Mapping Antiretroviral Drugs in Tissue by IR-MALDESI MSI Coupled to the Q Exactive and Comparison with LC-MS/MS SRM Assay

This work describes the coupling of the IR-MALDESI imaging source with the Q Exactive mass spectrometer. IR-MALDESI MSI was used to elucidate the spatial distribution of several HIV drugs in cervical tissues that had been incubated in either a low or high concentration. Serial sections of those analyzed by IR-MALDESI MSI were homogenized and analyzed by LC-MS/MS to quantify the amount of each drug present in the tissue. By comparing the two techniques, an agreement between the average intensities from the imaging experiment and the absolute quantities for each drug was observed. This correlation between these two techniques serves as a prerequisite to quantitative IR-MALDESI MSI. In addition, a targeted MS² imaging experiment was also conducted to demonstrate the capabilities of the Q Exactive and to highlight the added selectivity that can be obtained with SRM or MRM imaging experiments. Fig. a

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Multi-residue analysis of emerging pollutants in sediment using QuEChERS-based extraction followed by LC-MS/MS analysis

Emerging contaminants are suspected to cause adverse effects in humans and wildlife. Aquatic ecosystems are continuously contaminated by agricultural and industrial sources. To establish a causality relationship between the occurrence of contaminants in the environment and disease, experiments including all environmental matrices must be performed. Consequently, the current analytical tools must be improved. A new multi-residue method for analysing 15 emerging pollutants in sediments based on the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe approach is reported. The development of such a multirisque, inter-family method for sediment including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, personal care products and plasticizers is reported for the first time. The procedure involves salting-out liquid–liquid extraction using acetonitrile and clean-up with dispersive solid phase extraction, followed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The validated analytical procedure exhibited recoveries between 40 and 98 % for every target compound. This methodology facilitated the determination of pollutant contents at nanogram-per-gram concentrations.

LC-MS/MS fast analysis of androgenic steroids in urine

The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated to detect androgenic steroids: trenbolone, nortestosterone, boldenone, methylboldenone, testosterone, methyltestosterone, 17β-1-testosterone and their metabolites in bovine urine. Sample preparation before LC-MS/MS analysis involved an enzymatic hydrolysis with glucuronidase AS-HP, isolation of free hormones from urine on C(18) SPE column and purification of the extract using liquid-liquid extraction with n-pentane and SPE NH(2) column. For the chromatographic separation of steroids, the Poroshell 120-EC C18 column (150?×?2.1 mm, 2.7 μm) was used. Mass spectrometric measurement was achieved using the API 4000 triple quadrupole (QqQ) instrument with a TurboIon-Spray source operating in positive electrospray ionization mode. The procedure was validated according to the Decision 2002/657/EC. Recovery ranged from 76.5% to 118.9% for all examined compounds. The repeatability was below 20% and reproducibility did not exceed the 25%. The linearity was good for all analytes in the whole range of tested concentrations, as proved by the correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. The decision limit (CCα) ranged from 0.10 to 0.17 μg L(-1) for all analytes, whereas the detection capability (CCβ) ranged from 0.17 to 0.29 μg L(-1). The application of an innovative Poroshell column allowed for very good chromatographic separation of steroids with a much shorter time of analysis.     

LC-MS/MS测定小鼠肝脏中甘草次酸含量

建立了LC-MS/MS测定小鼠肝脏中甘草次酸含量的方法.本法以咖啡酸为内标物质,采用多反应监测模式,对肝脏中甘草次酸进行含量测定.所建方法灵敏、准确、可靠,具有线性范围宽、专属性强、基质效应低、回收率及稳定性高的特点,可用于甘草次酸与雄黄联合用药小鼠肝脏中甘草次酸的含量测定.     

