Showing papers in "Journal of AOAC International in 2013"

Determination of total antioxidant capacity by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) using fluorescein as the fluorescence probe: First Action 2012.23.

Abstract: An improved method for the measurement of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) was developed and validated using fluorescein (3',6'-dihydroxyspiro[isobenzofuran-1[3H], 9'[9H]-xanthen]-3-one) as a new fluorescence probe (ORAC(FL)). Randomly methylated beta-cyclodextrin (RMCD) was introduced as the water-solubility enhancer for lipophilic antioxidants. 7% RMCD (w/v) in 50% acetone-H2O mixture sufficiently solubilized vitamin E compounds and other lipophilic phenolic antioxidants in 75 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Results indicated that fluorescein shows excellent photostability under the plate reader conditions. This ORAC(FL) was validated through linearity, precision, accuracy, and ruggedness. The validation results demonstrated that the ORACFL assay is reliable and robust. The mean of intraday and interday CVs were <15%; for hydrophilic ORAC, LOD and LOQ are 5 and 6.25 microM, respectively; for lipophilic ORAC, LOD and LOQ are 6.25 and 12.5 microM, respectively. It is concluded that unlike other popular methods, the ORAC(FL) assay provides a direct measure of total antioxidant capacity against the peroxyl radicals.

Characterization of volatile constituents from Origanum onites and their antifungal and antibacterial activity.

Abstract: Essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation (HD) and microwave-assisted HD (MWHD) of Origanum onites aerial parts were analyzed by GC and GCIMS. Thirty-one constituents representing 98.6% of the water-distilled oil and 52 constituents representing 99.6% of the microwave-distilled oil were identified. Carvacrol (76.8% HD and 79.2% MWHD) and thymol (4.7% HD and 4.4% MWHD) were characterized as major constituents in both essential oils. Separation of carvacrol and thymol was achieved by overpressured layer chromatography. HPTLC and TLC separations were also compared. Essential oils were evaluated for antifungal activity against the strawberry anthracnose-causing fungal plant pathogens Colletotrichum acutatum, C. fragariae, and C. gloeosporioides using a direct overlay bioautography assay. Furthermore, main oil components carvacrol and thymol were then evaluated for antifungal activity; only carvacrol demonstrated nonselective antifungal activity against the three Colletotrichum species. Thymol and carvacrol were subsequently evaluated in a 96-well microdilution broth assay against Phomopsis obscurans, Fusarium oxysporum, three Colletotrichum species, and Botrytis cinerea. No activity was observed against any of the three Colletotrichum species at or below 30 pM. However, thymol demonstrated antifungal activity and produced 31.7% growth inhibition of P. obscurans at 120 h and 0.3 pM, whereas carvacrol appeared inactive. Thymol and carvacrol at 30 pM showed 51.5 and 36.9% growth inhibition of B. cinerea at 72 h. The mechanism of antibacterial activity was studied in a bioautography-based BioArena system. Thymol and carvacrol showed similar inhibition/killing effect against Bacillus subtilis soil bacteria; the action could be enhanced by the formaldehyde generator and transporter copper (II) ions and could be decreased in the presence of L-arginine, a formaldehyde capturer. Results indicated that Origanum essential oils and its major components thymol and carvacrol appear to generate antimicrobial activity through a mechanism of action where formaldehyde and its reaction products are produced.

Separation and determination of triclosan and bisphenol A in water, beverage, and urine samples by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with capillary zone electrophoresis-UV detection.

Abstract: Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with capillary zone electrophoresis-UV detection was developed for analyzing triclosan (TCS) and bisphenol A (BPA) in water, beverage, and urine samples. The factors influencing microextraction efficiencies, such as the kind and volume of extraction and dispersive solvent, the extraction time, and the salt effect, were optimized. A background electrolyte composed of 8 mM sodium tetraborate at pH 9.8 was used as the running buffer. Detection was performed at 214 nm. Under the optimum conditions (sample volume, 5.0 mL; extraction solvent, tetrachloroethane, 22.0 microL; dispersive solvent, tetrahydrofuran, 1.0 mL; extraction time, fewer than 5 s; and without salt addition), the enrichment factors were 110.2 and 82.0 for TCS and BPA, respectively. The linear range was 0.02-2 microg/mL with correlation coefficients of 0.9966-0.9969. LODs were in the range of 4.0-8.0 ng/mL. The environmental water, beverage, and urine samples (at spiking levels of 0.1 and 0.4 microg/mL) were successfully analyzed by the proposed method; the recoveries compared to previous methods were in the range of 81.2-103.3%. As a result, this method can be successfully applied for the rapid and convenient determination of TCS and BPA in water, beverage, and urine samples.

Validation procedures for quantitative gluten ELISA methods: AOAC allergen community guidance and best practices.

