Analytische Chemie
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Eingeladener Vortrag
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Gas chromatography using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/APCI-MS) is an emerging metabolomics platform, providing much-enhanced capabilities for structural mass spectrometry as compared to traditional electron ionization (EI)-based techniques. To exploit the potential of GC/APCI-MS for more comprehensive metabolite annotation, a major bottleneck in metabolomics, we here present the novel R-based tool InterpretMSSpectrum assisting in the common task of annotating and evaluating in-source mass spectra as obtained from typical full-scan experiments. After passing a list of mass-intensity pairs, InterpretMSSpectrum locates the molecular ion (M0), fragment, and adduct peaks, calculates their most likely sum formula combination, and graphically summarizes results as an annotated mass spectrum. Using (modifiable) filter rules for the commonly used methoximated-trimethylsilylated (MeOx-TMS) derivatives, covering elemental composition, typical substructures, neutral losses, and adducts, InterpretMSSpectrum significantly reduces the number of sum formula candidates, minimizing manual effort for postprocessing candidate lists. We demonstrate the utility of InterpretMSSpectrum for 86 in-source spectra of derivatized standard compounds, in which rank-1 sum formula assignments were achieved in 84% of the cases, compared to only 63% when using mass and isotope information on the M0 alone. We further use, for the first time, automated annotation to evaluate the purity of pseudospectra generated by different metabolomics preprocessing tools, showing that automated annotation can serve as an integrative quality measure for peak picking/deconvolution methods. As an R package, InterpretMSSpectrum integrates flexibly into existing metabolomics pipelines and is freely available from CRAN (https://cran.r-project.org/).
Chemical and electrochemical interaction mechanisms of metal-reducing bacteria with gold surfaces
(2016)
Bacterial biofilms are considered one of the salient contributing factors to the deterioration of metals and their alloys, occurring in virtually all environments and across various industrial systems. Considering the sheer magnitude of detrimental effects, it is of pertinent interest to elucidate the interaction mechanisms of sessile bacteria with metal and metal oxide surfaces to facilitate the development of efficient antifouling strategies. A common constituent of microbial communities within aquatic and sedimentary settings, the Shewanella genus consists of facultatively aerobic, Gram-negative bacterium which exhibit exceptional plasticity in respiratory capacities. During aerobic conditions, Shewanella utilizes oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor; conversely, under anaerobic conditions, it is able to undertake respiration by reducing alternative terminal electron acceptors such as oxidized metals via extracellular electron transfer mechanisms not yet thoroughly discerned.
The aim of this work is to explicate the mechanisms governing the initial bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation on metallic surfaces. To investigate this dynamic interplay, a combined approach has been followed which couples surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with electrochemical techniques using Shewanella sp. model biofilms. Gold nano-islands deposited on thin glass slides have been chosen as inert model substrates with good uniformity and high surface enhancement factor. Furthermore, the utilization of gold as substrate material not only allowed the differentiation of the sole effect of substrate polarization on bacterial attachment but also enabled a precise adjustment of the surface chemistry and surface energy by means of surface functionalization with organothiol self-assembled monolayers.
The results present the correlation of the primary settlement rate of bacteria on metallic substrates with the environmental parameters such as electrolyte composition and pH as well as surface-related properties like hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and polarization. With the overall strategic goal of transferring this methodology to technical systems the results provide the fundamental basis for the bottom-up design of anti-fouling surfaces.
Chemical and electrochemical interaction mechanisms of metal-reducing bacteria with gold surfaces
(2016)
Bacterial biofilms are considered one of the salient contributing factors to the deterioration of metals and their alloys, occurring in virtually all environments and across various industrial systems. Considering the sheer magnitude of detrimental effects, it is of pertinent interest to elucidate the interaction mechanisms of sessile bacteria with metal and metal oxide surfaces to facilitate the development of efficient antifouling strategies. A common constituent of microbial communities within aquatic and sedimentary settings, the Shewanella genus consists of facultatively aerobic, Gram-negative bacterium which exhibit exceptional plasticity in respiratory capacities. During aerobic conditions, Shewanella utilizes oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor; conversely, under anaerobic conditions, it is able to undertake respiration by reducing alternative terminal electron acceptors such as oxidized metals via extracellular electron transfer mechanisms not yet thoroughly discerned.
The aim of this work is to explicate the mechanisms governing the initial bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation on metallic surfaces. To investigate this dynamic interplay, a combined approach has been followed which couples surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with electrochemical techniques using Shewanella sp. model biofilms. Gold nano-islands deposited on thin glass slides have been chosen as inert model substrates with good uniformity and high surface enhancement factor. Furthermore, the utilization of gold as substrate material not only allowed the differentiation of the sole effect of substrate polarization on bacterial attachment but also enabled a precise adjustment of the surface chemistry and surface energy by means of surface functionalization with organothiol self-assembled monolayers.
The results present the correlation of the primary settlement rate of bacteria on metallic substrates with the environmental parameters such as electrolyte composition and pH as well as surface-related properties like hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and polarization. With the overall strategic goal of transferring this methodology to technical systems the results provide the fundamental basis for the bottom-up design of anti-fouling surfaces.
Chemical and electrochemical interaction mechanisms of metal-reducing bacteria with gold surfaces
(2016)
Bacterial biofilms are considered one of the salient contributing factors to the deterioration of metals and their alloys, occurring in virtually all environments and across various industrial systems. Considering the sheer magnitude of detrimental effects, it is of pertinent interest to elucidate the interaction mechanisms of sessile bacteria with metal and metal oxide surfaces to facilitate the development of efficient antifouling strategies. A common constituent of microbial communities within aquatic and sedimentary settings, the Shewanella genus consists of facultatively aerobic, Gram-negative bacterium which exhibit exceptional plasticity in respiratory capacities. During aerobic conditions, Shewanella utilizes oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor; conversely, under anaerobic conditions, it is able to undertake respiration by reducing alternative terminal electron acceptors such as oxidized metals via extracellular electron transfer mechanisms not yet thoroughly discerned.
The aim of this work is to explicate the mechanisms governing the initial bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation on metallic surfaces. To investigate this dynamic interplay, a combined approach has been followed which couples surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with electrochemical techniques using Shewanella sp. model biofilms. Gold nano-islands deposited on thin glass slides have been chosen as inert model substrates with good uniformity and high surface enhancement factor. Furthermore, the utilization of gold as substrate material not only allowed the differentiation of the sole effect of substrate polarization on bacterial attachment but also enabled a precise adjustment of the surface chemistry and surface energy by means of surface functionalization with organothiol self-assembled monolayers.
