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Methods of biochemical analysis, volume 34—biomedical applications of mass spectrometry
0039-9140/91 s3.00 + 0.00
Talanro,Vol. 38, No. 10, pp. 1201-1206, 1991 Printed in Great Britain
Pergamon Press plc
BOOK REVIEWS
The Scientific Examination of Documents: Methods and Teebniques: D. ELLEN,Ellis Horwood, Chichester, 1989. Pages 182. E42.95. Questioned Document Examination is an area of forensic science providing evidence for courts of law on subjects such as handwriting, typewriting and printing. Much of this work depends on “the experience and ability of the analyst”. Mr Ellen, with 35 years experience in forensic science and a founder member of the Metropolitan Police Documents Section is perhaps the best qualified to write a book on the subject. This book is aimed primarily at those who may need to use documentary evidence during the investigation, prosecution or defence of a case. Handwriting is the most difficult area of this work and occupies four chapters. The author is keen to show the reasoning behind handwriting evidence and first describes those features that can be observed in the reader’s own writing, such as natural variation and letter structure, before moving on to discuss the scientific principles on which a document examiner bases his or her conclusions. The typewriting section deals in detail with conventional typewriters but is less informative about more modem methods. Other chapters include simple and easy to follow descriptions of printing processes, photocopying and the use of light to compare inks. In particular the chapter on incidental marks may provide investigators with fresh ideas for solving a problem, and explains the mysterious and much publicised ESDA machine. The use of frequent headings and a comprehensive index makes this a valuable reference book for the investigator and a useful starting point for would-be document examiners. S. P. DAY
Handbook of Thin-Layer Chromatography:J. SHERMAand B. FRIED(editors), Dekker, New York, 1991. Pages viii + 1047. $165.00 (US and Canada), $198.00 (elsewhere). Volume 55 in the Chromatography Science Series by Dekker is a large work containing contributions from 43 different authors. It is not a collection of papers from a symposium but purports to be an organized work by recognized, international experts. The co-editor, Professor Sherma, is well known for his biennial reviews of progress in TLC and this practical, comprehensive handbook is to be welcomed. The book is divided into two parts, with Chapters l-13 covering the principles and practice of TLC and Chapters 14-31 dealing with some specific applications. There is some inevitable overlap between contributions but the references (totalling over 2700) at the ends of each of each chapter appear to be selective. Part 1 includes details of the theory, apparatus and techniques used in the different variations of planar chromatography. There are chapters on optimization, sorbents and instrumental methods such as TLC coupled with mass spectrometry. Preparative TLC is covered as well as qualitative and quantitative analysis. Part 1 is of general interest for all those who dabble with TLC, whereas part 2 concentrates on the analysis of specific chemical substances. It is probable that users of the handbook will just select those chapters in part 2 which are of relevance to their own work. Here the compounds covered include amino-acids, antibiotics, carbohydrates, pesticides, steroids, vitamins, toxins and many others. An important chapter on enantiomer separations is included and this is a useful addition, owing to the increased awareness of the importance of enantiomeric purity in pharmaceutical compounds. Throughout part 2 numerous tables are presented that give details of separations performed with various solvent systems, e.g., the chapter on TLC of inorganics and organometallics contains 69 Tables and 217 references. At the end of the book a glossary of terms is provided together with a directory of suppliers and a competent index. The book is extremely useful for those who wish to discover how a TLC separation has been performed. If you can cope with the weight and price of this work then it is to be recommended to the beginner and the advanced user of TLC. P. J. Cox
Methods of Biochemical Analysis, Volume 34-Biomedical Applications of Mass Spsctrometry: C. H. SWELTERand J. T. WATSON (editors), Wiley Interscience, New York, 1990. Pages xiii + 396. E39.80. This is the latest book in a series covering techniques of biochemical analysis, and this volume focuses specifically on mass spectrometry. The book is comprised of five chapters each covering different aspects of the application of mass spectrometry in biomedical research. Chapter 1 gives a comprehensive introduction which would give anyone new to this field a broad knowledge of mass spectrometry. This ranges from the mechanics of the vacuum pumps, through the many techniques available on modern instruments, to the interpretation of the spectra produced. 1201
1202
BOOK
REVIEWS