Abstract: The food allergen analytical community is endeavoring to create harmonized guidelines for the validation of food allergen ELISA methodologies to help protect food-sensitive individuals and promote consumer confidence. This document provides additional guidance to existing method validation publications for quantitative food allergen ELISA methods. The gluten-specific criterion provided in this document is divided into sections for information required by the method developer about the assay and information for the implementation of the multilaboratory validation study. Many of these recommendations and guidance are built upon the widely accepted Codex Alimentarius definitions and recommendations for gluten-free foods. The information in this document can be used as the basis of a harmonized validation protocol for any ELISA method for gluten, whether proprietary or nonproprietary, that will be submitted to AOAC andlor regulatory authorities or other bodies for status recognition. Future work is planned for the implementation of this guidance document for the validation of gluten methods and the creation of gluten reference materials.

Fully validated simultaneous determination of bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide in their dosage forms using different voltammetric, chromatographic, and spectrophotometric analytical methods.

Abstract: Voltammetric, chromatographic, and spectrophotometric methods were developed for the simultaneous determination of bisoprolol fumarate (BIS) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCZ). Differential pulse and square wave voltammetry techniques were used to analyze BIS and HCZ simultaneously by measuring at about 1400 and 1100 mV, respectively. RP-HPLC was the second method for simultaneous analysis of the compounds. The mixture of BIS, HCZ, and moxifloxacin as an internal standard was separated on an RP Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column (150 x 4.6 mm, id, 5 microm particle size) using acetonitrile-15 mM phosphate (25+75, v/v) mobile phase at a 1.0 mL/min flow rate. The third method was based on first derivative of the ratio-spectra method obtained from the measurements of the amplitudes at 246 and 257 nm for BIS and HCZ, respectively. All the proposed methods were effectively applied for the simultaneous determination of BIS and HCZ in tablet dosage forms without any time-consuming extraction, sample preparation, or derivatization procedures.

Validated Stability-Indicating Methods for the Simultaneous Determination of Amiloride Hydrochloride, Atenolol, and Chlorthalidone Using HPTLC and HPLC with Photodiode Array Detector

Abstract: Two stability-indicating chromatographic methods are described for simultaneous determination of amiloride hydrochloride (AMI), atenolol (ATE), and chlorthalidone (CHL) in combined dosage forms. The first method was based on HPTLC separation of the three drugs followed by densitometric measurements of their bands at 274 nm. The separation was carried out on Merck HPTLC silica gel 60F254 aluminum sheets using chloroform-methanol-ammonia 27%, w/w (9 + 2 + 0.3, v/v/v) mobile phase. Analysis data was used for the linear regression graph in the range of 0.1-0.5, 0.8-5.0, and 0.3-1.5 microg/band for AMI, ATE, and CHL, respectively. The second method was based on an RP-HPLC separation of the cited drugs performed on an RP stainless steel C18 analytical column (250 x 4.6 mm id) with a gradient elution system of methanol and 0.05 M aqueous phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 4 as the mobile phase, at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Quantitation was achieved with photodiode array detection at 275 nm for AMI and 225 nm for ATE and CHL. The calibration graphs for each drug were rectilinear in the range of 2-50, 25-150, and 2-100 microg/mL for AMI, ATE, and CHL, respectively. The proposed chromatographic methods were successfully applied for determination of the investigated drugs in pharmaceutical preparations. Both methods were validated in compliance with International Conference on Harmonization guidelines in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, LOD, and LOQ.

Rapid determination of metolcarb residues in foods using a biomimetic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay employing a novel molecularly imprinted polymer film as artificial antibody.

Abstract: A novel and fast competitive direct biomimetic ELISA (cd-BELISA) was developed for determination of the N-methylcarbamate insecticide metolcarb based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film as the antibody mimic. The MIP film was directly synthesized on the surface of a 96-well plate by bulk polymerization. The synthesized film was characterized, and the results showed that the imprinted film exhibited antibody-antigen-like binding properties and rapid adsorption ability, which was particularly useful for cd-BELISA development. The cd-BELISA conditions were optimized in detail. Under the optimum conditions, the sensitivity and LOD of the cd-BELISA were found to be 17 and 0.12 microg/L, respectively. Crossreactivity demonstrated that the cd-BELISA had a higher selectivity for metolcarb than for structurally related compounds. The developed method was applied to the determination of metolcarb in spiked apple juice, cabbage, and cucumber, with mean recoveries ranging from 71.5 to 117.0%. Validation of the results was conducted by HPLC with good correlation (r2 > 0.9562) between data obtained using these two methods. Therefore, the developed cd-BELISA has potential for the rapid determination of metolcarb in foods.

Latest developments in assessing antifungal activity using TLC-bioautography: a review.