The results present the correlation of the primary settlement rate of bacteria on metallic substrates with the environmental parameters such as electrolyte composition and pH as well as surface-related properties like hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and polarization. With the overall strategic goal of transferring this methodology to technical systems the results provide the fundamental basis for the bottom-up design of anti-fouling surfaces.
Currently available separation channels for asymmetric flow
field-flow fractionation (AF4), which results in long analysis
time and solvent consumption, limits the application of AF4 in
[1} the field of nanoparticle analysis .
A miniaturized AF4 channel was introduced for the rapid
analysis of different nanoparticle samples. UV-Vis-MALS
provides the possibility to measure the particle size and molar
mass and offers a powerful tool for the investigation of
[2] separation performances of different AF4 channels .
Our objective was to develop fast and reliable separation
methods for both channels and enable a direct comparison by
the corresponding chromatographic parameters.
The performance of a miniaturized channel for the separation of polymer and metal nanoparticles (NP) using Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) was investigated and compared with a conventional AF4 system. To develop standard separation methods, experimental parameters like cross flow, gradient profile and injection time were varied and optimized. Corresponding chromatographic parameters were calculated and compared. Our results indicate that the chromatographic resolution in the miniaturized channel is lower, whereas significantly shorter analyses time and less solvent consumption were obtained. Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) obtained from hyphenation with a UV-detector are obviously lower than in a conventional channel, which makes the miniaturized channel interesting for trace analysis.
Reliable analysis of chemical indicators in water, sediment and soil samples for the purpose of environmental pollution assessment poses one of the greatest analytical challenges, having in mind the complexity of sample matrix and low concentrations of pollutants. Organics (pesticides, PAHs, PFOS, etc.) and heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Ni, Pb and As) represent target parameters. Laboratories performing sampling and tests in this field regulated by respective EU directives, need strong support in order to establish a quality system. It is necessary to provide appropriate calibrators i.e. matrix CRMs relates to the unique sample matrices representing typical samples in the geomorphological and anthropological sense. In addition to that, bearing in mind the complexity and instability of environmental samples, it is very difficult to obtain appropriate referents materials with no local providers.
Our project is aiming to develop capacity to produce CRMs for environmental analysis by transferring the theoretical and practical know-how between the partners and combining their skills to focus on environmental CRM production in accordance with ISO Guide 34. Our project will have an impact on environmental monitoring in the partnering countries and on the scientific community, who will use the newly developed reference materials. Furthermore, partners will develop strategies for producing new CRMs either on their own or in cooperation. This will lead to regional CRM producers serving scientific and official laboratories.
This project aims to develop capacity to produce certified reference materials (CRMs) for environmental analysis by transferring know-how between the partners and combining their skills to focus on environmental CRM production. The production process includes good manufacturing practices for processing materials, method development, the validation and application of homogeneity, stability and characterisation tests, the calculation of individual uncertainties (between-unit inhomogeneity, long term stability, characterisation) and combination of uncertainties to determine overall uncertainty of the matrix reference materials. An inter laboratory comparison registered as a EURAMET project is set as the ultimate project outcome, confirming the partners’ capabilities in applying newly acquired skills.
Zinnober (HgS) ist neben Eisenoxiden (Fe2O3 oder FeOOH) das am häufigsten verwendete mineralische Rotpigment. Die relativ seltenen Vorkommen in der Natur wurden schon in der Vorgeschichte abgebaut und in Gräbern und auf Felsmalerei als rote Farbe verwendet. In Asien spielt Zinnoberrot als Schreibtusche eine wichtige Rolle. Besonders zur Zeit des Buddhismus findet sich das Rot verstärkt auch auf Wandmalerei und Statuen. Schon früh beherrschte man die synthetische Herstellung und Optimierung des Pigments mit Zusatzstoffen, so dass von einer regional unterschiedlichen Verarbeitung auszugehen ist. Auf Grund seiner physikalisch-chemischen Eigenschaften (gute Eindringtiefe, konservierende Wirkung) wurde das leuchtend rote Farbpigment auch als Handelsware genutzt.
Die Pigmentanalyse gibt Auskunft über
- kulturelle Vorkommen, die Nutzung von Zinnober als Rotpigment in einem bestimmten Kontext.
- natürliche Vorkommen, die Herkunft des Minerals entsprechend der regionalen Bildungsbedingungen.
- Werkstätten, die Herstellung als Farbpigment mit unterschiedlichen Techniken.
Vorgestellt werden rote Tinten und Tuschen auf Schriftstücken der Seidenstraßenkulturen mit Zinnober als charakteristisch für eine bestimmte Tradition in der Verwendung und möglicher Indikator für kulturellen Austausch. Die in unterschiedlichen Schriften und Sprachen erhaltenen Manuskriptfragmente gelangten Anfang des letzten Jahrhunderts von der Oasenstadt Turfan nach Berlin, wo sie entziffert und kulturhistorisch erforscht werden. Die chemische Zusammensetzung ihrer Rottöne wird differenziert und in Rückkopplung mit der historischen Klassifikation der untersuchten Objekte verglichen. Eine solche Identifizierung von Farbtypen kann zur Einordnung von Kulturobjekten fragwürdiger Herkunft herangezogen werden.
The objective of this study is to find out how far geochemical characteristics of the blue mineral pigment can be confirmed in respect to its provenance. In dependence of the quantity of samples analysed from a special geological region and the methods applied, a range of variation is taken into consideration. To provide clues, a multi-technique analytical approach with µXRF and ESEM is applied to samples from the most famous deposits.
Special elements determined as fingerprint are related to the textural features corresponding directly to the geological conditions of forming. The results and the statistical output allow a differentiation that enables an optimized local classification of the blue stone. To be aware of the limits of analysis is an absolute requirement for each geo-tracing implemented on blue coloured cultural objects of unknown provenance. For testing the possible sources of lapis lazuli, the blue pigment used as paint on murals and as ink on manuscripts from the Silk Road is analysed in an exemplary way.
Evaluation of electron microscopy techniques for the purpose of classification of nanomaterials
(2016)
One current and much-debated topic in the characterization of nanomaterials (NM) is the implementation of the recently introduced recommendation on a definition of a nanomaterial by the European Commission.
All currently available sizing techniques able to address nanoparticles were systematically evaluated. It was demonstrated that particle sizing techniques like: analytical centrifugation, particle tracking analysis, single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry, differential electrical mobility analysis, dynamic light scattering, small angle X-ray scattering, ultrasonic attenuation spectrometry, but also gas Adsorption analysis based on the BET-method can be applied for a screening classification. However, the quality of the results depends on the individual material to be classified. For well-dispersed, nearly spherical (nano)particles most of the sizing techniques can be applied in a quick and reliable way. In contrast, the classification of most real-world materials is a challenging task, mainly due to non-spherical particle shape, large polydispersity or strong agglomeration/ aggregation of the particles. In the present study it was shown that these issues can be resolved in most cases by electron microscopy as a confirmatory classification technique.
