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International audience; These last decades, it has been widely assumed that 18-crown-6-ether (CE) plays a spectator role during the chemical processes occurring in isolated host-guest complexes between peptides or proteins and CE, after activation in mass spectrometers. Our present experimental and theoretical results challenge this hypothesis by showing that CE can abstract a proton or a protonated molecule from protonated peptides after activation by collisions in argon or electron capture/transfer. Furthermore, thanks to comparison between experimental and calculated values of collision cross-sections, we demonstrate that CE can change binding site after electron transfer. We also propose detailed mechanisms for these processes.

Ion signal detection at the true (unperturbed) cyclotron frequency instead of the conventional reduced cyclotron frequency has remained a formidable challenge since the inception of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). Recently, routine FT-ICR MS at the true cyclotron frequency has become a reality with the implementation of ICR cells with narrow aperture detection electrodes (NADEL). Here, we describe the development and implementation of the next generation of these cells, namely, a 2xNADEL ICR cell, which comprises four flat detect and four ∼45° cylindrical excite electrodes, enabling independent ion excitation and quadrupolar ion detection. The performance of the 2xNADEL ICR cell was evaluated on two commercial FT-ICR MS platforms, 10 T LTQ FT from Thermo Scientific and 9.4 T SolariX XR from Bruker Daltonics. The cells provided accurate mass measurements in the analyses of singly and multiply charged peptides (root-mean-square, RMS, mass error Δm/m of 90 ppb), proteins (Δm/m = 200 ppb), and petroleum fractions (Δm/m < 200 ppb). Due to the reduced influence of measured frequency on the space charge and external (trapping) electric fields, the 2xNADEL ICR cells exhibited stable performance in a wide range of trapping potentials (1-20 V). Similarly, in a 13 h rat brain MALDI imaging experiment, the RMS mass error did not exceed 600 ppb even for low signal-to-noise ratio analyte peaks. Notably, the same set of calibration constants was applicable to Fourier spectra in all pixels, reducing the need for recalibration at the individual pixel level. Overall, these results support further experimental development and fundamentals investigation of this promising technology.

International audience; Ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (UHR-MS) coupled with direct infusion (DI) electrospray ionization offers a fast solution for accurate untargeted profiling. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometers have been shown to produce a wealth of insights into complex chemical systems because they enable unambiguous molecular formula assignment even if the vast majority of signals is of unknown identity. Interlaboratory comparisons are required to apply this type of instrumentation in quality control (for food industry or pharmaceuticals), large-scale environmental studies, or clinical diagnostics. Extended comparisons employing different FT-ICR MS instruments with qualitative direct infusion analysis are scarce since the majority of detected compounds cannot be quantified. The extent to which observations can be reproduced by different laboratories remains unknown. We set up a preliminary study which encompassed a set of 17 laboratories around the globe, diverse in instrumental characteristics and applications, to analyze the same sets of extracts from commercially available standard human blood plasma and Standard Reference Material (SRM) for blood plasma (SRM1950), which were delivered at different dilutions or spiked with different concentrations of pesticides. The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which the outputs of differently tuned FT-ICR mass spectrometers, with different technical specifications, are comparable for setting the frames of a future DI-FT-ICR MS ring trial. We concluded that a cluster of five laboratories, with diverse instrumental characteristics, showed comparable and representative performance across all experiments, setting a reference to be used in a future ring trial on blood plasma.

Sclareol, an antifungal specialized metabolite produced by clary sage, Salvia sclarea, is the starting plant natural molecule used for the hemisynthesis of the perfume ingredient ambroxide. Sclareol is mainly produced in clary sage flower calyces; however, the cellular localization of the sclareol biosynthesis remains unknown. To elucidate the site of sclareol biosynthesis, we analyzed its spatial distribution in the clary sage calyx epidermis using laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (LDI–FTICR-MSI) and investigated the expression profile of sclareol biosynthesis genes in isolated glandular trichomes (GTs). We showed that sclareol specifically accumulates in GTs’ gland cells in which sclareol biosynthesis genes are strongly expressed. We next isolated a glabrous beardless mutant and demonstrate that more than 90% of the sclareol is produced by the large capitate GTs. Feeding experiments, using 1-13C-glucose, and specific enzyme inhibitors further revealed that the methylerythritol-phosphate (MEP) biosynthetic pathway is the main source of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) precursor used for the biosynthesis of sclareol. Our findings demonstrate that sclareol is an MEP-derived diterpene produced by large capitate GTs in clary sage emphasing the role of GTs as biofactories dedicated to the production of specialized metabolites.

