A hybrid liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry strategy in a forensic laboratory for opioid,cocaine and amphetamine classes in human urine using a hybrid linear ion trap-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer

A rapid method has been developed to analyse morphine, codeine, morphine-3-glucuronide, 6-monoacetylmorphine, cocaine, benzoylegonine, buprenorphine, dihydrocodeine, cocaethylene, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, ketamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, pseudoephedrine, lignocaine, benzylpiperazine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine and methadone in human urine. Urine samples were diluted with methanol:water (1:1, v/v) and sample aliquots were analysed by hybrid linear ion trap-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with a runtime of 12.5 min. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) as survey scan and an enhanced product ion (EPI) scan as dependent scan were performed in an information-dependent acquisition (IDA) experiment. Finally, drug identification and confirmation was carried out by library search with a developed in-house MS/MS library based on EPI spectra at a collision energy spread of 35 ± 15 in positive mode and MRM ratios. The method was validated in urine, according to the criteria defined in Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. At least two MRM transitions for each substance were monitored in addition to EPI spectra and deuterated analytes were used as internal standards for quantitation. The reporting level was 0.05 μg mL⁻¹ for the range of analytes tested. The regression coefficients (r²) for the calibration curves (0–4 μg mL⁻¹) in the study were ≥0.98. The method proved to be simple and time efficient and was implemented as an analytical strategy for the illicit drug monitoring of opioids, cocaines and amphetamines in criminal samples from crime offenders, abusers or victims in the Republic of Ireland. To the best of our knowledge there are no hybrid LC–MS applications using MRM mode and product ion spectra in the linear ion trap mode for opioids, cocaines or amphetamines with validation data in urine.     

Development of the first metabolite-based LC-MS<Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Superscript> urine drug screening procedure-exemplified for antidepressants

In contrast to GC-MS libraries, currently available LC-MS libraries for toxicological detection contain besides parent drugs only some main metabolites limiting their applicability for urine screening. Therefore, a metabolite-based LC-MS ⁿ screening procedure was developed and exemplified for antidepressants. The library was built up with MS² and MS³ wideband spectra using an LXQ linear ion trap with electrospray ionization in the positive mode and full-scan information-dependent acquisition. Pure substance spectra were recorded in methanolic solution and metabolite spectra in urine from rats after administration of the corresponding drugs. After identification, the metabolite spectra were added to the library. Various drugs and metabolites could be sufficiently separated. Recovery, process efficiency, matrix effects, and limits of detection for selected drugs were determined using protein precipitation. Automatic data evaluation was performed using ToxID and SmileMS software. The library consists of over 700 parent compounds including 45 antidepressants, over 1,600 metabolites, and artifacts. Protein precipitation led to sufficient results for sample preparation. ToxID and SmileMS were both suitable for target screening with some pros and cons. In our study, only SmileMS was suitable for untargeted screening being not limited to precursor selection. The LC-MS ⁿ method was suitable for urine screening as exemplified for antidepressants. It also allowed detecting unknown compounds based on known fragment structures. As ion suppression can never be excluded, it is advantageous to have several targets per drug. Furthermore, the detection of metabolites confirms the body passage. The presented LC-MS ⁿ method complements established GC-MS or LC-MS procedures in the authors’ lab.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis>-and <Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>-conformers of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-chloroacetylcytisine

N-Chloroacetylcytisine was synthesized by acylation of (–)-cytisine. Stable Z- and E-conformers with respect to rotational isomerism around the N-12–CO bond were found in PMR spectra at room temperature. The point at which PMR resonances of the Z- and E-conformers coalesced upon heating was measured. The transition barrier between the conformers was estimated.     