Electron microscopy techniques such as TEM, STEM, SEM or TSEM transmission in SEM) are capable of assessing the size of individual nanoparticles accurately (see Figures 1 and 2). Nevertheless the challenging aspect is sample preparation from powder or liquid form on the substrate, so that a homogeneous distribution of well-separated (deagglomerated) particles is attained. The systematic study in this work shows examples where the extraction of the critical, smallest particle dimension - as the decisive particle parameter for the classification as a NM - is possible by analysing the sample after its simple, dry preparation. The consequences of additional typical issues like loss of information due to Screening of smaller particles by larger ones or the (in)ability to access the constituent particles in aggregates are discussed.
Aluminium is still one of the most important contact metallisations for power electronic chips like MOSFETs or IGBTs. With a large difference in thermal expansion coefficients (CTEs) between aluminium and silicon and the temperatures generated in hot-spots during high power transients, these layers are prone to failure due to thermo-mechanical fatigue. Usually lifetime assessment is done by subjecting dedicated test specimens to standardised stress tests as e.g. active or passive thermal cycling. This paper proposes a novel method for accelerated stress testing and lifetime modelling of thin aluminium films in the high-cycle fatigue regime by isothermal mechanical loading. The proposed novel test method is suggested to complement or replace resource-demanding thermal cycling tests and allow simple in-situ monitoring of failure.
Focus of this work is the detection of vertical movements behind the casing of groundwater observation wells within the seal. A new multi-methodical and azimuthal logging tool, named Azimuthal-Annulus-Convection-Identification (AACI)-Log has been developed and tested. The measurement concept of this probe is based on the combination of three azimuthal measuring logs – contact temperature on the inside of the casing wall, backscattered gamma-rays (gamma-gamma density), and natural radioactivity (gamma ray). Consequently, a direction-oriented image of the annular space can be derived. Not only the reason (void, potential channel) but also the resulting effect (vertical movement of fluids) can be detected with the Azimuthal-Annulus-Convection (AACI) – Log at the same time.
Influence of the of dealumination and porosity on the acid sites of natural zeolite clinoptilolite
(2016)
Heavy feedstock from crude and bio oil is a widely available and renewable resource for production of fuel and starting materials for other organic valuables by cracking or hydrocracking. Catalytic processing of heavy feedstock can meet the increased demand of energy up to a great extent. It requires the application of acidic catalysts like zeolites. However, the used synthetic catalysts are difficult to recover and reuse and are mostly spent.
The use of natural zeolite as spent catalysts may open new perspectives in the chemical use of heavy feed feedstock by chemical conversion. Natural zeolites are not expensive, widely available and environment friendly. Clinoptilolite is the most abundant natural zeolite. Clinoptilolite has a crystalline structure with a defined micropore system of medium size showing unique ion exchange and sorption properties. However, it is catalytically active only in the H-form. Also certain porosity is required for improvement of the accessibility of active sites.
This paper deals with the tuning of acid properties and of the mesoporosity of the clinoptilolite by variation of the Si/Al framework ratio, extra-framework aluminum and modification of the porosity by specific acid and water vapor treatment. The preparation of hierarchical pore structures containing interconnected micro-meso-macropores is an important factor influencing the catalytic performance.
The obtained materials have been characterized by XRD, TEM, FTIR, Raman, TG/DSC. The chemical composition has been determined by ICP-AES. The porosity have been investigated by nitrogen adsorption desorption measurements. The acidity has been measured by Ammonia-TPD. The extent of dealumination, stability of the clinoptilolite against acid treatment and the change in the nature of acid sites and their local structure has been studied by solid state 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR spectroscopy in detail. The catalytic activity has been investigated in the acetalization of benzaldehyde with 1,3-butanediol. The impact of the porosity, change of the Si/Al ratio as well as present Al species on catalytic properties will be discussed.
Multiply negatively charged DNA oligonucleotides of small sizes (n=15-40 bases) have been subjected to a comprehensive tandem mass spectrometric study (MS/MS). Collision induced dissociation (CID) mass spectrometry (MS) was applied as a tool to break down isolated DNA oligonucleotides with a defined number of charges. Various lenghts and sequences were analyzed unravelling a comparable direct correlation between the threshold collision energy for fragmentation and the charge-per-base density in the precusor ion. It was also revealed that the increase in charges and thus Coulomb repulsion results in the transition from a folded, compact form to an elongated structure of the precusor ions.
Multiply negatively charged DNA oligonucleotides of small sizes (n=15-40) have been subjected to a comprehensive tandem mass spectrometric study (MS/MS). Collision induced dissociation (CID) mass spectrometry (MS) was applied as a tool to break down isolated DNA oligonucleotides with a defined number of charges. Various lenghts and sequences were analyzed and all of them showed a comparable direct correlation regarding the threshold collision energy for fragmentation and dependence on number of charges on the precursor ions. It was also revealed that the increase in charges and thus Coulomb repulsion results in the transition from a folded, compact form to an elongated structure of the precursor ions.
Dislocations, as carriers of plastic deformation, affect important properties in technical materials, e. g., plasticity. The realistic description of plastic deformation caused by dislocations demands the representative measurement of their features, e.g., line direction, slip plane, Burgers vector and density. Bulk deformation of structural and functional alloys requires reliable data from large regions. The filiform nature of dislocations interacting with complex microstructures additionally demands observation and analysis techniques that allow resolving the details of their interactions in space. The use of electron tomography for this purpose is bound to difficult and time consuming experimental setups, which are not always applicable to any material. In this contribution a new tool is presented, which enables the three-dimensional reconstruction, visualization and quantification of dislocation densities and directions from manual tracing of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) stereo-pairs. Examples are shown from samples of a creep-deformed monocrystalline Ni-base superalloy.