The impact of different oxidation processes on the maprotiline degradation pathways was investigated by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) experiments. The in-house SPIX software was used to process HRMS data allowing to ensure the potential singular species formed. Semiconductors photocatalysts, namely Fe-ZnO, Ce-ZnO and TiO2, proved to be more efficient than heterogeneous photo-Fenton processes in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and persulfate. No significant differences were observed in the degradation pathways in the presence of photocatalysis, while the SO4− mediated process promote the formation of different transformation products (TPs). Species resulting from ring-openings were observed with higher persistence in the presence of SO4−. In-silico tests on mutagenicity, developmental/reproductive toxicity, Fathead minnow LC50, D. magna LC50, fish acute LC50 were carried out to estimate the toxicity of the identified transformation products. Low toxicant properties were estimated for TPs resulting from hydroxylation onto bridge rather than onto aromatic rings, as well as those resulting from the ring-opening.

Rationale High-resolution mass spectrometry based non-targeted screening has a huge potential for applications in environmental sciences, engineering and regulation. However, it produces large datasets for which full appropriate processing is a real challenge; the development of processing software is the last building-block to enable large-scale use of this approach. Methods A new software application, SPIX, has been developed to extract relevant information from high-resolution mass spectral datasets. Dealing with intrinsic sample variability and reducing operator subjectivity, it opens up opportunities and promising prospects in many areas of analytical chemistry. SPIX is freely available at: http://spix.webpopix.org. Results Two features of the software are presented in the field of environmental analysis. An example illustrates how SPIX reveals photodegradation reactions in wastewater by fitting kinetic models to significant changes in ion abundance over time. A second example shows the ability of SPIX to detect photoproducts at trace amounts in river water, through comparison of datasets from samples taken before and after irradiation. Conclusions SPIX has shown its ability to reveal relevant modifications between two series of large datasets, allowing, for instance, the study of the consequences of a given event on a complex substrate. Most of all - and it is to our knowledge the only software currently available allowing this - it can reveal and monitor any kind of reaction in all types of mixture.

Ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) cells provide stability and coherence of ion oscillations in crossed electric and magnetic fields over extended periods of time. Using the Fourier transform enables precise measurements of ion oscillation frequencies. These precisely measured frequencies are converted into highly accurate mass-to-charge ratios of the analyte ions by calibration procedures. In terms of resolution and mass accuracy, Fourier transform ICR mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) offers the highest performance of any MS technology. This is reflected in its wide range of applications. However, in the most challenging MS application, for example, imaging, enhancements in the mass accuracy of fluctuating ion fluxes are required to continue advancing the field. One approach is to shift the ion signal power into the peak corresponding to the true cyclotron frequency instead of the reduced cyclotron frequency peak. The benefits of measuring the true cyclotron frequency include increased tolerance to electric fields within the ICR cell, which enhances frequency measurement precision. As a result, many attempts to implement this mode of FT-ICR MS operation have occurred. Examples of true cyclotron frequency measurements include detection of magnetron inter-harmonics of the reduced cyclotron frequency (i.e., the sidebands), trapping field-free (i.e., screened) ICR cells, and hyperbolic ICR cells with quadrupolar ion detection. More recently, ICR cells with spatially distributed ion clouds have demonstrated attractive performance characteristics for true cyclotron frequency ion detection. Here, we review the corresponding developments in FT-ICR MS over the past 40 years.

International audience; The UV-vis photodegradation of-tocopherol was investigated in a model system and in a cosmetic emulsion. Both gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultrahigh resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LC-UHR-MS) were used for photoproducts structural identification. Nine photoproduct families were detected and identified based on their mass spectra and additional experiments with-tocopherol-d 9 ; phototransformation mechanisms were postulated to rationalize their formation under irradiation. In silico QSAR (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship) toxicity predictions were conducted with the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T.). Low oral rat LD50 values of 466.78 mg kg −1 and 467.9 mg kg −1 were predicted for some photoproducts, indicating a potential toxicity more than 10 times greater that of-tocopherol (5742.54 mg kg −1). In vitro assays on Vibrio fischeri bacteria showed that the global ecotoxicity of the-tocopherol solution significantly increases with irradiation time. One identified product should contribute to this ecotoxicity enhancement since in silico estimations for D. magna provide a LC50 value 4 times lower than that of the parent molecule.

The UV-visible photodegradation of Naproxen (6-methoxy-α-methyl-2-naphthaleneacetic acid, CAS: 22204-53-1), one of the most used and detected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the world, and its ecotoxicological consequences were investigated in an aqueous medium. The photo-transformation products were analyzed and the structures of photoproducts were elucidated using gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LC-FTICR-MS). Seven photoproducts were detected and characterized, photo-transformation mechanisms have been postulated to rationalize their formation under irradiation. In silico Q.S.A.R. (Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship) toxicity predictions were performed with the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T.) and in vitro assays were carried out on Vibrio fischeri bacteria. Some of the obtained photoproducts exhibit higher potential toxicity than Naproxen itself but the whole toxicity of the irradiated solution is not of major concern.

