Chemische Charakterisierung und Spurenanalytik
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The goal of this project is to develop a mobile technical solution for tracking down truffles, with which they can be harvested easier, faster, cheaper and more efficiently than with the current method of using trained dogs. The R&D cooperation project between BAM and sglux GmbH contains the characterization of the truffle aroma and identification of marker substances therein, the development of a fast, sensitive separation and quantification method based on ozone chemiluminescence as well as the construction of a prototype device.
Ergot alkaloids form a toxicologically relevant group of mould toxins (mycotoxins) that are among the most common contaminants of foodstuff and animal feed worldwide. Reliable controls are essential to minimise health risks and economic damage. Due to their toxicological relevance, EU limit values for 12 priority ergot alkaloids have been introduced for the first time in 2022 and range from 500 μg/kg in rye milling products down to 20 ug/kg Processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children[1]. High-performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry is used to quantify low concentrations of ergots in food, however the European standard analytical procedure cannot be applied due to the lack of isotopically labelled reference standards.
The complex structure of the ergot alkaloids makes a total synthesis extremely challenging, expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, we are focusing on different semi-preparative methods (electrochemistry, organic synthesis, heterogeneous catalysis) to specifically N-demethylate the C8 carbon atom of the lysergic acid moiety. The norergot alkaloid formed is then isotopically labelled using an electrophilic methyl source, i.e. iodomethane or dimethyl sulphate to obtain the specific isotopic labelled ergot alkaloid. Initial experiments have shown that N-demethylation of the ergot alkaloid ergotamine is possible by both electrochemical and wet-chemical organic synthesis. The next step is to improve the previously determined reaction conditions to enable the synthesis of norergotamine on a mg scale for further reactions.
Ergot alkaloids form a toxicologically relevant group of mould toxins (mycotoxins) that are among the most common contaminants of food and animal feed worldwide. Reliable controls are essential to minimise health risks and economic damage. Due to their toxicological relevance, EU limit values for 12 priority ergot alkaloids have been introduced for the first time in 2022 and range from 500 µg/kg in rye milling products down to 20 ug/kg Processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children[1]. High-performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry is used to quantify low concentrations of ergots in food, however the European standard analytical procedure cannot be applied due to the lack of isotopically labelled reference standards.
The complex structure of the ergot alkaloids makes a total synthesis extremely challenging, expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, we are focusing on different semi-preparative methods (electrochemistry, organic synthesis, heterogeneous catalysis) to specifically N-demethylate the C8 carbon atom of the lysergic acid moiety. The norergot alkaloid formed is then isotopically labelled using an electrophilic methyl source, i.e. iodomethane or dimethyl sulphate to obtain the specific isotopic labelled ergot alkaloid. Initial experiments have shown that N-demethylation of the ergot alkaloid ergotamine is possible by both electrochemical and wet-chemical organic synthesis. The next step is to adapt the previously determined reaction conditions to enable the synthesis of norergotamine on a mg scale.
Mycotoxigenic fungal pathogens Fusarium and Alternaria are a leading cause of loss in cereal production. On wheat-ears, they are confronted by bacterial antagonists such as pseudomonads.
Studies on these groups’ interactions often neglect the infection process’s temporal aspects and the associated priority effects. In the present study, the focus was on how the first colonizer affects the subsequent ones. In a climate chamber experiment, wheat-ears were successively inoculated with two different strains (Alternaria tenuissima At625, Fusarium graminearum Fg23, or Pseudomonas simiae Ps9).
Over three weeks, microbial abundances and mycotoxin concentrations were analyzed and visualized via Self Organizing Maps with Sammon Mapping (SOM-SM). All three strains revealed different characteristics and strategies to deal with co-inoculation: Fg23, as the first colonizer, suppressed the establishment of At625 and Ps9. Nevertheless, primary inoculation of At625 reduced all of the Fusarium toxins and stopped Ps9 from establishing. Ps9 showed priority effects in delaying and blocking the production of the fungal mycotoxins. The SOM-SM analysis visualized the competitive strengths: Fg23 ranked first, At625 second, Ps9 third. Our findings of species-specific priority effects in a natural environment and the role of the mycotoxins involved are relevant for developing biocontrol strategies.
T cells need to adapt their cellular metabolism for effector cell differentiation. This relies on alterations in mitochondrial physiology. Which signals and molecules regulate those alterations remains unclear. We recently reported, that the mitochondrial protein TCAIM inhibits activation-induced changes in mitochondrial morphology and function and thus, CD effector T cell formation. Using conditional TCAIM knock-in (KI) and knockout (KO) mice, w now show that it also applies to CD8+ T cells and more importantly, delineate the molecular processes in mitochondria by which TCAIM controls effector cell differentiation. TCAIM KI resulted in reduced activation-induced HIF1α protein expression. Metabolomics and transcriptional data in combination with mathematical flux modeling revealed an impaired induction of anabolic pathways, especially of the mevalonate pathway and cholesterol biosynthesis in TCAIM KI CD8+ T cells. Addition of cholesterol completely rescued HIF1α protein expression, activation and proliferation of TCAIM KI CD8+ T cells. At the molecular level, TCAIM delayed activation-induced mitochondria-ER contact (MERC) formation by binding to MERC promoting proteins such as RMD3 and VDAC2. In summary, we demonstrate that TCAIM suppresses effector cell differentiation by inhibiting MERC formation, which induce HIF1α-mediated increase in cellular metabolism and cholesterol biosynthesis.
Mykotoxine werden als sekundäre Metabolite von Schimmelpilzen gebildet und haben diverse schädliche Effekte auf Menschen, Tiere und Pflanzen. Laut FAO sind weltweit bis zu 25 % aller Lebens- und Futtermittel mit Mykotoxinen kontaminiert, wodurch jährlich immense ökonomische Verluste entstehen.
