Capillary supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Capillary supercritical fluid chromatography and its combination with mass spectrometry (SFC-MS) is an important analytical methodology for the analysis of thermally labile and high molecular weight compounds. The mass spectrometer provides sensitive and highly selective detection for the chromatographic effluent. The same physical-chemical properties of supercritical fluids that provide important chromatographic advantages are also important for the transport and gas phase introduction of analyte molecules into the mass spectrometer. The low mobile phase flow rates of small diameter (< 100 μm i.d.) capillary columns allow the total chromatographic effluent to be introduced with conventional, but often slightly modified, ion source configurations for quadrupole mass spectrometers with either electron impact (EI) or chemical ionization (CI) detection. The full range of CI reagents can also be used to obtain additional selectivity and complementary structural data. The instrumentation and operating parameters for capillary SFC-MS methods are described. The applicability and usefulness of various SFC-MS analysis methods are demonstrated using a variety of samples.     

Development of ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry assays to analyze potential biomarkers in sweat

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods were required to afford the rapid separation and detection of purines and small organic acids. These compounds are found in sweat and sebum and are potential biomarkers for the early detection of pressures sores. Two ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry assays have been successfully developed for both classes of compounds. Separation for purines was achieved using a gradient of supercritical carbon dioxide and methanol with a 1-aminoanthracene sub 2 μm particle size column followed by positive ion electrospray ionization. Separation for organic acids was achieved using a gradient of supercritical carbon dioxide and methanol (50 mM ammonium acetate 2% water) with a Diol sub 2 μm particle size column followed by negative ion electrospray ionization. Calibration curves were created in the absence of internal standards and R² values > 0.96 were achieved using single ion monitoring methods for the protonated purines and the deprotonated acids. The two new assays afford rapid analytical methods for the separation and detection of potential biomarkers in human sweat leading to the early detection and prevention of pressure sores.     

Ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the analysis of organic contaminants in sediments

A nontarget screening method was developed based on D-optimal designs for ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography with positive and negative electrospray ionization mode mass spectrometry. A mixture of organic contaminants such as pesticides, steroids, surfactants, phenolic and fatty acids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives, was used for the optimization. An aprotic mixture of dichloromethane and acetone [3:1] performed overall best as the injection solvent. The highest peak capacities (n) were accomplished at the shallowest gradient (1%B/min), ammonium formate (n = 378 in negative ionization mode), or ammonium acetate (n = 327 in positive ionization mode) in methanol as the modifier. Capillary voltage, make-up solvent flow rate, water, and additive concentration were the most significant factors for improving peak intensity: higher peak intensities were obtained at lower additive concentrations (5mM ammonium formate), and with 5% water in positive ionization mode. Conversely, water had detrimental effects in negative ionization mode. The optimized method was used to quantify organic contaminants in 17 freshwater sediment samples from Copenhagen, Denmark. Out of 50 monitored contaminants, 35 were detected in at least one sample. Further, the method has a potential for target and nontarget screening analysis of organic contaminants in solid matrices.     

Controlling the positive ion electrospray ionization of poly(ethylene glycols) when using ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Poly(ethylene glycols) are complex polymers often added to pharmaceutical formulations to improve drug solubility and delivery. One of the main challenges when using chromatographic techniques coupled to mass spectrometry is the unselective ionization of poly(ethylene glycols) oligomers. Additionally, when the chain length is large enough, multiple charged species are formed, further complicating the mass spectra and processing. This study uses the advanced oligomer separation provided by supercritical fluid chromatography with a mass spectrometry approach that selectively ionizes poly(ethylene glycols) as ammoniated molecules to simplify data analysis and facilitate batch-to-batch comparisons. Several visual representations of the response of the ionization events based on the polymer molecular weight and the repeating unit were used to elucidate trends in ionization. Evaluation of the influence of the oligomer length and end-group on the electrospray ionization of the polymer allowed the development of a process to enable selective ionization for these complex polymers.     

Amino acid analysis by derivatization with chromogenic 4-phenylazobenzyloxycarbonyl chloride (PAZ-Cl): Comparison of reversed-phases

Summary The chromogenic reagent 4-phenylazobenzyloxycarbonyl chloride (PAZ-Cl) was used for the automated pre-column derivatization of amino acids (AAs) at ambient temperature followed by liquid chromatographic separation of the derivatives formed.Since in previous investigations it was realised that the selectivity of a C-18 stationary phase decreased after 40 injections of PAZ-AAs the suitability of 12 reversedphases distinguished by silica modification, carbon content, and particle characteristics was tested. Among these columns only a polymer-coated C-18 stationary phase furnished satisfactory repeatability of retention times for 250 analyses.     