The photodegradation of benzisothiazolinone was studied in water under UV–Vis irradiation and led to fourteen photoproducts. Chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated using GC-MS, LCMS/MS, and FT-ICR-MS experiments. Based on the chemical structures determined and their appearance order, a photo induced-degradation mechanism of benzisothiazolinone has been proposed, which combines isomerization, oxidation, hydroxylation, hydrolysis, and elimination processes. In silico tests on mutagenicity, Fathead minnow LC50 and oral rat LD50 were carried out to estimate the toxicity of the photoproducts. Compared with experimental data, the calculated oral rat LD50 values were found to be the most relevant and thus used for toxicity estimation. The photoproducts including a phenolic or a sulfino group or both functions were found potentially more toxic than benzisothiazolinone.

Rationale Cyprodinil is a fungicide active on grapes, strawberries, tomatoes, and many other fruits. Under UV–visible irradiation, it undergoes photodegradation through various processes to form transformation products (TPs) whose structures and potential toxicities are unknown. The structures of the TPs were elucidated by comparing the photodegradation of cyprodinil and cyprodinil-D5. The potential toxicities of these compounds were compared with that of cyprodinil. Methods Aqueous solutions of cyprodinil were irradiated in a reactor equipped with a mercury vapor lamp. Analyses were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer or to a SolarixXR 9.4 Tesla Fourier transform (FT) mass spectrometer. High-resolution mass measurements, MS/MS and isotopic labeling experiments allowed structural elucidation of the cyprodinil TPs. The toxicities were estimated by three tests in silico using the TEST software and in vitro bioassays using Vibrio fischeri bacteria. These bioassays were carried out on irradiated solution for several exposure times and non-irradiated solutions. Results The structures of 19 photoproducts were characterized by LC/HRMS/MS after 4 h of irradiation of a cyprodinil aqueous solution. The use of cyprodinil-D5 allowed the TPs to be characterized with more confidence. Knowing the structure of the TPs allows the estimation of their potential toxicities by in silico tests. Most of the photoproducts are potentially more toxic than the parent compound, based on the oral rat LD50 values, and most of them might induce more developmental and mutagenic toxicities. In vitro assays on Vibrio fischeri bacteria showed that the global ecotoxicity of the cyprodinil solution significantly increases with irradiation time. Conclusions Structures of photoproducts were characterized after irradiation of a cyprodinil aqueous solution combining LC/HRMS, LC/HRMS/MS and the use of a labeled compound. Their formations imply several photodegradation reactions, namely direct bond cleavages, cyclization, isomerization and hydroxylation. Most of the TPs exhibit a toxicity significantly higher than that of the parent molecule. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

International audience; Hydrated ions are ubiquitous in environmental and biological media. Understanding the perturbation exerted by an ion on the water hydrogen bond network is possible in the nanodrop regime by recording vibrational spectra in the O−H bond stretching region. This has been achieved experimentally in recent years by forming gaseous ions containing tens to hundreds of water molecules and recording their infrared photodissociation spectra. In this paper, we demonstrate the capabilities of a modeling strategy based on an extension of the AMOEBA polarizable force field to implement water atomic charge fluctuations along with those of intramolecular structure along the dynamics. This supplementary flexibility of nonbonded interactions improves the description of the hydrogen bond network and, therefore, the spectroscopic response. Finite temperature IR spectra are obtained from molecular dynamics simulations by computing the Fourier transform of the dipole moment autocorrelation function. Simulations of 1−2 ns are required for extensive sampling in order to reproduce the experimental spectra. Furthermore, bands are assigned with the driven molecular dynamics approach. This method package is shown to compare successfully with experimental spectra for 11 ions in water drops containing 36−100 water molecules. In particular, band frequency shifts of the free O−H stretching modes at the cluster surface are well reproduced as a function of both ion charge and drop size.

International audience; Experimental infrared multiple-photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectra recorded for a series of deprotonated dicarboxylic acids, HO 2 (CH 2) n CO À 2 (n = 2-4), are interpreted using a variety of computational methods. The broad bands centered near 1600 cm À 1 can be reproduced neither by static vibrational calculations based on quantum chemistry nor by a dynamical description of individual structures using the many-body polar-izable AMOEBA force field, strongly suggesting that these molecules experience dynamical proton sharing between the two carboxylic ends. To confirm this assumption, AMOEBA was combined with a two-state empirical valence-bond (EVB) model to allow for proton transfer in classical molecular dynamics simulations. Upon suitable parametrization based on ab initio reference data, the EVB-AMOEBA model satisfactorily reproduces the experimental infrared spectra, and the finite temperature dynamics reveals a significant amount of proton sharing in such systems.

International audience; Perfluorocarbons, a class of fully fluorinated compounds, are highly persistent and toxic pollutants that are receiving increasing attention due to their widespread environmental distribution. In this study, attention was focused on one compound in particular, namely, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The first investigation of the UV/VUV photochemistry of the PFOA anion in the gas phase by action spectroscopy of selected ions is reported. Two main relaxation channels were identified: photodissociation and photodetachment. Absolute cross sections for the individual observed processes were measured. DFT calculations and natural transition orbital analysis were carried out to help in the interpretation of the experimental results.