Abstract: This paper reviews the use of TLC-bioautography in the search for antifungal compounds from natural sources. The main methods used for antifungal screening are presented, with special emphasis on bioautography. Different aspects of the technique, including the latest chromatographic developments such as HPTLC and HPLC microfractionation are presented. The present status and recent advances made in antifungal bioautography are discussed, and a comprehensive review of the applications over the last 6 years is presented. Various strategies applied in the search for antifungal compounds from natural sources are discussed, with a highlight on the challenges faced when screening complex crude mixtures. The activities of approximately 100 antifungal compounds of natural origin are presented with their minimum inhibitory quantity. The most active natural source compounds against Candida, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, and Fusarium species are highlighted, and the compound activities discussed. In addition, perspectives concerning future improvements in bioautography sensitivity and reproducibility are noted.

Quantitative determination of the okadaic acid toxins group by a colorimetric phosphatase inhibition assay: interlaboratory study.

Abstract: An interlaboratory collaborative study to validate a colorimetric phosphatase inhibition assay for quantitative determination of the okadaic acid (OA) toxins group in molluscs, OkaTest, was conducted. Eight test materials, including mussels, scallops, clams, and cockles, were analyzed as blind duplicates. Blank samples and materials containing different OA toxin levels ranging from 98 to 275 microg/kg OA equivalents were included. The study was carried out by a total of 16 laboratories from 11 different countries. Values obtained for repeatability relative standard deviations (RSDr) ranged from 5.4 to 11.2% (mean 7.5%). Reproducibility RSD (RSD(R)) values were between 7.6 and 13.2% (mean 9.9%). The Horwitz ratio (HorRat) values ranged between 0.4 and 0.6. A recovery assay was also carried out using a sample spiked with OA. A mean recovery of 98.0% and an RSD of 14.5% were obtained. The results obtained in this validation study indicate that the colorimetric phosphatase inhibition assay, OkaTest, is suitable for quantitative determination of the OA toxins group. OkaTest could be used as a test that is complementary to the reference method for monitoring the OA toxins group.

Stability study for 53 antibiotics in solution and in fortified biological matrixes by LC/MS/MS.

Abstract: This study was performed in order to determine the stability of antibiotics belonging to eight families in solution or biological matrix. Knowledge of the stability of antibiotics has to be demonstrated during method development or validation. The stability of stock standard solutions of 53 antibiotics was assessed after determining the appropriate conditions of dissolution and storage. The stability of the same 53 antibiotics after addition to negative control cow milk or pork muscle tissue stored at -18 and -70 degrees C was also assessed. Our concern was to obtain information concerning the stability of antibiotic residues in fortified biological matrixes in order to make easier the implementation of a routine screening method for antibiotic residues within the framework of the French monitoring program. Antibiotic solutions and fortified samples were analyzed using an LC/MS/MS method previously validated for screening purposes and for which it was checked that all pertinent criteria to obtain interpretable stability results were fulfilled. The design for testing the stability of antibiotics in solutions and matrix samples is described, as well as the rules of decision that were observed. Term periods for the stability study ranged from 1 month to 1 year, depending on the class of compounds. The results presented in this article will be useful and time-saving for many reference and field laboratories because LC/MS/MS methods are more and more commonly used for screening purposes.

Development of a novel direct bioautography-thin-layer chromatography test: optimization of growth conditions for gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract: A TLC-direct bioautography (DB) assay using Bacillus subtilis as test bacteria was developed. Various factors affecting the microorganism's viability on the TLC plates were studied and verified for the flumequine standards. The Dhenasar's method called "direct sample determination" was used for TLC; the antibiotic samples were spotted on the TLC plates and subjected to bioautography without developing with a mobile phase. The best preincubation and incubation times of bacterial broth were found to be 1 h at 37 degrees C and 6 h at 37 degrees C. The optimal viscosity of broth was obtained by the addition of agarose to obtain a 0.05% solution in the Mueller-Hinton broth. The best incubation time of seeded TLC plates was 17 h at 37 degrees C. The plates were visualized by spraying with 0.2% aqueous 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide solution and incubated again for 0.5 h at 37 degrees C. The method was validated by determination of linearity, interday and intraday precision, LOD, and LOQ. The calibration curves showed good linearity in the range 0.005-0.5 microg (0.5-50.0 microg/mL). The regression coefficients were 0.9970 and 0.9955 for intraday and interday plots, respectively. The LOD of flumequine equalled 0.5 microg/mL, i.e., 5 ng of the antibiotic in the spot. The sensitivity of the developed TLC-DB test was compared with that of the two most commonly used standard antimicrobial susceptibility assays: agar disc diffusion and agar cylinder diffusion. The obtained minimum inhibitory concentration values clearly indicate much higher sensitivity of the TLC-DB method compared to the standard antimicrobial susceptibility assays.