Neben den eigentlichen Mykotoxinen rücken zunehmend deren Transformationsprodukte (TPs) in den Fokus. Diese können als natürliche Stoffwechselprodukte toxischer sein als das eigentliche Mykotoxin und stellen eine potenzielle zusätzliche Gefahr für den Verbraucher dar. TPs werden überwiegend mit in vitro und in vivo Techniken untersucht, welche sowohl zeit- als auch kostenintensiv sind. Ziel war es nun, schnelle und zudem verlässliche Techniken zur Simulation von TPs diverser Mykotoxine zu testen. Die Kopplung von Elektrochemie und Massenspektrometrie, kurz EC/MS, als rein instrumenteller Ansatz ist seit vielen Jahren in der pharmazeutischen Forschung etabliert. Hierbei wird mithilfe einer elektrochemischen Durchflusszelle der oxidative Metabolismus einer Substanz simuliert und zugleich analysiert.
Unter Verwendung von EC/MS, EC/LC/MS und HPLC-MS Techniken (MS/MS und FT-ICR) wurden nun die Mykotoxine Zearalenon, Citrinin und Dihydroergocristin (als Modellsubstanz für die Ergotalkaloide) elektrochemisch bei Potentialen bis zu 2500 mV vs. Pd/H2 oxidiert und deren TPs mit mikrosomalen in vitro Ansätzen verglichen. Hierbei konnten mehrere Übereinstimmungen hydroxylierter Spezies, sowohl elektrochemisch als auch biochemisch generiert, festgestellt werden. Die EC/MS ist somit auch in der Lebensmittelanalytik als nützliches und vielseitiges Werkzeug verwendbar.
To keep up with emerging mycotoxins and their transformation products fast and reliable toxicity tests are needed. Toxicity testing of mycotoxins is carried out usually by performing in vitro assays or is evaluated by using laboratory animals like mice, rats or chicken in in vivo studies.
Settled between classical in vitro approaches and in vivo studies with higher animals are tests with the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Since Sydney Brenner described 1974 the cultivation and handling of C. elegans, this worm is widely used as model organism in developmental biology and neurology. Due to many benefits like easy and cheap cultivation, a completely sequenced genome and short generation time, it also plays an important role in toxicological research. Finally, the high number of conserved genes between human and C. elegans make the worm an ideal candidate for toxicological investigations.
In this study we used C. elegans to assess the toxic effects of the relevant food mycotoxin citrinin (CIT), the mycoestrogen zearalenone (ZEN) and the modified mycotoxin ZEN-14-sulfate (ZEN-14-S) on different lifetable parameters including reproduction, thermal and oxidative stress tolerance and lifespan. All tested mycotoxins significantly decreased the amount of offspring. In case of ZEN and CIT also significant negative effects on stress tolerance and lifespan were observed compared to the control group.
Moreover, metabolization of mycotoxins in the worms was investigated by using LC MS/MS. Extraction of the worms treated 5 days with mycotoxin-containing and UVC-killed bacteria showed metabolization of ZEN to α-ZEL and β-ZEL (ZEL = zearalenol, ratio about 3:2). ZEN 14-S was reduced to ZEL 14-S and CIT was metabolized to mono hydroxylated CIT.
Mykotoxine in Lebensmitteln stellen weltweit Probleme dar, Zearalenon in Speiseöl ist ein solches. Neue Hydrazinbasierte Analyseverfahren können jetzt helfen, den EU-Grenzwert besser zu kontrollieren. Aber auch die Strukturaufklärung von Transformationsprodukten und verlässliche Kalibrierstandards sind aktuelle Herausforderungen.
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.
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.
Die Identifizierung von Transformationsprodukten (TPs) von Tierarzneimittelwirkstoffen ist wichtig für Gesundheit, Lebensmittel und Umwelt. Monensin (MON) gehört zu den Ionophoren Antibiotika und wird genutzt zum Schutz und zur Behandlung von Kokzidiose bei Geflügel, vorwiegend prophylaktisch in der Geflügelmast. Rückstände können in tierischen Produkten (Geflügel und Eier) aber auch in der Umwelt (Tiermist, Gewässer, Böden) gefunden werden. Verschiedene Transformationsprozesse können auftreten, beginnend bei der Biotransformation in lebenden Organismen bis hin zu biotischen und abiotischen Prozessen in der Umwelt.
Die Kopplung von Elektrochemie und Massenspektrometrie, kurz EC/HRMS, als rein instrumenteller Ansatz zur Simulation von Transformationsprodukten ist seit vielen Jahren in der pharmazeutischen Forschung etabliert. Hierbei wird mithilfe einer elektrochemischen Durchflusszelle der oxidative Metabolismus einer Substanz simuliert und zugleich analysiert. Unter Verwendung von EC/HRMS und LC-HRMS wurde MON elektrochemisch bei Potentialen bis zu 2.5 V vs Pd/H2 oxidiert und die entstehenden TPs mit Metabolismustests mit Rattenlebermikrosomen verglichen. Als Ergebnis wurden verschiedene TPs von MON gefunden und Strukturvorschläge wurden erstellt. Ein Überblick über die detektierten und identifizierten TPs wird dargestellt.
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.
Ionophore Antibiotika werden zum Schutz gegen Kokzidiose eingesetzt, hauptsächlich in der Geflügelmast. Rückstände dieser Substanzen und deren Transformationsprodukte (TP) gelangen über den Metabolismus zum einen in das Geflügelfleisch, aber auch durch Ausscheidung in die Umwelt, da Tiermist als Dünger verwendet wird. Ziel dieser Forschungsarbeit ist es, die TP-Bildung von vier verschiedenen Ionophoren Antibiotika (Monensin (MON), Salinomycin (SAL), Maduramicin (MAD) und Lasalocid (LAS)) zu untersuchen. TPs werden durch den Biotransformationsprozess (Metabolismus) gebildet, dieser Prozess kann in zwei Phasen eingeteilt werden. Während in Phase I Oxidations-, Reduktions- oder Hydrolysereaktionen auftreten, ist Phase II von Konjugationsreaktionen geprägt. Durch diesen Prozess werden die Substanzen besser ausscheidbar.