The bulk of the book focuses on specific applications: carbohydrates, peptide sequencing, nucleic acids, and the role of mass spectrometry in pharmacology. These four chapters explain in greater detail those particular techniques applicable to each study area. The bulk of these chapters is concerned with the practical details of performing the analysis. Very detailed information is given enabling the reader to repeat the analyses and interpret the results obtained Each chapter also contains a large number of figures and references to back up the text. I feel that the book has two faults, the introductory chapter covers too much of the “nut and bolts” of mass spectrometry, and that as each chapter is written by a different author, some details about ionisation techniques are repeated in several chapters. M. E. HARRISON
ChrcanatngrapI~Ic Analysis of AIkaIoids: M. POPL,J. FAHNRICHand V. TATAR,Dekker, New York, 1990. Pages 664. S150.00 (U.S. and Canada), $180.00 (elsewhere). For anyone wishing to enter the field of alkaloid chemistry, reading this book will be a great help. It will give the reader an insight into how alkaloids are grouped (Chapter 1) as well as describing the general properties of these natural products (Chapter 2). This latter section is particularly useful as the data on basicity, solubility, dissociation constants, main chromophoric groupings, and electrochemical properties help one to appreciate the general behaviour of alkaloids. These criteria are necessary for their chromatographic properties to be assessed for selection of the best chromatographic procedure. These procedures are summarized in Chapter 3. The next three chapters outline the techniques of gas, liquid and thin-layer chromatography, respectively, with well chosen examples explaining each chromatographic method. Derivatization reactions such as acylation, alkylation and silylation, which are required to improve volatility and thetmal stability, are well covered in the chapters on gas chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. However, derivatization as a means of allowing the utilization of specific methods of detection, such as fluorescence, is not discussed under liquid chromatography. In the penultimate chapter-Applications,is where the “meat” of this book is located. First there are details of simple preparation-for materials from biological, plant and pharmaceutical sources-with tables summarizing preparative procedures. Then follows a sixteen-section tabulation on alkaloidal families in groupings starting with the simple, e.g., phenylethylamines, through to the complex, e.g., Strychnos, Vinca types. The dominant position of liquid chromatography, particularly reversed-phase HPLC, in the analysis of alkaloids is well exemplified. This list is comprehensive enough to allow the reader to make a rapid assessment in a selected field. The final chapter (3 pages) is very much a critique of existing methodology with some pointers as to the future, including supercritical fluid chromatography. The main index is sufficiently detailed to give rapid access to individual alkaloids and to plant genera. I would have liked each chapter to be prefaced by its own index-this would have been particularly helpful in the seventh chapter for locating areas for general perusal. Although the price is somewhat prohibitive for individual purchase, this book makes a useful contribution to natural product chemistry and is to be recommended as a work of reference on the application of chromatographic techniques. JOHNR. LEWIS
The Analytical Chemistry of SBiconea: A. L. SMITH(editor), Wiley-Interscience,
New York, 1991. Pages xxii + 551. f97.35.
This book is a recent addition to the highly successful and authoritative Wiley Chemical Analysis series, updating Analysis of Siliconesedited by A. L. Smith and published in 1974. Silicones have a wide variety of commercial uses, from adhesives and sealants to textile finishes. Not unexpectedly, all the authors included in this book are affiliated with Dow Coming, and in some ways the book may be seen as a tribute to the impressive, multidisciplinary approach to silicone analysis at the company. Like Gaul, the book is divided into three parts: a very brief introductory chapter by Smith, a series of chapters on problem-solving in silicone analysis, followed by chapters on the basic techniques: physical properties, chemical analysis, microscopy, chromatography spectroscopy (IR, UV-Vis, NMR, MS, atomic) and X-ray methods. Useful tables of physical properties of silicones are provided at the back of the book. While some chapters are illustrated by a disappointingly brief range of applications, others are extremely well-written (especially the chromatography, solution NMR and MS chapters). For the general reader, the microscopy chapter presents a fascinating series of images ranging from contact lenses to finger implant tissue. Essential reading for the specialist and newcomer, of course, but at nearly f 100, the non-specialist would be wise to view the book carefully before making a purchase. J. A. CRAYSTON
Mlkrhaaer Sp&raaenpy Pages 303. E22.50
of Frozen Belutiona: A. VERTEXand D. L. NAOY (editors). Akadtmiai Kiado, Budapest, 1990.
The book is concerned with the use of M&.sbauer spectroscopy to investigate structures and coordination, mainly in solutions but also in glasses. If during rapid freezing of solutions no structural changes occur, then MBssbauer spectroscopy (a solid state technique) can indeed be an excellent probe of solution structures.