Use of a quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer in metabolite identification and bioanalysis

A new type of quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer, Q TRAP trade mark LC/MS/MS system (Q TRAP trade mark ), was evaluated for its performance in two studies: firstly, the in vitro metabolism of gemfibrozil in human liver microsomes, and, secondly, the quantification of propranolol in rat plasma. With the built-in information-dependent-acquisition (IDA) software, the instrument utilizes full scan MS in the ion trap mode and/or constant neutral loss scans as survey scans to trigger product ion scan (MS(2)) and MS(3) experiments to obtain structural information of drug metabolites 'on-the-fly'. Using this approach, five metabolites of gemfibrozil were detected in a single injection. This instrument combines some of the unique features of a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, such as constant neutral loss scan, precursor ion scan and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), together with the capability of a three-dimensional ion trap. Therefore, it becomes a powerful instrument for metabolite identification. The fast duty cycle in the ion trap mode allows the use of full product ion scan for quantification. For the quantification of propranolol, both MRM mode and full product ion scan in the ion trap mode were employed. Similar sensitivity, reproducibility and linearity values were established using these two approaches. The use of the product ion scan mode for quantification provided a convenient tool in selecting transitions for improving selectivity during the method development stage.     

Analysis of homoisoflavonoids in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ophiopogon japonicus</Emphasis> by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS

The homoisoflavonoids in Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawler were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn). Homoisoflavonoids gave prominent [M - H]- ions by electrospray ionization monitored in the negative ion mode. They could be classified into two types depending on the fragmentation behavior of their [M - H]- ions in the ion trap mass analyzer. The [M - H]- ions of homoisoflavonoids with a saturated C2-3 bond underwent C3-9 bond cleavage to lose the B-ring, which was followed by the loss of a molecule of CO. The [M - H]- ions of homoisoflavonoids with a C2-3 double bond usually eliminated a CO molecule first, and then underwent the cleavage of C3-9 or C9-1' bonds. For homoisoflavonoids with a C-6 formyl group, however, the neutral loss of CO was the first fragmentation step; the presence of a methoxyl group at C-8 could lead to the cleavage of C-ring. No retro Diels-Alder (RDA) fragmentation characteristic for normal flavonoids was observed. The above fragmentation rules were reported for the first time, and were implemented for the analysis of homoisoflavonoids in O. japonicus. The CHCl3-MeOH extract was separated on a Zorbax Extend-C18 column, eluting with a acetonitrile-0.3% acetic acid gradient. A total of 18 homoisoflavonoids, including seven new minor constituents, were identified or tentatively characterized based on the UV spectra and tandem mass spectra of the HPLC peaks.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Arcopilus aureus</Emphasis>, a Resveratrol-Producing Endophyte from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis>

Due to great interest on producing bioactive compounds for functional foods and biopharmaceuticals, it is important to explore the microbial degradation of potential sources of target biomolecules. Gallotannins are polyphenols present in nature, an example of them is tannic acid which is susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis. This hydrolysis is performed by tannase or tannin acyl hydrolase, releasing in this way, biomolecules with high-added value. In the present study, chemical profiles obtained after fungal degradation of tannic acid under two bioprocesses (submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid state fermentation (SSF)) were determined. In both fermentation systems (SmF and SSF), Aspergillus niger GH1 strain and tannic acid as a sole carbon source and inducer were used (the presence of tannic acid promotes production of enzyme tannase). In case of SSF, polyurethane foam (PUF) was used like as support of fermentation; culture medium only was used in case of submerged fermentation. Fermentation processes were monitored during 72 h; samples were taken kinetically every 8 h; and all extracts obtained were partially purified to obtain polyphenolic fraction and then were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Molecules like gallic acid and n-galloyl glucose were identified as intermediates in degradation of tannic acid; during SSF was identified ellagic acid production. The results obtained in this study will contribute to biotechnological production of ellagic acid.     

Thiocyanation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-arylsulfonyl-, <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-aroyl-, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-[(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-arylsulfonyl)benzimidoyl]-1,4-benzoquinone imines

Reactions of thiocyanate ion with N-aroyl-, N-arylsulfonyl-, and N-(N-arylsulfonylbenzimidoyl)-1,4-benzoquinone imines follow the 1,4-addition pattern, and the adducts undergo intramolecular cyclization to give the corresponding N-substituted 5-amino-1,3-benzoxathiol-2-ones as final products.     