Natürliche Redox-Vorgänge, wie sie bei der Biotransformation (Phase I) auftreten, können mit elektrochemischen (EC) Systemen simuliert werden. In einer EC-Durchflusszelle findet die Reaktion abhängig vom angelegten Potential statt. Im positiven Potentialbereich (0.0 bis 3.0 V; vs. Pd/H2) werden die Analyten oxidiert und somit oxidative TPs generiert. Durch die online-Kopplung mit Flüssigkeitschromatografie (LC) und Massenspektrometrie (MS) wird zunächst eine säulenchromatografische Trennung der generierten TPs erhalten, gefolgt von der massenspektrometischen Detektion. Durch die online-Kopplung von EC-(LC)-MS ergibt sich eine schnelle Analysemöglichkeit von der TP-Erzeugung ausgewählter Substanzen bis hin zur Detektion, wodurch gleichzeitig eine Identifizierung möglich ist.
Die ausgewählten Ionophoren Antibiotika wurden mittels EC-(LC)-MS auf auftretende TPs untersucht. Die ersten Ergebnisse zeigen ein breites Spektrum unterschiedlicher TPs abhängig von gewählten EC-Parametern wie Lösemittel, Modifier und insbesondere vom Arbeitselektrodenmaterial der EC-Durchflusszelle. Unter den erhaltenen TPs sind sowohl bekannte als auch unbekannte TPs vertreten, so dass weitere Untersuchungen zur Strukturaufklärung und vergleichende Tests zu Phase I Metaboliten (z.B. durch Metabolismus-Studien mit Mikrosomen) geplant sind.
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 are not only found in food products (chicken and eggs) but also in the environment (manure, soil or 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 and to predict TPs of MON. 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 methods such as Fenton reaction, photochemical and hydrolysis experiments as well as metabolism tests with microsomes. 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.
Mycotoxins (toxic compounds formed by fungi) in food and feed have caused problems for mankind since the beginning of time. The group of ergot alkaloids plays a special role in human history. Several tens of thousands of deaths during the middle ages caused by to ergotism (the disease caused by continuous intake of ergot alkaloid contaminated food) underscore the importance of reliable analytical methods to ensure food safety.
More than 50 compounds belong to the group of ergot alkaloids. The 12 most found structures – the major ergot alkaloids – are typically measured, when it comes to ergot alkaloid quantification. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector (FLD) is typically used to quantify the ergot alkaloid content. The main disadvantage of this method are the high costs for calibration standards (12 different calibration substances are required). But also, the time and effort required for the analysis of 12 peaks and overlapping signals that occur in complex food samples such as bread. As all ergot alkaloids share the ergoline structure and just differ in the substituents attached to this backbone, measurement of all ergot alkaloids in one sum parameter presents a time and cost saving alternative. The most important step for the development of such a sum parameter method is the reaction used to transfer all ergot alkaloids to one uniform structure. Two promising reactions, the acidic esterification to lysergic acid methyl ester and hydrazinolysis to lysergic acid hydrazide, were examined for possible use in a routine analysis method. In addition to yield and reaction rate, factors such as handling of the reaction and the possibility of parallel sample workup play a role.
Mycotoxins (toxins formed by fungi) in food and have caused problems for mankind since the beginning of time. The group of ergot alkaloids plays a special role in human history. Several tens of thousands of deaths during the middle ages caused by to ergotism (the disease caused by continuous intake of ergot alkaloid contaminated food) underscore the importance of reliable analytical methods to ensure food safety.
More than 50 compounds belong to the group of ergot alkaloids. The 12 most found structures – the major ergot alkaloids – are typically measured, when it comes to ergot alkaloid quantification. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector (FLD) is typically used to quantify the ergot alkaloid content. The main disadvantage of this method are the high costs for calibration standards (12 different calibration substances are required). But also the time and effort required for the analysis of 12 peaks and overlapping signals that occur in complex food samples such as bread. As all ergot alkaloids share the ergoline structure and just differ in the substituents attached to this backbone, measurement of all ergot alkaloids in one sum parameter presents a time and cost saving alternative. The most important step for the development of such a sum parameter method is the reaction used to transfer all ergot alkaloids to one uniform structure. In the talk two promising reactions, the acidic esterification to lysergic acid methyl ester and hydrazinolysis to lysergic acid hydrazide, are examined for possible use in a routine analysis method. In addition to yield and reaction rate, factor such as the handling of the reaction and the possibility of parallelization play a role. Next to the current status of the ongoing research project, in this talk, current approaches to ergot alkaloid quantitation will be discussed.
Ergot alkaloids play a significant role in human history for more than 1000 years and are part of the most common contaminants of food and feed worldwide. Their high toxicity against humans and livestock even at low concentrations causes a high demand for quick and reliable analytics even though no European limits for ergot alkaloids have been determined yet. Currently the most common methods for the quantitation of the six major ergot alkaloids and their corresponding stereoisomers are HPLC based, using either fluorescence or mass spectrometric detection. Whereas these conventional detection methods measure each compound individually, a novel approach is to transfer all ergot alkaloids to one basic structure, which could be measured as a sum parameter.
Since all ergots contain a lysergic acid amide moiety and a differing peptide component, cleaving the molecule into a simple lysergic acid derivative, which could be quantified via either HPLC-FLD or MS/MS, is intended. To clean up the cleavage reaction mixture molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are a simple and effective way to separate the desired structure. Due to the selectivity of MIPs, an improved matrix separation is expected, which results in fewer interferences in the FLD and the possibility to measure samples with more complex matrices. When fully developed, the novel method could overcome some major drawbacks of the conventional detection methods. Higher throughput and the need for less well-trained personnel are just two advantages, that should lead to a quick and cheap quantitation of ergot alkaloids. First results of this project will be presented, funded by the German ZIM program (Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
Ergot alkaloids play a significant role in human history for more than 1000 years and are part of the most common contaminants of food and feed worldwide. Their high toxicity against humans and livestock even at low concentrations causes a high demand for quick and reliable analytics even though no European limits for ergot alkaloids have been determined yet. Currently the most common methods for the quantitation of the six major ergot alkaloids and their corresponding stereoisomers are HPLC based, using either fluorescence or mass spectrometric detection. Whereas these conventional detection methods measure each compound individually, a novel approach is to transfer all ergot alkaloids to one basic structure, which could be measured as a sum parameter.