Rapid analysis of the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate in soil using LC-MS/MS

Nitrate from the biological nitrification of ammonium fertilisers causes environmental damage via groundwater contamination and nitrous oxide emission. To limit nitrate formation, nitrification inhibitors (NIs) are used in conjunction with ammonium-based fertilisers in agricultural land management. The NI 3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole phosphate (DMPP), with an active constituent 3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole (3,4-DMP), is commercially available and its effectiveness and behaviour in soils have been studied. However, only one method for the analysis of 3,4-DMP in soil has been reported and relies on extensive sample preparation to remove matrix interferences prior to HPLC analysis. A new method was developed to allow monitoring of 3,4-DMP residues in soil after appliaction, which utilises the greater selectivity and sensitivity of LC-MS/MS. A 3,4-DMP limit of quantitation of 0.5 ng/g was achieved, which is 10 times more sensitive than the published method, and was achieved using 10,000 times less 3,4-DMP injected on-column, with an injection volume 100 times smaller. Four internal standards were evaluated to improve the accuracy of the extraction method. The isotope-substituted structural isomer 3,5-dimethyl pyrazole-¹⁵N₂ provided the best and most consistent recoveries over the 300-fold concentration range tested. The new method was employed to investigate the persistence and mobility of 3,4-DMP in an agricultural soil. 3,4-DMP had a half-life of 5 days in the top 0.5 cm of soil at normal and double recommended application rates, while half-lives in the 2.5 cm soil profile were 28 and 21 days, respectively. 3,4-DMP mobility in the clay loam soil tested was low, with only 15–25% of applied 3,4-DMP detected below the top 0.5 cm, suggesting the loss of 3,4-DMP was either due to volatilisation or degradation, rather than leaching into the soil profile.     

LC-MS/MS法快速测定吡罗昔康制剂中吡罗昔康含量

建立了快速液相色谱-质谱/质谱联用法测定吡罗昔康制剂中吡罗昔康含量的方法。样品以0.1 mol/L盐酸甲醇溶液提取、微孔滤膜过滤、离心后,通过电喷雾离子化(ESI),采用多反应检测(MRM)方式进行正离子检测,用于定量分析的检测离子为m/z 332.2→94.8。采用Shim-pack XR-ODS(3.0 mm×75mm,2.0μm)柱分离,以乙腈-水-甲酸(60:40:0.1,V/V/V)为流动相,流速为0.40 mL/min,在3 min内完成吡罗昔康定量分析。线性范围为2.5～1000.0ng/mL,最低检测限为2.5 ng/mL;日内测定的相对标准偏差小于3.2%,日间测定的相对标准偏差小于3.8%。方法可作为吡罗昔康制剂的质量中吡罗昔康控制方法,并可用于少量血浆样品的测定,也适用于药物代谢动力学研究。     

Simultaneous determination of sulfoxaflor in 14 daily foods using LC-MS/MS

Sulfoxa?or residues in 14 daily foods, including rice, sorghum, chilli, cucumber, white pear, apple, egg, beef brisket, chicken breast, fish, pork liver, milk, pine nut and honey, were simultaneously determined using a modified QuEChERS and LC–MS/MS method. These foods were classified into three categories to be purified. A combination of 25 mg of octadecylsilane (C18) + 25 mg of primary and secondary amine (PSA) + 50 mg of graphitised carbon black (GCB) + 150 mg of MgSO₄ was used to purify the rice, sorghum, honey, apple and white pear. A combination of 25 mg of C18 + 50 mg of PSA + 50 mg of GCB + 150 mg of MgSO₄ was used to purify the chilli and cucumber. A combination of 50 mg of C18 + 25 mg of PSA + 50 mg of GCB + 150 mg of MgSO₄ was used to purify the pine nuts, egg, beef brisket, chicken breast, fish, pork liver and milk. The linearity coefficient values were greater than 0.9975. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were in the ranges of 0.7?1.8 and 2.0?5.0 μg kg^?1, respectively. Average recoveries of the sulfoxa?or at the 14 food matrices at spiking levels of 5.0, 10 and 50 μg kg^?1 ranged from 74.0% to 100.8%, and the relative standard deviation ranged from 2.2% to 11.2%. This is a simple and rapid method for the determination of sulfoxa?or residues in various kinds of daily foods.     

