2+, dominated the reagent ion mass spectrum. Secondly, a miniaturized nebulizer was used to minimize the size of the plasma quenching solvent droplets. The result of these improvements was a new and very stable ion source for direct microfluidic coupling. A variety of samples demonstrated the performance of the ion source.
A laser-driven plasma was shown to be a powerful ion source for gaseous and solid samples. For the first time, liquid samples were examined using the novel source. In addition to demonstrating an improved strategy for igniting the laser plasma, this contribution also covers the miniaturization of the spray source for enhanced ionization, while minimizing sample consumption via a microfluidic spray systems.
The development and enhancement of new ionization techniques for mass spectrometry often needs to be custom-tailored for specific sampling approaches. Here, a direct sampling ionization technique is presented for ambient mass spectrometry. Ambient mass spectrometry based techniques are typically used to analyze samples in their native states without sample pretreatment. This new design is based on a quasi-continuous airborne plasma which is ignited inside the particulate air via a focused laser irradiation. Desorption and ionization of the analyte molecules are achieved by the laser plasma without reaching the plasma. The ionization process is induced by interaction with nascent ionic fragments, electrons and ultraviolet photons in the plasma vicinity. Previously, this method was solely used for the characterization of solid and gaseous analytes. The sample introduction was occurred via thermal desorption and headspace analysis. This study focuses on the potential applicability of liquid samples. In comparison to previous approaches, the usage of liquid samples has an impact on the stability of typically used plasma of 532 nm. It was necessary to realize an alternative plasma using light of the fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm. That new plasma resulted in a significant more stable and bright plasma and the first laser plasma ionization spectrum was recorded for an analyte in the condensed phase with a mass spectrometer of type LCQ DecaXP.
The pollution of marine, limnic and terrestrial environments with plastic waste and the potential impact especially on biota and humans has received increasing attention in recent years. Special focus is on particles smaller than 5 mm, the so-called microplastics. Consequently, possible regulations of emission and remediation efforts require sound information on the occurrence and fate of microplastics in the respective environmental compartments.
Microplastics (MP) differ from classical organic pollutants in biota or the environment in that they do not consist of clearly defined low-molecular weight compounds but of polymer particulates with varying sizes and chemical compositions. This leads to specific challenges regarding the analytical techniques to be employed for their identification and quantification.
Microplastics are defined as polymer particle in the size range between 1 µm and 5 mm and cover a wide range of polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate in variable geometric shapes. Properties relevant for environmental microplastics are polymer type, particle form and size distribution, surface morphology (aging status) and total mass fraction contained in a given sample. Polymer identification and particle size estimation using optical methods (IR and Raman spectroscopy) are time consuming and complicated by surface characteristics as a result of weathering, soiling, and microbial colonisation. Total mass fractions of MP in environmental samples can be determined by thermo-analytical methods.
There are currently no standardised methods for sampling, sampling preparation, or detection of MP in environmental samples. So far, qualitative and quantitative investigations are done by research institutes and have not reached the routine laboratory community. The near future will see harmonisation efforts of MP mass fraction determination in environmental matrices by thermo-analytical procedures.
The immediate need for reference materials during method development and comparison is outlined with regard to relevant matrix/polymer compositions, existing regulations and currently achievable detection limits. Examples for solid environmental matrix reference materials are discussed regarding the challenges encountered with matrices and polymer types as well as homogeneity testing and property value characterisation.
Sulfur is one of the major impurity elements in copper. Previously applied methods for the quantification of sulfur in copper and other pure metals revealed a lack of traceability and showed inconsistent result. Therefore, in this study a procedure was developed for the quantification of total sulfur in copper at low concentration levels using inductively coupled plasma-isotope dilution mass spectrometry (ICP-IDMS). A major challenge for the quantification of sulfur in copper (alloyed/unalloyed) by ICPMS is the copper matrix itself, causing matrix effects and making an extensive cleaning (cones, extraction lens) necessary after measurements. Matschat et al investigated the analysis of high-purity metals (including copper) by high resolution ICP-MS and found that the copper matrix shows strong matrix effects on the sensitivity resulting from Cu deposition on the cones. Therefore, the major part of the copper matrix has to be separated, which was accomplished by adding ammonia which forms a complex with the copper while releasing the sulfur. This was followed by a chromatographic separation using a weak cation resin. After that the sulfur fraction was further purified by chromatographic means using an anion exchange method followed by a chelating resin.