Visualization of surface modifications may be very challenging for coating/substrate systems of either almost identical optical constants, e.g. transparent films on substrates of the same material, or minor film thickness, substance quantity and affected area, e.g. ultra-thin or island films. Methods for visualization are optical microscopy (OM), imaging ellipsometry (IE), and referenced spectroscopic ellipsometry (RSE). Imaging ellipsometry operates at oblique incidence near Brewster angle of the bare, clean or unmodified substrate. In this configuration, reflected intensities are rather weak. However, the contrast to add-on and sub-off features may be superior. Referenced spectroscopic ellipsometry operates in a two-sample configuration but with much higher intensities. In many cases, both ellipsometric techniques reveal and visualize thin films, printed-pattern, laser-induced changes, and impurities better than optical microscopy. In particular for stratified homogeneous modifications, ellipsometric techniques give access to modelling and hence thickness determination. Modifications under investigation are polymer foil residue on silicon, laser-induced changes of ta-C:H coatings on 100Cr6 steel, imperfections of ta-C:H on thermal silicon oxide, degradation of glass, thin film tin oxide pattern on silicon, printed and dried pattern of liquids such as deionized water, cleaning agents, and dissolved silicone. © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
On April 23rd 2013 at 2:07 a.m., a 1.3 kg meteorite fell in the Braunschweig suburb Melverode (52° 13′ 32.19″ N. 10° 31′ 11.60″ E). Its estimated velocity was 250 km/h and it formed an impact pit in the concrete fall site with a diameter of 7 cm and a depth of 3 cm. Radial dust striae are present around the impact pit. As a result of the impact, the meteorite disintegrated into several hundred fragments with masses up to 214 g. The meteorite is a typical L6 chondrite, moderately shocked (S4) – but with a remarkably high porosity (up to 20 vol%). The meteorite was ejected from its parent body as an object with a radius of about 10–15 cm (15–50 kg). The U,Th-He gas retention age of ∼550 Ma overlaps with the main impact event on the L-chondrite parent body ∼470 Ma ago that is recorded by many shocked L chondrites. The preferred cosmic-ray exposure age derived from production of radionuclides and noble gas isotopes is (6.0 ± 1.3) Ma.
Complex materials (e.g., porous ceramics) need high resolution techniques at multi-scale levels. Microstructure is intimately linked to properties and performance. One technique (or even a few techniques) is not enough. X-ray refraction and CT are very powerful tools. Non-destructive characterisation and quantitative image analysis techniques (2D and 3D) are necessary to understand the anisotropy.
The manuscript of the History of Outremer by William of Tyre stored at the BNF (ms. fr. 9084) is believed to have been illustrated by two different hands. Indeed, the first five miniatures of this manuscript appear to be very different from the last seventeen, which were supposedly painted by an artist known as the "Hospitaller Master". This painter worked on at least two manuscripts in Paris between 1276 and 1280, and eight more in Saint Jean d'Acre before 1291. During his stay in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, his palette changed and reached its most important development in the Manuscript of the History of Outremer, maybe influenced by the colourful crusader style of the first five miniatures. The present work aims at identifying the pigments used on both parts of the manuscripts and see whether they are the same for both artists or not. For that, portable XRF analysis was used directly at the Bibliothèque National de France in Paris, where the manuscript is stored. This allowed a quick, non destructive and non invasive study of the manuscript. Significant differences were observed in the compositions of some pigments indeed, in particular for the red and green, showing the use of different palettes. This could indicate that the Hospitaller Master not only brought his knowledge and style, but also probably part of his palette of pigments with him when moving to Saint Jean d'Acre.
In order to reduce CO2 emission in concrete and minimize the environmental impact, majority of research focuses on using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as Fly Ash (FA), blast furnace slag (GGBS) and Silica Fume (SF) or Microsilica as a replacement for ordinary Portland cement in concrete. However, in terms of sustainability, it is not economically feasible to use the above mentioned SCMs in countries where these materials are not readily available. In addition, when dealing with the carbon footprint of concrete, despite their positive influence in concrete, such SCMs cannot be said to be eco-friendly materials due to their high energy production process. In many developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), agriculture is the leading economic sector. Generally, agricultural by-products are eco-friendly in terms of low energy in production, and they often have no further use for the environment. These by-products (baggase, cassava peels and rice husks) are mainly not the materials of discussion in this current day and age and especially in the northern hemisphere, where the majority of concrete technology originates. Hence, it is inevitable to consider other more sustainable resources in concrete for SSA. Nevertheless, optimization of these resources in concrete can only function with a clear understanding of the reactivity of the materials and its interaction and mechanism to adopt similar and workable properties as a normal performance cementitious system.
This paper addresses rice husk ash (RHA) as a main SCM in various cementitious systems with added limestone filler (LSF) and observes its performance in mortar. Superplasticizers such as polycarboxylate-ethers (PCEs) and lignosulphonates (LS) are incorporated in the cementitious systems to improve workability. The interaction of RHA with the superplasticizers was investigated by means of zeta potential (ZP). According to the results presented, it is shown that RHA powder has a positive compatibility with the chosen superplasticizers and its performance in mortar with LSF also shows increase in strength and workability.
The main objective of this project presentation was to evaluate the by-products of paddy farming (in Tanzania) into sustainable building materials optimised for construction of low-cost housing, and suitable to be adopted in rice-producing countries in Africa. In Tanzania, rice husks are seldom used as a fuel – if not burnt or dumped in landfills and there is lack of awareness or active research on optimising the by-product RHA in cement and concrete technology. Scientific research within this field of technology can advance development by obtaining suitable properties of the by-products that can provide an advantageous and alternative measure for their use as SCMs not only in its raw form i.e. husks for low-cost housing but also in its artificial form i.e. RHA as a high-tech as a substitute for cement in Africa.
There is a wide range of research worldwide on supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash and slag for substituting Portland cement. Such materials are suitable to be considered in a cementitious system with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) due to their high pozzolanic properties. In addition, many of the SCMs are said to significantly improve concrete properties especially in terms of strength and durability. Unfortunately, the production of such SCMs is not entirely eco-friendly and also limited to certain parts of the world, hence one has to look at alternative options.
The issue of availability of resources is a strong concept that is ever-increasing, and the use of more eco-friendly SCMs in a cementitious system is furthermore attractive. Hence this paper addresses the use of eco-friendly SCMs in concrete such as rice husk ash (RHA). Despite the fact that extensive research has been done on this material, its application in a cementitious system to obtain sufficient concrete properties is still rather limited.
In a country like Tanzania, high strength concrete construction is applicable in special construction cases but certainly not a high priority. Majority of construction is still undertaken using normal strength concrete. In a ternary cementitious system consisting of OPC, RHA and other readily available resources such as limestone filler (LSF), normal strength concrete can still be produced having good performance and suitable for regular on-site construction. This paper explains a possible application of obtaining sufficient concrete properties from the available resources.