Since all ergots contain a lysergic acid amide moiety and a differing peptide component, cleaving the molecule into a simple lysergic acid derivative, which could be quantified via either HPLC-FLD or MS/MS, is intended. To clean up the cleavage reaction mixture molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are a simple and effective way to separate the desired structure. Due to the selectivity of MIPs, an improved matrix separation is expected, which results in fewer interferences in the FLD and the possibility to measure samples with more complex matrices. When fully developed, the novel method could overcome some major drawbacks of the conventional detection methods. Higher throughput and the need for less well-trained personnel are just two advantages, that should lead to a quick and cheap quantitation of ergot alkaloids. First results of this project will be presented, funded by the German ZIM program (Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
The general understanding has been that PEGs are biologically inert, meaning they pass the human body without any relevant reaction with anything. But recent studies have shown that migth not be correct. Here a retrospective analysis of LC-MS data was performed to determine correlations between blood PEG levels in humans and different experimental factors.
Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are widely used in everyday items such as food additives and in personal care products. In addition, they have multiple medical applications: as laxatives, excipients, and covalently coupled to drug molecules leading to improved pharmacokinetics (PEGylation). While generally regarded as biologically inert, the human body is known to produce antibodies against PEGylated molecules. In addition, PEGs have been shown to be part of a biomarker signature to predict colon cancer outcome, suggesting a more complex and yet unknown behavior of PEGs in the human body.
Here, we introduce PEGomics, a retrospective screening approach of publicly available LC-MS data. Using a custom R script to process entire studies, the presence of PEGs was reveled in most human plasma, serum and whole blood samples investigated. Several PEG species and adducts were identified and their correlation with different diseases and health conditions was investigated further.
Blood PEG levels significantly differed between patient groups in multiple clinical studies related to e.g. pregnancy duration, fasting and smoking. We discuss possible causes for these effects in the light of recent reports of allergies against PEGs and outline our further strategies to identify the source of PEGs in the human body as well as possible metabolic transformations.
Demonstrating competency and equivalence for the measurement capacity of contaminants and nutrients in primary foodstuffs is a priority of the OAWG 10-year strategy for Track A core comparisons. Such measurements have posed significant challenges for reference material producers and calibration service providers. This key comparison (KC), under the topic of “non- polar analyte in high carbohydrate food matrix: trans-Zearalenone (trans-ZEN) in maize powder” , was a sector of the model system selected to align with this class within the OAWG strategy. Evidence of successful participation in formal, relevant international comparisons is needed to demonstrate the Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) of national metrology institutes (NMIs) and designated institutes (DIs).
17 NMIs and DIs participated in the Track A KC CCQM- 168 “non-polar analyte in high carbohydrate food matrix: trans-ZEN in maize powder” . Participants were requested to evaluate the mass fraction (μg/kg) of trans-ZEN in maize powder material. Methods like liquid-liquid extraction and SPE were applied in the pre-treatment, and HPLC-MS/MS and HPLC-FLD were used for detection by the participants. The mass fractions for trans-ZEN were in the range of (91.8 to 169) μg/kg with standard uncertainties of (1.5 to 24.7) μg/kg, and corresponding relative standard uncertainties from 1.5% to 14.6%. Two labs, INTI and BAM were excluded from the KCRV evaluation. INTI result was identified as an outlier and confirmed their method had insufficient specificity. For BAM the calibration approach they used does not meet the CIPM traceability requirements. The other 15 labs included in the calculation of the consensus KCRV all agreed within their standard uncertainties. Hierarchical Bayes was used as estimators in calculating KCRV and standard uncertainty.
Successful participation in CCQM-K168 demonstrates the measurement capabilities in determining mass fraction of organic compounds, with molecular mass of 100 g/mol to 500 g/mol, having low polarity pKow < -2, in mass fraction range from 1 μg/kg to 1000 μg/kg in a high carbohydrate food matrix.
The investigation of metabolic fluxes and metabolite distributions within cells by means of tracer molecules is a valuable tool to unravel the complexity of biological systems. Technological advances in mass spectrometry (MS) technology such as atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) coupled with high resolution (HR), not only allows for highly sensitive analyses but also broadens the usefulness of tracer-based experiments, as interesting signals can be annotated de novo when not yet present in a compound library. However, several effects in the APCI ion source, i.e., fragmentation and rearrangement, lead to superimposed mass isotopologue distributions (MID) within the mass spectra, which need to be corrected during data evaluation as they will impair enrichment calculation otherwise. Here, we present and evaluate a novel software tool to automatically perform such corrections. We discuss the different effects, explain the implemented algorithm, and show its application on several experimental datasets. This adjustable tool is available as an R package from CRAN.
IsoCor
(2022)
Despite numerous advantages offered by hyphenation of chromatography and electrokinetic separation methods with multicollector (MC) ICP-MS for isotope analysis, the main limitation of such systems is the decrease in precision and increase in uncertainty due to generation of short transient signals. To minimize this limitation, most authors compare several isotope ratio calculation methods and establish a multi-step data processing routine based on the precision and accuracy of the methods. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no universal data processing tool available that incorporates all important steps of the treatment of the transient signals. Thus, we introduce a data processing application (App) IsoCor that facilitates automatic calculation of isotope ratios from transient signals and eases selection of the most suitable method. The IsoCor App performs baseline subtraction, peak detection, mass bias correction, isotope ratio calculation and delta calculation. The feasibility and reliability of the App was proven by reproducing the results from isotope analysis of three elements (neodymium, mercury and sulfur) measured on-line via hyphenated systems. The IsoCor App provides trackability of the results to ensure quality control of the analysis.
Metabolomics
(2024)
Cancer cell lipid class homeostasis is altered under nutrient-deprivation but stable under hypoxia
(2018)
Under oxygen/nutrient deprivation cancer cells modify the Balance between fatty acid (FA) synthesis and uptake, which alters the levels of individual triglyceride or phospholipid sub-species. These modifications may affect survival and drug-uptake in cancer cells. Here, we aimed to attain a more holistic overview of the lipidomic profiles of cancer cells under stress and assess the changes in Major lipid-classes. First, expressions of markers of FA synthesis/uptake in cancer cells were assessed and found to be differentially regulated under metabolic stress. Next, we performed a broad lipidomics assay, comprising 244 lipids from six major classes, which allowed us to investigate robust stress induced changes in median levels of different lipid classes -additionally stratified by fatty acid side chain saturation status. The lipidomic profiles of cancer cells were predominantly affected by nutrient-deprivation. Neutral lipid compositions were markedly modified under serum-deprivation and, strikingly, the cellular level of triglyceride subspecies decreased with increasing number of double bonds in their fatty acyl chains. In contrast, cancer cells maintained lipid class homeostasis under hypoxic stress. We conclude that although the levels of individual lipid moieties alter under hypoxia, the robust averages of broader lipid class remain unchanged.