Towards absolute quantification of allergenic proteins in food--lysozyme in wine as a model system for metrologically traceable mass spectrometric methods and certified reference materials.

Abstract: Current routine food allergen quantification methods, which are based on immunochemistry, offer high sensitivity but can suffer from issues of specificity and significant variability of results. MS approaches have been developed, but currently lack metrological traceability. A feasibility study on the application of metrologically traceable MS-based reference procedures was undertaken. A proof of concept involving proteolytic digestion and isotope dilution MS for quantification of protein allergens in a food matrix was undertaken using lysozyme in wine as a model system. A concentration of lysozyme in wine of 0.95 +/- 0.03 microg/g was calculated based on the concentrations of two peptides, confirming that this type of analysis is viable at allergenically meaningful concentrations. The challenges associated with this promising method were explored; these included peptide stability, chemical modification, enzymatic digestion, and sample cleanup. The method is suitable for the production of allergen in food certified reference materials, which together with the achieved understanding of the effects of sample preparation and of the matrix on the final results, will assist in addressing the bias of the techniques routinely used and improve measurement confidence. Confirmation of the feasibility of MS methods for absolute quantification of an allergenic protein in a food matrix with results traceable to the International System of Units is a step towards meaningful comparison of results for allergen proteins among laboratories. This approach will also underpin risk assessment and risk management of allergens in the food industry, and regulatory compliance of the use of thresholds or action levels when adopted.

Probability of identification: adulteration of American Ginseng with Asian Ginseng.

Abstract: The AOAC INTERNATIONAL guidelines for validation of botanical identification methods were applied to the detection of Asian Ginseng [Panax ginseng (PG)] as an adulterant for American Ginseng [P. quinquefolius (PQ)] using spectral fingerprints obtained by flow injection mass spectrometry (FIMS). Samples of 100% PQ and 100% PG were physically mixed to provide 90, 80, and 50% PQ. The multivariate FIMS fingerprint data were analyzed using soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) based on 100% PQ. The Q statistic, a measure of the degree of non-fit of the test samples with the calibration model, was used as the analytical parameter. FIMS was able to discriminate between 100% PQ and 100% PG, and between 100% PQ and 90, 80, and 50% PQ. The probability of identification (POI) curve was estimated based on the SD of 90% PQ. A digital model of adulteration, obtained by mathematically summing the experimentally acquired spectra of 100% PQ and 100% PG in the desired ratios, agreed well with the physical data and provided an easy and more accurate method for constructing the POI curve. Two chemometric modeling methods, SIMCA and fuzzy optimal associative memories, and two classification methods, partial least squares-discriminant analysis and fuzzy rule-building expert systems, were applied to the data. The modeling methods correctly identified the adulterated samples; the classification methods did not.

A 5-day method for determination of soluble silicon concentrations in nonliquid fertilizer materials using a sodium carbonate-ammonium nitrate extractant followed by visible spectroscopy with heteropoly blue analysis: single-laboratory validation.

Abstract: A 5-day method for determining the soluble silicon (Si) concentrations in nonliquid fertilizer products was developed using a sodium carbonate (Na2CO3)-ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) extractant followed by visible spectroscopy with heteropoly blue analysis at 660 nm. The 5-Day Na2CO3-NH4NO3 Soluble Si Extraction Method can be applied to quantify the plant-available Si in solid fertilizer products at levels ranging from 0.2 to 8.4% Si with an LOD of 0.06%, and LOQ of 0.20%. This Si extraction method for fertilizers correlates well with plant uptake of Si (r2 = 0.96 for a range of solid fertilizers) and is applicable to solid Si fertilizer products including blended products and beneficial substances. Fertilizer materials can be processed as received using commercially available laboratory chemicals and materials at ambient laboratory temperatures. The single-laboratory validation of the 5-Day Na2CO3-NH4NO3 Soluble Si Extraction Method has been approved by The Association of American Plant Food Control Officials for testing nonliquid Si fertilizer products.

Development and validation of a stability-indicating liquid chromatography method for the determination of dabigatran etexilate in capsules.

Abstract: An RP-LC method was developed and validated for the determination of dabigatran etexilate in a capsule formulation. The LC method was carried out on a Zorbax C18 column (250 x 4.6 mm id). The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and a solution of triethylamine 0.1%, pH 6.0 adjusted with phosphoric acid (65 + 35, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The diode array detector was set at 225 nm. The chromatographic separation was obtained with retention time of 6.31 min, and linearity was in the range of 10-70 microg/mL (R2 = 0.9991). The specificity and stability-indicating capability of the method was proven through degradation studies and showing that there was no interference from the excipients. The accuracy was 100.23%, with an RSD of 1.34%. The LOD and LOQ were 0.04 and 10 microg/mL, respectively. Moreover, method validation demonstrated acceptable results for robustness and a system suitability test. The proposed method was applied for the analysis of the capsules to ensure their therapeutic efficacy.