Control chart systems are used in quality management systems to keep production processes stable. In concrete production they are often applied for the control of the compressive strength. The most efficient control chart systems are cumulated sums (cusum), which help to observe deviations from a targeted value. Unlike alternative observation chart systems that focus on process data evaluation, cusum observations react very rapidly on systematic process changes in processes. Therefore, the cusum method is particularly suitable if immediate counteractions have to be taken, like in the case of fresh concrete properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC), which can have severe influences on the durability and mechanical strength of concrete. The rheology of SCC can be affected by an enormous variety of influencing factors, from raw material properties to handling or environmental temperature. The present study shows that regardless of the material based influencing parameter for a rheology change, a steady slump flow can be achieved only by adding supplementary superplasticizer in case of loss of flow and adding stabilising agent (ST) in case of increased flow if the respective V-mask indicates a systematic change. A reference SCC was artificially manipulated in order to achieve realistic experimental data for flowability and flowability changes due to changes in the raw material properties. The results point out that productions with applied cusum methods were capable of keeping the target slump flow deviation within approximately 1% only, while productions without applied cusum method deviated up to 14% and more from the target.
LIBS matures to a quantitative method for elemental analysis rather than a qualitative diagnostic tool. Numerous real world applications for bulk and microanalysis profit from instrumental and methodical advances in the last decade. Today, recording of numerous spectra from samples can be done with low experimental efforts and low cost per spectrum. Not surprisingly, LIBS data, with a high spectral resolution and a broad spectral range, become “big data” and can be utilized in different ways beyond elemental analysis. But, what is the generic or best approach for quantitative LIBS analysis? What techniques can be employed to gain new insights into data? Emergent information can arise through data fusion of LIBS data with other data, i.e. orthogonal spectroscopic or other information related to the sample. But are fused data better than data from a single method?
This talk will provide an in-depth overview what chemometric tools can do for LIBS. For quantitative analysis, pre-processing tools are essential to improve precision, accuracy, and reproducibility but at the same time their application to data is still based on phenomenological criteria. Multivariate analysis seems to dominate LIBS, but are there drawbacks on using all information from spectra. For different data sets from real applications, the use of multivariate calibration and (un)supervised pattern recognition will be discussed in comparison with reference analytical methods and possible improvements through plasma diagnostics and modelling.
There is currently a debate within the SIP community about the characteristic textural length scale controlling relaxation time of consolidated porousmedia.One idea is that the relaxation time is dominated by the pore throat size distribution or more specifically the modal pore throat size as determined in mercury intrusion capillary pressure tests. Recently new studies on inverting pore size distributions from SIP data were published implying that the relaxation mechanisms and controlling length scale are well understood. In contrast new analytical model studies based on the Marshall-Madden membrane polarization theory suggested that two relaxation processes might compete: the one along the short narrow pore (the throat) with one across the wider pore in case the narrow pores become relatively long.
This paper presents a first systematically focused study into the relationship of pore throat sizes and SIP relaxation times. The generality of predicted trends is investigated across a wide range of materials differing considerably in chemical composition, specific surface and pore space characteristics. Three different groups of relaxation behaviors can be clearly distinguished. The different behaviors are related to clay content and type, carbonate content, size of the grains and the wide pores in the samples.
The presentation shows how the three-dimensional quantification of dislocations and their characteristic features, e.g. Burgers vector, line direction, dislocation density, is carried out at the transmission electron microscope in scanning mode (STEM) at Division 5.1 at BAM. Exemplarily, the methods are shown for Ni-base superalloy single crystals, for which a short introduction is given using further TEM techniques. Additional examples on low angle grain boundaries, nucleation of oxides at dislocations and interaction of dislocations and carbides are shown.
The content of the presentation was addapted, aiming at scientists who work within the DFG Priority Programme 1713 "Strong coupling of thermo-chemical and thermo-mechanical states in applied materials".
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a well-established analytical method for multi-elemental analysis in particular for elements at trace and ultra-trace levels. It has found acceptance in various application areas during the last decade. ICP-MS is also more and more applied for detection in the life sciences. For these applications, ICP-MS excels by a high sensitivity, which is independent of the molecular structure of the analyte, a wide linear dynamic range and by excellent multi-element capabilities. Furthermore, methods based on ICP-MS offer simple quantification concepts, for which usually (liquid) standards are applied, low matrix effects compared to other conventional bioanalytical techniques, and relative limits of detection (LODs) in the low pg g−1 range and absolute LODs down to the attomol range.
In this chapter, we focus on new applications where the multi-element capability of ICP-MS is used for detection of lanthanoides or rare earth elements, which are applied as elemental stains or tags of biomolecules and in particular of antibodies.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is based on formation of positively charged atomic ions in a high-frequency inductively coupled Argon plasma at atmospheric pressure. The ions are extracted and transferred from the plasma source into a mass analyzer operated at high vacuum via an interface equipped with a sampling and a skimmer cone. The ions are separated in the mass analyzer according to their charge to mass ratio. The ions are converted at a conversion dynode and are detected by use of a secondary electron multiplier or a Faraday cup.
From an analytical point of view, ICP-MS is a well-established method for multi-elemental analysis in particular for elements at trace- and ultra-trace levels. Furthermore, methods based on ICP-MS offer simple quantification concepts, for which usually (liquid) standards are applied, low matrix effects compared to other conventional analytical techniques, and relative limits of detection (LODs) in the low pg g−1 range and absolute LODs down to the attomol range. For these applications, ICP-MS excels by a high sensitivity which is independent of the molecular structure and a wide linear dynamic range. It has found acceptance in various application areas and during the last decade ICP-MS is also more and more applied for detection of rare earth elements particularly in the life sciences.
Due to the fact that all molecules introduced into the high temperature of the plasma in the ion source were completely dissociated and broken down into atoms, which are subsequently ionized, all elemental species information is completely lost. However, if the different species are separated before they enter the plasma by using adequate fractionation or separation techniques, then ICP-MS can be used as a very sensitive element-specific detector. We will discuss this feature of ICP-MS in this chapter in more detail at hand of the speciation of gadolinium-containing contrast agents.
Bio-diagnostic assays of high complexity rely on nanoscaled assay recognition elements that can provide unique selectivity and design-enhanced sensitivity features. High throughput performance requires the simultaneous detection of various analytes combined with appropriate bioassay components. Nanoparticle induced sensitivity enhancement, and subsequent multiplexed capability Surface-Enhanced InfraRed Absorption (SEIRA) assay formats are fitting well these purposes. SEIRA constitutes an ideal platform to isolate the vibrational signatures of targeted bioassay and active molecules. The potential of several targeted biolabels, here fluorophore-labeled antibody conjugates, chemisorbed onto low-cost biocompatible gold nano-aggregates substrates have been explored for their use in assay platforms. Dried films were analyzed by synchrotron radiation based FTIR/SEIRA spectro-microscopy and the resulting complex hyperspectral datasets were submitted to automated statistical analysis, namely Principal Components Analysis (PCA). The relationships between molecular fingerprints were put in evidence to highlight their spectral discrimination capabilities. We demonstrate that robust spectral encoding via SEIRA fingerprints opens up new opportunities for fast, reliable and multiplexed high-end screening not only in biodiagnostics but also in vitro biochemical imaging.
