Search

Wine fermentations typically involve the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, many other yeast species participate to the fermentation process, some with interesting oenological traits. In this study the species Torulaspora delbrueckii, used occasionally in mixed or sequential fermentation with S. cerevisiae to improve wine sensory profile, was investigated to understand the physiological differences between the two. Next generation sequencing was used to characterize the transcriptome of T. delbrueckii and highlight the different genomic response of these yeasts during growth under wine-like conditions. Of particular interest were the basic differences in the glucose fermentation pathway and the formation of aromatic and flavour compounds such as glycerol, esters and acetic acid. Paralog genes were missing in glycolysis and glycerol biosynthesis in T. delbrueckii. Results indicate the tendency of T. delbrueckii to produce less acetic acid relied on a higher expression of alcoholic fermentation related genes, whereas acetate esters were influenced by the absence of esterases, ATF1-2. Additionally, in the Δbap2 S. cerevisiae strain, the final concentration of short branched chain ethyl esters (SBCEEs) was related to branched chain amino acid (BCAA) uptake. In conclusion, different adaption strategies are apparent for T. delbrueckii and S. cerevisiae yeasts, an understanding of which will allow winemakers to make better use of such microbial tools to achieve a desired wine sensory outcome.

Untargeted metabolomics experiments for characterizing complex biological samples, conducted with chromatography/mass spectrometry technology, generate large datasets containing very complex and highly variable information. Many data-processing options are available, however, both commercial and open-source solutions for data processing have limitations, such as vendor platform exclusivity and/or requiring familiarity with diverse programming languages. Data processing of untargeted metabolite data is a particular problem for laboratories that specialize in non-routine mass spectrometry analysis of diverse sample types across humans, animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms. Here, we present MStractor, an R workflow package developed to streamline and enhance pre-processing of metabolomics mass spectrometry data and visualization. MStractor combines functions for molecular feature extraction with user-friendly dedicated GUIs for chromatographic and mass spectromerty (MS) parameter input, graphical quality-control outputs, and descriptive statistics. MStractor performance was evaluated through a detailed comparison with XCMS Online. The MStractor package is freely available on GitHub at the MetabolomicsSA repository.

The aim of this study was to quantify, in a single analysis, 31 volatile fermentation-derived products that contribute to the aroma of red and white wine. We developed a multi-component method based on headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The 31 volatile compounds analysed include ethyl esters, acetates, acids and alcohols. Although these compounds have a range of functional groups, chemical properties, volatilities, affinities for the SPME fibre, and are found in wine at various concentrations, the accuracy of the analysis was achieved with the use of polydeuterated internal standards for stable isotope dilution analyses (SIDA). Nine of the labelled standards were commercially available, while 22 were synthesised. The method was validated by a series of duplicate spiked standard additions to model, white and red wine matrices over the concentration range relevant for each compound in wine. This demonstrated that the appropriate use of SIDA helped to account for matrix effects, for instance potential sources of variation such as the relative response to the MS detector, ionic strength, ethanol content and pH of different wine matrices. The resultant calibration functions had correlation coefficients (R(2)) ranging from 0.995 to 1.000. Each compound could be quantified at levels below its aroma threshold in wine. Relative standard deviations were all5%. The method was optimised for the best compromise (over the 31 compounds) of wine dilution factor, level of sodium chloride addition, SPME fibre, SPME temperature, SPME time, GC column and MS conditions. Confirmation of identity was achieved by retention time and peak shape, and measurement of at least three ions for each analyte and internal standard with the MS operating in selected ion monitoring mode to facilitate more precise quantitation with a high sampling rate. The method is a valuable research tool with many relevant applications. A novel method for the combined chiral separation and SIDA quantification of 2- and 3-methylbutanoic acid is also demonstrated.

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was used to simultaneously predict the concentrations of malvidin-3-glucoside (M3G), pigmented polymers (PP) and tannins (T) in red wine. A total of 495 samples from 32 commercial scale red wine fermentations over two vintages using two grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz), and also including as additional variables two types of fermenters, two different yeasts, and three fermentation temperatures were used. Samples were scanned in transmission mode (400–2500 nm) using a monochromator instrument (NIRSystems6500). Calibration equations were developed from high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and NIR data using partial least squares (PLS) regression with internal cross validation. Using PLS regression, very good calibration statistics (Rcal2>0.80) were obtained for the prediction of M3G, PP and T with standard deviation (S.D.)/standard error in cross validation (SECV) ratio (residual predictive deviation, RPD)) ranging from 1.8 to 5.8. It was concluded that near infrared spectroscopy could be used as rapid alternative method for the prediction of the concentration of phenolic compounds in red wine fermentations.