International audience; Cloud droplets contain dynamic and complex pools of highly heterogeneous organic matter, resulting from the dissolution of both water-soluble organic carbon in atmospheric aerosol particles and gas-phase soluble species, and are constantly impacted by chemical, photochemical, and biological transformations. Cloud samples from two summer events, characterized by different air masses and physicochemical properties, were collected at the Puy de Dôme station in France, concentrated on a strata-X solid-phase extraction cartridge and directly infused using electrospray ionization in the negative mode coupled with ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry. A significantly higher number (n = 5258) of monoisotopic molecular formulas, assigned to CHO, CHNO, CHSO, and CHNSO, were identified in the cloud sample whose air mass had passed over the highly urbanized Paris region (J1) compared to the cloud sample whose air mass had passed over remote areas (n = 2896; J2). Van Krevelen diagrams revealed that lignins/CRAM-like, aliphatics/proteins-like, and lipids-like compounds were the most abundant classes in both samples. Comparison of our results with previously published data sets on atmospheric aqueous media indicated that the average O/C ratios reported in this work (0.37) are similar to those reported for fog water and for biogenic aerosols but are lower than the values measured for aerosols sampled in the atmosphere and for aerosols produced artificially in environmental chambers.

RATIONALE The present work is devoted to the structural elucidation of by-products issued from the direct ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) irradiation of dehydroacetic acid (DHA) in solution and in cosmetic emulsion. METHODS Analyses were carried out using gas chromatography coupled with ion trap mass spectrometry and by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LC/UHRMS). The potential toxicities of by-products were estimated by in silico calculations based on a QSAR (Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship) approach and by in vitro bioassays conducted on Vibrio fischeri bacteria. RESULTS Three photoproducts were detected by LC/MS while one photoproduct was detected by GC/MS. The first photoproduct (PP1) corresponds to an isomer of DHA while two isomeric compounds correspond to dimeric structures. The oral rat LD50 of PP1 was evaluated to be 4.5 times lower than that of the parent molecule which classes it in the category 'moderately toxic' on the Hodge and Sterne toxicity classification. In vitro assays on Vibrio fischeri bacteria showed that the global ecotoxicity of the DHA solution increases with irradiation time. CONCLUSIONS With the exception of one photoproduct, the structures proposed for the photoproducts on the basis of mass spectral interpretation have not been reported in previous studies. All photoproducts, with the exception of dimers, were detected after irradiation in the cosmetic emulsion. This result shows that personal care products containing DHA must be protected from direct sunlight to prevent photodegradation.

RATIONALE Metolachlor is one of the most intensively used chloroacetanilide herbicides in agriculture. It has been detected in water; consequently, under UV-visible irradiation, it can be transformed in degradation products (TPs). The structures of TPs were elucidated by liquid chromatography/high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC/HR-MS/MS). The potential toxicities of these TPs were estimated by in silico tests. METHODS Aqueous solutions of metolachlor were irradiated in a self-made reactor equipped with a mercury vapor lamp. Analyses were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer. High-resolution m/z measurements, MS/MS and isotopic labeling experiments allowed structural elucidation of metolachlor TPs. Their toxicities were estimated in silico, using the T.E.S.T. RESULTS Ten major metolachlor photoproducts were characterized by LC/MS/MS after irradiation of metolachlor in aqueous solution. Elucidation of their chemical structures was identified using high-resolution measurements and MS/MS experiments. They resulted from the combination of dehalogenation, hydroxylation and cyclisation processes. The potential oral rat lethal dose (LD50) was assessed with QSAR tests for metolachlor and each photoproduct. Results indicate that most of the TPs are much more toxic than metolachlor. CONCLUSIONS UV-vis irradiation of metolachlor in aqueous solution leads to the formation of ten photoproducts. QSAR estimations show that the location of added hydroxyl group(s) is of key relevance as regards to biological activity and that routine water analysis should take into account the TPs are more toxic than the parent molecule.