Metalloproteins, which represent about 30 % of the total proteome, are often important markers for distinguishing between healthy and diseased states of patients. As such markers have become increasingly important in clinical diagnostics, some of these proteins are routinely analysed in clinical laboratories. Reliable and comparable results are the basis for the investigation of changes in the proteome due to different health conditions. Nevertheless, for many proteins the results achieved with different routine measurement procedures or in different laboratories vary widely, thus hampering medical insights and the development of treatments. Reference measurement procedures with results traceable to the International System of Units (SI) will also help to greatly improve the performance of routine measurement procedures and, this way, they support the understanding of changes in the metallome.
Previously on sulfur determination in metal revealed a lack of traceability and inconsistent results. Solving the problems a reference procedure for sulfur measurement in metal are required to build up a reliable reference value. In this study a procedure was developed for quantification of total sulfur at low concentration (in sub ppm level) in metal using inductively coupled plasma-isotope dilution mass spectrometry (ICP-IDMS). The ion exchange method and complexing agent were applied in this procedure to avoid loading large amount of metal into the instrument. Adding ammonia as a complexing agent into sample solution to reduce sulfur-metal co-elute. The procedure shows high performance and it is expressed in % recovery of sulfur (> 90%) and % metal elimination (>99 %). Additionally, relative measurement uncertainties were calculated less than 1.5 % and the results are traceable directly to SI units. This study would establish as reference procedure for sulfur measurement in metal sample which fit for these purpose as follows; for certified reference material and assigned value for inter-laboratory comparison.
Reliable analysis of chemical indicators in water, sediment and soil samples for the purpose of environmental pollution assessment poses one of the greatest analytical challenges, having in mind the complexity of sample matrix and low concentrations of pollutants. Organics (pesticides, PAHs, PFOS, etc.) and heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Ni, Pb and As) represent target parameters. Laboratories performing sampling and tests in this field regulated by respective EU directives, need strong support in order to establish a quality system. It is necessary to provide appropriate calibrators i.e. matrix CRMs relates to the unique sample matrices representing typical samples in the geomorphological and anthropological sense. In addition to that, bearing in mind the complexity and instability of environmental samples, it is very difficult to obtain appropriate referents materials with no local providers.
Our project is aiming to develop capacity to produce CRMs for environmental analysis by transferring the theoretical and practical know-how between the partners and combining their skills to focus on environmental CRM production in accordance with ISO Guide 34. Our project will have an impact on environmental monitoring in the partnering countries and on the scientific community, who will use the newly developed reference materials. Furthermore, partners will develop strategies for producing new CRMs either on their own or in cooperation. This will lead to regional CRM producers serving scientific and official laboratories.
IDMS Training
(2016)
Based on its proven records especially in reference material certification, isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) is considered as one of the most powerful and most accurate methods for determining amounts of substance. Contrary to other calibration approaches, IDMS does not directly suffer from long-time changes or drifts in instrument sensitivity. Moreover, provided isotopic exchange between the sample and spike is ensured, losses of analyte do not affect the analytical result. Both advantages are based on the fact that IDMS only requires isotope ratio measurements and isotope ratios are largely unaffected by instrumental drift, setup or by matrix, unless an isobaric interference is present.
The Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance (CCQM), the world's highest institution for metrology in chemistry, considers IDMS as the most important “Primary Method of Measurement” for amount determination. The total combined uncertainty, according to ISO and EURACHEM guidelines, can easily be calculated via the IDMS equations. Applying it correctly, IDMS has the potential to be a primary method of measurement yielding SI traceable values in the most direct way with combined uncertainties significantly smaller than obtainable by other methods.
In general it can be stated that IDMS is the most important reference method for elemental and elemental species analysis, offering highest accuracy and precision or smallest measurement uncertainties, when properly applied. Thus IDMS represents by far the best suited reference method for RM characterisation. Due to its universal applicability IDMS offers sufficient potential to follow future needs in analytical chemistry as well as in the RM sector.
This presentation will demonstrate the basic principle of IDMS and will show its Pros and Cons as well as its pitfalls. Possible sources of errors and bias are mentioned and correction models will be discussed. Notice will be given to metrological aspects such as traceability and uncertainty. Differences in the application of thermal ionization mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry are discussed as well as differences between different types of mass spectrometers. This will be illustrated by practical examples from various fields.
The relevance of the COOMET.QM-S5 comparison is founded on tightening of requirements to a control of automobile emissions (realization of environmental standards of EURO 4, EURO-5). Participating laboratories: VNIIM, BAM, BelGIM, Ukrmetrteststandart, KazInMetr. This comparison was carried out in 2013-2014. This supplementary comparison supports CMC claims for: CO2 in the range (4–16) 10⁻² mol/mol; CO in the range (0.5–5) 10⁻² mol/mol; C3H8 in the range (0.01–0.3) 10⁻² mol/mol. Results:
Component CO:
All laboratories identified the values of carbon monoxide mole fraction in the gas mixture within ±0.9134%.
Component CO2:
All laboratories identified the values of carbon dioxide mole fraction in the gas mixture within ±0.3042%.
Component C3H8:
All laboratories identified the values of propane mole fraction in the gas mixture within ±0.443%.
This key comparison aims to assess the capabilities of the participants to determine the amount-of-substance fraction oxygen in nitrogen. The GAWG has classified this as a track B comparison, due to the unexpected 50 μmol/mol argon mole fraction content of the transfer standards, which effects the achievable performance of some measurement techniques such a GC-TCD. The separation of oxygen and argon is challenging, and not all systems in use are equally well designed for it. As this analytical challenge due to a substantial fraction of argon in the transfer standards became a reality, the Gas Analysis Working Group (GAWG) decided to qualify this key comparison as a regular key comparison and not as a core comparison, which may be used to support calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs) for oxygen in nitrogen, or for oxygen in nitrogen mixtures containing argon only (see also the section on support to CMCs).
It has been shown that selected types of substituents are able to vary the oxidative behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Such substituents investigated were sterically hindered secondary amino groups bonded in grafted piperidine units and covalently bonded bromine groups. Their interference and activity was preliminary determined in the model cumene and then in oil diesel fraction and low density polyethylene oxidation reactions. Results obtained indicate that chemical linking of amine moieties containing –NH groups directly to the carbon nanotubes core significantly increases their intrinsic anti-oxidative capacity while the grafting of Br-groups provokes the opposite functioning of the pristine samples. This inference was proved by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis of the polyethylene composites and experiments on profound aerobic oxidation of petroleum naphthenic fraction derived from the commercial Baku oils blend diesel cut.