Simultaneous determination of 32 antibiotics in aquaculture products using LC-MS/MS

An analytical multiclass, multi-residue method for the determination of antibiotics in aquaculture products was developed and validated. A fast, cheap, and straightforward extraction procedure followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was proposed. This method covers 32 antibiotics of different classes, which are frequently used in aquaculture. Three different extraction procedures were compared, and the extraction with acetonitrile (0.1 vol. % formic acid) showed the best results. The selected extraction procedure was validated at four different fortification levels (10 μg kg^?1, 25 μg kg^?1, 50 μg kg^?1, and 100 μg kg^?1). Recoveries of the tested antibiotics ranged from 70 % to 120 %, with the relative standard deviation (RSD) of triplicates lower than 20 %. The limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.062 μg kg^?1 to 4.6 μg kg^?1, allowing for the analysis of trace levels of these antibiotics in aquaculture products. The method was applied to the analysis of selected antibiotics in fish and shrimp meat available in the Czech market.     

Quantitation of intracellular purine intermediates in different Corynebacteria using electrospray LC-MS/MS

Intermediates of the purine biosynthesis pathway play key roles in cellular metabolism including nucleic acid synthesis and signal mediation. In addition, they are also of major interest to the biotechnological industry as several intermediates either possess flavor-enhancing characteristics or are applied in medical therapy. In this study, we have developed an analytical method for quantitation of 12 intermediates from the purine biosynthesis pathway including important nucleotides and their corresponding nucleosides and nucleobases. The approach comprised a single-step acidic extraction/quenching procedure, followed by quantitative electrospray LC-MS/MS analysis. The assay was validated in terms of accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and applicability for complex biological matrices. The method was subsequently applied for determination of free intracellular pool sizes of purine biosynthetic pathway intermediates in the two Gram-positive bacteria Corynebacterium glutamicum and Corynebacterium ammoniagenes. Importantly, no ion pair reagents were applied in this approach as usually required for liquid chromatography analysis of large classes of diverse metabolites.     

Intensive optimization and evaluation of global DNA methylation quantification using LC-MS/MS

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry - DNA methylation is a typical epigenetic phenomenon. Numerous methods for detecting global DNA methylation levels have been developed, among which LC-MS/MS...     

Multiclass analysis of illicit drugs in plasma and oral fluids by LC-MS/MS

An analytical procedure for the simultaneous determination in human plasma and oral fluids of several illicit drugs belonging to different chemical and toxicological classes is presented. Amphetamine, methamphetamine, morphine, 6-monoacetylmorphine, methylenedioxyamphetamine, methylenedioxyethylamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, cocaine, benzoylecgonine, tetrahydrocannabinol, carboxytetrahydrocannabinol, ketamine, and phencyclidine have been quantified in real samples using a very rapid sample treatment, basically a protein precipitation. The quantitative analysis was performed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and has been fully validated. All the analytes were detected in positive ionization mode using a TurboIonSpray source, except carboxytetrahydrocannabinol, which was detected in negative ionization mode. The use of a diverter valve between the column and the mass spectrometer allows the preservation of the ion source performances for high-throughput analysis. Figure Diverter system     

Strategies in quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis of unstable small molecules in biological matrices