Talanro,Vol. 38, No. 10, pp. 1201-1206, 1991 Printed in Great Britain
Pergamon Press plc
BOOK REVIEWS
The Scientific Examination of Documents: Methods and Teebniques: D. ELLEN,Ellis Horwood, Chichester, 1989. Pages 182. E42.95. Questioned Document Examination is an area of forensic science providing evidence for courts of law on subjects such as handwriting, typewriting and printing. Much of this work depends on “the experience and ability of the analyst”. Mr Ellen, with 35 years experience in forensic science and a founder member of the Metropolitan Police Documents Section is perhaps the best qualified to write a book on the subject. This book is aimed primarily at those who may need to use documentary evidence during the investigation, prosecution or defence of a case. Handwriting is the most difficult area of this work and occupies four chapters. The author is keen to show the reasoning behind handwriting evidence and first describes those features that can be observed in the reader’s own writing, such as natural variation and letter structure, before moving on to discuss the scientific principles on which a document examiner bases his or her conclusions. The typewriting section deals in detail with conventional typewriters but is less informative about more modem methods. Other chapters include simple and easy to follow descriptions of printing processes, photocopying and the use of light to compare inks. In particular the chapter on incidental marks may provide investigators with fresh ideas for solving a problem, and explains the mysterious and much publicised ESDA machine. The use of frequent headings and a comprehensive index makes this a valuable reference book for the investigator and a useful starting point for would-be document examiners. S. P. DAY
Handbook of Thin-Layer Chromatography:J. SHERMAand B. FRIED(editors), Dekker, New York, 1991. Pages viii + 1047. $165.00 (US and Canada), $198.00 (elsewhere). Volume 55 in the Chromatography Science Series by Dekker is a large work containing contributions from 43 different authors. It is not a collection of papers from a symposium but purports to be an organized work by recognized, international experts. The co-editor, Professor Sherma, is well known for his biennial reviews of progress in TLC and this practical, comprehensive handbook is to be welcomed. The book is divided into two parts, with Chapters l-13 covering the principles and practice of TLC and Chapters 14-31 dealing with some specific applications. There is some inevitable overlap between contributions but the references (totalling over 2700) at the ends of each of each chapter appear to be selective. Part 1 includes details of the theory, apparatus and techniques used in the different variations of planar chromatography. There are chapters on optimization, sorbents and instrumental methods such as TLC coupled with mass spectrometry. Preparative TLC is covered as well as qualitative and quantitative analysis. Part 1 is of general interest for all those who dabble with TLC, whereas part 2 concentrates on the analysis of specific chemical substances. It is probable that users of the handbook will just select those chapters in part 2 which are of relevance to their own work. Here the compounds covered include amino-acids, antibiotics, carbohydrates, pesticides, steroids, vitamins, toxins and many others. An important chapter on enantiomer separations is included and this is a useful addition, owing to the increased awareness of the importance of enantiomeric purity in pharmaceutical compounds. Throughout part 2 numerous tables are presented that give details of separations performed with various solvent systems, e.g., the chapter on TLC of inorganics and organometallics contains 69 Tables and 217 references. At the end of the book a glossary of terms is provided together with a directory of suppliers and a competent index. The book is extremely useful for those who wish to discover how a TLC separation has been performed. If you can cope with the weight and price of this work then it is to be recommended to the beginner and the advanced user of TLC. P. J. Cox
Methods of Biochemical Analysis, Volume 34-Biomedical Applications of Mass Spsctrometry: C. H. SWELTERand J. T. WATSON (editors), Wiley Interscience, New York, 1990. Pages xiii + 396. E39.80. This is the latest book in a series covering techniques of biochemical analysis, and this volume focuses specifically on mass spectrometry. The book is comprised of five chapters each covering different aspects of the application of mass spectrometry in biomedical research. Chapter 1 gives a comprehensive introduction which would give anyone new to this field a broad knowledge of mass spectrometry. This ranges from the mechanics of the vacuum pumps, through the many techniques available on modern instruments, to the interpretation of the spectra produced. 1201
1202
BOOK
REVIEWS
