Sequential injection flow system with improved sample throughput: determination of glycerol and ethanol in wines

The performance of sequential injection (SI) systems has often been criticized for its low sampling frequency. The present work describes a SI system where an injection valve and an additional pump were incorporated to enhance sample throughput rate. The proposed systemwas applied to the enzymatic determination of glycerol and ethanol in wines, using spectrophotometric detection and immobilized glycerol and alcohol dehydrogenases. The method proposed was applied to the determination of ethanol between 0.10 and 0.50% (v/v) and glycerol between 0.03 and 0.30 g l−1. These ranges were appropriate for determination in table and port wines, since samples were diluted 50 times before introduction into the system. The results obtained from 15 wine samples were statistically comparable to those obtained by the reference methods, with good repeatability (R.S.D. < 3.4%, n = 10). The sampling rate was 22.5 h−1, corresponding to 45 determinations per hour. This way, the time required for each determination was decreased by 30% when compared to a conventional SI system

A gas diffusion sequential injection system for the determination of sulphur dioxide in wines

In the present work, a sequential injection system with spectrophotometric detection was developed for the determination of free and total sulphur dioxide in wines. It was based on the formation of a coloured product from the reaction among SO2, formaldehyde and pararosaniline. A gas diffusion unit (GDU) was incorporated into the manifold to prevent the wine matrix interference in the spectrophotometric measurement. An acid solution was added to the sample prior to its passage through the donor channel of the GDU to promote gaseous SO2 formation. For the free SO2 determination, the sample was directly aspirated into the holding coil; for the total SO2 determination, the sample was processed after previous in-line hydrolysis of bound SO2 with an alkali solution. Two second-order calibration curves were established, defining two concentration ranges: 2–40 mg l−1 for the free SO2 determination and 25–250 mg l−1 for the total SO2 determination. Relative standard deviations (n=10) were lower than 1.2% for the determination of free SO2 and lower than 2.3% for the determination of total SO2. The sample frequency was about 16 h−1. This methodology was applied to the determination of free and total sulphur dioxide in 10 table wines and the results were statistically comparable with those furnished by the recommended procedure

Paper-Based Biosensors for Analysis of Water

The presence of contaminants in water generates a great concern worldwide. As contaminants, we can refer different classes of chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, heavy metals, and also microorganisms, such as waterborne pathogens. Some of the chemical compounds have the potential to bioaccumulate in the aquatic biota. Hence, the development of simple and portable methods for the detection of contaminants in the aquatic environment can improve their monitoring and, consequently, the study of their environmental impact. In this context, the development of paper-based analytical tools and also of biosensor devices has been exploited for quantitative and semiquantitative analysis of several contaminants in different water matrices. The association of these two analytical strategies can provide the implementation of low-cost, portable, and easily handled methods for detecting chemical and biological contaminations in water. In this chapter, we provide a review of the developed paper-based analytical biosensors, highlighting the features of the paper-based (paper substrate and fabrication procedures) and biosensor devices (transducers and biorecognition elements). Moreover, the application of the referred paper-based biosensors for the detection of different water contaminants (pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals) in environmental and wastewater samples is discussed

Analysis of 17- β -estradiol and 17- α -ethinylestradiol in biological and environmental matrices — A review

The estrogens 17-β-estradiol (E2) and 17-α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) are reported as highly endocrine-disrupting agents, being recently included in an EU watch list regarding emerging aquatic pollutants. Therefore, the monitoring of these chemicals in the different environmental compartments assumes great importance. Moreover, due to the possible adverse effects on living beings, their occurrence on animal tissues and fluids must also be addressed. In recent years, a significant number of studies have described and proposed different analytical methodologies to detect and/or quantify E2 and EE2 mostly in environmental aqueous samples, including sludge and sediments and also in biological matrices such as plasma and tissues. Taking into account the complexity of real matrices and that both estrogens are generally present at trace levels, the development of accurate and reliable techniques for their determination can be quite a challenge. The present review aims at describing the main characteristics of the analytical methods recently used for E2 and EE2 determination in environmental and biological samples. The steps for sample preparation such as analytes extraction, preconcentration and clean-up are discussed and the instrumental based analytical techniques are compared. Furthermore, the application of biological tools to determine the total estrogenicity of environmental samples, as well as their potential combination with instrumental analyses, is highlighted.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Fluorometric method based on molecular recognition solid-phase extraction for determination of riboflavin in milk and infant formula

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is involved in several biological processes, particularly in energy production, and it is acquired from food ingestion, principally from supplemented food during the first years of life. Therefore, a simple, fast and cost-effective high-throughput method for determination of riboflavin in milk and infant formula is proposed, based on selective extraction using commercially available molecularly imprinted polymers targeted to riboflavin, followed by direct fluorometric determination. Several aspects were studied, namely microplate assay conditions, the composition of eluting solution and the stability of riboflavin in the eluate. Hence, elution using 1% (v/v) acetic acid in methanol or in acetonitrile is recommended, followed by immediate analysis or solvent evaporation, with reconstitution and analysis within 24 h. The proposed method provided a LOD of 0.03 mg L−1, with working range for undiluted samples between 0.125 and 2 mg L−1, and sample throughput of 24 h−1. It was successfully applied to certified reference material NIST-1846 and also to commercial milk and infant formula samples.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Analytical methods for quantification of tranexamic acid in biological fluids: A review

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine with antifibrinolytic properties. There is still a lack of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data concerning variable age groups undergoing surgeries with high blood loss. The optimum dose and administration schedules of TXA are still subject of research, aiming at a safe inhibition of fibrinolysis in the perioperative period. Hence, effective methods for determination of TXA in biological samples are needed. The aim of this review is to discuss the required sample treatment procedures and the analytical methods applied for quantification of TXA, focusing on selected derivatisation agents and internal standards. Methods comprising a separative step (GC, LC or CZE) coupled to spectrophotometric, fluorimetric and mass spectrometry detection were considered, showing a tendency for implementation of MS/MS methods in more recent reports. Detection limits ranging from 0.01 to 0.5 μg mL− 1 in blood plasma were so far attained using LC-MS/MS.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Automatic flow systems based on sequential injection analysis for routine determinations in wines

Sequential injection systems for wine analysis have been developed in recent years for determination of more than 20 species. Several aspects of these systems are reviewed in the present paper. Special focus is given to implementation of in-line sample treatment and adaptation of system operation through software control to enable determination in different types of wine. The strategies used to enhance selectivity and the capacity for multi-parameter determination are also addressed