The preparation and characterization of a Titanium dioxide (TiO2) by a simple, cost effective, facile and eco-friendly green synthesis method using Peltophorum pterocarpum plant extract is presented. The green synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES). XRD results show that the prepared TiO2 NPs were significantly crystalline with various percentages of anatase and rutile phases. The nanoparticles were found to have different diameters ranging from 20 to 80 nm. No evidence of any intermediate or different TiO2 phases were found in XANES measurements performed at the Ti K- and L-edge. It is shown that the TiO2 NPs with high uniformity, high surface area and minimum aggregation can be prepared with relative ease and the desired anatase: rutile phase ratio can be obtained by controlling the experimental conditions.
Switchable Surfaces: Mono- and Multilayers of Stimuli-Responsive Supramolecules on Solid Supports
(2016)
Rotaxanes are mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) that are considered to be excellent prototypes for the development of molecular machines. They comprise a discrete number of molecules that are bound to each other via non-covalent interactions. Mechanically interlocked means that a covalent bond must be broken in order to separate the molecules from another. If the rotaxanes are furthermore provided with different binding sites, they can perform a con-formational change and thus a nanoscopic movement by the application of an external stimu-lus. However, this movement is not directed in solution and a macroscopic effect is therefore, if at all, very difficult to realize. The integration of rotaxanes into a reference system by, for example, the immobilization on a surface is regarded as a promising approach to convert the generated nanoscopic motion into a macroscopic effect.
The present work describes the immobilization of chloride-switchable rotaxanes onto surfaces using a variety of methods. In detail, the applied methods are the metal-mediated layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly and the covalent deposition using click chemistry, which can be con-sidered as separate approaches. Before the rotaxanes were immobilized, the deposition meth-ods were first established and gradually improved on the basis of earlier results by using dif-ferent macrocycle and guest molecules. Various template layers – so-called self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) – were used. These are terminated with pyridine or terpyridine for the metal-induced LbL deposition. Azide-terminated SAMs are used for the covalent deposition.
In the course of that, the following objectives were achieved: The deposition of diterpyridin functionalized macrocycles in multilayers with a preferential orientation was investigated and verified by transmission-UV/Vis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as well as near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS). In order to produce the multilayer, metal-ions and macrocycles were alternately deposited onto various SAMs. To enable further process control for the LbL deposition, Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) has been extended by use of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) which is capable of analyzing even very small changes in the deposition procedure. By using two different macrocycles and four metals, a mixed multilayer was fabricated that can be programmed by its deposition sequence. The treatment of the multilayers with appropriate guest molecules showed that they are on one hand addressable to the lowest layer by an external stimulus and that they are on the other hand able to incorporate a relatively large amount of the guest. Additionally, the covalently deposited supramolecules are also able to bind guests and to adapt to their structures. In both cases, the reversibility could be shown by appropriate experiments. Finally, the introduction of pyridine-functionalized nanoparticles into the multilayers led to a higher guest uptake, which can be explained by the reduction of the macrocycle-order due to the uneven surface of the nanoparticles.
Quality control requirements imposed on assays used in clinical diagnostics and point-of-care-diagnostic testing (POCT), utilizing amplification reactions performed at elevated temperatures of 35 to 95 °C are very stringent. As the temperature of a reaction vessel has a large impact on the specificity and sensitivity of the amplification reaction, simple tools for local in situ temperature sensing and monitoring are required for reaction and assay control. We describe here a platform of stem-and-loop structured DNA hairpins (molecular beacons, MBs), absorbing and emitting in the visible and red spectral region, rationally designed for precise temperature measurements in microfluidic assays for POCT, and their ap-plication for temperature measurements in a common DNA-based molecular biological assay utilizing thermophilic helicase-dependent amplification (tHDA). Spectroscopic studies of these MBs, rationally designed from DNA se-quences of different thermal stabilities, chosen not to interact with the DNA probes applied in the nucleic acid amplification assay, and temperature-dependent fluorescence measurements of MB-assay mixtures revealed the suitability of these MBs for temperature measurements directly in such an assay with a temperature resolution of about 0.5 °C without interferences from assay components. Combining two spectrally distinguishable MBs provides a broader response range and an increase in temperature sensitivity up to 0.1 °C. This approach will find future application for temperature monitoring and quality control in commercialized diagnostics assays using dried reagents and microfluidic chips as well as assays read out with tube and microplate readers and PCR detection systems for temperature measurements in the range of 35 to 95 °C.
A wide range of properties in crystalline materials is affected by the presence of dislocations, the carriers of plastic deformation. Dislocations can be thought of as filiform structures, characterized by geometrical factors such as their Burgers vector, slip plane, length per unit volume (dislocation density) and line direction. In technical materials such as functional and structural alloys, as well as in minerals, the understanding of bulk deformation driven by dislocation activity is of paramount importance, and thus also the techniques that allow its characterization. Since decades, diffraction contrast in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) is widely implemented to image and describe two-dimensional (2D) projections of dislocation substructures in thin foils [1]. Recently, the use of electron tomography was applied for the first time to fully reconstruct a 3D dislocation network in a GaN epilayer [2]. Although this latter technique has gained popularity, it usually requires an elaborate experimental setup, as well as sophisticated image post-processing methods for a successful reconstruction. Stereoscopic methods in the TEM also have traditionally allowed the three-dimensional (3D) observation of dislocations [e. g. 3]. For this purpose, the same region of a TEM foil is imaged using the same diffraction vector with two beam directions slightly tilted from each other. Subsequently, the pair of images is observed with help of stereo-viewers or 3D glasses. Based on this principle, a system based on a special hardware and software combination was developed for segmentation and analysis of stereomicroscopy data in biological research, and it was also used to analyze simple dislocation structures [4]. In the present contribution a simple software tool is introduced, which has been developed to reconstruct, visualize and quantify dislocation substructures in the thicker regions of electron-transparent foils. A special focus is set on the use of scanning (S)TEM for its implementation.