Interlaboratory Proficiency Testing for Measurement of the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolite 1-Hydroxypyrene in Fish Bile for Marine Environmental Monitoring

Abstract: The determination of PAH metabolites in fish bile is performed to assess the PAH contamination in fish for environmental monitoring. A growing number of laboratories in Europe use this parameter for national monitoring. However, an international intercomparison between laboratories has not taken place in the last years. Therefore the determination of the PAH metabolite 1-hydroxypyrene was tested in a collaborative trial performed by 10 laboratories from eight countries. Five samples of naturally contaminated fish bile covering different concentration levels were distributed among the participants. The present study was open for different methods: GS/MS, HPLC-fluorescence (HPLC-F), fixed wavelength fluorescence (FWF), and synchronous fluorescence spectrometry (SFS), respectively. The results suggest that all four methods under investigation are suitable for screening purposes, but only three methods have produced comparable results which could be used for a common monitoring database: GC/MS, HPLC-F, and SFS (with conversion factor). Most z-scores were within the acceptance criteria of ±2. The comparability of GC/MS, HPLC-F, and SFS results should be further improved because SFS is a widely used method with a great potential for monitoring. The present study contributes to the quality assurance of results for European marine monitoring.

Method development and validation for ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry determination of multiple prostanoids in biological samples.

Abstract: Following oxygenation of arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenase to form prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), a variety of prostanoids can be generated with diverse physiologic effects on pain, inflammation, allergy, cardiovascular system, cancer, etc. To facilitate the quantitative analysis of prostanoids in human serum of cell culture, an ultra-high pressure LC (UHPLC)/MS/MS method was developed and validated for the measurement of six eicosanoids belonging to the cyclooxygenase pathway: PGE2, PGD2, 8-iso-PGF2alpha, PGF2alpha, 6-keto-PGF1alpha, and thromboxane B2 (TXB2). Selectivity, matrix effects, calibration model, precision, and accuracy (intraday and interday), lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ), recovery, stability, and sample dilution were evaluated. Fast UHPLC separation was carried out in only 0.5 min with isocratic elution, and each prostanoid was measured using negative electrospray ionization MS with collision-induced dissociation and selected reaction monitoring. UHPLC/MS/MS provided high throughput with peak widths of approximately 3 s and an LLOQ of 0.020 ng/mL for PGE2, 0.027 ng/mL for PGD2, 0.152 ng/mL for 8-iso-PGF2alpha, 0.179 ng/mL for PGF2alpha and 6-keto-PGF1alpha, and 0.013 ng/mL for TXB2.

Guidelines for the statistical analysis of a collaborative study of a laboratory method for testing disinfectant product performance.

Abstract: This paper presents statistical techniques suitable for analyzing a collaborative study (multilaboratory study or ring trial) of a laboratory disinfectant product performance test (DPPT) method. Emphasis is on the assessment of the repeatability, reproducibility, resemblance, and responsiveness of the DPPT method. The suggested statistical techniques are easily modified for application to a single laboratory study. The presentation includes descriptions of the plots and tables that should be constructed during initial examination of the data, including a discussion of outliers and QA checks. The statistical recommendations deal with evaluations of prevailing types of DPPTs, including both quantitative and semiquantitative tests. The presentation emphasizes tests in which the disinfectant treatment is applied to surface-associated microbes and the outcome is a viable cell count; however, the statistical guidelines are appropriate for suspension tests and other test systems. The recommendations also are suitable for disinfectant tests using any microbe (vegetative bacteria, virus, spores, etc.) or any disinfectant treatment. The descriptions of the statistical techniques include either examples of calculations based on published data or citations to published calculations. Computer code is provided in an appendix.

Cloud point extraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of cadmium and nickel in drinking and wastewater samples.

Abstract: A simple method for the preconcentration of cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) in drinking and wastewater samples was developed. Cloud point extraction has been used for the preconcentration of both metals, after formation of complexes with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) and extraction with the surfactant octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (Triton X-114). Dilution of the surfactant-rich phase with acidified ethanol was performed after phase separation, and the Cd and Ni contents were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The experimental variables, such as pH, amounts of reagents (8-HQ and Triton X-114), temperature, incubation time, and sample volume, were optimized. After optimization of the complexation and extraction conditions, enhancement factors of 80 and 61, with LOD values of 0.22 and 0.52 microg/L, were obtained for Cd and Ni, respectively. The proposed method was applied satisfactorily for the determination of both elements in drinking and wastewater samples.

Comparison of 3M Petrifilm Aerobic Count Plates to standard plating methodology for use with AOAC antimicrobial efficacy methods 955.14, 955.15, 964.02, and 966.04 as an alternative enumeration procedure: collaborative study.