The anion exchange resin (AG1X8), however, is selective to sulfate and sulfite but less-selective to sulfide. Therefore, when quantifying total sulfur in copper, the different species of sulfur need to be oxidized to sulfate prior to the sulfur-matrix separation on the AG1X8 resin in order to avoid any measurement bias. When applying the HPA oxidation with concentrated HNO3 and H2O2 a complete conversion from sulfide and sulfite to sulfate could be achieved. The recovery of all investigated sulfur species is quantitative within measurement uncertainties. The copper samples investigated in this study contain copper in the range of 0.85-0.99 kg·kg-1 and zinc from <10 to 300 g·kg-1. Approximately 0.10-0.25 g of these samples were used to perform the sulfur-copper separation. After applying the complete three stage separation procedure the mass fractions of both elements were significantly reduced to below 400 ng·g-1 for copper and below 50 ng·g-1 for zinc, respectively. The developed procedure shows high performance, especially concerning high efficiency in matrix removal (> 99.999%) while keeping the recovery of sulfur above 80%.
The procedure blank was determined by IDMS as well and yielded values for the individual IDMS measurement sequences ranging from 3 ng to 53 ng. The average of these individual procedure blanks (n=22) was calculated and yielded a total procedure blank of 14 ng sulphur with standard deviation of 12 ng. The limit of detection (LOD, blank+3SD) calculated on this basis was 0.20 µg·g-1 while the limit of quantification (LOQ, blank+10SD) was 0.54 µg·g-1, when considering a sample weight of 0.25 g.
The quantification of low sulfur contents (< 15 µg/g) by conventional IDMS is hindered by the very high Cu/S ratio, which clearly affects the separation in a negative way: The recovery of sulfur dropped to about 30 % for four replicates, while two further replicates even showed recoveries below 10%. To enable measurement without completely changing the separation procedure, an exact amount of sulfur was added prior to spiking, such that the sulfur mass fraction was shifted to the optimum working range of the separation procedure. Thus exact amounts of sulfur were added to enhance the mass fraction of sulfur from 15 µg·g-1 to 40 µg·g-1, then the IDMS analysis was performed as usual and finally the added sulfur amount was subtracted. The so obtained measurement result agreed well with the certified value within the uncertainties. The relative expanded measurement uncertainties for conventional IDMS are below 1%. When applying the modified IDMS procedure, where back-spike is added to the sample before spiking, the relative expanded measurement uncertainties are larger and up to 5%. With the presented sulfur-matrix procedure a working range from approximately 15 µg·g-1 to 1500 µg·g-1 can be achieved.
The developed procedure for the quantification of low sulfur amounts in copper has been validated here via three different routes: first an inter-laboratory comparison at highest metrological level, second a step-by-step validation by checking each single step of the procedure and third the setup of a complete uncertainty budget.
The procedure is sufficient to facilitate value assignment of total sulfur mass fraction in reference materials. Additionally, relative measurement uncertainties were calculated below 1 % and the measurement results are traceable to the SI, which is clearly demonstrated in this work. The procedure reported in this study is a new reference procedure for sulfur measurement in copper, well meeting the requirements of the two major purposes: the certification of reference materials and the assignment of reference values for inter-laboratory comparison.
Online coupling of electrochemistry with mass spectrometry (EC/MS) is highly promising for prediction and simulation of metabolic processes of xenobiotics in living organisms. Less time and cost of analysis, matrix free detection, and automation make EC/MS-based metabolomics superior over traditional in-vivo and in-vitro methods. Furthermore, EC/MS has a special feature to identify reactive intermediates and reaction mechanisms.
