Newborn screening of phenylketonuria using direct analysis in real time (DART) mass spectrometry

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is commonly included in the newborn screening panel of most countries, with various techniques being used for quantification of l-phenylalanine (Phe). To diagnose PKU as early as possible in newborn screening, a rapid and simple method of analysis was developed. Using direct analysis in real time (DART) ionization coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (TQ-MS/MS) and with use of a 12 DIP-it tip scanner autosampler in positive ion mode, we analyzed dried blood spot (DBS) samples from PKU newborns. The concentration of Phe was determined using multiple reaction monitoring mode with the nondeuterated internal standard N,N-dimethylphenylalanine. The results of the analysis of DBS samples from newborns indicated that the DART-TQ-MS/MS method is fast, accurate, and reproducible. The results prove that this assay as a newborn screen for PKU can be performed in 18 s per sample for the quantification of Phe in DBS samples. DART-TQ-MS/MS analysis of the Phe concentration in DBS samples allowed us to screen newborns for PKU. This innovative protocol is rapid and can be effectively applied on a routine basis to analyze a large number of samples in PKU newborn screening and PKU patient monitoring.

Accurate Mass Fragment Library for Rapid Analysis of Pesticides on Produce Using Ambient Pressure Desorption Ionization with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

U.S. food imports have been increasing steadily for decades, intensifying the need for a rapid and sensitive screening technique. A method has been developed that uses foam disks to sample the surface of incoming produce. This work provides complimentary information to the extensive amount of published pesticide fragmentation data collected using LCMS systems (Sack et al. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 59, 6383–6411, 2011; Mol et al. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 403, 2891–2908, 2012). The disks are directly analyzed using transmission-mode direct analysis in real time (DART) ambient pressure desorption ionization coupled to a high resolution accurate mass-mass spectrometer (HRAM-MS). In order to provide more certainty in the identification of the pesticides detected, a library of accurate mass fragments and isotopes of the protonated parent molecular ion (the [M+H]⁺) has been developed. The HRAM-MS is equipped with a quadrupole mass filter, providing the capability of “data-dependent” fragmentation, as opposed to “all -ion” fragmentation (where all of the ions enter a collision chamber and are fragmented at once). A temperature gradient for the DART helium stream and multiple collision energies were employed to detect and fragment 164 pesticides of varying chemical classes, sizes, and polarities. The accurate mass information of precursor ([M+H]⁺ ion) and fragment ions is essential in correctly identifying chemical contaminants on the surface of imported produce. Additionally, the inclusion of isotopes of the [M+H]⁺ in the database adds another metric to the confirmation process. The fragmentation data were collected using a Q-Exactive mass spectrometer and were added to a database used to process data collected with an Exactive mass spectrometer, an instrument that is more readily available for this screening application. The commodities investigated range from smooth-skinned produce such as apples to rougher surfaces like broccoli. The minimal sample preparation and absence of chromatography has shortened the analysis time to about 15 min per sample, and the simplicity and robustness of the technique make it ideal for rapid screening.

High-mass cluster ions of ionic liquids in positive-ion and negative-ion DART-MS and their application for wide-range mass calibrations

Eight ionic liquids (ILs) are subjected to both positive-ion and negative-ion direct analyses in real time (DART) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry (MS). First, their ability to deliver evenly distributed cluster ion series covering a wide m/z range is explored. Then, one of the ILs exhibiting particularly useful cluster ion series in either ion polarity is applied for mass calibration. Using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tricyanomethide delivers positive cluster ions suitable for mass calibration in the m/z 100–4,000 range and covers the m/z 100–2,000 range in negative-ion DART-MS. The corresponding mass reference lists are provided for either polarity. Furthermore, based on 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tricyanomethide, a high-mass record of m/z?>?5,000 for positive-ion DART-MS is presented. The mass calibration procedure is finally validated by application to established standard compounds such as polydimethylsiloxanes, perfluorononanoic acid, and Ultramark 1621, a mixture of hexakis (fluoroalkoxy) phosphazenes. Further proof is presented by consistent exact mass differences between adjacent cluster ions.