Reactions of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Allyl- and <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Diallyltrifluoromethanesulfonamides with Carboxylic Acid Amides under Oxidizing Conditions

Reactions of acetamide and benzamide with N-allyltrifluoromethanesulfonamide in the presence of t-BuOCl–NaI afforded exclusively 2,5-bis(chloromethyl)-1,4-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)piperazine. Analogous reaction with N,N-diallyltrifluoromethanesulfonamide gave mixed halogenation product at only one C=C double bond of the substrate.     

Interaction of Fluosilicic Acid with <Emphasis Type="Italic">N-tert</Emphasis>-Butyl-Substituted Urea. Crystal Structure of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N</Emphasis>-Di-<Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-butylurea

Fluosilicic acid reacts with solutions of N,N-di-tert-butylurea (DTBU) in methanol or acetone to form crystalline compounds 2DTBU ? H₂SiF₆ and 2DTBU ? H₂SiF₆ ? Me₂CO, which were characterized by the IR and ¹⁹F NMR spectra and mass spectroscopy supplemented by theoretical calculations. According to the data of IR and ¹⁹F NMR spectra, the complexes are hexafluorosilicates of O-protonated DTBU. They undergo hydrolysis in organic media with water traces; their solubility in water is very low (0.10 and 0.14 wt %, respectively). In the DTBU structure, two independent ligand molecules are joined by hydrogen bonds NH?O(N?O) 2.888(5)–2.944(5) Å).     

Molecular properties of the copolymers of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-diallyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-dimethylammonium chloride and maleic acid

The hydrodynamic and conformational properties of molecules of poly(N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride) and N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride-maleic acid copolymers of different compositions in solutions with various ionic-strength and pH values, as well as of the polyelectrolyte complex based on the copolymer with dodecyl sulfate anions in chloroform, are studied. For poly(N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride) molecules in a 1 M NaCl solution, the Kuhn segment length and the hydrodynamic diameter of the chain are estimated as A = 3.9 nm and d = 0.48 nm, respectively. In acidic solutions with pH 3.5, the copolymers demonstrate behavior typical for polyelectrolytes. In an alkaline solution with pH 13, when 1 M NaCl is added to the solution of the copolymer containing 29 mol % maleic acid units, there is an antipolyelectrolyte effect that manifests itself as an increase in the intrinsic viscosity of the copolymer and in the hydrodynamic radius of its molecules. It is found that an increase in the fraction of maleic acid units in the copolymer from 12 to 42 mol % brings about a reduction in the equilibrium rigidity of its macromolecules from 4.1 to 2.2 nm. The equilibrium rigidity of polyelectrolyte-complex molecules is higher than that of initial copolymer molecules owing to steric interactions arising between the aliphatic chains of dodecyl sulfate anions. In an electric field, the molecules of the complex are oriented owing to the induced dipole moment resulting from the displacement of dodecyl sulfate anions along the chain contour.     

4<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis><Superscript>2</Superscript> resonances in photoionization from 4<Emphasis Type="Italic">s</Emphasis>4<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis> levels in neutral zinc

In neutral zinc the 4p ² configuration lies above the 3d ¹⁰4s ionization limit and its levels become perturbers in the continuum. Lines have been identified in the Zn I spectrum for the multiplet, whereas no lines have been found for transitions to 4p ^{2 1} D or ¹ S. In this paper, cross sections for photoionization from 4s4p levels are reported that reveal the positions and widths of the 4p ² resonances. Calculations were performed using the multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock (MCHF) and B-spline R-matrix (BSR) method. Results from Breit–Pauli calculations that ignore the background continua are also presented. Included in the latter are energies for the levels and transition data (transition energies, line strengths, f-values, and A-rates) for all E1 transitions between these levels. Transition energies and the agreement in the length and velocity values, particularly for allowed transitions, indicate the accuracy of the computational model. Line widths are compared with other estimates. Contribution to the Serafin Fraga Memorial Issue.     

