Smokeless powder additives are usually detected from an extraction of post-blast residues or unburned powder particles followed by chromatographic analyses. This work presents the first comprehensive study of the detection of volatile and semi-volatile additives of smokeless powders using solid phase microextraction (SPME) as a sampling and pre-concentration technique. The goal of this study is...

Determination of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) often is considered to be a challenging undertaking owing to secondary interactions of the analytes' permanently charged quaternary ammonium head or hydrophobic tail with the utilized labware. Here, for the first time, a micelle assisted thin-film solid phase microextraction (TF-SPME) using a zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dime...

This paper describes the use of headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography to identify the signature odors that law enforcement-certified detector dogs alert to when searching for drugs, explosives, and humans. Background information is provided on the many types of detector dog available and specific samples highlighted in this paper are the drugs cocaine and...

In the present study, a simple and sensitive methodology based on dynamic headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by thermal desorption gas chromatography with quadrupole mass detection (GC-qMSD), was developed and optimized for the determination of volatile (VOCs) and semi-volatile (SVOCs) compounds from different alcoholic beverages: wine, beer and whisky. Key experimental fa...

A simple and rapid method for the determination of amphetamine, methamphetamine, and their 3,4-methylenedioxy derivatives in urine samples was developed using automated in-tube solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). In-tube SPME is an extraction technique for organic compounds in aqueous samples in which analy...

Trace detection of illicit drugs challenges the scientific community to develop improved sensitivity and selectivity in sampling and detection techniques. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is one of the prominent trace detectors for illicit drugs and explosives, mostly due to its portability, high sensitivity and fast analysis. Current sampling methods for IMS rely on wiping suspected surfaces or...

A complete characterization of the different physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) is necessary for the evaluation of their impact on health and environment. Among these properties, the surface characterization of the nanomaterial is the least developed and in many cases limited to the measurement of surface composition and zetapotential. The biological surface adsorption index app...

Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae) is a typical species from the Brazilian cerrado that presents medicinal properties. The plant distinguished by its large white flowers which produce pleasant fragrance. X. characterized wide range of application. These characteristics have motivated us to investigate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) via in vivo and vitro protocols headspace solid-pha...

Approximately 25% of psoriasis patients have an inflammatory arthritis termed psoriatic (PsA). There is strong interest in identifying and validating biomarkers that can accurately reliably predict conversion from to PsA using novel technologies such as metabolomics. Lipids, particular, are key disease. We sought develop a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method be used conjuncti...