The main objective of this work was to simulate biotransformation processes of pesticides by EC/MS and to elucidate the Transformation products (TPs). We have studied the oxidative phase I metabolism processes of selected pesticides by EC/MS or with liquid chromatography (EC/LC/MS) and compared the derived TPs with cytochrome based metabolites. The electrochemical TPs were produced by boron-doped diamond electrode, separated by LC, and detected by single quadrupole ESI-MS online. Structural identification of both electrochemical oxidation and liver microsome metabolites were based on accurate mass measurements by FT-ICR high-resolution mass spectrometry, isotopic pattern, MS/MS fragmentation, and Retention time alignments.
Main phase I oxidative metabolites by P-oxidation, N- & O- dealkylation, dechlorination, hydroxylation, and -OH- oxidation have been identified. Many targeted and untargeted metabolites have been identified by EC/(LC)/MS. Additionally, reactive species have been trapped online by biomolecules to study phase II conjugative reactions. Furthermore, we synthesized TP standards by EC/MS and applied them for pesticide's TPs occurrence investigation in foodstuf matrices.
Quantification of sulphur in copper metals by isotope dilution LA-ICP-MS using polyethylene frits
(2018)
Sulphur is one of the relevant impurities in copper and its alloys affecting their material properties. To ensure the quality of copper products, fast direct solid sampling techniques are very attractive. However, for the calibration suitable matrix reference materials are required. For the certification of such reference materials appropriate, SI-traceable analytical methods are essential. Therefore, a procedure was developed to quantify total sulphur in copper by combining the classical isotope dilution (ID) technique and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).
Here, for the first time, polyethylene (PE) frits were used to prepare appropriate solid samples for the sulphur quantification in copper metals (alloyed/unalloyed) by isotope dilution LA-ICP-MS. The properties of the PE frit meet the requirements as porous material with high absorption efficiency, thermal and chemical resistance as well as low sulphur blank. Different copper reference materials were used to develop and validate the procedure. The copper samples were spiked with 34S, digested with nitric acid and then the digests were absorbed on PE frits. After drying, the frits were analysed by LA-ICP-IDMS using a Nd:YAG laser at 213 nm coupled to an ICP sector field mass spectrometer. It could be demonstrated, that the sample solution dispersed on the frits did not influence the 32S/34S ratio significantly even though the sulphur intensities were fluctuating along the scanned lines. Relative standard deviations of the isotope ratios were below 5 % in average between three line scans (except for the pure spike solution and procedure blank). The measurement results were validated by comparing them with the results obtained by conventional ICP-IDMS after analyte-matrix separation. Plotting the mass fraction of sulphur in copper obtained by LA-ICP-IDMS versus those obtained by ICP-IDMS yields a linear curve with a correlation coefficient of 0.9999 showing a strong agreement between both techniques.
The metrological traceability to the SI from the kg down to the sulphur mass fraction in copper is established by an unbroken chain of comparisons, each accompanied by an uncertainty budget. Thus, the measurement results are considered reliable, acceptable and comparable within the stated measurement uncertainty.
Sulfur is one of the major impurity elements in copper. Previously applied methods for the quantification of sulfur in copper and other pure metals revealed a lack of traceability and showed inconsistent result. Therefore, in this study a procedure was developed for the quantification of total sulfur in copper at low concentration levels using inductively coupled plasma-isotope dilution mass spectrometry (ICP-IDMS). A major challenge for the quantification of sulfur in copper (alloyed/unalloyed) by ICPMS is the copper matrix itself, causing matrix effects and making an extensive cleaning (cones, extraction lens) necessary after measurements. Matschat et al investigated the analysis of high-purity metals (including copper) by high resolution ICP-MS and found that the copper matrix shows strong matrix effects on the sensitivity resulting from Cu deposition on the cones. Therefore, the major part of the copper matrix has to be separated, which was accomplished by adding ammonia which forms a complex with the copper while releasing the sulfur. This was followed by a chromatographic separation using a weak cation resin. After that the sulfur fraction was further purified by chromatographic means using an anion exchange method followed by a chelating resin.