Determination of lipid mediators in breast cancer cells using lyophilization‒supercritical fluid extraction online coupled with supercritical fluid chromatography‒quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry

A lyophilization?supercritical fluid extraction coupled with supercritical fluid chromatography?quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry online method was developed for the determination of lipid mediators in breast cancer cells. Supercritical fluid extraction was applied to the cell samples for the first time due to the use of lyophilization. The conditions of supercritical fluid extraction and supercritical fluid chromatography?quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry were investigated systematically. Under the optimized conditions, all the calibration curves for the lipid mediators showed good linearity (correlation coefficient > 0.99). The limits of detection and the limits of quantification were in the range of 0.190?5.36 pg and 0.560?16.2 pg, respectively. The recoveries were in the range of 70.3?125%. The relative standard deviations of the precision ranged from 1.49?18.7% and the accuracies were higher than 84%. Compared with liquid?liquid extraction coupled with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry method, the present approach reduced the manual labor and obtained higher sensitivity as well as higher extraction recoveries for all 15 lipid mediators. Finally, the online method was applied to the quantification of lipid mediators in breast cancer cells and normal mammary epithelial cells. On the basis of the results, this lyophilization?supercritical fluid extraction online coupled with supercritical fluid chromatography?quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method showed great promise in the analysis of lipid mediators in complex biological samples.     

Determination of artemisinin and artemisinic acid by capillary and packed supercritical fluid chromatography

Artemisinin (an antimalarial compound) and its bioprecursor artemisinic acid, present in the plant Atemisia annua L., were analyzed by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFS) using capillary and packed columns, coupled respectively with a flame ionization detector (FID) and an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). Both methods were optimized and validated with columns of different polarity in order to separate artemisinin and artemisinic acid. Analytical results were comparable, but the paced SFC-ELSD method was faster. Indeed, artemisinin and artemisinic acid were separated with an aminopropyl silica column in less than 8 minutes instead of about 25 minutes by capillary SFS. Contrary to conventional gas and liquid chromatography coupled to an UV-visible detector, SFS methods determined both compounds directly, without degradation and/or derivatization in the concentration range expected in the plant material. Results obtained on plant extracts by capillary SFS-FID and packed SFS-ELSD were confirmed by GC-MS.     

Direct on-line coupling of small subcritical and supercritical fluid extractors with packed column supercritical fluid chromatography

Summary A mini extractor of 85 L void volume and a micro extractor of 3–4 L void volume have been coupled directly with a packed column SFC and used under sub- and supercritical conditions. The mini extractor is suitable for holding adsorbates which can be on-line extracted and the extract chromatographed (direct SFE-SFC). The micro extractor can be used for direct sample introduction of liquid and solid materials under SF conditions. Thus any solvent interference with the sample and the chromatographic conditions is excluded. Standard samples of wood tar residue, engine oil, and metal organic compounds have been tested.     

Exploration and optimization of conditions for quantitative analysis of lignans in Schisandra chinensis by an online supercritical fluid extraction with supercritical fluid chromatography system

An online supercritical fluid extraction with supercritical fluid chromatography system could provide sequential extraction and quantitative analysis of lignans in Schisandra chinensis. Supercritical fluid extraction conditions were optimized at 15 MPa, 50°C, and 4 min with supercritical CO₂ adding 1% methanol; the elution volume and flow rate were set at 6 mL and 2 mL/min to blow extract out of the tank completely. The split‐flow rate was confirmed at 2.5%, which determines injection volume and accuracy of quantitative detection. The factors having negative influences on supercritical fluid chromatography retention in the online system, including sample loading forms and backpressure settings, are discussed in the paper. At last, an extraction‐quantitative method for lignans in Schisandra chinensis was developed, which could be finished within 19.5 min. The total content percentage of four lignans (Schisandrin, Schisandrin A, Schisandrin B and Schisandrol B) in four batches was respectively measured to be 1.42, 1.54, 1.62, and 1.90%.     

Direct online extraction and determination by supercritical fluid extraction with chromatography and mass spectrometry of targeted carotenoids from red Habanero peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

Recently, supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry has gained attention as a fast and useful technology applied to the carotenoids analysis. However, no reports are available in the literature on the direct online extraction and determination by supercritical fluid extraction with chromatography and mass spectrometry. The aim of this research was the development of an online method coupling supercritical fluid extraction and supercritical fluid chromatography for a detailed targeted native carotenoids characterization in red habanero peppers. The online nature of the system, compared to offline approaches, improves run‐to‐run precision, enables the setting of batch‐type applications, and reduces the risks of sample contamination. The extraction has been optimized using different temperatures, starting from 40°C up to 80°C. Multiple extractions, until depletion, were performed on the same sample to evaluate the extraction yield. The range of the first extraction yield, carried out at 80°C, which was the best extraction temperature, was 37.4–65.4%, with a %CV range of 2–12. Twenty‐one targeted analytes were extracted and identified by the developed methodology in less than 17 min, including free, monoesters, and diesters carotenoids, in a very fast and efficient way. Quantification of the β‐carotene was carried out by using the optimized conditions.     

