Yong Foo Wong

Evaluation of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with accurate mass time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the metabolic profiling of plant-fungus interaction in Aquilaria malaccensis.

To explore the possible obligate interactions between the phytopathogenic fungus and Aquilaria malaccensis which result in generation of a complex array of secondary metabolites, we describe a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) method, coupled to accurate mass time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) for the untargeted and comprehensive metabolic profiling of essential oils from naturally infected A. malaccensis trees. A polar/non-polar column configuration was employed, offering an improved separation pattern of components when compared to other column sets. Four different grades of the oils displayed quite different metabolic patterns, suggesting the evolution of a signalling relationship between the host tree (emergence of various phytoalexins) and fungi (activation of biotransformation). In total, ca. 550 peaks/metabolites were detected, of which tentative identification of 155 of these compounds was reported, representing between 20.1% and 53.0% of the total ion count. These are distributed over the chemical families of monoterpenic and sesquiterpenic hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes (comprised of ketone, aldehyde, oxide, alcohol, lactone, keto-alcohol and diol), norterpenoids, diterpenoids, short chain glycols, carboxylic acids and others. The large number of metabolites detected, combined with the ease with which they are located in the 2D separation space, emphasises the importance of a comprehensive analytical approach for the phytochemical analysis of plant metabolomes. Furthermore, the potential of this methodology in grading agarwood oils by comparing the obtained metabolic profiles (pattern recognition for unique metabolite chemical families) is discussed. The phytocomplexity of the agarwood oils signified the production of a multitude of plant-fungus mediated secondary metabolites as chemical signals for natural ecological communication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most complete information available so far about essential oils of A. malaccensis, which represents a valuable extension to available data for advanced studies on microbial-mediated biotransformation of terpenes, and offers promise for potential discovery of unanticipated phytochemicals, and biotechnological exploitation.

Evaluation of fast enantioselective multidimensional gas chromatography methods for monoterpenic compounds: Authenticity control of Australian tea tree oil

This work demonstrates the potential of fast multiple heart-cut enantioselective multidimensional gas chromatography (GC-eGC) and enantioselective comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (eGC×GC), to perform the stereoisomeric analysis of three key chiral monoterpenes (limonene, terpinen-4-ol and α-terpineol) present in tea tree oil (TTO). In GC-eGC, separation was conducted using a combination of mid-polar first dimension ((1)D) column and a chiral second dimension ((2)D) column, providing interference-free enantioresolution of the individual antipodes of each optically active component. A combination of (1)D chiral column and (2)D polar columns (ionic liquid and wax phases) were tested for the eGC×GC study. Quantification was proposed based on summation of two major modulated peaks for each antipode, displaying comparable results with those derived from GC-eGC. Fast chiral separations were achieved within 25min for GC-eGC and<20min for eGC×GC, while ensuring adequate interference-free enantiomer separation. The suitability of using these two enantioselective multidimensional approaches for the routine assessment of chiral monoterpenes in TTO was evaluated and discussed. Exact enantiomeric composition of chiral markers for authentic TTOs was proposed by analysing a representative number of pure TTOs sourced directly from plantations of known provenance in Australia. Consistent enantiomeric fractions of 61.6±1.5% (+):38.4±1.5% (-) for limonene, 61.7±1.6% (+):38.3±1.6% (-) for terpinen-4-ol and 79.6±1.4% (+):20.4±1.4% (-) for α-terpineol were obtained for the 57 authentic Australian TTOs. The results were compared (using principle component analysis) with commercial TTOs (declared as derived from Melaleuca alternifolia) obtained from different continents. Assessing these data to determine adulteration, or additives that affect the enantiomeric ratios, in commercially sourced TTOs is discussed. The proposed method offers distinct advantages over eGC, especially in terms of analysis times and selectivity which can serve as a reliable platform for authenticity control of TTO.

Evaluation of reversible interconversion in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography using enantioselective columns in first and second dimensions