Rationale Fenbuconazole is a fungicide commonly used for the protection of vineyards, vegetables and grain crops. Under UV-visible irradiation, it undergoes isomerization through various cyclization processes. Isomeric structures were elucidated by liquid chromatography/high-resolution multiple-stage mass spectrometry (LC/HR-MSn) coupling. The potential toxicities of these isomers were estimated by in silico tests. Methods Aqueous solutions of fenbuconazole and grapes treated with this fungicide were irradiated in a self-made reactor equipped with a mercury vapor lamp. Analyses were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICRMS). High-resolution m/z measurements, multiple-stage mass spectrometry and isotopic labeling experiments allowed structural elucidation of the isomers of fenbuconazole. In silico toxicity estimations were carried out using the T.E.S.T. program. Results Seven isomers of fenbuconazole were detected after irradiation of the fungicide in aqueous solution; the major ones were also detected in the flesh of treated grapes irradiated under laboratory conditions. Elucidation of their chemical structures owing to high resolution measurements and multi-stage collision induced dissociation experiments allowed confirmation of photo-transformation pathways mainly dominated by cyclization processes. Photo-induced isomers exhibited higher potential toxicities than fenbuconazole for Daphnia magna and fathead minnow species. Conclusions UV-visible irradiation of fenbuconazole in aqueous solution and on grapes leads to the formation of isomers, all of which being potentially much more toxic than the parent fungicide. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ultraviolet (UV)–visible irradiation of fludioxonil was investigated with two photoreactors using either a mercury or xenon vapor lamp. In both cases, it led to the formation of only one photoproduct in significant amount: 2-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-4-yl)-2-(nitrosomethylene)-4-oxobutanenitrile, which has been characterized using Liquid Chromatography - High Resolution - Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-HR-MS/MS) coupling. A photolysis pathway has been proposed to rationalize its formation in degassed water. In vitro bioassays on Vibrio fischeri bacteria showed that UV–vis irradiation of an aqueous solution of fludioxonil significantly increases its toxicity. Because no other by-product was detected in significant amount, the photoproduct mentioned above may be considered mainly responsible for this increase in toxicity. Grape berries treated with a 50 ppm aqueous solution of fludioxonil were submitted to UV–visible irradiation under laboratory conditions. The fungicide and photoproduct were detected in both skin and flesh of berries, even after they have been rinsed with water. The ability of the photoproduct to pass through the fruit skin is comparable with that of fludioxonil. These results are of concern for consumers because they mean that water tap rinsing does not lead to efficient removing of both compounds. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

International audience; This work aims to improve the computation of infrared spectra of gas-phase cations using DFT methods. Experimental IRMPD spectra for ten Zn and Ru organometallic complexes have been used to provide reference data for 64 vibrational modes in the 900-2000 cm-1 range. The accuracy of the IR vibrational frequencies predicted for these bands has been assessed over five DFT functionals and three basis sets. The functionals include the popular B3LYP and M06-2X hydrids and the range-separated hybrids (RSH) CAM-B3LYP, LC-BLYP and B97X-D. B3LYP gives the best mean absolute error (MAE) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) values of 7.1 and 9.6 cm-1 , whilst the best RSH functional, B97X-D, gives 12.8 and 16.6 cm-1 respectively. Using linear correlations instead of scaling factors improves the prediction accuracy significantly for all functionals. Experimental and computed spectra for a single complex can show significant differences even when the molecular structure is calculated correctly, and a means of defining confidence limits for any given computed structure is also provided.

International audience; UV-visible irradiation of thiophanate-methyl (TM) led to the formation of nine photoproducts that were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS). Although carbendazime has been reported in the literature to be the major metabolite and photoproduct of thiophanate-methyl, it was not detected in this study. However, an isomer of carbendazime referred as PP2, which was unambiguously characterized owing to CID experiments, was found in great abundance. Grape berries and cherry tomatoes treated with aqueous solutions of thiophanate-methyl were submitted to irradiation under laboratory conditions. TM and PP2 were detected in both peel and flesh of berries. The ability of TM and PP2 to pass through the fruit skin has been shown to be highly compound and matrix dependent. In vitro bioassays on Vibrio fischeri bacteria showed that the global ecotoxicity of the TM solution increases significantly with the irradiation time. PP2 should likely contribute to this ecotoxicity enhancement since in silico estimations for Daphnia magna provide a LC50 value seven times lower for PP2 than for the parent molecule.

Cyprodinil is a fungicide active on grapes, strawberries, tomatoes, and many other fruits. Under UV-visible irradiation, it undergoes photodegradation through various processes to form transformation products (TPs) whose structures and potential toxicities are unknown. The structures of the TPs were elucidated by comparing the photodegradation of cyprodinil and cyprodinil-D5 . The potential toxicities of these compounds were compared with that of cyprodinil.Aqueous solutions of cyprodinil were irradiated in a reactor equipped with a mercury vapor lamp. Analyses were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer or to a SolarixXR 9.4 Tesla Fourier transform (FT) mass spectrometer. High-resolution mass measurements, MS/MS and isotopic labeling experiments allowed structural elucidation of the cyprodinil TPs. The toxicities were estimated by three tests in silico using the TEST software and in vitro bioassays using Vibrio fischeri bacteria. These bioassays were carried out on irradiated solution for several exposure times and non-irradiated solutions.The structures of 19 photoproducts were characterized by LC/HRMS/MS after 4 h of irradiation of a cyprodinil aqueous solution. The use of cyprodinil-D5 allowed the TPs to be characterized with more confidence. Knowing the structure of the TPs allows the estimation of their potential toxicities by in silico tests. Most of the photoproducts are potentially more toxic than the parent compound, based on the oral rat LD50 values, and most of them might induce more developmental and mutagenic toxicities. In vitro assays on Vibrio fischeri bacteria showed that the global ecotoxicity of the cyprodinil solution significantly increases with irradiation time.Structures of photoproducts were characterized after irradiation of a cyprodinil aqueous solution combining LC/HRMS, LC/HRMS/MS and the use of a labeled compound. Their formations imply several photodegradation reactions, namely direct bond cleavages, cyclization, isomerization and hydroxylation. Most of the TPs exhibit a toxicity significantly higher than that of the parent molecule. Copyright © 2016 John WileySons, Ltd.