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.
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.
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.
Aufgrund des weltweit steigenden Getreidekonsums ist die Überwachung des Getreidewachstums, der Lagerung und der Verarbeitung von immer größerer Bedeutung. Besonders während der Lagerung bilden Schimmelpilze sogenannte „Hot Spots“, in denen die Gehalte der Schimmelpilzgifte (Mykotoxine) weit über den vorgegebenen Grenzwerten liegen können. Wegen der ungleichen Verteilung der Toxine stellen Probenahme und die invasive, zeitaufwändige Analyse der Mykotoxine eine Herausforderung dar.
Daher werden schnellere und einfachere Methoden benötigt, die sowohl die Probenahme als auch die Analyse beinhalten. Ein möglicher Ansatz ist die nicht-invasive Untersuchung der homogenen Gasphase über der Getreideprobe. Allerdings setzt diese Vorgehensweise die Anwesenheit von MVOC´s (microbial volatile organic compounds) voraus. Vorangegangene Studien zeigten, dass Trichodien ein Vorläufermolekül der Trichothecene – einer Mykotoxingruppe mit über 180 Substanzen – ist. Aufgrund seiner simplen sesquiterpenoiden Struktur war es bereits möglich, Trichodien mit Hilfe einer Headspace GC-MS Methode zu quantifizieren. Daher könnte es als Trichothecen-Markermolekül Anwendung finden.
Allerdings bedarf dieser Sachverhalt weiterführender Untersuchungen. Der Zusammenhang zwischen der Trichodienkonzentration in der Gasphase und dem Mykotoxingehalt in der Probe muss beleuchtet werden, um Aussagen über den Trichothecengehalt in der Probe treffen zu können. Durch die Umsetzung dieser Überlegungen könnte der Nutzen von Trichodien erweitert und die Quantifizierung der Trichothecene stark vereinfacht werden. Daher beinhaltet der erste Schritt dieser laufenden Studie die Etablierung einer Referenzmethode unter Nutzung von Gaschromatographie gekoppelt mit Massenspektrometrie zur Messung von Trichodien als volatilen Mykotoxin-Marker in Getreide. Statische Headspace und SPME (solid phase micorextraction) wurden hierfür genutzt. In einem nächsten Schritt soll diese Referenzmethode zur Validierung einer schnellen vor-Ort Methode zur Bestimmung von Trichodien in Getreide dienen.
Since cereals constitute a staple food worldwide, monitoring of growth, storage and processing represent a perseverative challenge of analytical sciences. Especially during storage infested grains breed fungal clusters (“hot spots”) in which mycotoxins accumulate and can highly exceed allowed maximum levels. Because of their unpredictable presence, analytical procedures – including representative sampling - contain invasive and time intensive steps.
To avoid erroneously negative results in mycotoxin analysis in cereals, the samples´ homogeneous headspace might be investigated instead of analyzing subsamples of the grains. So-called microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC´s) provide information for instance about the fungal status of grains. Previous investigations revealed trichodiene to be a precursor of trichothecene mycotoxins which comprises more than 180 different compounds. Due to its non-functionalised sesquiterpene structure, quantification of trichodiene using Headspace GC-MS methods is possible. Thereby, it could be used as biomarker for trichothecene contamination of cereals.
Nevertheless, further investigations are necessary. To be able to draw conclusion about the trichothecene content in cereal samples, a possible correlation between trichodiene concentration in the gas phase and trichothecene concentration in the sample must be examined. Realizing this idea would widely extend the applicability of trichodiene and enormously simplify trichothecene detection. Hence, the first step of an ongoing study aims to develop a laboratory reference method using trichodiene as volatile biomarker to quantify trichothecenes in cereals. Both static headspace and SPME-enrichment coupled to gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were tested and compared. 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.
Molekülmassenspektrometrie entwickelt sich weg von klassischer Target- hin zu Nontarget-Analytik. Elementmassenspektrometrie liefert hohe Ortsauflösung beim Element-Imaging und analysiert einzelne Zellen. Aufgrund der Fortschritte bei den Geräten für Timeof-Flight-Massenspektrometrie mit induktiv gekoppeltem Plasma (ICPToF-MS) lässt sich das gesamte Periodensystem der Elemente in kurzen transienten Signalen quasi-simultan massenspektrometrisch erfassen.
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.
Multiple works have studied possible associations between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and end stage renal disease (ESRD). However, there are several contradictions in these previous works and no consistent HLA associations with ESRD itself have been identified. Most of these works have several limitations, for instance, the population size was too small, or only limited HLA loci were studied. The presented work aims to revisit the association between ESRD and HLA antigens while taking in to account the previously overlooked limitations. Here, we compared the HLA polymorphism (at HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 and DQA1 loci) in ESRD patients (n=497) and controls (n=672). Our data identified several HLA alleles that displayed a significant positive or negative association with ESRD. We also determined whether heterozygosity or homozygosity of the ESRD-associated HLA alleles at different loci could modify the prevalence of the disease. Few HLA allele combinations displayed significant associations with ESRD among which HLA-A*3 –HLA-A*26 combination showed the highest strength of association (OR= 4.488, P≤ 0.05) with ESRD. However, the age of ESRD onset was not affected by HLA allele combinations at different loci. Most of the previous works have studied the association of HLA with ESRD in homogeneous ethnic groups and have interpreted their data accordingly. Here, we also performed an extensive literature analysis to determine whether the association of HLA to ESRD can be similar across different ethnic groups. This analysis showed that at least for certain alleles, the association of HLA to ESRD can be similar in different ethnic groups. For instance, HLA-A*11, HLA-DRB1*11, and HLA-DRB1*4 all showed significant positive associations with ESRD in different ethnic groups. The findings of our study will help in determining possible protective or susceptible roles of various HLA alleles in ESRD.