Biological and chemical investigation of Allium cepa L. response to selenium inorganic compounds

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological and chemical response of Allium cepa L. exposed to inorganic selenium compounds. Besides the investigation of the total content of selenium as well as its chemical speciation, the Allium test was used to evaluate the growth of onion roots and mitotic activity in the roots’ meristem. The total content of selenium was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), coupled to ICP MS, was used for the selenium chemical speciation. Results indicated that A. cepa plants are able to biotransform inorganic selenium compounds into their organic derivatives, e.g., Se-methylselenocysteine from the Se(IV) inorganic precursor. Although the differences in the biotransformation of selenium are due mainly to the oxidation state of selenium, the experiment has also shown a fine effect of counter ions (H⁺, Na⁺, NH₄ ⁺) on the response of plants and on the specific metabolism of selenium.

Radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate with 2,2,3-triphenylpropanoic acid as an initiator

An unsymmetrical compound, 2,2,3-triphenylpropanoic acid (TPPA), was successfully prepared from phenyllithium, 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE), gas carbon dioxide (CO₂), and aqueous standard solution of hydrochloric acid with LiCl deprivation. Characterization of the compound was performed by ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was performed in the presence of TPPA at 95 °C. The free radicals obtained were characterized by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF MS). Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) traces of the average molecular weight of poly(MMA) (PMMA) showed a series of translations with increasing time. The average molecular weight of PMMA indicated narrow polydispersity, and an approximately linear relationship was found between ln ([M]₀/[M]) and polymerization time.

Mapping the Stability Diagram of a Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer with a Static Transverse Magnetic Field Applied

Previous experimental and theoretical work identified that the application of a static magnetic (B) field can improve the resolution of a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) and this simple method of performance enhancement offers advantages for field deployment. Presented here are further data showing the effect of the transverse magnetic field upon the QMS performance. For the first time, the asymmetry in QMS operation with B _x and B _y is considered and explained in terms of operation in the fourth quadrant of the stability diagram. The results may be explained by considering the additional Lorentz force (v x B) experienced by the ion trajectories in each case. Using our numerical approach, we model not only the individual ion trajectories for a transverse B field applied in x and y but also the mass spectra and the effect of the magnetic field upon the stability diagram. Our theoretical findings, confirmed by experiment, show an improvement in resolution and ion transmission by application of magnetic field for certain operating conditions.

Gas-Phase Arylmethyl Transfer and Cyclodeamination of Argentinated N-Arylmethyl-Pyridin-2-Ylmethanimine

In collisional activation of argentinated N-arylmethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethanimine, a neutral molecule of AgNH₂ is eliminated, carrying one hydrogen from the methylene and the other one from the ortho position (relative to the ipso carbon) of the aryl ring. Taking argentinated N-benzyl-pyridin-2-ylmethanimine for example, the proposition that the AgNH₂ loss results from intramolecular arylmethyl transfer combined with cyclodeamination is rationalized by deuterium labeling experiments, blocking experiments, and theoretical calculations. The structure of the final product ion from loss of AgNH₂ was confirmed further by multistage mass spectrometry.

Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) of Ionic Liquids

Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) was used to analyze ionic liquids (ILs) containing either imidazolium or phosphonium cations combined with different types of inorganic and organic anions. Ionic liquids were directly inserted into the ionization source using a glass probe without dissolution into organic solvents. Mass spectra of the ILs were collected in both positive and negative mode with a linear ion-trap instrument. The intact cation of the compound was typically the dominant peak in positive mass spectra and cluster ion formation was present. Some individual anions were not readily observed in the negative mass spectra (based on the type of anion); however, the mass difference of adjacent cluster ions equal the mass of a complete IL and the anion mass could be verified by subtracting the known cation mass. The degree and intensity of the cluster ion formations was found to be dependent on the nature of the specific ILs as well as the DART temperature gas stream.