Abstract: A multilaboratory study was conducted to determine the equivalence of the 3M Petrifilm Aerobic Count Plate and standard plating methodology for measuring viable bacteria and spores recovered from hard-surface carriers (stainless steel and porcelain), also known as "control carrier counts," used in AOAC antimicrobial efficacy test methods. Six laboratories participated in the study in which carriers inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, and spores of Bacillus subtilis were evaluated using 3M Petrifilm Aerobic Count (AC) plates and standard plating side-by-side. The data were analyzed using a matched-pair t-test to determine the between-method effect with confidence intervals. For all test organisms pooled across all laboratories, the mean difference in log10 concentration between the standard plate count method and 3M Petrifilm AC Plates was -0.012, with a 95% confidence interval of (-0.090, +0.066), which was well within the -0.5, +0.5 interval established as the acceptance criterion. The between-carrier SD averaged 0.139; the between-replicate SD was 0.050. The carrier reproducibility, given that a single replicate per carrier is done, was estimated to be 0.148. Although differences were seen in the final concentrations of the test organisms among laboratories, there were no statistical differences between the enumeration methods. Based on the results from this study, 3M Petrifilm AC Plates are equivalent to standard plating methodology and can be used as an alternative procedure for the enumeration of test organisms used in AOAC Methods 955.14, 955.15, 964.02, and 966.04.

Simultaneous determination of 12 coumarins in bamboo leaves by HPLC.

Abstract: A simple, rapid, and sensitive HPLC-UV method was developed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of 12 coumarin compounds (skimin, scopolin, scopoletin, umbelliferone, 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, coumarin, psoralen, xanthotoxin, 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin, pimpinellin, imperatorin, and osthole) in bamboo leaves. The samples were extracted with ethanol-water (70 + 30, v/v) by ultrasonication and purified by Florisil SPE. The method was validated for linearity, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision, and recovery. The standard curves in the corresponding ranges had good linearity. LOD was at the range of 0.19 to 0.85 mglkg and LOQ 0.64 to 2.82 mg/kg. The values of RSD for accuracy and intraday and interday precision were less than 3%, except for 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin. Recoveries from spiked samples at 30, 20, and 10 mg/kg in Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro were higher than 70%, except for scopoletin, 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, and coumarin. The method was validated using field-collected samples taken from Beijing and Changning Counties, SiChuan, China. Six coumarins, namely, skimin, scopolin, scopoletin, umbelliferone, coumarin, and pimpinellin, were found in the extracts of 11 species of bamboo leaves. The concentrations of total coumarins were in the range of 8.67 to 99.2 mg/kg. The maximum concentration of total coumarins was found in Bambusa pervariabilis, and the minimum was in

Determination of Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead in Foods by Pressure Digestion and Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry: First Action 2013.06

Abstract: The method for the determination of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in foods by pressure digestion and inductively coupled plasma (ICP)/MS, previously published in J. AOAC Int. 90, 844-856 (2007), was approved as First Action 2013.06 on April 9, 2013 by the Method- Centric Committee for Elemental Contaminants in Food. Digestion occurs using nitric acid in a closed vessel with elevated temperature and pressure by conventional or microwave-assisted heating. Determination occurs using ICP/MS. The elemental concentration ranges for As were 0.06-21.4, for Cd 0.03-28.3, for Hg 0.04-0.6, and for Pb 0.01-2.4 in mg/kg dry matter. The repeatability RSD (RSDr) ranged from 3.8 to 24% for As, 2.6 to 6.9% for Cd, 4.8 to 8.3% for Hg, and 2.9 to 27% for Pb. Reproducibility RSD (RSDR) ranged from 9.0 to 28% for As, 2.8 to 18% for Cd, 9.9 to 24% for Hg, and 8 to 50% for Pb.

HPTLC method for simultaneous analysis of stevioside and rebaudioside-A in Stevia rebaudiana.

Abstract: An HPTLC method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of stevioside (STE) and rebaudioside-A (REB-A) in Stevia rebaudiana leaves. The HPTLC separation was performed on precoated silica gel 60F254 HPTLC plates with the mobile phase ethyl acetate-ethanol-acetone-water (15 + 3 + 6 + 6, v/v/v/v). The densitometric quantification of steviol glycosides was carried out at Amax 580 nm in the reflection-absorption mode after spraying with anisaldehyde-sulfuric acid reagent. Rf values were 0.34 and 0.28 for STE and REB-A, respectively. The content of STE and REB-A in leaf extract was found to be 6.94 and 6.35%, respectively. The method was validated in terms of precision, accuracy, specificity, and robustness. The method can be useful for routine analysis of the sweeteners.

Determination of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in olive oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil using immunoaffinity column cleanup, postcolumn derivatization, and liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection: first action 2013.05.

