Supplement analysis
Methylhexaneamine (MHA) has been in the news recently and it continues to be debated whether it is actually a constituent of geranium.
Methylhexaneamine (MHA) has been in the news recently and it continues to be debated whether it is actually a constituent of geranium. In a comprehensive analysis, a team of scientists has presented evidence that it is not present in the plant in detectable amounts.1
MHA has been marketed as a dietary supplement based on the argument that it is a constituent of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) leaves, stems, roots or oil. The team developed two analytical methods for the analysis of MHA in P. graveolens using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS–MS). The results were further confirmed using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry. Twenty commercial volatile oils, three authenticated volatile oils and authenticated P. graveolens leaves and stems were analysed. In addition, three dietary supplements containing MHA which claimed P. graveolens as the source were analysed for their MHA content.
The results obtained demonstrated that none of the authenticated P. graveolens essential oils or plant material, nor the commercial volatile oils of contained MHA at detectable levels (limit of detection = 10 ppb). In contrast, the dietary supplements that contained MHA as one of their ingredients contained very large amounts of MHA. These amounts are not compatible with the use of reasonable amounts of P. graveolens extract or concentrate. The team ultimately concluded that this must be because the MHA was of a synthetic origin.
Mahmoud A. ElSohly et al., Journal of Analytical Toxicology doi: 10.1093/jat/bks055 (2012).
This story originally appeared in The Column. Click here to view that issue.
AI and GenAI Applications to Help Optimize Purification and Yield of Antibodies From Plasma
October 31st 2024Deriving antibodies from plasma products involves several steps, typically starting from the collection of plasma and ending with the purification of the desired antibodies. These are: plasma collection; plasma pooling; fractionation; antibody purification; concentration and formulation; quality control; and packaging and storage. This process results in a purified antibody product that can be used for therapeutic purposes, diagnostic tests, or research. Each step is critical to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of the final product. Applications of AI/GenAI in many of these steps can significantly help in the optimization of purification and yield of the desired antibodies. Some specific use-cases are: selecting and optimizing plasma units for optimized plasma pooling; GenAI solution for enterprise search on internal knowledge portal; analysing and optimizing production batch profitability, inventory, yields; monitoring production batch key performance indicators for outlier identification; monitoring production equipment to predict maintenance events; and reducing quality control laboratory testing turnaround time.
2024 EAS Awardees Showcase Innovative Research in Analytical Science
November 20th 2024Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Washington, and other leading institutions took the stage at the Eastern Analytical Symposium to accept awards and share insights into their research.