Fast and selective magnetic solid phase extraction of trace Cd, Mn and Pb in environmental and biological samples and their determination by ICP-MS

We have immobilized iminodiacetic acid on mesoporous Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ microspheres and used this material for efficient and cost effective method of magnetic solid phase extraction (SPE) of trace levels of Cd, Mn and Pb. The microspheres were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The loaded microspheres can be easily separated from the aqueous sample solution by applying an external magnetic field. The effects of pH, sample volume, concentration and volume of eluent, and of interfering ions were investigated in detail. The method has detection limit of 0.16, 0.26 and 0.26?ng?L^?1 for the ions of Cd, Mn and Pb, respectively, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs, c?=?1???g?L^?1, n?=?7) are 4.8%, 4.6% and 7.4%. The method was successfully applied to the determination of these metals in biological and environmental samples using ICP-MS. Two certified reference materials were analyzed, and the results coincided well with the certified values.

N-Terminal Peptide Sequence Repetition Influences the Kinetics of Backbone Fragmentation: A Manifestation of the Jahn-Teller Effect?

Analysis of large (>10,000 entries) databases consisting of high-resolution tandem mass spectra of peptide dications revealed with high statistical significance (P?<?1?10^–3) that peptides with non-identical first two N-terminal amino acids undergo cleavages of the second peptide bond at higher rates than repetitive sequences composed of the same amino acids (i.e., in general AB- and BA- bonds cleave more often than AA- and BB- bonds). This effect seems to depend upon the collisional energy, being stronger at lower energies. The phenomenon is likely to indicate the presence of the diketopiperazine structure for at least some b₂ ⁺ ions. When consisting of two identical amino acids, these species should form through intermediates that have a symmetric geometry and, thus, must be subject to the Jahn-Teller effect that reduces the stability of such systems.

Analysis of triacylglycerol hydroperoxides in human lipoproteins by Orbitrap mass spectrometer

Herein, we represent a simple method for the detection and characterization of molecular species of triacylglycerol monohydroperoxides (TGOOH) in biological samples by use of reversed-phase liquid chromatography with a LTQ Orbitrap XL mass spectrometer (LC/LTQ Orbitrap) via an electrospray ionization source. Data were acquired using high-resolution, high-mass accuracy in Fourier-transform mode. Platform performance, related to the identification of TGOOH in human lipoproteins and plasma, was estimated using extracted ion chromatograms with mass tolerance windows of 5 ppm. Native low-density lipoproteins (nLDL) and native high-density lipoproteins (nHDL) from a healthy donor were oxidized by CuSO₄ to generate oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and oxidized HDL (oxHDL). No TGOOH molecular species were detected in the nLDL and nHDL, whereas 11 species of TGOOH molecules were detected in the oxLDL and oxHDL. In positive-ion mode, TGOOH was found as [M + NH₄]⁺. In negative-ion mode, TGOOH was observed as [M + CH₃COO]^–. TGOOH was more easily ionized in positive-ion mode than in negative-ion mode. The LC/LTQ Orbitrap method was applied to human plasma and three molecular species of TGOOH were detected. The limit of detection is 0.1 pmol (S/N?=?10:1) for each synthesized TGOOH.

Determination of cocaine and methadone in urine samples by thin-film solid-phase microextraction and direct analysis in real time (DART) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

The use of thin-film solid-phase microextraction (SPME) as the sampling preparation step before direct analysis in real time (DART) was evaluated for the determination of two prohibited doping substances, cocaine and methadone, in urine samples. Results showed that thin-film SPME improves the detectability of these compounds: signal-to-blank ratios of 5 (cocaine) and 13 (methadone) were obtained in the analysis of 0.5 ng/ml in human urine. Thin-film SPME also provides efficient sample cleanup, avoiding contamination of the ion source by salt residues from the urine samples. Extraction time was established in 10 min, thus providing relatively short analysis time and high throughput when combined with a 96-well shaker and coupled with DART technique.