Stability is an important pre-analytical variable for quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis of drug molecules and/or their metabolites in biological matrices. Instability of an analyte in any stage of the bioanalytical process, including sample collection, processing, storage, extraction and LC-MS/MS analysis, can result in under-/over-estimation if an adequate preventive procedure is not in place. In the current review on practical strategies in quantitative LC-MS/MS bioanalysis of unstable small molecules, the common causes of analyte instability were examined. The instability of some analytes is readily predictable because of the presence of certain chemically or biologically labile moieties in the molecules or because the compounds are in an inter-convertible form, e.g. lactone vs hydroxyl carboxylic acid. However, the instability of many other analytes is not readily predictable. Necessary evaluation needs to be conducted to identify the possible instability issues. The current review highlighted some general considerations and specific approaches for developing a robust LC-MS/MS method. In particular, incurred samples should be used as part of routine short-term stability assessment of any unstable analyte during the early stages of method development and validation. This can help unveil any 'hidden' instability issues that, if left unaddressed, could lead to the invalidation of a 'validated' method.     

Chiral analyses of dextromethorphan/levomethorphan and their metabolites in rat and human samples using LC-MS/MS

In order to develop an analytical method for the discrimination of dextromethorphan (an antitussive medicine) from its enantiomer, levomethorphan (a narcotic) in biological samples, chiral analyses of these drugs and their O-demethyl and/or N-demethyl metabolites in rat plasma, urine, and hair were carried out using LC-MS/MS. After the i.p. administration of dextromethorphan or levomethorphan to pigmented hairy male DA rats (5 mg/kg/day, 10 days), the parent compounds and their three metabolites in plasma, urine and hair were determined using LC-MS/MS. Complete chiral separation was achieved in 12 min on a Chiral CD-Ph column in 0.1% formic acid–acetonitrile by a linear gradient program. Most of the metabolites were detected as being the corresponding O-demethyl and N, O-didemethyl metabolites in the rat plasma and urine after the hydrolysis of O-glucuronides, although obvious differences in the amounts of these metabolites were found between the dextro and levo forms. No racemation was observed through O- and/or N-demethylation. In the rat hair samples collected 4 weeks after the first administration, those differences were more clearly detected and the concentrations of the parent compounds, their O-demethyl, N-demethyl, and N, O-didemethyl metabolites were 63.4, 2.7, 25.1, and 0.7 ng/mg for the dextro forms and 24.5, 24.6, 2.6, and 0.5 ng/mg for the levo forms, respectively. In order to fully investigate the differences of their metabolic properties between dextromethorphan and levomethorphan, DA rat and human liver microsomes were studied. The results suggested that there might be an enantioselective metabolism of levomethorphan, especially with regard to the O-demethylation, not only in DA rat but human liver microsomes as well. The proposed chiral analyses might be applied to human samples and could be useful for discriminating dextromethorphan use from levomethorphan use in the field of forensic toxicology, although further studies should be carried out using authentic human samples.     

LC-MS/MS analysis of phosphatidylethanol in dried blood spots versus conventional blood specimens

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth), which is formed extrahepatically by the action of phospholipase D on phosphatidylcholine in the presence of ethanol, has been suggested as a promising marker of alcohol misuse. Analysis of dried blood spots (DBS) is particularly advantageous for the determination of delicate analytes such as PEth. Therefore, measurement of PEth species (18:1/18:1, 16:0/18:1) in DBS versus whole blood was performed to ascertain whether respective results are directly comparable. Samples were obtained from subjects (n = 40) undergoing alcohol detoxification treatment. Analysis involved liquid–liquid extraction from both, DBS and whole blood (100 μL, respectively), with phosphatidylpropanol as the internal standard. Extracts were subjected to LC gradient separation using multiple reaction monitoring of deprotonated molecules. Results from measurements of corresponding DBS and whole blood specimens were compared by estimating the respective mean values and by a Bland and Altman analysis. Concentrations of PEth 18:1/18:1 ranged from 46.1 to 3,360 ng/mL in whole blood (mean, 461.7 ng/mL) and from 35.8 to 3,360 ng/mL in DBS (mean, 457.6 ng/mL); for PEth 16:0/18:1, concentrations were from 900 to 213,000 ng/mL (mean, 23,375 ng/mL) and 922–213,000 ng/mL (mean, 23,470 ng/mL) in blood and DBS, respectively. Estimated mean differences were −4.3 ng/mL for PEth 18:1/18:1 and 95.8 ng/mL for PEth 16:0/18:1. The Bland–Altman plot of both PEth species showed that the variation around the mean difference was similar all through the range of measured values and that all differences except one were within the limits of agreement. It could be shown that the determination of PEth species in DBS is as reliable as in whole blood samples. This assay may facilitate monitoring of alcohol misuse.     