Two new red pigments were synthesized by nucleophilic addition of vinylphenols to malvidin 3-glucoside. The structures of the resulting pyranoanthocyanins were confirmed by electrospray-mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy (gHMQC, gHMBC and CIGAR experiments). By means of UV–vis spectroscopy the colour properties of the pigments were characterized; it could be demonstrated that the pyranoanthocyanins retained their red colour at pH 3.6 in model wine and were resistant to bisulfite-mediated bleaching. Finally, HPLC–MS analysis confirmed the presence of both anthocyanin-derived pigments in red wine.

An improved sensitive assay for the determination of the dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotoxin 1-trichloromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline (TaClo) is presented, based upon on-line coupling of high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI-MS–MS). Applying synthetic [D4]TaClo as a fourfold deuterated internal standard, TaClo was detected and reliably quantified as a trace constituent of blood samples (0.5 up to 70 ng g−1 of clot) obtained from six patients orally treated with the hypnotic chloral hydrate. Unambiguous identification of this tricyclic “endogenous alkaloid” was achieved by selected reaction monitoring (SRM) experiments. The molecular ion peaks of TaClo, m/z 289 (for [35Cl3]TaClo) and m/z 291 (for its [37Cl35Cl2]isotopomer), were both monitored to undergo a retro-Diels–Alder fragmentation by loss of a CH2NH portion (−29 u) as typical of a tetrahydropyrido ring system of tetrahydro-β-carbolines. Detection of the resulting fragments, m/z 260 and m/z 262, with the expected statistical chlorine isotopic intensities of 100:96 confirmed the identity of the TaClo molecule. In addition, an enantiomer-specific device was developed for TaClo, by employing a chiral reversed-phase HPLC column in combination with circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and MS–MS analysis (LC–CD and LC–MS–MS coupling). In a human clot sample, both TaClo enantiomers were found in equimolar concentration (i.e., as a racemate) corroborating a spontaneous, non-enzymatic formation of TaClo from biogenic tryptamine and therapeutically administered chloral. In urine samples of TaClo-treated rats, by contrast, the (S)-antipode was found to predominate, hinting at an enantiomer-differentiating metabolism of the compound.

Continuing our studies on the formation of tryptophan-derived glycoconjugates, we observed that the reactivity of tryptophan was significantly higher towards D-ribose in comparison to D-glucose. Detailed analysis of the reaction products obtained from tryptophan and the pentose sugars D-ribose, D-xylose, and L-arabinose by means of HPLC-mass spectrometry revealed the formation of several C-glycosyl derivatives, N-glycosides, glyco-tetrahydro-β-carbolines, and of carbohydrate-derived β-carbolines. Following the isolation of these compounds from model reactions, the structure elucidation was accomplished by NMR spectroscopy. Finally, we proved the presence of these novel tryptophan derivatives in various food samples by HPLC-MS analysis.

EPR and ESI-MS/MS evidence is presented that in the absence of an olefinic substrate the reaction between the MnIII(salen) complexes A1 (X = Cl) and A2 (X = PF6) and PhIO or NaOCl as oxygen sources...

[reaction: see text] The catalytic oxidation of the allylic alcohols 1d-n with iodosobenzene diacetate, mediated by the [Cr(III)(salen)]X complex, affords the respective enones in excellent chemoselectivity for Cl(-) as counterion [complex A(Cl)], while for the counterions TfO(-) [complex A(TfO)] and PF(6)(-) [complex A(PF(6)())] nearly equal amounts of enone and epoxide are observed. This counterion-dependent oxidation of allylic alcohols by Cr(III)(salen) complexes is rationalized in terms of Lewis acid catalysis by the complex A(Cl) and redox catalysis for A(TfO) and A(PF(6)()).