This paper describes Food-MetNet, a coordinated preparatory initiative to establish the European Metrology Network on Food Safety (EMN-FS). Food-MetNet aims to establish a long-term ongoing dialogue between the metrology community and relevant stakeholders, in particular, European Union Reference Laboratories (EURLs), National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC). This dialogue is meant to support the collection of needs from stakeholders, the take-up of metrological research output and the development of the roadmaps needed to navigate future research.
Gegenstand der vorzustellenden Arbeiten ist die Prüfung der Umweltbeständigkeit und -verträglichkeit von Materialien und Produkten hinsichtlich der Emission von potenziellen Schadstoffen in die Umwelt. Hierzu werden chemisch-physikalische Einflüsse (Bewitterung) und mikrobielle Beanspruchungen an Modellmaterialien evaluiert. So werden die Freisetzungsraten von Schadstoffen in Abhängigkeit der Beanspruchung beschrieben. Als Modellmaterialien kommen die Polymere Polystyrol (PS) und Polypropylen (PP) zum Einsatz, die jeweils mit polybromierten Flammschutzmitteln (PBFSM) versehen sind. Synergistische Effekte der Bewitterungsparameter und der mikrobiologischen Beanspruchung sollen dabei ebenso betrachtet werden, wie die gezielte Alterung. Auch findet eine Beschreibung des Verhaltens der ausgetragenen Schadstoffe in den Umweltkompartimenten Boden oder Wasser statt. Hier sind mit Hilfe der zu entwickelnden Screening- und non-Target-Analyseverfahren die Transformation und der Metabolismus durch Mikroorganismen zu beschreiben. Auch soll mit Hilfe der RFA und der LA-ICP-MS die Abreicherung der PBFSM in den Modellmaterialien beschrieben werden. Aus den Ergebnissen sollen Korrelationen zwischen den künstlichen Alterungsverfahren und realen Szenarien abgeleitet werden.
Zu den letzten beiden Jahrestagungen der GUS wurden Verfahren und Methoden vorgestellt, die es gestatten, den Transfer von Schadstoffen aus Materialien und Produkten in die Umwelt unter umweltrelevanten Bedingungen beschreiben zu können. Dabei lag der Fokus auf den Materialien und der eingesetzten Umweltsimulationen. In einem sich anschließenden Schritt soll nun das Verhalten der freigesetzten organischen Schadstoffe unter den Bedingungen von realen und simulierten Umwelteinflüssen charakterisiert und beschrieben werden. Hier werden im Detail drei potentielle Schadstoffe betrachtet, die Inhaltsstoffe bzw. Additive in den jeweils eingesetzten Materialien sind. Im Falle von Polypropylen (PP) und Polystyrol (PS) handelt es sich um polybromierte Flammschutzmittel BDE 209 (Decabrom-diphenylether, als Einzelsubstanz) und HBCD (Hexabromcyclododecan, als technische Formulierung). Für das eingesetzte Polycarbonat ist BPA (Bisphenol A) als Schadstoff zu definieren, welcher unter umweltrelevanten Bedingungen freigesetzt wird. Im Rahmen der durchzuführenden Arbeiten sollen die aufgeführten prioritären Schadstoffe hinsichtlich möglicher Transformationsprozesse in Umwelt und Klärwerk charakterisiert werden. Die unter den Bedingungen der Ozonung, Chlorierung und UV-Bestrahlung erhaltenen Transformationsprodukte (TPs) sollen im Sinne einer Non-Target-Analytik identifiziert und eindeutig charakterisiert werden. Die Ergebnisse sollen mittels vorhandener Analysenverfahren, wie GC-EI-MS, HPLC-ESI-IT-MSn bzw. LC-MS/MS erzeugt bzw. abgesichert werden. Anhand der in der Struktur eindeutig zu beschreibenden Transformationsprodukte und der Charakterisierung von potentiellen Intermediaten sollen belastbare Reaktionswege und –mechanismen abgeleitet werden.
Environmental sustainability and –stability of Materials concerning the Migration of pollutants
(2018)
MaUS is an acronym for ”Material und Umweltsimulationen“. Plastics are in the focus of environmental politics due to their long-term behaviour and therefore to their persistence. Not only that they appear as visible contaminants in the sea and on the beach, but their unknown behaviour concerning their additives as well as the related transformation products are anxious. Therefore, we wish to establish a certified reference method to provide a method for testing plastics.
Aim of this project is the development of fast motion standard reference methods for testing plastics regarding to their environmental compatibility. To establish these testing methods, we use polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP) with environmental relevant brominated flame retardants, known for their persistent bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) properties. In case of PS the material contains 1 wt% of 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecan (HBCD) and in case of PP 0.1 wt% bromodiphenylether (BDE-209), which is known as a substance of very high concern (SVHC). Furthermore, we use polycarbonate (PC), which is still used as material in baby flasks and releases Bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogenic active substance.
As an additional material PTFE is used for its importance as a source for two ubiquitous environmental substances (PFOS and PFOA), whose toxicological effects are still incompletely known.
The focus in this current work is set on the transfer of potential pollutants out of applied materials mentioned above into environmental compartments like water or soil. Here an accelerated aging concept should be developed to shortened time consuming natural processes. For these resulting simulations we use a programmable weathering chamber with dry and wet periods and with high and low temperatures. These programmes run for several weeks and according to a defined sampling schedule we take water samples, run a clean-up procedure by SPE (Molecular imprinted polymers (MiPs) resp. polymer-based cartridges (Waters Oasis HLB)) and analyse them by HPLC-UV resp. LC-MS/MS. Of most interest in case of flame retardants are photocatalytic transformation products. Therefore, we conduct a non-target-screening resp. a suspected target-screening by LC-MS/MS and HRMS.