The anion exchange resin (AG1X8), however, is selective to sulfate and sulfite but less-selective to sulfide. Therefore, when quantifying total sulfur in copper, the different species of sulfur need to be oxidized to sulfate prior to the sulfur-matrix separation on the AG1X8 resin in order to avoid any measurement bias. When applying the HPA oxidation with concentrated HNO3 and H2O2 a complete conversion from sulfide and sulfite to sulfate could be achieved. The recovery of all investigated sulfur species is quantitative within measurement uncertainties. The copper samples investigated in this study contain copper in the range of 0.85-0.99 kg·kg-1 and zinc from <10 to 300 g·kg-1. Approximately 0.10-0.25 g of these samples were used to perform the sulfur-copper separation. After applying the complete three stage separation procedure the mass fractions of both elements were significantly reduced to below 400 ng·g-1 for copper and below 50 ng·g-1 for zinc, respectively. The developed procedure shows high performance, especially concerning high efficiency in matrix removal (> 99.999%) while keeping the recovery of sulfur above 80%.
The procedure blank was determined by IDMS as well and yielded values for the individual IDMS measurement sequences ranging from 3 ng to 53 ng. The average of these individual procedure blanks (n=22) was calculated and yielded a total procedure blank of 14 ng sulphur with standard deviation of 12 ng. The limit of detection (LOD, blank+3SD) calculated on this basis was 0.20 µg·g-1 while the limit of quantification (LOQ, blank+10SD) was 0.54 µg·g-1, when considering a sample weight of 0.25 g.
The quantification of low sulfur contents (< 15 µg/g) by conventional IDMS is hindered by the very high Cu/S ratio, which clearly affects the separation in a negative way: The recovery of sulfur dropped to about 30 % for four replicates, while two further replicates even showed recoveries below 10%. To enable measurement without completely changing the separation procedure, an exact amount of sulfur was added prior to spiking, such that the sulfur mass fraction was shifted to the optimum working range of the separation procedure. Thus exact amounts of sulfur were added to enhance the mass fraction of sulfur from 15 µg·g-1 to 40 µg·g-1, then the IDMS analysis was performed as usual and finally the added sulfur amount was subtracted. The so obtained measurement result agreed well with the certified value within the uncertainties. The relative expanded measurement uncertainties for conventional IDMS are below 1%. When applying the modified IDMS procedure, where back-spike is added to the sample before spiking, the relative expanded measurement uncertainties are larger and up to 5%. With the presented sulfur-matrix procedure a working range from approximately 15 µg·g-1 to 1500 µg·g-1 can be achieved.
The developed procedure for the quantification of low sulfur amounts in copper has been validated here via three different routes: first an inter-laboratory comparison at highest metrological level, second a step-by-step validation by checking each single step of the procedure and third the setup of a complete uncertainty budget.
The procedure is sufficient to facilitate value assignment of total sulfur mass fraction in reference materials. Additionally, relative measurement uncertainties were calculated below 1 % and the measurement results are traceable to the SI, which is clearly demonstrated in this work. The procedure reported in this study is a new reference procedure for sulfur measurement in copper, well meeting the requirements of the two major purposes: the certification of reference materials and the assignment of reference values for inter-laboratory comparison.
For the first time polyethylene (PE) frits were used to quantify sulphur in copper metal and its alloys by isotope dilution combined with LA-ICP-MS: an alternative approach for sample preparation. The properties of the PE frit meet the requirements for isotope dilution LA-ICPMS which are porous material, thermal and chemical resistance and high absorption efficiency. The breakthrough, however, as a support material, is the low sulphur blank, which is only two times of the gas flow blank (2.3-4.0 x 10⁴ cps). Additionally, the porosity of the frit was considered, as it directly affects the absorption efficiency for the sample solution, which is present in the cavities of the frit.