Characterization of Cyclodextrin Glucanotransferase Produced by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus megaterium</Emphasis>

Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase, produced by Bacillus megaterium, was characterized, and the biochemical properties of the purified enzyme were determined. The substrate specificity of the enzyme was tested with different α-1,4-glucans. Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase displayed maximum activity in the case of soluble starch, with a K _m value of 3.4 g/L. The optimal pH and temperature values for the cyclization reaction were 7.2 and 60 °C, respectively. The enzyme was stable at pH 6.0–10.5 and 30 °C. The enzyme activity was activated by Sr²⁺, Mg²⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Cu²⁺, and it was inhibited by Zn²⁺and Ag⁺. The molecular mass of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase was established to be 73,400 Da by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, 68,200 Da by gel chromatography, and 75,000 Da by mass spectrometry. The monomer form of the enzyme was confirmed by the analysis of the N-terminal amino acid sequence. Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase formed all three types of cyclodextrins, but the predominant product was β-cyclodextrin.     

Mono-<Emphasis Type="Italic">meso</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-butylporphyrin

Summary. Treatment of meso-tetra(tert-butyl)porphyrin with sulfuric acid/n-butanol affords a mixture of porphyrin and mono-tert-butylporphyrin in relatively high yield.     

Determination of epoxides by high-performance liquid chromatography following derivatization with <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-diethyldithiocarbamate

A reversed-phase, high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method that allows quantitation of low levels of epoxides has been described. The method involved derivatization of epoxides using 100- to 1,000-fold excess N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (DTC) at 60 °C for 20 min at neutral pH. The unreacted DTC was then decomposed to CS₂ and diethyl amine by acidification of the reaction mixture to pH 2 using orthophosphoric acid. The first two steps could be performed in the same reaction vessel by sequential addition of reagents. In the final step, an aliquot (20 μL) of the derivatized sample was analyzed for the presence of stable esters of DTC by RP-HPLC using a Supelcosil LC-18-S (150 × 4.6-mm) column and a mobile phase consisting of 40% (v/v) acetonitrile in water at a flow of 1 mL min⁻¹. Using UV detection at 278 nm, the epoxides gave linear responses in the concentration range of 0.25 to 50 μM. The method is robust, and as low as 5 pmol of the analyte could be successfully detected and quantified with recoveries of ≥94%. Following a minimal pretreatment such as ultrafiltration (molecular weight cutoff 5,000 Da), the method is suitable for analysis of epoxides in complex physiological fluids (e.g., fetal bovine serum). The method has been rigorously evaluated and adapted in our laboratory for routine analysis and determination of stability of epoxides of 1,3-butadiene and other alkenes added to cell cultures.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-aryl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-iminobenzoquinones as novel regulators of radical polymerization

The effect of a number of quinoid compounds on methyl methacrylate polymerization initiated by azo-bis(isobutyronitrile) has been studied. It has been revealed that N-aryl-o-iminobenzoquinones, in contrast to o-benzoquinones, can provide radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in controllable mode. The efficiency of the compounds as chain growth regulators has been found to depend on their composition and reaction conditions. It has been established that 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-o-iminobenzoquinone and 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-o-iminobenzoquinone under radical initiation conditions provide the synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate) with wide-range molecular weight, retaining polydispersity indices about ~1.4–1.8 up to deep conversions.     