Abstract: A collaborative study of a method for determination of aflatoxins (AFs) B1, B2, G1, and G2 in olive oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil using immunoaffinity column cleanup, postcolumn derivatization, and LC with fluorescence detection, previously published in J. AOAC Int. 95, 1689-1700 (2012), was approved as First Action 2013.05 on March 29, 2013 by the Method-Centric Committee for Aflatoxins in Edible Oils. The method uses methanol for extraction followed by filtration. The extract is applied to an immunoaffinity column with antibodies specific for AFs, which are then eluted from the column with a methanol solution. Determination and quantification occur using RP-LC with fluorescence detection after postcolumn derivatization. The average recovery of AFs in olive, peanut, and sesame oils in spiked samples (levels between 2.0 and 20.0 microg/kg) ranged from 84 to 92%. The recoveries for AFs B1, B2, G1, and G2 were 86-93, 89-95, 85-97, and 76-85%, respectively. Within-laboratory RSD (RSDr) values for AFs ranged from 3.4 to 10.2%. RSDr values forAF B1, B2, G1, and G2 were 3.5-10.9, 3.2-9.5, 6.5-14.9, and 4.8-14.2%, respectively. Between-laboratory RSD (RSDR) values for AFs were 6.1-14.5%. RSD, values for AFs B1, B2, G1, and G2 were 7.5-15.4, 7.1-14.6, 10.8-18.1, and 7.6-23.7%, respectively. Horwitz ratio values were < or =2 for the analytes in the three matrixes.

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/ electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry determination of 151 pesticides in soybeans and pulses.

Abstract: This paper presents the application of ultra-high performance LC (UHPLC) and MS for the determination of 151 pesticides in soybeans and pulses. A core-shell particle (2.6 micro m particle size) column and a fully porous sub-2 microm (1.7 microm particle size) column showed comparable performance in chromatographic resolution and separation, increasing selectivity, and reducing analysis time. UHPLC was coupled with either a triple quadrupole mass analyzer (MS/MS) or a quadrupole Orbitrap (namely Orbital trap) mass spectrometer (Q-Orbitrap MS), which possesses fast data acquisition capability. Both configurations yielded analytical run times of < or =14 min. Soybean and pulse samples were analyzed and quantitated for pesticide residues using the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) procedure, UHPLC/electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS, and matrix-matched standard calibration curves (in an analytical range of 5-500 microg/kg) with isotopically-labeled standards or a chemical analog as internal standards. The method performance parameters that included overall recovery, intermediate precision, and measurement uncertainty were evaluated according to a nested design experiment. Approximately 89% of the pesticides studied had recoveries between 81 and 110%; 95%, had intermediate precision < or =20%; and 93% showed measurement uncertainty < or =40%. From a pilot study of 100 samples, eight tested positive by UHPLCIESI-MS/MS for carbendazim, methomyl, or imidacloprid. These pesticides were further confirmed using UHPLC/ESI-Q-Orbitrap MS based on accurate mass measurement with mass error < or =5 ppm.

A validated stability-indicating RP-LC method for the simultaneous determination of amlodipine and perindopril in tablet dosage form and their stress degradation behavior under ICH-recommended stress conditions.

Abstract: A stability-indicating RP-LC assay method was developed for the simultaneous determination of the cardiovascular drugs amlodipine and perindopril in the presence of degradation products generated from forced decomposition studies. The developed method is applicable for the determination of related substances in bulk drugs and simultaneous assay in a tablet pharmaceutical dosage form. Separation of the drugs and their degradation products was obtained using an RP Waters Spherisorb ODS1 column (250 x 4.6 mm id, 5 pm particle size) with the mobile phase acetonitrile-water (30 + 70, v/v) containing 15 mM phosphoric acid. The pH of the mobile phase was adjusted to 5.0. A flow rate of 1.2 mL/min was used for the separations, with detection at 215 nm. The chromatographic separation was performed at a column temperature of 45 degrees C. Atenolol was chosen as the internal standard. Amlodipine and perindopril were exposed to thermal, photolytic, hydrolytic, and oxidative stress conditions, and the stressed samples were analyzed by the proposed method. Degradation studies showed that both compounds were degraded under these stress conditions. The method was found to be stability-indicating and can be used for the routine analysis of amlodipine and perindopril in the studied combined tablet dosage form.

Determination of free sulfites (SO3-2) in dried fruits processed with sulfur dioxide by ion chromatography through anion exchange column and conductivity detection.