The absorption efficiency was studied by loading sulphur standards with varying sulphur amounts (0 - 80 µg S) onto the frits. The remaining sulphur which was not absorbed by the frit was rinsed off and was measured by ICP-MS. This indirect method shows that more than 99.5 % of the loaded sulphur was absorbed by the frit. The so prepared frits with increasing sulphur amount were measured by LA-ICP-MS showing a good linearity between 0 µg S and 40 µg S with a coefficient of determination, r2 of 0.9987 and a sensitivity of 3.4x10⁴ cps µgˉ¹ for 32S.
Three copper reference materials produced by BAM (BAM-M376a, BAM-228 and BAM-227) were selected to develop and validate the LA-ICP-IDMS procedure. The IDMS technique was applied to these samples as follows: the samples were spiked, dissolved, digested and then the digested solution was absorbed on the frits. The dried frit samples were then analyzed by LA-ICP-IDMS and it could be demonstrated that the sample solution dispersed on the frits did not influence the 32S/34S ratio significantly even though the sulphur intensities were fluctuating along the scan lines. Relative standard deviations of the isotope ratios were below 5 % in average between 3 lines (except for the pure spike solution and procedure blank). The measurement results were validated by comparing them with the results obtained by conventional ICP-IDMS. Plotting the mass fraction of sulphur in copper obtained by LA-ICP-IDMS versus those obtained by ICP-IDMS yields a linear curve with a correlation coefficient of 0.9999 showing a strong agreement between both techniques.
The metrological traceability to the SI for the mass fraction of sulphur in copper is established by an unbroken chain of comparisons, each accompanied by an uncertainty budget. Thus, the measurement results are considered reliable, acceptable and comparable within the stated measurement uncertainty. The metrological traceability chain from the kg down to the final mass fraction in the samples obtained by LA-ICP-IDMS is illustrated in this presentation.
Imaging of Eu doped very small iron oxide nanoparticle in atherosclerotic plaques via LA-ICP-MS
(2018)
Atherosclerotic lesions can be visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using very small iron oxide nanoparticles (VSOP). VSOP accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques and thus serve as an atherosclerosis probe. The aim of this project was to image the distribution of europium doped VSOP (Eu-VSOP) by laser ablation ICP-MS in histological thin cuts of the aortic root region of ApoE knockout mouse model that is rich in atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, it was investigated whether VSOP accumulation in the plaques correlates with other biomarkers of inflammation for example macrophages and altered endothelium to assess whether it correlates with instability or vulnerability of the plaque regions. For this purpose, antibodies were labeled with various lanthanide elements and correlated with the Eu-VSOP distribution using LA-ICP-MS in a multiplex measurement mode.
We propose an alternative faster and low-cost optical method for isotope analysis: high-resolution continuum source molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-MAS).
Stable isotope amount composition of X = Li, B, Mg, Ca and Sr were determined by monitoring the absorption spectra of their in situ generated mono-hydrides (XH) in graphite furnace HR-CS-MAS. Isotopes of boron (10B and 11B) were studied via their hydrides for the electronic transition X1Σ+ → A1Π (Fig. 1a). The spectrum of a given sample is a linear combination of the 10BH molecule and its isotopologue 11BH. Therefore, the isotopic composition of samples can be calculated by a partial least square regression (PLS). For this, a spectral library is built by using samples with known isotope composition. Results with an accuracy of 0.15 ‰ are metrologically compatible with those reported by mass spectrometric methods. Similar results are obtained for n isotope systems like Mg (24Mg, 25Mg, and 26Mg), where isotope shifts of their isotopologues can be resolved as shown in Fig.1b. The extension of this methodology to other elements like Li, Ca and Sr is discussed.
Imaging of Eu doped very small iron oxide nanoparticle in atherosclerotic plaques via LA ICP-MS
(2018)
Atherosclerotic lesions can be visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using very small iron oxide nanoparticles (VSOP). VSOP accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques and thus serve as an atherosclerosis probe.