Structural Distinction of Diacyl-, Alkylacyl,and Alk-1-Enylacyl Glycerophosphocholines as [M – 15]– Ions by Multiple-Stage Linear Ion-Trap Mass Spectrometry with Electrospray Ionization

We describe a linear ion-trap (LIT) multiple-stage (MSⁿ) mass spectrometric approach towards differentiation of alkylacyl, alk-1-enylacyl- and diacyl-glycerophoscholines (PCs) as the [M – 15]^– ions desorbed by electrospray ionization (ESI) in the negative-ion mode. The MS⁴ mass spectra of the [M – 15 – R₂′CH = CO]^– ions originated from the three PC subfamilies are readily distinguishable, resulting in unambiguous distinction of the lipid classes. This method is applied to two alkyl ether rich PC mixtures isolated from murine bone marrow neutrophils and kidney, respectively, to explore its utility in the characterization of complex PC mixture of biological origin, resulting in the realization of the detailed structures of the PC species, including various classes and many minor isobaric isomers.

Amino and Acetamide Functional Group Effects on the Ionization and Fragmentation of Sugar Chains in Positive-Ion Mass Spectrometry

To elucidate the influence of amino (-NH₂) and acetamide (-NHCOCH₃, -NAc) groups in sugar chains on their ionization and fragmentation, cycloamyloses (cyclodextrins, CyDs) and lacto-oligosaccharide are analyzed by MALDI TOF/TOF and ESI Q-TOF mass spectrometry. CyD derivatives substituted by amino or acetamide groups are ideal analytes to extract the function group effects, which are amino-CyD with one hexosamine (HexNH₂) and acetamide-CyD with one N-acetyl hexosamine (HexNAc). Interestingly, the relative ion intensities and isotope-like patterns in their product ion spectra depend on the functional groups and ion forms of sugar chains. Consequently, the results indicate that a proton (H⁺) localizes on the amino group of the amino sugar, and that the proton (H⁺) induces their fragmentation. Sodium cation (Na⁺) attachment is independent from amino group and exerts no influence on their fragmentation patterns in amino group except for mono- and disaccharide fragment ions because there is the possibility of the reducing end effect. In contrast, a sodium cation localizes much more frequently on the acetamide group in acetamide-CyDs because the chemical species with HexNAc are stable. Thus, their ions with HexNAc are abundant. These results are consistent with the fragmentation of lacto-neo-N-tetraose and maltotetraose, suggesting that a sodium cation generally localizes much more frequently on the acetamide group in sugar chains.

Measuring Positive Cooperativity Using the Direct ESI-MS Assay. Cholera Toxin B Subunit Homopentamer Binding to GM1 Pentasaccharide

Direct electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) assay was used to investigate the stepwise binding of the GM1 pentasaccharide β-D-Galp-(1→3)-β-D-GalpNAc-(1→4)[α-D-Neu5Ac-(2→3)]-β-D-Galp-(1→4)-β-D-Glcp (GM1os) to the cholera toxin B subunit homopentamer (CTB₅) and to establish conclusively whether GM1os binding is cooperative. Apparent association constants were measured for the stepwise addition of one to five GM1os to CTB₅ at pH 6.9 and 22 °C. The intrinsic association constant, which was established from the apparent association constant for the addition of a single GM1os to CTB₅, was found to be (3.2 ± 0.2) × 10⁶ M^–1. This is in reasonable agreement with the reported value of (6.4 ± 0.3) × 10⁶ M^–1, which was measured at pH 7.4 and 25 °C using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Analysis of the apparent association constants provides direct and unambiguous evidence that GM1os binding exhibits small positive cooperativity. Binding was found to be sensitive to the number of ligand-bound nearest neighbor subunits, with the affinities enhanced by a factor of 1.7 and 2.9 when binding occurs next to one or two ligand-bound subunits, respectively. These findings, which provide quantitative support for the binding model proposed by Homans and coworkers [14], highlight the unique strengths of the direct ESI-MS assay for measuring cooperative ligand binding.