Gegenstand der vorzustellenden Arbeiten ist die Prüfung der Umwelt-beständigkeit und -verträglichkeit von Materialien und Produkten hinsichtlich der Emission von potenziellen Schadstoffen in die Umwelt. Hierzu werden chemisch-physikalische Einflüsse (Bewitterung) und mikrobielle Beanspruchungen an Modellmaterialien evaluiert. So werden die Freisetzungsraten von Schadstoffen in Abhängigkeit der Beanspruchung beschrieben. Als Modellmaterialien kommen die Polymere Polystyrol (PS) und Polypropylen (PP) zum Einsatz. Synergistische Effekte der Bewitterungsparameter und der mikrobiologischen Beanspruchung sollen dabei ebenso betrachtet werden, wie die gezielte Alterung. Auch findet eine Beschreibung des Verhaltens der ausgetragenen Schadstoffe (polybromierte Flammschutzmittel) in den Umweltkompartimenten Boden oder Wasser statt. Hier sind mit Hilfe der zu entwickelnden Screening- und non-Target-Analyseverfahren die Transformation und der Metabolismus durch Mikroorganismen zu beschreiben. Aus den Ergebnissen sollen Korrelationen zwischen den künstlichen Alterungsverfahren und realen Szenarien abgeleitet werden.
In addition to previously reported results on the accelerated weathering of polystyrene samples (PS) containing 1 wt.% hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), we present the first results of our investigations of polypropylene samples (PP) 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 raining water the samples were prepared in accordance to a validated protocol. Before the analyses each sample was spiked with isotopically labeled BDE-209. Subsequently the samples were extracted with isooctane. The obtained extracts were concentrated, and the resulting solutions were analyzed by GC/MS. Additionally, the total bromine content was monitored for the weathered and untreated samples using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) as a non-destructive and rapid method. In general, the resulting data from the accelerated weathering will be compared to those from the natural weathering experiments. Here, the surfaces of the test pieces were analyzed by LA-ICP-MS and XRF as well. Moreover, soil bed tests were conducted in a well characterized model soil. This soil (boulder-clay, sand with 12 % loam, particle size in total 0.2-4 mm) is filled in a free-draining basin inside of an air-conditioned cellar. In this manner, TOC, water capacity and humidity are recorded parameters. To induce a leaching 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. A defined humidity is a fundamental parameter for a biological activity in the soil. The test polymers were placed up to the half in the soil. Microbial activity of the soil is monitored by a reference polymer (polyurethane) and should induce the release of HBCD and BDE-209 out of the test materials. These released analytes will be captured by passive samplers (silicone tubes) placed in a distinct distance to the polymer samples in the soil. The soil bed experiments are complementary to the weathering experiments due to the biological activity in the soil.
Gegenstand des Projekts ist die Prüfung der Umweltbeständigkeit und -verträglichkeit von Materialien und Produkten hinsichtlich der Emission von potenziellen Schadstoffen in die Umwelt. Hierzu werden chemisch-physikalische Einflüsse (Bewitterung) und mikrobielle Beanspruchungen an Modellmaterialien evaluiert. So werden die Freisetzungsraten von Schadstoffen in Abhängigkeit der Beanspruchung beschrieben. Als Modellmaterialien kommen die Polymere Polycarbonat, Polytetrafluorethylen, Polystyrol und Polypropylen zum Einsatz. Synergistische Effekte der Bewitterungsparameter und der mikrobiologischen Beanspruchung sollen dabei ebenso betrachtet werden, wie die gezielte Alterung. Auch findet eine Beschreibung des Verhaltens der ausgetragenen Schadstoffe in den Umweltkompartimenten Boden oder Wasser statt. Hier sind mit Hilfe der zu entwickelnden Screening- und non-Target-Analyseverfahren die Transformation und der Metabolismus durch Mikroorganismen zu beschreiben. Aus den Ergebnissen sollen Korrelationen zwischen den künstlichen Alterungsverfahren und realen Szenarien abgeleitet werden, die es gestatten, Schnellprüfverfahren zu etablieren, die die Simulation der realen Beanspruchungen im Zeitraffermodell anwendbar machen. Somit sollen standardisierbare Schnellbeanspruchungs-verfahren erarbeitet werden, die als Prüfeinrichtungen etabliert werden und von externen Auftraggebern zur Prüfung der Umweltbeständigkeit und -verträglichkeit von neuen Materialien genutzt werden können. Die Umweltwirkungen (chemisch-physikalisch und mikrobiologisch) sollen so definiert eingesetzt werden, dass eine reproduzierbare Prüfung möglich wird. Aus diesen Verfahren und Methoden sollen Normen abgeleitet werden, die eine standardisierte Materialprüfung ermöglichen.
Environmental sustainability and –stability of materials concerning the migration of pollutants
(2019)
In addition to previously reported results on the accelerated weathering of polystyrene samples (PS) containing 1 wt. % hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), we present the first results of our investigations of polypropylene samples (PP) 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 raining water the samples were prepared in accordance to a validated protocol. Before the analyses each sample was spiked with isotopically labeled BDE-209. Subsequently the samples were extracted with isooctane. The obtained extracts were concentrated, and the resulting solutions were analyzed by GC/MS. Additionally, the total bromine content was monitored for the weathered and untreated samples using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) as a non-destructive and rapid method. In general, the resulting data from the accelerated weathering will be compared to those from the natural weathering experiments. Here, the surfaces of the test pieces were analyzed by LA-ICP-MS and XRF as well. Moreover, soil bed tests were conducted in a well characterized model soil. This soil (boulder-clay, sand with 12 % loam, particle size in total 0.2-4 mm) is filled in a free-draining basin inside of an air-conditioned cellar. In this manner, TOC, water capacity and humidity are recorded parameters. To induce a leaching 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. A defined humidity is a fundamental parameter for a biological activity in the soil. The test polymers were placed up to the half in the soil. Microbial activity of the soil is monitored by a reference polymer (polyurethane) and should induce the release of HBCD and BDE-209 out of the test materials. These released analytes will be captured by passive samplers (silicone tubes) placed in a distinct distance to the polymer samples in the soil. The soil bed experiments are complementary to the weathering experiments due to the biological activity in the soil.
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.