Evaluating the formation of tryptophan glycoconjugates other than well-established Amadori rearrangement products, HPLC-tandem MS (MS/MS) analysis of human urine collected from several healthy individuals proved the presence of one distinct tryptophan C-glycosyl compound [Horiuchi, Yonekawa, Iwahara, Kanno, Kurihara and Fujise (1994) J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 115, 362-366]. After isolation, unambiguous identification of this novel tryptophan metabolite as 2-(α-mannopyranosyl)-L-tryptophan was achieved by tandem MS combined with NMR spectroscopy including homonuclear COSY, heteronuclear multiple-bond connectivity and 1H-detected heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence experiments. Remarkably, a thorough evaluation of vicinal proton-proton coupling constants in different solvents and nuclear Overhauser effect experiments demonstrate the predominant axial orientation of the hydroxymethyl group of the hexopyranosyl residue. Likewise this spatial arrangement indicates that the respective α-anomeric C-mannosylhexopyranose is preferentially adopting a 1C4 conformation in acidic methanol. Whereas only one distinct tryptophan mannoconjugate could be observed in human urine, HPLC-MS/MS analysis of food samples for the first time led to the identification of numerous N1-(β-D-hexopyranosyl)-L-tryptophan, 2-(β-D-hexopyranosyl)-L-tryptophan and 1-(1,2,3,4,5-p e n t a h y d r o x y p e n t - 1 - yl) - 1, 2, 3, 4 - t e t r a h y d r o - β - c a r b o l i n e - 3 -carboxylic acid derivatives derived from the condensation of tryptophan with aldohexoses. Taking into consideration the significant differences between profiles and configurations of tryptophan glycoconjugates originating from dietary sources and human urine, C-2 mannosylation of tryptophan residues [de Beer, Vliegenthart, Loeffler and Hofsteenge (1995) Biochemistry 34, 11785-11789] represents a novel enzymic pathway in tryptophan metabolism in humans.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxic and nephrocacinogenic mycotoxin commonly produced by several ubiquitousAspergillus andPenicillium species. OTA is found predominantly in cereals and derived products, and therefore OTA may be transferred into beer from contaminated grain. Thirty-five samples of German beers were analyzed: OTA was extracted with toluene and purified by solid phase extraction using silica cartridges. OTA was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Since of fluorescence detection is not specific in this instance, the beer samples were also analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). OTA levels in the range of 0.1–0.2 μg L−1 were found in 9 beer samples, 21 samples contained trace amounts of OTA (

Synthesis of six new flavor sulfates (benzyl sulfate, 2-phenylethyl sulfate, 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone sulfate, α-ionol sulfate, vomifoliol sulfate, linalyl sulfate) was performed in order to screen for these compounds in plants. Structural elucidation was performed by NMR spectroscopy and a screening method developed by using high performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–MS/MS). The results obtained with various plant tissues indicate that sulfation of flavor compounds is a common pathway in plant metabolism.

A column liquid chromatography–electrospray ionisation–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-MS–MS) method is described for the analysis of ochratoxin A (OTA) in human food. In combination with selected reaction monitoring (SRM) detection limits of 20 pg (50 fmol) OTA on column were established by the use of model solutions. The present LC–ESI-MS–MS method allows the sensitive and selective monitoring of OTA in complex matrices.

Ten heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) (1)–(10) were analyzed in commercially available meat products and fish. After sample preparation by Extrelut treatment and subsequent solid phase extraction applying propylsulphonic and C18 silica cartridges, HPLC-ESI-MS-MS using selected reaction monitoring (SRM) and d3-PhIP and d3-MeIQx as internal and external standards, respectively, revealed the widely distributed presence of PhIP (8) and MeIQx (4), ranging from 0.1 to 5.3 ng g−1 and 0.1 to 5.2 ng g−1, respectively. Lower amounts were found for 4,8-DiMeIQx (5) and 7,8-DiMeIQx (6), ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 ng g−1 and 0.1 to 0.2 ng g−1, respectively. The other HAA under study, i.e. IQ, MeIQ, 4,7,8-TriMeIQx, Glu-P-1, and Glu-P-2 were not determinable under the experimental conditions used (determination limit 0.1 ng g−1).