The aim of this project was to image the distribution of europium doped VSOP (Eu-VSOP) by laser ablation ICP-MS in histological thin cuts of the aortic root region of ApoE knockout mouse model that is rich in atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, it was investigated whether VSOP accumulation in the plaques correlates with other biomarkers of inflammation for example macrophages and altered endothelium to assess whether it correlates with instability or vulnerability of the plaque regions. For this purpose, antibodies were labeled with various lanthanide elements and correlated with the Eu-VSOP distribution using LA-ICP-MS in a multiplex measurement mode.
A possible correlation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with endogenous iron or Eu-VSOP can also be detected by LA-ICP-MS. For this purpose, ROS-specific antibodies were also labeled with lanthanides.
Imaging of Eu doped very small iron oxide nanoparticle in atherosclerotic plaques via LA-ICP-MS
(2018)
Atherosclerotic lesions can be visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using very small iron oxide nanoparticles (VSOP). VSOP accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques and thus serve as an atherosclerosis probe.
The aim of this project was to image the distribution of europium doped VSOP (Eu-VSOP) by laser ablation ICP-MS in histological thin cuts of the aortic root region of ApoE knockout mouse model that is rich in atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, it was investigated whether VSOP accumulation in the plaques correlates with other biomarkers of inflammation for example macrophages and altered endothelium to assess whether it correlates with instability or vulnerability of the plaque regions. For this purpose, antibodies were labeled with various lanthanide elements and correlated with the Eu-VSOP distribution using LA-ICP-MS in a multiplex measurement mode.
A possible correlation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) with endogenous iron or Eu-VSOP can also be detected by LA-ICP-MS. For this purpose, RNS-specific antibodies were also labeled with lanthanides.
The simultaneous detection of different analytes has gained increasing importance in recent years, especially in the fields of environmental and health monitoring. Particularly suitable formats for multiplexing are bead-based assays. The beads employed need to fulfil size and density requirements important for instance for flow cytometry and shall exhibit an as high as possible surface area for anchoring capture probes to allow for low limits of detection. Core/shell particles are ideally suited in this sense because of their modularity in design and adaptability for various (bio)analytical assays. Here, polystyrene particles coated with different kinds of mesoporous silica shells are presented, possessing distinctly higher surface areas in comparison to non-porous core/shell particles. Different factors such as pH and amount and type of mediator salt used during shell preparation were evaluated with shell inspection by scanning/transmission scanning electron microscopy (SEM/tSEM) being key to architecture control of the monodisperse particles.
For a cytometric model assay, the optimized core/shell particles were functionalized with capture oligonucleotides for DNA detection. After covalent attachment of single-stranded DNA to the silane-modified silica surface, a hybridisation assay using labelled t-DNA complementary strands was carried out to demonstrate particle performance, showing how tailoring of the shell’s surface area controls sensitivity and dynamic range of the assay. Finally, a multiplex assay for the determination of DNA from different human papilloma virus (HPV) lines was developed. Using our optimized particles, we were able to detect down to 10 amolμl‒1, which is an improvement of one order of magnitude compared to assays using non-porous particles reported in the literature. In addition, multiplexed detection could successfully be demonstrated.
As part of the BonaRes research initiative, funded by the BMBF, strategies are being developed to use soil as a sustainable resource in the bio economy. The interdisciplinary subproject I4S - “Intelligence for soil” - is responsible for the development of an integrated system for site-specific management of soil fertility. For this purpose, a platform is constructed and various sensors are installed. Real-time data will be summarised in models and decision-making algorithms will be used to control fertilisation and accordingly improve soil functions. Aim of the BAM in the frame of I4S is the characterisation of an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) based sensor for robust determination of plant essential nutrients in soil.