International audience; Studies of peptide fragment ion structures are important to aid in the accurate kinetic modeling and prediction of peptide fragmentation pathways for a given sequence. Peptide b(2)(+) ion structures have been of recent interest. While previously studied b(2)(+) ions that contain only aliphatic or simple aromatic residues are oxazolone structures, the HA b(2)(+) ion consists of both oxazolone and diketopiperazine structures. The structures of a series of histidine-analogue-containing Xxx-Ala b(2)(+) ions were studied by using action infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy, fragment ion hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to systematically probe the influence of different side chain structural elements on the resulting b(2)(+) ion structures formed. The b(2)(+) ions studied include His-Ala (HA), methylated histidine analogues, including π-methyl-HA and τ-methyl-HA, pyridylalanine (pa) analogues, including 2-(pa)A, 3-(pa)A, and 4-(pa)A, and linear analogues, including diaminobutanoic acid-Ala (DabA) and Lys-Ala (KA). The location and accessibility of the histidine π-nitrogen, or an amino nitrogen on an aliphatic side chain, were seen to be essential for diketopiperazine formation in addition to the more typical oxazolone structure formation, while blocking or removal of the τ-nitrogen did not change the b(2)(+) ion structures formed. Linear histidine analogues, DabA and KA, formed only diketopiperazine structures, suggesting that a steric interaction in the HisAla case may interfere with the complete trans-cis isomerization of the first amide bond that is necessary for diketopiperazine formation.

International audience; Infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy, using a free-electron laser, and ion mobility measurements, using both drift-cell and traveling-wave instruments, were used to investigate the structure of gas-phase peptide (AAHAL + 2H)(2+) ions produced by electrospray ionization. The experimental data from the IRMPD spectra and collisional cross section (Ω) measurements were consistent with the respective infrared spectra and Ω calculated for the lowest-energy peptide ion conformer obtained by extensive molecular dynamics searches and combined density functional theory and ab initio geometry optimizations and energy calculations. Traveling-wave ion mobility measurements were employed to obtain the Ω of charge-reduced peptide cation-radicals, (AAHAL + 2H)(+●), and the c(3), c(4), z(3), and z(4) fragments from electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) of (AAHAL + 2H)(2+). The experimental Ω for the ETD charge-reduced and fragment ions were consistent with the values calculated for fully optimized ion structures and indicated that the ions retained specific hydrogen bonding motifs from the precursor ion. In particular, the Ω for the doubly protonated ions and charge-reduced cation-radicals were nearly identical, indicating negligible unfolding and small secondary structure changes upon electron transfer. The experimental Ω for the (AAHAL + 2H)(+●) cation-radicals were compatible with both zwitterionic and histidine radical structures formed by electron attachment to different sites in the precursor ion, but did not allow their distinction. The best agreement with the experimental Ω was found for ion structures fully optimized with M06-2X/6-31+G(d,p) and using both projection approximation and trajectory methods to calculate the theoretical Ω values. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Fenbuconazole is a fungicide commonly used for the protection of vineyards, vegetables and grain crops. Under UV-visible irradiation, it undergoes isomerization through various cyclization processes. Isomeric structures were elucidated by liquid chromatography/high-resolution multiple-stage mass spectrometry (LC/HR-MS(n) ) coupling. The potential toxicities of these isomers were estimated by in silico tests.Aqueous solutions of fenbuconazole and grapes treated with this fungicide were irradiated in a self-made reactor equipped with a mercury vapor lamp. Analyses were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICRMS). High-resolution m/z measurements, multiple-stage mass spectrometry and isotopic labeling experiments allowed structural elucidation of the isomers of fenbuconazole. In silico toxicity estimations were carried out using the T.E.S.T.Seven isomers of fenbuconazole were detected after irradiation of the fungicide in aqueous solution; the major ones were also detected in the flesh of treated grapes irradiated under laboratory conditions. Elucidation of their chemical structures owing to high resolution measurements and multi-stage collision induced dissociation experiments allowed confirmation of photo-transformation pathways mainly dominated by cyclization processes. Photo-induced isomers exhibited higher potential toxicities than fenbuconazole for Daphnia magna and fathead minnow species.UV-visible irradiation of fenbuconazole in aqueous solution and on grapes leads to the formation of isomers, all of which being potentially much more toxic than the parent fungicide.