The reversible molecular interconversion behaviour of a synthesised oxime (2-phenylpropanaldehyde oxime; (C6H5)CH(CH3)CHN(OH)) was investigated by both, single dimensional gas chromatography (1D GC) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). Previous studies on small molecular weight oximes were extended to this larger aromatic oxime (molar mass 149.19gmol(-1)) with interest in the extent of interconversion, enantioselective resolution, and retention time. On a polyethylene glycol (PEG; wax-type) column, a characteristic interconversion zone between two antipodes of E and Z isomers was formed by molecules which have undergone isomerisation on the column (E⇌Z). The extent of interconversion was investigated by varying chromatographic conditions (oven temperature and carrier flow rate) to understand the nature of the behaviour observed. The extent of interconversion was negligible in both enantioselective and methyl-phenylpolysiloxane phase-columns, correlating with the low polarity of the stationary phase. In order to obtain isomerisation along with enantio-resolution, a wax-type and an enantioselective column were coupled in either enantioselective-wax or wax-enantioselective order. The most appropriate column arrangement was selected for study by using a GC×GC experiment with either a wax-phase or phenyl-methylpolysiloxane phase as (2)D column. In addition to evaluation of these fast elution columns, a long narrow-bore enantioselective column (10m) was introduced as (2)D, providing an enantioselective-PEG (coupled-column ensemble: (1)D1+(1)D2)×enantioselective ((2)D) column combination. In this instance, the (1)D1 enantioselective column provides enantiomeric separation of the corresponding enantiomers ((R) and (S)) of (E)- and (Z)-2-phenylpropanaldehyde oxime, followed by E/Z isomerisation in the coupled (1)D2 PEG (reactor) column. The resulting chromatographic interconversion region was modulated and separated into either E/Z isomers (achiral (2)D column) or into the respective (R) and (S) enantiomers of the E/Z isomers when using a (2)D enantioselective column. With this arrangement, the isomers underneath the broad interconversion plateau in 1D elution profiles, including the enantiomers, could be resolved, illuminating salient features and understanding of the molecular reversible process of the interconverting molecules during the chromatographic elution. The two-dimensional patterns (contour plots), resulting from the combination of interconversion process and chiral separation, are discussed phenomenologically.

Switchable Enantioselective Three- and Four-Dimensional Dynamic Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry: Example Study of On-Column Molecular Interconversion

A novel hybrid online enantioselective four-dimensional dynamic GC (e4D-DGC) approach to study reversible molecular interconversion through specific isolation of a diastereo and enantiopure oxime, 2-phenylpropanaldehyde oxime, from prior multidimensional separation, is described. It incorporates a pre-enantioseparation step that applies comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC × GC), prior to multiple microfluidic (Deans) switching for selection of components of a diastereomeric (E,Z) and enantiomeric (R,S) oxime into a third reactor column where isomerization occurs. This is followed by E/Z separation in a fourth analytical column. The enantioselective first dimension (1Denant) yields enantioseparation of E(R), Z(R), E(S), and Z(S) isomers, with a characteristic interconversion zone between the E and Z isomers. However, these are contaminated with underlying stereoisomers. Selected separation regions were then modulated and separated using a second dimension (2D) column via GC × GC, resolving the interfering stereoisomers. Individual pure enantiomers were then selectively heart-cut from within the 2D separation space, cryofocused, then eluted on a 3D reactor column for E ⇌ Z isomerization under controlled oven temperature and flow. Heart-cuts taken over the resulting interconversion distribution were cryotrapped at the inlet of a 4D column, on which achiral separation allows precise quantification of each E and Z isomer of the enantiomer. From peak areas and isomerization time, the forward and backward rate constants (kE→Z and kZ→E) were determined. The described methodology is suited to other configurationally labile molecules (for instance, hydrazones and imines), which exhibit isomerization, and can be used to isolate individual compounds from multicomponent samples, without requiring pure compound synthesis, or complex mathematical models or in-silico simulations.

Chemotyping of new hop (Humulus lupulus L.) genotypes using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with quadrupole accurate mass time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with quadrupole accurate mass time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-Q-TOFMS) is employed to profile Humulus lupulus L. (hop) essential oils. Comparison of characterised essential oils allows discrimination among chemotypes. Experimental and commercial hop genotypes displayed distinguishable chemotypic patterns among the volatile secondary metabolites making up their essential oils. In total, 210-306 unique compounds were detected (depending on specific genotype), with 99 of these compounds either positively or tentatively identified. Identified volatile secondary metabolites were grouped into esters, monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated sesquiterpenes and ketones. Terpenoids were the dominant chemical families across all hop genotypes analysed, representing between 67% and 90% of the total ion count. The multidimensional chromatographic profiles of hop essential oils are extremely information-rich, making GC×GC-Q-TOFMS useful for fast screening of new hybrid hop genotypes, and therefore informing breeding strategies to derive new commercial hop cultivars for the development of distinctive and desirable beers.