As depicted in Figure 1, the tool is based on the separate tracing of dislocation line segments on both images of a stereo-pair. The points 1, 2 and 3 are marked on the images viewed by the left and right eyes (Figures 1a and b, respectively), showing an relative displacement Δx on the superimposed images in the anaglyph of Figure 1c. This Δx is given by the point’s depth Δh and by the stereo-angle ϑ, as shown in Figure 1d. By knowing the beam direction for the left and right images (BL and BR, respectively), ϑ can be determined, and hence also Δh. Once the depth information from all traced nodes is gained, a reconstruction is made (Figure 1e) where the line length can directly be read from the tool’s interface. The setup is merely geometrical and only needs the relative tilt between both images, the direction of the tilt axis and the image calibration, thus allowing asymmetrical tilts with respect to the foil normal. The foil thickness is measured directly from the endings of the dislocations on the bottom and top surfaces of the TEM foil, and is determined as t ~ 370 nm for the region in Figure 1. With t, the volume is in Figure 1e is also known, and the total dislocation density of the region is calculated as ρt = 44.4 x 1012 m∙m-3. It is clear from Figure 1 that in the Ni-base superalloy presented here, the dislocation substructures are highly localized towards the interface between the two phases of which the microstructure is composed, γ and γ’ (labeled in Figure 1a). The reconstructed model allows a separation of the dislocation densities within the γ and the γ’ phases and at their interface, which would be rather difficult by using common methods such as the one proposed by Ham [5]. Thus the partial dislocation densities are measured as ργ = 1.7 x 1012 m∙m-3, ργ’ = 2.7 x 1012 m∙m-3 and ργ/γ’ = 40.0 x 1012 m∙m-3. The tool also incorporates the knowledge of the crystallographic positions at the two tilts to enable plotting the line segment orientations. One can chose to display the resulting line directions as an interactive table; as an additional spherical spatial graph, where all lines extend from the center of a sphere; as a 2D plot of the spherical coordinates θ and φ; or as points plotted on a stereographic projection.
Thus, a simple software tool has been developed that allows the reconstruction, visualization and quantification of foil thickness, localized dislocation densities (or other filiform substructures) and orientations based on only one stereo-pair
Pharmacologically active compounds are omnipresent in contemporary daily life, in our food and in our environment. The fast and easy quantification of those substances is becoming a subject of global importance. The fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) is a homogeneous mix-and-read format and a suitable tool for this purpose that offers a high sample throughput. Yet, the applicability to complex matrices can be limited by possible interaction of matrix compounds with antibodies or tracer.
Caffeine is one of the most frequently consumed pharmacologically active compounds and is present in a large variety of consumer products, including beverages and cosmetics. Adverse health effects of high caffeine concentrations especially for pregnant women are under discussion. Therefore, and due to legal regulations, caffeine should be monitored. Automated FPIA measurements enabled the precise and accurate quantification of caffeine in beverages and cosmetics within 2 min. Samples could be highly diluted before analysis due to high assay sensitivity in the low μg/L range. Therefore, no matrix effects were observed.
The antiepileptic drug carbamazepine (CBZ) is discussed as a marker for the elimination efficiency of wastewater treatment plants and the dispersion of their respective effluents in surface water. The development of a FPIA for CBZ included the synthesis and evaluation of different tracers. Using the optimum tracer CBZ-triglycine-5-(aminoacetamido) fluorescein, CBZ concentrations in surface waters could be measured on different platforms: one sample within 4 min in tubes or 24 samples within 20 min on microtiter plates (MTPs). For this study, a commercially available antibody was used, which led to overestimations with recovery rates up to 140% due to high cross-reactivities towards CBZ metabolites and other pharmaceuticals.
For more accurate CBZ determination, a new monoclonal antibody was produced. In this attempt, methods for improving the monitoring during the production process were successfully applied, including feces screening and cell culture supernatant screening with FPIA. The new monoclonal antibody is highly specific for CBZ and showed mostly negligible cross-reactivities towards environmentally relevant compounds. Measurements at non-equilibrium state improved the sensitivity and selectivity of the developed FPIA due to slow binding kinetics of the new antibody. Additionally, this measure enables for CBZ determination over a measurement range of almost three orders of magnitude. The comprehensively characterized antibody was successfully applied for the development of sensitive homogeneous and heterogeneous immunoassays.
The new antibody made the development of an on-site measurement system for the determination of CBZ in wastewater possible. After comprehensive optimization, this automated FPIA platform allows the precise quantification of CBZ in wastewater samples only pre-treated by filtration within 16 min. Recovery rates of 61 to 104% were observed. Measurements in the low μg/L range are possible without the application of tedious sample preparation techniques.
Different FPIA platforms including MTPs, cuvettes and tubes were successfully applied. For the choice of the right format, the application field should be considered, e.g. desired sample throughput, usage for optimization or characterization of antibodies or if a set-up for routine measurements is sought for. For high sample throughput and optimization, FPIA performance on MTPs is advantageous. The best results for the application to real samples were obtained using kinetic FP measurements in cuvettes.
The International Qumran project conducted at the BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing in 2007–10 aimed at establishing an optimal methodology for an accurate characterization of the Dead Sea Scrolls to address such questions as archaeological provenance, origin, and attribution of fragments to a specific sheet (Rabin 2013). Using equipment of various degrees of complexity we have shown that part of the historic information stored in the material can be revealed by proper characterization of the material. The on-site investigation of the Dead Sea Scrolls fragments from The Schøyen Collection in October 2012 offered the first chance to test this methodology in a field study. For the first time, we used mobile and non-invasive technology exclusively, since we could not transport all of our laboratory equipment to Norway for this project. Moreover, besides the technical limitations dictated by the available equipment, we had to cope with limited time: it was impossible to perform the number of scans required for optimal characterization of over 30 fragments within the fourteen days available. Nevertheless this study presents an important step in the material analysis of the Dead Sea Scrolls, since the devices we used are easily transportable, well known, and easily accessible throughout the world.
This author interview is by Dr Michael G. Weller, Head of Division 1.5 Protein Analysis at Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). BAM (www.bam.de/en) is a senior scientific and technical institute with responsibility to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Dr Weller's review paper, Quality issues of research antibodies is available for download in Analytical Chemistry Insights.
Immunoassays are suitable tools for high-throughput screenings. The prerequisite for accurate determinations by these methods is the selection of an excellent antibody. The production and selection of monoclonal antibodies is usually a tedious process. In this study, new strategies for improving antibody production and characterization were applied. This includes the monitoring of the immunization progress in mice through antibodies extracted from feces, which allows a time-resolved and animal-friendly monitoring of the immune response. Additionally, fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) could be successfully applied for fast and easy examination of cell culture supernatants and the investigation of antibody/antigen interactions including kinetics and fluorescence properties. These methods simplify the selection of the optimal antibody. As a target analyte, carbamazepine was chosen. This is a widely used antiepileptic drug which also frequently occurs in the environment. The new antibody enables CBZ determination in the concentration range 0.66–110 µg L-1 within 10 min using a high-throughput microtiter plate-based FPIA, and between 1.4 and 79 µg L-1 within 5 min applying an automated cuvette-based FPIA instrument, and from 0.05–36 µg L-1 using ELISA. The measurements were performed at a non-equilibrium state which improved the sensitivity and selectivity of the assays. Due to low cross-reactivity especially towards the main CBZ metabolite and other pharmaceuticals (<1%), this antibody gives the opportunity for application in medical and environmental analyses.