International audience; Combining electron capture dissociation mass spectrometry and infrared multiple photon dissociation action spectroscopy allows the formation, selection and characterisation of reduced metal complexes containing non-innocent ligands. Zinc complexes containing diazafluorenone ligands have been studied and the localisation of the single electron on the metal atom in the mono-ligated complex has been demonstrated.

International audience; The UV-vis photodegradation of iprodione in water was investigated with a high pressure mercury lamp photoreactor. Five photoproducts of iprodione were characterized by LC-HR-MS/MS and isotopic labeling ; none of them has been reported in previous studies. Three of them result from the elimination of one or two chlorine atoms followed by hydroxy or hydrogen addition while the two others are cyclic isomers of iprodione. An ICR mass spectrometer was used for by-products identification; concentrations of photoproducts were estimated with a triple quadrupole instrument, using iprodione-D 5 as an internal standard. Phototransformation mechanisms were postulated to rationalize photoproducts formation. In silico QSAR toxicity predictions were conducted with the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T.) considering oral rat LD50, mutagenicity and developmental toxicity. Low oral rat LD50 values of 350 mg/kg and 759 mg/kg were predicted for cyclic isomers of iprodione, compared to that of the parent molecule (2776 mg/kg). Toxicity estimations exhibited that all the iprodione photoproducts could be mutagenic while the parent compound is not. In vitro assays on Vibrio fischeri were achieved on both irradiated and non-irradiated aqueous solutions of iprodione and on HPLC fractions containing isolated photoproducts. Phenolic photoproducts were shown to be mainly responsible for toxicity enhancement with EC50 values of 0.3 and 0.5 ppm, for the bi-and mono-phenolic compounds issued from chlorine elimination.

International audience; Hydrogen/deuterium exchange monitored by mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) has become an important method to study protein dynamics in solution. Recently, electron-based fragmentation methods (ECD and ETD) have been utilized in HDX-MS/MS experiments as experimental tools to increase the spatial resolution (the ability to obtain deuterium levels of individual residues). An essential prerequisite for this approach is that the level of hydrogen scrambling is negligible. The occurrence of hydrogen scrambling depends critically on the extent of vibrational excitation in the mass spectrometer. In particular, the desolvation process in the electrospray ion source is likely to induce scrambling at standard operating conditions. Consequently, finding experimental conditions that minimize hydrogen scrambling to a negligible level is thus pivotal for the application of electron-based fragmentation in HDX-MS/MS experiments. In the present work, we investigate the occurrence of scrambling in the Apollo I electrospray ion source using ECD of selectively deuterium labeled peptides. The electrospray ion source settings leading to minimal scrambling were identified. Furthermore, an energy dependent loss of deuterium occurring in the ion source was also observed. This loss was critically dependent on the occurrence of scrambling.

International audience; The gas-phase ions of protonated L-glutathione as native species, [GSH+H]+, and S-nitroso derivative, [GSNO+H]+, have been generated by electrospray ionization and probed via infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) action spectroscopy. Insight into the conformational landscape is gained from the interpretation of the IR spectra aided by high-level theoretical calculations, which enables a structural assignment disclosing both the site of protonation and the intramolecular hydrogen bond network. Calculations yield the low-energy structures of [GSNO+H]+. A admixture of the four most stable ones (SN1, AN1, SN2 and AN2) is apt to account for the experimental IRMPD spectra obtained in both the 1000-2000 cm-1 and the 3100-3700 cm-1 spectral ranges. The most stable form of [GSNO+H]+, SN1, protonated at the amino group, presents a syn conformation at the S-N (partial) double bond and all peptidic carbonyls involved in (strong) C=O...H-N hydrogen bonds, so allowing the closure of a C5 (β-strand), two C7 (γ-turn) and one C9 membered rings. An appreciable barrier to rotation of 43 kJ mol-1 about the S-N bond is found to separate SN1 from the analogous anti isomer AN1, which lies only 0.70 kJ mol-1 higher in free energy. Conformers obtained for [GSH+H]+ are very similar to the [GSNO+H]+ counterparts, indicating that the S-nitrosation motif does not affect significantly the geometry of the peptide. The observed ν(NO) signatures at 1622 and 1690 cm−1, merged with other absorptions, are revealed by their sensitivity to 15NO isotope labeling, and by comparison with the IRMPD spectrum of native [GSH+H]+, providing a diagnostic probe for the S-nitrosation feature in natural peptides.