Approaches and Challenges for Analysis of Flavor and Fragrance Volatiles

N flavors and fragrances are generally mixtures in a background matrix, with many similar structures. As a result of their physicochemical characteristics and a prevailing sensory response, these compounds are crucial to the food, essential oil, and cosmetic fields. The use of flavor and fragrance substances for enjoyment, religious, or medicinal reasons is as old as mankind. Today, the production of flavors and fragrances has been transformed, evolving from physical and chemical isolation from natural plant resources as in ancient times and still of immense importance today, to chemical synthesis or biological (enzymatic or microbial) processes to generate desired fragrance and flavor compounds. The large number of fragrance and flavor compounds in natural samples with similar structures and physicochemical characteristics, different polarities, and a wide range of volatilities demand the use of highly efficient separation techniques. Developments in analytical technology for volatile compounds are critically relevant, because poor resolution of target volatiles from matrix compounds and the lack of precision in identification that limits structural assessment of compounds in complex matrices raises challenges at the frontier of instrument capabilities. The difficulty is compounded at lower compound abundance. Flavor/fragrance compounds are especially prone to poor specificity in mass spectrometry, arising from their many isomers. The development of gas chromatography (GC) in the 1950s and then capillary GC with mass spectrometry (MS) detection is considered one of the greatest enabling analytical technologies for chemical analysis of volatile and semivolatile flavor compounds. Many of these compounds are derived from natural materials; they possess considerable structural heterogeneity but often have similar molecular formulas (e.g., many compounds are based on terpene-type structures). Minor chemical differences may result in subtle differences to their fragrance and flavor properties, which means that precise identification is mandatory if such properties are to be quantified. This includes volatiles derived from herbs and spices, fruit and other plant extracts, and transformed products resulting from processing conditions. The widely used technologies of GC and GC−MS and the reliance of analysts on the wealth of qualitative and quantitative data available from routine application of GC and GC−MS, however, does not recognize that GC−MS often lacks the ability to distinguish components with similar structure and/or mass spectra. Isomeric forms among various chemical classes of components in complex samples mean that the peak capacity of a column (how many compounds a column can resolve just to baseline) is often far exceeded by the number of components, especially when they cluster in a narrow elution range. In this case, peak overlap will be the general expectation. However, for accurate and reliable identification, each peak should ideally be wellresolved and appear in the detector as a single component. While deconvolution is now a well-established procedure, single (pure) components guarantee the highest quality spectra and valid comparison to reference spectra and avoid ambiguities resulting from contributions of co-eluting components to an unresolved peak. The most compromised situation is where a major component strongly overlaps a trace component. In this case, the trace component might very well be “invisible” to the analysis; it will simply not be measured. In flavor and fragrance analysis, we are often more interested in the key minor components that may be masked by major components. Through technological advances, the higher separation order GC technologies (i.e., multiple columns) of heart-cut multidimensional GC (GC−GC) and its more recent innovative analogue of comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC × GC) represent quests for enhanced selectivity and specificity. These technologies lead to much greater “separation space”, with considerably more components readily recognized in the analysis, usually as single, resolved peaks. Analytically, elimination of underlying interferences should produce peaks of higher purity with better baseline signals. However, MS may still fail to adequately identify compounds because of the absence of the compounds in available databases or the lack of specificity of spectra (e.g., for isomers or related compounds). We refer to this as “MS information shortfall”. Ideally, the use of authentic standards (when available) to give correspondence of GC retention and MS spectrum for the target compound increases certainty of accurate, confident, and rigorous identification, but use of standards may still be insufficient.

Assessment of the phytochemical profiles of novel hop (Humulus lupulus L.) cultivars: A potential route to beer crafting

This study investigated the volatile phytochemical diversity of 30 samples obtained from experimental hybrid and commercial H. lupulus L. plants. Essential oils distilled from these samples were analysed by high resolution gas chromatography coupled with accurate mass time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-accTOFMS). A total of 58 secondary metabolites, mainly comprising 18 esters, 6 monoterpene hydrocarbons, 2 oxygenated monoterpenes, 20 sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, 7 oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and 4 ketones, were positively or tentatively identified. A total of 24 metabolites were detected in all samples, but commercial cultivars (selected for brewing performance) had fewer compounds identified compared to experimental genotypes. Chemometrics analyses enabled distinct differentiation of experimental hybrids from commercial cultivars, discussed in terms of the different classes of compounds present in different genotypes. Differences among the mono- and sesquiterpenoids, appear to be related to either: i) the genetic origin of the plants; or ii) the processes of bioaccumulation of the identified secondary metabolites.