The atropodiastereomeric dimeric naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids, michellamines A ( 1a ), B ( 1b ) and C ( 1c ), together with their monomers, korupensamines A ( 2a ) and B ( 2b ), were investigated using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography (LC–ESI-MS–MS). From the spectra obtained, characteristic product ions were chosen to monitor the chromatographic separation achieved on an RP-18 column. Under acidic conditions required for chromatographic analysis, the monomeric alkaloids 2a and 2b yielded protonated molecules [M+H] + , while the dimers, the michellamines, exhibited doubly protonated [M+2H] 2+ molecules. In addition, the coeluting alkaloids 1b and 2b were identified unambiguously by means of tandem mass spectrometry. Thus, together with the retention times of the alkaloids, the product ion spectra allowed us the identification of michellamines in the presence of their presumed biogenetic monomeric precursors. Application of the HPLC–MS–MS method successfully proved the enzymatic formation of michellamine C ( 1c ) by in vitro dimerization of korupensamine B ( 2b ).

Based on electrospray ionization – tandem mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) a method for separation and selective detection of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives (THC) was developed. Retro-Diels Alder (RDA) fragmentation of the tetrahydropyrido moiety resulted in the characteristic neutral loss of 73 amu for tryptophan-derived THC-3-carboxylates. Accordingly, Pictet-Spengler condensation products of tryptamin exhibited product ions formed by loss of 29 amu. However, THC-1-carboxylates as obtained by reaction of tryptamin with α-oxo acids also yielded product ions [M+H-73]+, apparently originating from the combination of RDA-cleavage plus subsequent decarboxylation. As result, one had to consider the possibility of false-positive identification of THC-3-carboxylates in presence of isomeric THC-1-carboxylates. In order to overcome these analytical pitfalls, the unequivocal identification of trace amounts of THC-3-carboxylates by HPLC-MS/MS required the chromatographic separation of isomeric THC prior to selected reaction monitoring (SRM). Utilizing SRM, limits of detection for various THC were established in the 10 ng mL–1 range. Subsequent analysis of food samples like seasoning sauce and yeast extract by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS revealed the presence of tryptamin-derived 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-1-carboxylic acid, 1-methyl-tetrahydro-β-carboline-1-carboxylic acid, 1-carboxyethyl-tetrahydro-β-carboline and 1-carboxyethyl-tetrahydro-β-carboline-1-carboxylic acid beside established THC-3-carboxylates and -1,3-dicarboxylates.

Chromatographic separation of phosphorylated carbohydrates was achieved on a β-cyclodextrin (CD) bonded HPLC column. Applying acetonitrile–aqueous ammonium acetate gradient elution, the separation of sugar phosphates relied on the combination of anion-exchange and hydrophilic interaction properties of CD bonded phases in the presence of ammonium ions. Furthermore, this solvent system allowed on-line coupling to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and direct structural characterisation of carbohydrate phosphates by tandem mass spectrometry (MS–MS). In addition to the analysis of various pentose and hexose phosphates, the HPLC–ESI-MS–MS method was successfully applied to demonstrate the enzymatic formation of D-1-deoxyxylulose 5-phosphate from pyruvate and glyceraldehyde phosphate catalysed by yeast transketolase.

A rapid method is described for the identification of fatty acid hydroperoxides by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography without any derivatization required prior to analysis. Localization of fatty acid hydroperoxides in complex mixtures was achieved by monitoring the loss of hydrogen peroxide using constant neutral loss scanning. In the presence of 5 mM NH4OAc in methanol-water, adduct ions [M + NH4]+ were formed almost exclusively, directly revealing the molecular mass of the thermolabile hydroperoxides. In addition, low energy collision-induced dissociation of precursor ions [M + NH4]+ led to characteristic product ions from both the 9- and 13-regioisomers. Thus, electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry provides a straightforward approach for the study of the regioselectivity of lipoxygenase catalysis without any derivatization step required prior to analysis.

This survey covers analysis, occurrence, and formation of tryptophanderived compounds in food and edible plants as well as dietary and metabolic aspects of tryptophan derivatives. After summarizing biosynthesis and metabolism of tryptophan, attention is focused on products obtained by oxidative degradation reactions, compounds derived from the Maillard reaction, tetrahydro‐s‐carbolines, and harman derivatives. In addition, formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines and relevance of tryptophan contaminants for the outbreak of the eosinophilia‐myalgia syndrome (EMS) are reviewed.