Establishing Drug Resistance in Microorganisms by Mass Spectrometry

A rapid method to determine drug resistance in bacteria based on mass spectrometry is presented. In it, a mass spectrum of an intact microorganism grown in drug-containing stable isotope-labeled media is compared with a mass spectrum of the intact microorganism grown in non-labeled media without the drug present. Drug resistance is determined by predicting characteristic mass shifts of one or more microorganism biomarkers using bioinformatics algorithms. Observing such characteristic mass shifts indicates that the microorganism is viable even in the presence of the drug, thus incorporating the isotopic label into characteristic biomarker molecules. The performance of the method is illustrated on the example of intact E. coli, grown in control (unlabeled) and ¹³C-labeled media, and analyzed by MALDI TOF MS. Algorithms for data analysis are presented as well.

Three-dimensional molecular reconstruction of rat heart with mass spectrometry imaging

Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s number one cause of death, accounting for 17.1 million deaths a year. New high-resolution molecular and structural imaging strategies are needed to understand underlying pathophysiological mechanism. The aim of our study is (1) to provide a molecular basis of the heart animal model through the local identification of biomolecules by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) (three-dimensional (3D) molecular reconstruction), (2) to perform a cross-species validation of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)-based cardiovascular molecular imaging, and (3) to demonstrate potential clinical relevance by the application of this innovative methodology to human heart specimens. We investigated a MSI approach using SIMS on the major areas of a rat and mouse heart: the pericardium, the myocardium, the endocardium, valves, and the great vessels. While several structures of the heart can be observed in individual two-dimensional sections analyzed by metal-assisted SIMS imaging, a full view of these structures in the total heart volume can be achieved only through the construction of the 3D heart model. The images of 3D reconstruction of the rat heart show a highly complementary localization between Na⁺, K⁺, and two ions at m/z 145 and 667. Principal component analysis of the MSI data clearly identified different morphology of the heart by their distinct correlated molecular signatures. The results reported here represent the first 3D molecular reconstruction of rat heart by SIMS imaging.

Elimination of Benzene from Protonated N-Benzylindoline: Benzyl Cation/Proton Transfer or Direct Proton Transfer?

Collision-induced dissociation (CID) of protonated N-benzylindoline and its derivatives was investigated by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Elimination of benzene was observed besides hydride transfer and electron transfer reactions. D-labeling experiments and accurate mass determinations of the product ions confirm that the external proton is retained in the fragment ion, and the elimination reaction was proposed to be initiated by benzyl cation transfer rather than proton transfer. Benzyl cation transfer from the nitrogen atom to one of the sp²-hybridized carbon atoms in the indoline core is the key step, and subsequent proton transfer reaction leads to the elimination of benzene. Density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations were performed and the computational results also support the benzyl cation/proton transfer mechanism.

Insights into the Binding Sites of Organometallic Ruthenium Anticancer Compounds on Peptides Using Ultra-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

The binding sites of two ruthenium(II) organometallic complexes of the form [(η⁶-arene)Ru(N,N)Cl]⁺, where arene/N,N = biphenyl (bip)/bipyridine (bipy) for complex AH076, and biphenyl (bip)/o-phenylenediamine (o-pda) for complex AH078, on the peptides angiotensin and bombesin have been investigated using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry. Fragmentation was performed using collisionally activated dissociation (CAD), with, in some cases, additional data being provided by electron capture dissociation (ECD). The primary binding sites were identified as methionine and histidine, with further coordination to phenylalanine, potentially through a π-stacking interaction, which has been observed here for the first time. This initial peptide study was expanded to investigate protein binding through reaction with insulin, on which the binding sites proposed are histidine, glutamic acid, and tyrosine. Further reaction of the ruthenium complexes with the oxidized B chain of insulin, in which two cysteine residues are oxidized to cysteine sulfonic acid (Cys-SO₃H), and glutathione, which had been oxidized with hydrogen peroxide to convert the cysteine to cysteine sulfonic acid, provided further support for histidine and glutamic acid binding, respectively.