Incubation of Aquilaria subintegra with Microbial Culture Supernatants Enhances Production of Volatile Compounds and Improves Quality of Agarwood Oil

Incubation with microbial culture supernatants improved essential oil yield from Aquilaria subintegra woodchips. The harvested woodchips were incubated with de man, rogosa and sharpe (MRS) agar, yeast mold (YM) agar medium and six different microbial culture supernatants obtained from Lactobacillus bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactococcus lactis, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis and S. cerevisiae prior to hydrodistillation. Incubation with lactic acid bacteria supernatants provided higher yield of agarwood oil (0.45% w/w) than that obtained from yeast (0.25% w/w), agar media (0.23% w/w) and water (0.22% w/w). The composition of agarwood oil from all media and microbial supernatant incubations was investigated by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Overall, three major volatile profiles were obtained, which corresponded to water soaking (control), as well as, both YM and MRS media, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast supernatant incubations. Sesquiterpenes and their oxygenated derivatives were key components of agarwood oil. Fifty-two volatile components were tentatively identified in all samples. Beta-agarofuran, α-eudesmol, karanone, α-agarofuran and agarospirol were major components present in most of the incubated samples, while S. cerevisiae-incubated A. subintegra provided higher amount of phenyl acetaldehyde. Microbial culture supernatant incubation numerically provided the highest yield of agarwood oil compared to water soaking traditional method, possibly resulting from activity of extracellular enzymes produced by the microbes. Incubation of agarwood with lactic acid bacteria supernatant significantly enhanced oil yields without changing volatile profile/composition of agarwood essential oil, thus this is a promising method for future use.

Untargeted profiling of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract with comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry using multi-segmented shift gradients in the second dimension: Expanding the metabolic coverage

Metabolic profiling of Glycyrrhiza glabra using comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid chromatography (LC × LC) coupled with photodiode array (PDA) and mass spectrometry (MS) detection is described. The separation was conducted under reversed‐phase conditions, using a combination of first dimension (1D) 150 mm microbore cyano column utilising 2.7 μm diameter (dp) particles, and second dimension (2D) 50 mm superficially porous octadecylsilica column with 2.7 μm dp particles. A multi‐segmented shift gradient (MSG) for the 2D separation was developed, and the orthogonality achieved was compared with other modes of gradients, such as full in‐fraction, and shift gradient systems. Results demonstrated a significant expansion of metabolic coverage using MSG in 2D, providing the highest measure of orthogonality compared to other gradient modes. Compound identifications were performed by employing complementary data from PDA and MS detection, with reference to structural group‐type distribution in 2D space. A total of ca. 120 compounds were detected, and among them 37 were tentatively identified, distributed over the chemical families of glycosylated flavanones, triterpene saponins, and others. In comparison with one‐dimensional LC, the total number of compounds detected was ca. 2‐fold greater when LC × LC was employed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the MSG mode in LC × LC, representing a powerful strategy to expand the metabolic coverage for analysis of plant‐derived extracts, containing a multitude of different phytochemical classes.

Sequential Hybrid Three-Dimensional Gas Chromatography with Accurate Mass Spectrometry: A Novel Tool for High-Resolution Characterization of Multicomponent Samples

A novel sequential three-dimensional gas chromatography-high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (3D GC-accTOFMS) approach for profiling secondary metabolites in complex plant extracts is described. This integrated system incorporates a nonpolar first-dimension (1Dnp) separation step, prior to a microfluidic heart-cut (H/C) of a targeted region(s) to a cryogenic trapping device, directly followed by the rapid reinjection of a trapped solute into a polar second-dimension (2DPEG) column for multidimensional separation (GCnp-GCPEG). For additional separation, the effluent from 2DPEG can then be modulated according to a comprehensive 2D GC process (GC×GC), using an ionic liquid phase as a third-dimension (3DIL) column, to produce a sequential GCnp-GCPEG×GCIL separation. Thus, the unresolved or poorly resolved components, or regions that require further separation, can be precisely selected and rapidly transferred for additional separation on 2D or 3D columns, based on the greater separation realized by these steps. The described integrated system can be used in a number of modes, but one useful approach is to target specific classes of compounds for improved resolution. This is demonstrated through the separation and detection of the oxygenated sesquiterpenes in hop ( Humulus lupulus L.) essential oil and agarwood ( Aquilaria malaccensis) oleoresin. Improved resolution and peak capacity were illustrated through the progressive comparison of the tentatively identified components for GCnp-GCPEG and GCnp-GCPEG×GCIL methods. Relative standard deviations of intraday retentions (1 tR, 2 tR,, and 3 tR) and peak areas of ≤0.01, 0.07, 0.71, and 7.5% were achieved. This analytical approach comprising three GC column selectivities, hyphenated with high-resolution TOFMS detection, should be a valuable adjunct for the improved characterization of complex plant samples, particularly in the area of plant metabolomics.