The structures of sodiated polyalanine peptides containing 8−12 residues are investigated using infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy and classical and quantum modeling. Calculations indicate that the α-helical structure is the most stable conformation for the peptides whatever their size. The IRMPD spectra provide evidence for the coexistence of helical and globular shapes for Ala8Na + , and possibly for Ala9Na + . The turning point from globule to helix is thus found at Ala8−9Na + . The N−H and O− H stretching region allows identifying a new spectroscopic pattern typical for α-helical structures of polyalanines. SECTION: Biophysical Chemistry and Biomolecules

International audience; Tandem mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique for distinguishing phosphorylated from non-phosphorylated peptides, and also to locate the phosphorylated site. It is however desirable to further extend the tandem MS capacities via the development of structure specific activation techniques. This work is part of an ongoing project which aims at characterizing the environment of the phosphate group using tunable IRMPD. The effect of microsolvation of protonated phospho-tyrosine on the phosphate environment has been investigated using a combination of tandem MS experiments and quantum chemical calculations. Infrared spectra have been recorded in the 900-1900 cm(-1) and 2500-3750 cm(-1) regions using a free electron laser and a tabletop laser, respectively. Water is found to form a hydrogen bonded bridge between the otherwise nearly isolated phosphate and ammonium groups. Theoretical and experimental results also provide consistent evidences for two weaker hydrogen bonds between the two other NH bonds with the pi-aromatic ring and the carboxylic CO. The MP2 calculated IR absorption spectrum of the lowest energy structure allows for a clear band assignment. As compared to intramolecular direct interaction between the phosphate and the ammonium, the two hydrogen bonds associated with the water bridge between these groups are found to have a larger impact on their IR structure-specific probes. This is reflected by the red-shift of the P=O stretch, and also the blue shift of the umbrella mode of the ammonium. Special attention is paid to the 2500-3750 cm(-1) spectral range. While the phosphate OH stretching modes are not affected by the addition of water, the red shifts of the three ammonium NH stretches are found to be significant and quite different for their three types of non-covalent interactions. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gas-phase infrared photodissociation spectroscopy is reported for the microsolvated [Mn(ClO(4))(H(2)O)(n)](+) and [Mn(2)(ClO(4))(3)(H(2)O)(n)](+) complexes from n = 2 to 5. Electrosprayed ions are isolated in an ion-trap where they are photodissociated. The 2600-3800 cm(-1) spectral region associated with the OH stretching mode is scanned with a relatively low-power infrared table-top laser, which is used in combination with a CO(2) laser to enhance the photofragmentation yield of these strongly bound ions. Hydrogen bonding is evidenced by a relatively broad band red-shifted from the free OH region. Band assignment based on quantum chemical calculations suggest that there is formation of water-perchlorate hydrogen bond within the first coordination shell of high-spin Mn(II). Although the observed spectral features are also compatible with the formation of structures with double-acceptor water in the second shell, these structures are found relatively high in energy compared with structures with all water directly bound to manganese. Using the highly intense IR beam of the free electron laser CLIO in the 800-1700 cm(-1), we were also able to characterize the coordination mode (eta(2)) of perchlorate for two clusters. The comparison of experimental and calculated spectra suggests that the perchlorate Cl-O stretches are unexpectedly underestimated at the B3LYP level, while they are correctly described at the MP2 level allowing for spectral assignment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the work reported was to develop a procedure using 96-well microtiter plates for the easy determination of protonated groups of compounds including linear poly(amino acid)s and dendritic polymers divided into dendrigraft and dendrimeric structures. This study is a prerequisite step for the quantification of protonated groups in a macromolecule grafted onto a solid surface. RESULTS: The procedure was developed from the modified Bradford protein assay and incorporates several modifications that enable one to determine available amino groups (or even other cationic groups) present on the polyresidues backbone, all withinfiveminutes.BasedontheAthertonmathematicalmodel,weevaluatedthemaximalnumberofCoomassiebluebinding sites on linear, dendrigraft or even dendrimeric structures. CONCLUSION: The mean calculated percentage of occupied sites on a given macromolecule led us to demonstrate that one Coomassie blue molecule interacts with only one single protonated group. Consequently, the developed method using Coomassie blue binding can be used for the quantification of cationic groups in a macromolecule grafted onto a solid surface. c � 2009 Society of Chemical Industry

International audience

Acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid pesticide, which is extensively used on agricultural crops, but has a high toxic effect on beneficial insects and the human body. It is exposed to sunlight irradiation on crops but also in surface waters where it is found at a high level due to its resistance to common water treatments. The aim of the present work was to study the UV–visible photodegradation of acetamiprid, alone and in two marketed mixtures (Polysect Ultra SL® and Roseclear Ultra®). Ten photoproducts were characterized using LC-HR-MS/MS analysis. Photodegradation pathways were proposed based on the chemical structures of photoproducts and kinetic measurements; a matrix effect has been evidenced for commercial mixtures. Most photoproducts exhibit potential developmental toxicity twice higher than that of the parent compound. Regarding potential mutagenicity, all photoproducts are less toxic than acetamiprid. Estimated oral rat LD50 values show that the potential toxicities of photoproducts are similar or lower than that of acetamiprid. In vitro tests on Vibrio fischeri bacteria showed that the ecotoxicities of marketed mixtures are significantly higher than that of acetamiprid in aqueous solution; they slightly increase after UV-light exposure.