The development of techniques utilizing atmospheric pressure ionization, namely atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and electrospray ionization (ESI), has pioneered the coupling of liquid chromatography (HPLC) with mass spectrometry in recent years. Both ESI and APCI generate ions from polar and labile biomaterials with remarkable ease and efficiency. In particular, the use of HPLC with tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) opens further dimensions in the field of bioorganic analysis. Thus, HPLC-MS-MS provides the tools for direct elucidation of the structure and variety of polar natural compounds in complex matrices. In order to develop efficient and straightforward strategies for the analysis of polar natural products, the potential and the limitations of these hyphenated analytical techniques are discussed using heterocyclic aromatic amines, fumonisins, acylated glycoconjugates and regioisomeric fatty acid hydroperoxides as examples.

Linalool, nerol, geraniol, citronellol and α-terpineol were phosphorylated and the products purified by adsorption chromatography on XAD-2. High performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis using the electrospray ionization technique (ESI) revealed the occurrence of mono-, di-, tri- and tetraphosphate esters of the respective monoterpenes. In extracts obtained by XAD-2 adsorption chromatography followed by anion exchange chromatography from green tea leaves, phosphate and diphosphate esters of linalool and α-terpineol were identified for the first time by ESI LC–MS/MS. The corresponding monoterpene alcohols were analysed by high resolution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry after hydrolysis of the extract using acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2).

A new method has been developed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of fumonisin FB1 and FB2 in corn and corn products. After extractive sample preparation followed by solid phase extraction using a strong anionexchanger, highest selectivity and sensitivity was achieved by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray-ionization, tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS-MS) analysis combined with selected reaction monitoring (SRM). With deuterated fumonisin FB1-d6 as internal standard the routine quantitation limit for FB1 was set at 400 pg (0.8 ng g−1 sample) with a signal-to-noise ratio of 10∶1. Almost all corn grit and corn meal samples under study were found to be contaminated with fumonisin FB1 and FB2 in concentrations ranging from 1 to 200 ng g−1. Lower fumonisin levels were found in cornflakes, popcorn and baby food, while no fumonisins were detected in canned sweet corn.

Sensitive and selective detection of the sixteen most abundant heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) has been achieved by application of high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS-MS) in combination with selected reaction monitoring (SRM). Detection limits between 0.1 and 50 ng mL−1 were established by use of HAA model solutions.

Methoxyoxime acetates of carbohydrates and partially methylated derivatives were easily separated by high resolution gas chromatography (HRGC) and showed characteristic mass spectra (MS). Thus, the conversion of carbohydrates to the corresponding methoxyoxime acetates offers an attractive derivatization for subsequent HRGC and HRGC/MS analysis of carbohydrates, particularly in glycoconjugates of plant origin.

Aroma extracts from various plants were screened for acetylenic flavour precursors using on-line HRGC-FTIR spectroscopy. Selected wavelength monitoring (2100–2250 cm−1) revealed for the first time the presence of 3-hydroxy-7,8-didehydro-β-ionone in peelings of lulo syn. naranjilla (Solanum vestissimum D.) fruit. The same compound was also detected as a major aglycone after enzymatic hydrolysis of a glycosidic extract isolated from Vitis vinifera cv. Riesling leaves. The related acetylenic diol, 3-hydroxy-7,8-didehydro-β-ionol, was similarly identified as the aglycone in a glycosidic extract obtained from purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) juice. The discovery of these acetylenes is discussed with regard to the formation of β-damascenone in plants.

Mousy off-flavor is an insidious and economically disastrous microbiologically derived spoilage characteristic of wine and other fermented beverages. Tainted wines are rendered unpalatable and there is currently no satisfactory procedure for removal of the off-flavor. Here we report the confirmation of that both d- and l-lysine can act as a precursor for the formation of mousy off-flavor N-heterocycles. Further, through the use of stable isotope feeding experiments, we could establish that a pentylamine group from lysine is incorporated into the piperideine moiety of two off-flavor N-heterocycles. A biochemical pathway for the formation of mousy off-flavor compounds is proposed.