Equilibrium Compositions of HF Solutions in <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Dimethylformamide

For HF solutions in DMF, concentration-dependent fractions of DMF molecules (α(DMF)) that remain unassociated and that enter heteroassociates (HAs) of 1 : 1, 4 : 1, and 12 : 1 molecular stoichiometries were obtained by two independent methods, namely, from an analysis of IR spectra and by calculating the material balance. The experimental way was shown to be enough exact in determining the ratio between the solvent molecules in four different states up to ~83 mol % HF. The equilibrium compositions of HF–DMF solutions were estimated over the entire range of concentrations. Starting with [HF] of ~25 mol %, more than one-half HF molecules are associated, and at [HF] of ~50–92 mol %, at least 90% of the HF molecules are associated. The equilibrium composition of HF–organic solvent (Solv) solutions in which HAs of 1 : 1, 1 : 4, and 1 : 12 molecular stoichiometries are formed, can be described by a single set of α(HF–Solv) versus concentration plots.     

Photolysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-benzoquinone and <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-chloranil in aqueous sodium sulfite solution

Photosubstitution of the sulfo group for hydrogen (chlorine in chloranil) is observed under irradiation of sulfonated derivatives of hydroquinone formed upon dissolving of p-benzoquinone and p-chloranil in aqueous solutions of sodium sulfite. The quantum yield of the photochemical reaction is 0.18 ± 0.02 for p-benzoquinone. The rate constant of the thermal reaction of substitution is 5.5 × 10⁻⁴ l mol⁻¹ s⁻¹. The substitution reaction is sensitized by eosin upon irradiation with visible light. During the course of irradiation of sulfohydroquinones, the formation of a product with an absorption maximum at 235 nm was found. The product decays with a rate constant of 0.005 s⁻¹.     

Radical cations in irradiated solid <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-alkanes and polyethylene

The method of time-resolved magnetic field effect (TR MFE) in recombination fluorescence of spin-correlated radical ion pairs has been used to detect and identify radical cations generated at early stages after the pulse irradiation of polyethylene and tricosane. From analysis of TR MFE curves, the widths of unresolved EPR spectra of radical cations have been determined, and their g factors have been evaluated. The results have demonstrated that, as distinct from n-alkanes, primary radical cations in polyethylene are localized on chemical defects of the polymer chain in a time of about 1 ns or less.     

Inactivation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microcystis aeruginosa</Emphasis> with Contact Glow Discharge Electrolysis

This work investigated the inactivation of Microcystis aeruginosa (MA) with contact glow discharge electrolysis (CGDE). The influences of applied voltage, current and treatment time on the inactivation rate were critically examined. Based on the above results, the optimal conditions were chosen to sufficiently utilize chemically active species and enhance the inactivation of MA. Under the optimal conditions (voltage: 530 V; current: 30 mA; treatment time: 20 min), the inactivation rate of algae was more than 90% within 5 days incubation after inoculating. At the same time, the concentrations of Chlorophyll-a and dehydrogenase decreased, which demonstrated that 20 min CGDE treatment could effectively inhibit the growth of MA and caused deterioration of cell integrity. The present work would provide strong evidence to support the utilization of CGDE on the inactivation of MA in aqueous solution.     

Synthesis and properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-nitro-<Emphasis Type="Italic">O</Emphasis>-(4-nitrophenyl)hydroxylamine

Salts of N-nitro-O-(4-nitrophenyl)hydroxylamine were synthesized by a new method of oxidative nitration, involving the reaction of O-(4-nitrophenyl)hydroxylamine with KNO₂ or NaNO₂ in the presence of PhI(OAc)₂ or PhIO as oxidants. When using Na¹⁵NO₂, the samples containing the nitro group labeled with the ¹⁵N isotope were obtained. Acidification of the appropriate salt gave N-nitro-O-(4-nitrophenyl)hydroxylamine. It is the first N-nitrohydroxylamine isolated in the H-form. Its thermal stability was investigated and the probable mechanism of decomposition was suggested. From a comparison of the ¹⁴N and ¹⁵N NMR spectra of N-nitro-O-(4-nitrophenyl)hydroxylamine with those of its O- and N-methylated derivatives, its equilibrium with the aci-form (N=NOOH) was inferred.