First a principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify outliers and to observe the largest variance within the German soil samples. It could be monitored that splitting of the samples was due to their iron content. Given that clay samples contain high amounts of iron and sandy samples low amounts, a classification of the samples by their soil texture according to VD LUFA was possible. Considering the complex composition of soil, a matrix-specific calibration was carried out by univariate and multivariate data analysis. The figures of merit demonstrated that a more robust calibration model with negligible matrix effects can be obtained by a multivariate approach using partial least squares regression (PLSR). A better correlation between predicted values compared to reference values for German soil samples was observed for the chemometric calibration model than for the univariate one.
Different factors can affect the received calibration models such as moisture and particle size distribution which is especially important due to later online analysis.
In first studies the influence of moisture on the detection of plant essential nutrients was investigated. With increasing water content, the characteristic fluorescence peaks decrease and start to increase again at a water content of 15 %. With lower moisture content the soil agglomerates which leads to lower packing of the sample, resulting in a rougher surface which negatively influence the signals. Whereas, agglomerates are not formed at higher water content. This allows the sample to be packed more tightly thus a smoother surface and a better homogeneity is obtained.
Furthermore, particle size distribution leads to significantly higher uncertainties and lower signals when comparing grounded (< 500 μm) and not grounded (< 2 mm) samples. This can be explained by amplifying of the already known inhomogeneity of soils.
Both factors must be included in the chemometric PLSR to obtain robust calibration models for each macro and micro nutrient.
The knowledge of transformation pathways and identification of transformation products (TPs) of veterinary drugs is important for health, food and environmental matters. Monensin (MON) is an ionophore antibiotic widely used to cure and prevent coccidiosis by chicken especially in broiler farming. Residues can be found in food products (chicken and eggs) and in the environment (manure, soil, water). Several transformation processes can alter the parent compound MON, ranging from biotransformation in living organism to biotic/abiotic and microbial processes in environmental matters.
The main objective of this work was to investigate the potential of electrochemistry (EC) to simulate oxidative transformation processes of MON and to predict TPs. An electrochemical reactor was used consisting of a flow-through cell with a glassy carbon working electrode. Derived TPs were analyzed by online coupling of EC and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and LC/HRMS offline measurements. Among the generated TPs already known as well as unknown TPs of MON could be found.
Additionally, MON was subjected also to other transformation experiments like metabolism tests with rat microsomes or the pH-dependent hydrolysis. As a result, different targeted and suspected TPs could be identified by analysis with LC/HRMS.
An overview of detected/identified TPs from this study will be presented in comparison to literature known metabolites and TPs.
Regardless of its ban in agricultural use, the triazine derivative terbutryn is still used as a biocide against biofouling in building materials, such as façade colors and roof tiles. From there, it is washed off and may contaminate soil and surface waters, where it shows ecotoxicological behavior. For understanding of these leaching processes, analytical methods that can detect terbutryn in traces are necessary. In contrast to separation methods (Gas (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC)) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS), enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) have proven to be adequate tools for environmental monitoring. Compared to GC-or LC-MS, they are cheap, require only limited time and experimental expertise and enable high throughput. For quantification of terbutryn, EIAs have been established, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 50 ng L-1. For leaching experiments however, a lower LOD would be advantageous.
For detection of terbutryn we developed a direct competitive ELISA based on a monoclonal antibody: Terbutryn and an enzyme-terbutryn conjugate (“tracer”) compete for the binding sites of the immobilized antibody. The bound tracer converts a colourless substrate into a blue-coloured product, which can be detected via spectrophotometry. For quantification of terbutryn, a sigmoidal calibration curve is used. For establishing of the EIA, a new tracer based on a terbutryn surrogate (“hapten”) was synthesized. After optimization of the experimental conditions, the immunoassay exhibited a more than ten-fold increased sensitivity (LOD: 3 ng L-1), high stability against sample compounds (Ca2+, NaCl) and lower cross-reactivities against structurally related compounds, than reported before. Analysis of spiked samples was possible with high precision (inter-assay CV: < 10 %) and accuracy (recoveries from spiked samples: 89 % ± 10%). We therefore propose it as quick and reliable method for leaching studies of terbutryn out of building materials.