From the glycosidic extract of pinuela fruit; 1-O-β- d -glucopyranosyl anthranilate was isolated by adsorption chromatography on XAD-2, followed by rotation locular counter-current chromatography, multilayer coil counter-current chromatography and HPLC. Identification was carried out by NMR ( 1 H, 13 C, 1 H 1 H and 13 C 1 H COSY) and HPLC-MS/MS under electrospray ionization.

In extracts prepared from various fruits as well as in fruit juices a single tryptophan glycoconjugate was detected by HPLC-MS analysis. Product ion spectra demonstrated the N-glycosidic linkage of a hexose moiety to the indole nitrogen. For structure elucidation, the novel tryptophan glycoside was isolated from pear juice and identified as N1-(β-d-glucopyranosyl-4C1)-l-tryptophan by 1H, HH−COSY and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Finally, we disclosed the biosynthetic origin of the novel tryptophan metabolite by demonstrating the enzymatic glycosylation of deuterium-labeled tryptophan, which was applied to pear fruit. Keywords: Tryptophan-N-glucoside; electrospray ionization; HPLC-MS/MS; biosynthesis

Isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP), an important precursor of isoprenoid biosynthesis in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, has been shown to activate Vgamma9/Vdelta2 T cells, the major subset of human gammadelta T cells. The biosynthesis of IPP has been first described as the acetate/mevalonate pathway. Recently, 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DOXP) and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate have been shown to be key metabolites in the DOXP pathway also leading to the formation of IPP in some eubacteria such as Escherichia coli. Here we report that the low molecular mass fraction of extracts from bacteria using the DOXP pathway induces Vgamma9/Vdelta2 T cell activation, while analogous preparations from bacteria using the classical mevalonate pathway fail to do so. Addition of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose potentiates the ability of E. coli extracts to activate Vgamma9/Vdelta2 T cells. As the amounts of IPP present in the bacterial preparations are not sufficient to induce significant Vgamma9/Vdelta2 T cell activation, our data suggest that compounds other than IPP associated with the DOXP pathway are responsible for Vgamma9/Vdelta2 T cell activation.

Peroxidase active preparations from three Ancistrocladus species and from Triphyophyllum peltatum have been partially purified. They catalyze the oxidative dimerization of korupensamines A and B to michellamines A and C, respectively, as well as the mixed coupling to michellamines A, B, and C. All of these enzymes consist of single polypeptides of approximately 65 kDa with peroxidase activity as monomers. They were characterized as soluble proteins predominantly localized in the leaf phloem of all species examined. Comparative studies with various naphthol precursors revealed an unexpected substrate specificity. Only korupensamines were dimerized by the enzymes, while other monomers, even if closely related, were not accepted as substrates. The coupling reactions described here represent the first direct synthesis of michellamines from korupensamines without previous protection of these precursors.

A rapid and sensitive method is described for the detection of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid, 1-methyl-1,2,3,4- tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid and 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography. In combination with selected reaction monitoring (SRM) detection limits of 3 ng ml-1 (ca. 75 fmol on column) were established by the use of model solutions. Due to the excellent selectivity and sensitivity of SRM no sample preparation step was required prior to analysis of food samples. In addition, any artifactual formation of tetrahydro-beta-carbolines could be excluded. Application of the method revealed that all food samples analyzed contained both tetrahydro-beta-carboline-carboxylic acids at ng ml-1 to microgram ml-1 concentrations, whereas 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- beta-carboline was identified in most samples as a minor constituent.

2,5-Dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3[2H]-furanone 6′-O- malonyl-β- d -glucopyranoside was isolated from a glycosidic extract of strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa, cv. Senga Sengana) by means of countercurrent chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC. Identification was achieved by comparison of chromatographic and 1H, 13C and 2D-NMR, as well as mass spectral data with those of the synthesized reference compound. In ripe strawberry fruit, a 1:1 ratio of the malonylated glucoside to its deacylated glucoconjugate was determined by on-line liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.

A hydrolysis study of 3-methyl-cycloSal-PCVMP 2 is described. Surprisingly, phosphotriester 5 released in this study not the expected PCVMP, but cycloPCVMP.

A new method was developed for the analysis of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS with selected reaction monitoring (SRM). Detection limits between 0.1 and 50 ng/mL were achieved.