The bulk of the book focuses on specific applications: carbohydrates, peptide sequencing, nucleic acids, and the role of mass spectrometry in pharmacology. These four chapters explain in greater detail those particular techniques applicable to each study area. The bulk of these chapters is concerned with the practical details of performing the analysis. Very detailed information is given enabling the reader to repeat the analyses and interpret the results obtained Each chapter also contains a large number of figures and references to back up the text. I feel that the book has two faults, the introductory chapter covers too much of the “nut and bolts” of mass spectrometry, and that as each chapter is written by a different author, some details about ionisation techniques are repeated in several chapters. M. E. HARRISON
ChrcanatngrapI~Ic Analysis of AIkaIoids: M. POPL,J. FAHNRICHand V. TATAR,Dekker, New York, 1990. Pages 664. S150.00 (U.S. and Canada), $180.00 (elsewhere). For anyone wishing to enter the field of alkaloid chemistry, reading this book will be a great help. It will give the reader an insight into how alkaloids are grouped (Chapter 1) as well as describing the general properties of these natural products (Chapter 2). This latter section is particularly useful as the data on basicity, solubility, dissociation constants, main chromophoric groupings, and electrochemical properties help one to appreciate the general behaviour of alkaloids. These criteria are necessary for their chromatographic properties to be assessed for selection of the best chromatographic procedure. These procedures are summarized in Chapter 3. The next three chapters outline the techniques of gas, liquid and thin-layer chromatography, respectively, with well chosen examples explaining each chromatographic method. Derivatization reactions such as acylation, alkylation and silylation, which are required to improve volatility and thetmal stability, are well covered in the chapters on gas chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. However, derivatization as a means of allowing the utilization of specific methods of detection, such as fluorescence, is not discussed under liquid chromatography. In the penultimate chapter-Applications,is where the “meat” of this book is located. First there are details of simple preparation-for materials from biological, plant and pharmaceutical sources-with tables summarizing preparative procedures. Then follows a sixteen-section tabulation on alkaloidal families in groupings starting with the simple, e.g., phenylethylamines, through to the complex, e.g., Strychnos, Vinca types. The dominant position of liquid chromatography, particularly reversed-phase HPLC, in the analysis of alkaloids is well exemplified. This list is comprehensive enough to allow the reader to make a rapid assessment in a selected field. The final chapter (3 pages) is very much a critique of existing methodology with some pointers as to the future, including supercritical fluid chromatography. The main index is sufficiently detailed to give rapid access to individual alkaloids and to plant genera. I would have liked each chapter to be prefaced by its own index-this would have been particularly helpful in the seventh chapter for locating areas for general perusal. Although the price is somewhat prohibitive for individual purchase, this book makes a useful contribution to natural product chemistry and is to be recommended as a work of reference on the application of chromatographic techniques. JOHNR. LEWIS
The Analytical Chemistry of SBiconea: A. L. SMITH(editor), Wiley-Interscience,
New York, 1991. Pages xxii + 551. f97.35.
This book is a recent addition to the highly successful and authoritative Wiley Chemical Analysis series, updating Analysis of Siliconesedited by A. L. Smith and published in 1974. Silicones have a wide variety of commercial uses, from adhesives and sealants to textile finishes. Not unexpectedly, all the authors included in this book are affiliated with Dow Coming, and in some ways the book may be seen as a tribute to the impressive, multidisciplinary approach to silicone analysis at the company. Like Gaul, the book is divided into three parts: a very brief introductory chapter by Smith, a series of chapters on problem-solving in silicone analysis, followed by chapters on the basic techniques: physical properties, chemical analysis, microscopy, chromatography spectroscopy (IR, UV-Vis, NMR, MS, atomic) and X-ray methods. Useful tables of physical properties of silicones are provided at the back of the book. While some chapters are illustrated by a disappointingly brief range of applications, others are extremely well-written (especially the chromatography, solution NMR and MS chapters). For the general reader, the microscopy chapter presents a fascinating series of images ranging from contact lenses to finger implant tissue. Essential reading for the specialist and newcomer, of course, but at nearly f 100, the non-specialist would be wise to view the book carefully before making a purchase. J. A. CRAYSTON
Mlkrhaaer Sp&raaenpy Pages 303. E22.50
of Frozen Belutiona: A. VERTEXand D. L. NAOY (editors). Akadtmiai Kiado, Budapest, 1990.
The book is concerned with the use of M&.sbauer spectroscopy to investigate structures and coordination, mainly in solutions but also in glasses. If during rapid freezing of solutions no structural changes occur, then MBssbauer spectroscopy (a solid state technique) can indeed be an excellent probe of solution structures.