Determination of major aromatic constituents in vanilla using an on‐line supercritical fluid extraction coupled with supercritical fluid chromatography

An on‐line supercritical fluid extraction coupled with supercritical fluid chromatography method was developed for the determination of four major aromatic constituents in vanilla. The parameters of supercritical fluid extraction were systematically investigated using single factor optimization experiments and response surface methodology by a Box–Behnken design. The modifier ratio, split ratio, and the extraction temperature and pressure were the major parameters which have significant effects on the extraction. While the static extraction time, dynamic extraction time, and recycle time had little influence on the compounds with low polarity. Under the optimized conditions, the relative extraction efficiencies of all the constituents reached 89.0–95.1%. The limits of quantification were in the range of 1.123–4.747 μg. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.3368–1.424 μg. The recoveries of the four analytes were in the range of 76.1–88.9%. The relative standard deviations of intra‐ and interday precision ranged from 4.2 to 7.6%. Compared with other off‐line methods, the present method obtained higher extraction yields for all four aromatic constituents. Finally, this method has been applied to the analysis of vanilla from different sources. On the basis of the results, the on‐line supercritical fluid extraction‐supercritical fluid chromatography method shows great promise in the analysis of aromatic constituents in natural products.     

Efficient preparative separation of 6‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐methyl‐4, 5‐dihydro‐3(2H)‐pyridazinone enantiomers on polysaccharide‐based stationary phases in polar organic solvent chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography

6‐(4‐Aminophenyl)‐5‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3(2H)‐pyridazinone is a key synthetic intermediate for cardiotonic agent levosimendan. Very few studies address the use of chiral stationary phases in chromatography for the enantioseparation of this intermediate. This study presents two efficient preparative methods for the isolation of (R)(?)‐6‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3(2H)‐pyridazinone in polar organic solvent chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography using polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases and volatile organic mobile phases without additives in isocratic mode. Under optimum conditions, Chiralcel OJ column showed the best performance (α = 1.71, Rs = 5.47) in polar organic solvent chromatography, while Chiralpak AS column exhibited remarkable separations (α = 1.81 and Rs = 6.51) in supercritical fluid chromatography with an opposite enantiomer elution order. Considering the sample solubility, runtime and solvent cost, the preparations were carried out on Chiralcel OJ column and Chiralpak AS column (250 × 20 mm i.d.; 10 µm) in polar organic mode and supercritical fluid chromatography mode with methanol and CO₂/methanol as mobile phases, respectively. By utilizing the advantages of chromatographic techniques and polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases, this work provides two methods for the fast and economic preparation of (R)(?)‐6‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3(2H)‐pyridazinone, which are suitable for the pharmaceutical industry.     

Direct coupling of CO2 fluid extraction with capillary supercritical fluid chromatography

Summary An interface described in the literature was modified to accommodate small sample quantities. The simple and inexpensive method can be used to obtain rapid qualitative sample information of complex matrices by extraction in sub- or supercritical conditions (SFE) with a concurrent separation by capillary supercritical fluid chromatography (CSFC). Compared to traditional solvent extraction methods the potential for analyte degradation and contamination is minimized resulting in reduced sample amount necessary for extraction and separation, and also in faster extractions. Complex matrices of a plastic material, a natural product and a soil spiked with a substituted hydrocarbon test mixture were analyzed to show the usefulness of the interface.     

A highly sensitive method (supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with ion mobility mass spectrometry) for determination of multiple compounds in radix curcumae

A highly sensitive method was developed for simultaneously separating and identifying multiple compounds in radix curcumae. The determination of these compounds was achieved by combining supercritical fluid chromatography with drift tube ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight MS. Related parameters were optimized: the RX-SIL column was used as the stationary phase, methanol was selected as the organic modifier, back pressure was 120 bar, back temperature was 60°C, the mobile phase flow rate was 1.75 mL/min, the makeup solvent was 0.2% formic acid/methanol with a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. Under optimal conditions, multipolar compounds were separated. Furthermore, these compounds were identified by the values of collision sectional areas. The established method was verified by related parameters and exhibited good linearity, sensitivity, precision and accuracy. It could be extended to analyze other curcuminoids and sesquiterpenoids in natural products.     