Quantification of pseudoephedrine in human plasma by LC-MS/MS using mosapride as internal standard

A simple, sensitive and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography/positive ion electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of pseudoephedrine in human plasma using mosapride as internal standard. Following solid-phase extraction, the analytes were separated using an isocratic mobile phase on a reverse-phase column and analyzed by MS/MS in the multiple-reaction monitoring mode using the respective [M + H](+) ions, m/z 166/148 for pseuoephedrine and m/z 422/198 for the IS. The method exhibited a linear dynamic range of 2-1000 ng/mL pseudoephedrine in human plasma. The lower limit of quantification was 2 ng/mL with a relative standard deviation of less than 9% for pseudoephedrine. Acceptable precision and accuracy were obtained for concentrations over the standard curve range. The total chromatographic run time of 2 min for each sample made it possible to analyze more than 400 human plasma samples per day. The validated method has been successfully used to analyze human plasma samples for application in pharmacokinetic, bioavailability or bioequivalence studies.     

LC-MS/MS signal suppression effects in the analysis of pesticides in complex environmental matrices

The application of LC separation and mobile phase additives in addressing LC-MS/MS matrix signal suppression effects for the analysis of pesticides in a complex environmental matrix was investigated. It was shown that signal suppression is most significant for analytes eluting early in the LC-MS analysis. Introduction of different buffers (e.g. ammonium formate, ammonium hydroxide, formic acid) into the LC mobile phase was effective in improving signal correlation between the matrix and standard samples. The signal improvement is dependent on buffer concentration as well as LC separation of the matrix components. The application of LC separation alone was not effective in addressing suppression effects when characterizing complex matrix samples. Overloading of the LC column by matrix components was found to significantly contribute to analyte-matrix co-elution and suppression of signal. This signal suppression effect can be efficiently compensated by 2D LC (LC-LC) separation techniques. The effectiveness of buffers and LC separation in improving signal correlation between standard and matrix samples is discussed.     

Analysis of Chlormequat residues in grain using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

A fast, sensitive and specific method for routine determination of residues from Chlormequat (CAS no. 7003-89-6) is described. The method is based on a simple clean-up using an SPE-C₁₈ cartridge, high-performance liquid chromatography on a standard C₁₈ column (Spherisorb S5 ODS1) and specific detection and quantification by electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). ¹³C-Chlormequat was synthesised for use as internal standard. Samples were extracted with methanol – water – acetic acid. Internal standard and ammonium acetate were added before C₁₈-cartridge clean up and residues eluted with methanol – water – acetic acid, containing 50 mM ammonium acetate. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a solvent composed of acetonitrile – methanol – water – acetic acid (53:21:25:1 by volume), containing 50 mM ammonium acetate. Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry was employed using m/z 58 (daughter ion of the Chlormequat quaternary ammonium ion, m/z 122) and m/z 61 (daughter ion of the ¹³C-Chlormequat quaternary ammonium ion, m/z 125) for quantification. The LC analysis time was 15 min and the limit of detection of the analytical method was 9 μg/kg. The performance of the method was demonstrated analysing grain material from an inter-comparison study. In Denmark the primary use of Chlormequat chloride (CCC, cycocel, or chlorocholin chloride, CAS no. 999-81-5) is for winter cereals and 11 such winter wheat samples from the Danish National Pesticide Survey were analysed. Residue contents were from below 0.01 up to 0.45 mg/kg, and thus below the EU maximum residue level of 2.0 mg/kg for wheat.