In addition to previously reported results on the accelerated weathering of polystyrene samples (PS) containing 1 wt.% hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), we present the first results of our investigations of polypropylene samples (PP) 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 raining water the samples were prepared in accordance to a validated protocol. Before the analyses each sample was spiked with isotopically labeled BDE-209. Subsequently the samples were extracted with isooctane. The obtained extracts were concentrated, and the resulting solutions were analyzed by GC/MS. Additionally, the total bromine content was monitored for the weathered and untreated samples using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) as a non-destructive and rapid method. In general, the resulting data from the accelerated weathering will be compared to those from the natural weathering experiments. Here, the surfaces of the test pieces were analyzed by LA-ICP-MS and XRF as well. Moreover, soil bed tests were conducted in a well characterized model soil. This soil (boulder-clay, sand with 12 % loam, particle size in total 0.2-4 mm) is filled in a free-draining basin inside of an air-conditioned cellar. In this manner, TOC, water capacity and humidity are recorded parameters. To induce a leaching 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. A defined humidity is a fundamental parameter for a biological activity in the soil. The test polymers were placed up to the half in the soil. Microbial activity of the soil is monitored by a reference polymer (polyurethane) and should induce the release of HBCD and BDE-209 out of the test materials. These released analytes will be captured by passive samplers (silicone tubes) placed in a distinct distance to the polymer samples in the soil. The soil bed experiments are complementary to the weathering experiments due to the biological activity in the soil.
Gegenstand der vorzustellenden Arbeiten ist die Prüfung der Umwelt-beständigkeit und -verträglichkeit von Materialien und Produkten hinsichtlich der Emission von potenziellen Schadstoffen in die Umwelt. Hierzu werden chemisch-physikalische Einflüsse (Bewitterung) und mikrobielle Beanspruchungen an Modellmaterialien evaluiert. So werden die Freisetzungsraten von Schadstoffen in Abhängigkeit der Beanspruchung beschrieben. Als Modellmaterialien kommen die Polymere Polystyrol (PS) und Polypropylen (PP) zum Einsatz. Synergistische Effekte der Bewitterungsparameter und der mikrobiologischen Beanspruchung sollen dabei ebenso betrachtet werden, wie die gezielte Alterung. Auch findet eine Beschreibung des Verhaltens der ausgetragenen Schadstoffe in den Umweltkompartimenten Boden oder Wasser statt. Hier sind mit Hilfe der zu entwickelnden Screening- und non-Target-Analyseverfahren die Transformation und der Metabolismus durch Mikroorganismen zu beschreiben. Aus den Ergebnissen sollen Korrelationen zwischen den künstlichen Alterungsverfahren und realen Szenarien abgeleitet werden.
Safe food is a prerequisite for good human health, however currently almost one in ten people in the world fall ill after eating contaminated food. National food safety authorities need to be able to manage food safety risks along the entire food chain. The Official Controls Regulation (EU) 2017/625 was put in place to ensure that food and feed law stipulates the need for validated analytical methods. However, whilst method development for food control and proficiency testing are well established by European Union Reference Laboratories and National Reference Laboratories, validation of the measurements involved, certified reference materials and internationally recognised calibration and measurement capabilities are currently often (?) lacking. This may erode trust in the accuracy of the measurements.
This poster presents Food-MetNet, a coordinated preparatory initiative to establish the European Metrology Network for Safe and Sustainable Food, recently approved by the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET). Food-MetNet aims to establish an ongoing dialogue between the metrology community, reference laboratories and regulatory bodies, in order to (i) identify stakeholders’ needs, (ii) develop a sustainable knowledge-sharing programme and web-based platform for stakeholders and (iii) develop roadmaps and a strategic research agenda. Improved access to more reliable and accurate food safety measurements will enable reference laboratories to more confidently and effectively compare their measurement results and support accreditation. This is particularly important where national food safety authorities need to assess potential new contaminants, novel food ingredients and newly emerging food risks, and new measurements methods may be required as well as input into new documentary standards. The activities for sustainable food intend to boost the activity within the "EU green deal framework" to reduce food waste and losses, and the development of standards and methods that allow for the reuse of food waste. The support to new business opportunities and innovation will allow increasing the market competitiveness of EU food industries and the valorisation of waste by reducing environmental impacts.
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.
Oxidative degradation processes of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a brominated flame retardant (BFR) in wood, plastics and electronics, were investigated by electrochemistry (EC) coupled online to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI/MS). Oxidative phase I and II metabolites production was achieved using an electrochemical flow-through cell equipped with a boron doped diamond electrode. Structural elucidation and prediction of oxidative metabolism pathways of TBBPA according to type II ipso-substitution were based on retention time, m/z ratio in negative mode and fragmentation pattern. Using the data obtained through high resolution MS analysis and the identification of single electron transfer (SET) as the initial step of a two-electron oxidation provided the necessary information to propose a mechanism for the electrochemical oxidation of TBBPA. Oxidation reactions involving aromatic hydroxylation and β-scission were the main degradation observed when studying the electrochemical behavior of TBBPA. Computational chemistry experiments using density functional theory (DFT) allowed to identify mono-hydroxylated reaction intermediate and dismissed the mechanism involving two concurrent hydroxylation. TBBPA oxidation products were compared to known metabolites of its biological and environmental degradation confirming the ability of electrochemistry to simulate β-scission reactions.
MYCN is a transcription factor that is aberrantly expressed in many tumor types and is often correlated with poor patient prognosis. Recently, several lines of evidence pointed to the fact that oncogenic activation of MYC family proteins is concomitant with reprogramming of tumor cells to cope with an enhanced need for metabolites during cell growth. These adaptions are driven by the ability of MYC proteins to act as transcriptional amplifiers in a tissue-of-origin specific manner. Here, we describe the effects of MYCN overexpression on metabolic reprogramming in neuroblastoma cells. Ectopic expression of MYCN induced a glycolytic switch that was concomitant with enhanced sensitivity towards 2-deoxyglucose, an inhibitor of glycolysis. Moreover, global metabolic profiling revealed extensive alterations in the cellular metabolome resulting from overexpression of MYCN. Limited supply with either of the two main carbon sources, glucose or glutamine, resulted in distinct shifts in steady-state metabolite levels and significant changes in glutathione metabolism. Interestingly, interference with glutamine-glutamate conversion preferentially blocked proliferation of MYCN overexpressing cells, when glutamine levels were reduced. Thus, our study uncovered MYCN induction and nutrient levels as important metabolic master switches in neuroblastoma cells and identified critical nodes that restrict tumor cell proliferation.