University of Córdoba (Spain)

About: University of Córdoba (Spain) is a education organization based out in Cordova, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 12006 authors who have published 22998 publications receiving 537842 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Córdoba (Spain) & Universidad de Córdoba.

Direct coupling of ionic liquid based single-drop microextraction and GC/MS.

Abstract: The use of ionic liquids as extracting media in single-drop liquid-phase microextraction (SDME) and its direct coupling to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is presented. For this purpose, a new removable interface that enables the introduction of the extracted analytes into the GC system, while preventing the ionic liquid from entering the column, has been developed. The determination of three representative pollutants in water samples has been used as a model analytical problem in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed interface. The analytes (dichloromethane, p-xylene, and n-undecane) were coextracted from the aqueous sample in a 2-microL drop of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexaflourophosphate. Then, the syringe used to perform the SDME was directly introduced into the interface, which was held at 140 degrees C in order to achieve a complete volatilization of the target compounds. After the injection, the ionic liquid was retained in the interface, while a carrier gas transferred the volatilized analytes into the GC inlet. The optimization of the operational variables affecting the new interface (temperature, carrier flow rate, sample volume and injection technique) was accomplished. The analytes could be determined with detection limits in the low-nanogram per milliliter concentration range, and the relative standard deviations were between 3.3 and 4.4%.

Metabolomics analysis I. Selection of biological samples and practical aspects preceding sample preparation

Abstract: Metabolomics is one of the most recently emerged “-omics” sciences. Its significance in systems biology is gaining interest to levels similar to proteomics, transcriptomics and genomics. One of the main limitations in metabolomics analysis is the lack of totally comprehensive approaches and in-depth studies, as individuals or laboratories with different skill sets usually develop these. This variability particularly affects sample preparation due to the extensive heterogeneity of biological samples. This two-part review aims to offer a practical guide to preparing biological samples in metabolomics in order to reach the current level in genomics and proteomics. The first part focuses on analytical criteria for sample selection and operations that precede sample preparation.