Thermodynamic enantioseparation behavior of phenylthiohydantoin‐amino acid derivatives in supercritical fluid chromatography on polysaccharide chiral stationary phases

Thirteen pairs of enantiomers belonging to the same structural family (phenylthiohydantoin‐amino acids) were analyzed on two polysaccharide chiral stationary phases, namely, tris‐(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) of amylose (Chiralpak AD‐H) or cellulose (Chiralcel OD‐H) in supercritical fluid chromatography with a carbon dioxide/methanol mobile phase (90:10 v/v). Five different temperatures (5, 10, 20, 30, 40°C) were applied to evaluate the thermodynamic behavior of these enantioseparations. On the cellulose stationary phase, the retention, and separation trends were most similar among the set of probe analytes, suggesting that the chiral cavities in this stationary phase have little diversity, or that all analytes accessed the same cavities. Conversely, the retention and separation trends on the amylose phase were much more diverse, and could be related to structural differences among the set of probe analytes (carbon chain length in the amino acid residue, secondary amine in proline, existence of covalent rings, or formation of pseudo‐rings via intramolecular hydrogen bonds). The large variability of behaviors on the amylose phase suggests that the chiral‐binding sites in this chiral stationary phase have more variety than on the cellulose phase, and that the analytes did access different cavities.     

Isolation of oxidative degradation products of atorvastatin with supercritical fluid chromatography

The isolation of four oxidative degradation products of atorvastatin using preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography applying at least two chromatographic steps is known from the literature. In this paper it is shown that the same four impurities could be isolated from similarly prepared mixtures in only one step using supercritical fluid chromatography. The methods for separation were developed and optimized. The preparation of the mixtures was altered in such a way as to enhance the concentration of desired impurities. Appropriate solvents were applied for collection of separated impurities in order to prevent degradation. The structures of the isolated impurities were confirmed and their purity determined. The preparative supercritical fluid chromatography has proven to be superior to preparative HPLC regarding achieved purity of standards applying fewer chromatographic as well as isolation steps. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simultaneous determination of 17 bisphenols in polycarbonate by ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

A novel method was developed for the first time for the determination of 17 bisphenols by ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Under the optimal conditions, 17 bisphenols were separated successfully on a high density diol column in 9 min using methanol and carbon dioxide as mobile phase. 0.02% ammonium hydroxide/methanol v/v was used as the post‐column compensation solvent to improve response of mass spectrometry. Linear relations of matrix‐matched calibration curve were favorable over the selected concentration range of 1–100 μg/kg with correlation coefficients greater than 0.9981. The method limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 0.1–0.5 μg/kg and 0.5–2.5 μg/kg, respectively. The average recoveries at three spiked levels in polycarbonate were in the range of 81.8–114.5%. Intra‐day and inter‐day precisions for six replicates were below 15.0%. This method was successfully applied to determine bisphenols in polycarbonate.     

Signal enhancement in supercritical fluid chromatography‐diode‐array detection with multiple injection

To circumvent the detrimental effects of large‐volume injection with fixed‐loop injector in modern supercritical fluid chromatography, the feasibility of performing multiple injection was investigated. By accumulating analytes from a certain number of continual small‐volume injections, compounds can be concentrated on the column head, and this leads to signal enhancement compared with a single injection. The signal to noise enhancement of different compounds appeared to be associated with their retention on different stationary phases and with type of sample diluent. The diethylamine column gave the best signal to noise enhancement when acetonitrile was used as sample diluent and the 2‐picolylamine column showed the best overall performance with water as the sample diluent. The advantage of multiple injection over one‐time large‐volume injection was proven with sulfanilamide, with both acetonitrile and water as sample diluents. The multiple injection approach exhibited comparable within‐ and between‐day precision of retention time and peak area with those of single injections. The potential of the multiple injection approach was demonstrated in the analysis of sulfanilamide‐spiked honey extract and diclofenac‐spiked ground water sample. The limitations of this approach were also discussed.     

芦蒿秸秆超临界CO2萃取物的气相色谱-质谱分析

芦蒿(Artemisia selengensis Trucz.)秸秆超临界CO2萃取物的挥发性成分,运用毛细管气相色谱-质谱联用法进行了分析,用气相色谱面积归一化法测定了各成分的质量分数.经毛细管色谱分离出33个峰,并鉴定出峰所对应的化合物.其主要化学成分为1-氯-3-(3-氯代丙氧基)丙烷、[1R-(1α,4aβ,10aα)]-1,2,3,4,4a9,10a-八氢-1,4a-二甲基-7-(1-甲基乙基)-1-菲羧酸、5,5-二甲基-1-乙基1,3-环戊二烯等.为进一步开发利用芦蒿资源提供了科学依据.