Abstract: A simple and effective anion ion chromatography (IC) method with anion exchange column and conductivity detector has been developed to determine free sulfites (SO3-2) in dried fruits processed with sulfur dioxide. No oxidation agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, is used to convert sulfites to sulfates for IC analysis. In addition, no stabilizing agent, such as formaldehyde, fructose or EDTA, is required during the sample extraction. This method uses aqueous 0.2 N NaOH as the solvent for standard preparation and sample extraction. The sulfites, either prepared from standard sodium sulfite powder or extracted from food samples, are presumed to be unbound SO3-2 in aqueous 0.2 N NaOH (pH > 13), because the bound sulfites in the sample matrix are released at pH > 10. In this study, sulfites in the standard solutions were stable at room temperature (i.e., 15-25 degrees C) for up to 12 days. The lowest standard of the linear calibration curve is set at 1.59 microg/mL SO3-2 (equivalent to 6.36 microg/g sample with no dilution) for analysis of processed dried fruits that would contain high levels (>1000 microg/g) of sulfites. As a consequence, this method typically requires significant dilution of the sample extract. Samples are prepared with a simple procedure of sample compositing, extraction with aqueous 0.2 N NaOH, centrifugation, dilution as needed, and filtration prior to IC. The sulfites in these sample extracts are stable at room temperature for up to 20 h. Using anion IC, the sulfites are eluted under isocratic conditions with 10 mM aqueous sodium carbonate solution as the mobile phase passing through an anion exchange column. The sulfites are easily separated, with an analysis run time of 18 min, regardless of the dried fruit matrix. Recoveries from samples spiked with sodium sulfites were demonstrated to be between 81 and 105% for five different fruit matrixes (apricot, golden grape, white peach, fig, and mango). Overall, this method is simple to perform and effective for the determination of high levels of sulfites in dried fruits.

Simultaneous determination of furfural, acetic acid, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in corncob hydrolysates using liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection.

Abstract: A single-laboratory validation study was conducted using HPLC for detecting and quantifying acetic acid, furfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in corncob hydrolysates. A pretreatment procedure using dilute sulfuric acid was optimized for corncob hydrolysis. The final hydrolysates were analyzed by HPLC using a C18 RP column with aqueous 0.01% (v/v) H2SO4-CH3OH (95 + 5) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The wavelengths for detecting the three compounds were changed to their optimal UV detection wavelengths at the time of elution. The wavelength detection adjustments were as follow: 205 nm (0 to 4 min); 284 nm (4 to 7 min); and 276 nm (7 to 10 min). Separation was achieved with a chromatographic run time of 10 min. The calibration curves for the three compounds had correlation coefficients (r2) > or = 99.8%. The analytical range, as defined by the calibration curves, was 0.5-10 mg/L for acetic acid, 0.4-22 mg/L for furfural, and 0.1-18 mg/L for HMF. The LODs for acetic acid, furfural, and HMF were estimated to be 0.05, 0.03, and 0.02 mg/L, respectively; the LOQs were 0.196, 0.135, and 0.074 mg/L, respectively. The RSD values for the intraday precision study ranged from 0.31 to 2.22%, and from 0.57 to 2.43% for the interday study. The mean recovery rates in all compounds were between 100.08 and 101.49%.

Simultaneous determination of sitagliptin and metformin in their pharmaceutical formulation.

Abstract: Two simple, accurate, and rapid methods were developed for simultaneous determination of sitagliptin phosphate and metformin hydrochloride in their pharmaceutical formulation. The first is a TLC method coupled with densitometry. The second is an HPLC method using a C18 column. The selectivity of the proposed methods was checked using laboratory-prepared mixtures. The proposed methods were successfully applied to the analysis of sitagliptin phosphate and metformin hydrochloride in bulk form and in their pharmaceutical formulation without interference from other additives.

Quantification of melamine in drinking water and wastewater by micellar liquid chromatography.

Abstract: Because of the large potential health impact caused by deliberate contamination with the synthetic chemical melamine of different products for human and animal consumption, the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provided a range of recommendations in order to facilitate obtaining needed data, among which was the determination of the background levels of melamine in drinking water and wastewater (December 4, 2008). A chromatographic procedure using a C18 column, a micellar mobile phase consisting of sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.1 M), and 1-propanol (7.5%) buffered at pH 3, and detection by absorbance at 210 nm is reported in this paper for the quantification of melamine in drinking water and wastewater. Samples were filtered and directly injected into the chromatographic system, thus avoiding an extraction procedure. The optimal mobile phase composition was obtained by a chemometrics approach that considered the retention factor, efficiency, and peak shape. Melamine was eluted in about 6.2 min without interferences. Validation was performed following U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The analytical parameters studied were linearity (0.03-5 microg/mL, R2 = 0.998), LOD (13 nglmL), intraday and interday accuracy (between 4.1 and 12.2%), intraday and interday precision (less than 14.8%), and robustness (RSD < 5.1% for retention time and <9.0% for area). The proposed methodology was successfully applied for analysis of local wastewater and drinking water, in which no melamine was found.