Direct analysis of δ2H and δ18O in natural and enriched human urine using laser-based, off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy.

The stable isotopes of hydrogen (δ(2)H) and oxygen (δ(18)O) in human urine are measured during studies of total energy expenditure by the doubly labeled water method, measurement of total body water, and measurement of insulin resistance by glucose disposal among other applications. An ultrasensitive laser absorption spectrometer based on off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy was demonstrated for simple and inexpensive measurement of stable isotopes in natural isotopic abundance and isotopically enriched human urine. Preparation of urine for analysis was simple and rapid (approximately 25 samples per hour), requiring no decolorizing or distillation steps.

Preparation of single cells for imaging mass spectrometry.

Characterizing the molecular contents of individual cells is critical for understanding fundamental mechanisms of biological processes. Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) of biological systems has been steadily gaining popularity for its ability to create precise chemical images of biological samples, thereby revealing new biological insights and improving understanding of disease. In order to acquire mass spectral images from single cells that contain relevant molecular information, samples must be prepared such that cell-culture components, especially salts, are eliminated from the cell surface and that the cell contents are accessible to the mass spectrometer.

Preparation of single cells for imaging/profiling mass spectrometry.

Characterizing chemical changes within individual cells is important for determining fundamental mechanisms of biological processes that will lead to new biological insights and improved disease understanding. Analyzing biological systems with imaging and profiling mass spectrometry (MS) has gained popularity in recent years as a method for creating chemical maps of biological samples. To obtain mass spectra that provide relevant molecular information about individual cells, samples must be prepared so that salts and other cell culture components are removed from the cell surface and that the cell contents are rendered accessible to the desorption beam.

An in vitro model system to predict the bioaccessibility of heterocyclic amines from a cooked meat matrix.

To understand the impact of variation in digestion parameters on the release of heterocyclic amines naturally formed during cooking, we developed and characterized a model system to assess the effect of amylase, pepsin, and pancreatin on digestion of well-done chicken. The amounts of MeIQx, DiMeIQx, IFP, and PhIP in the liquid portion of the digestate were compared to levels in the undigested meat to determine the percentage released (accessible fraction). Incubating the meat with amylase and pepsin did not change the accessibility of HAs when compared to incubation with water alone.