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.     

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.     

Segmented post-column analyte addition; a concept for continuous response control of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry peaks affected by signal suppression/enhancement

A novel technique, "segmented post-column analyte addition", is proposed to visualize and compensate signal suppression/enhancement effects in electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Instead of delivering a constant flow of analyte solution between the liquid chromatography (LC) column exit and the ESI interface into the eluent resulting from LC separation of analyte-free matrix in order to determine retention time widows in which suppression/enhancement is unimportant (King et al., J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 2000; 11: 942), segmented packets of analyte-containing solvent and analyte-free solvent were infused into an LC eluent resulting from separation of an analyte-containing sample. The obtained, superimposed, periodic spikes are much narrower than the analyte peak eluting from the column. The height of the spikes is affected by signal suppression phenomena to the same extent as the analyte signal, and hence variations of the spike height can be used to correct the peak area of analyte peaks affected by signal suppression/enhancement.     

Simultaneous analysis of cardiac glycosides in blood and urine by thermoresponsive LC-MS-MS

A new thermoresponsive polymer separation column was applied to simultaneous analysis of four cardiac glycosides (CGs) being widely used for the treatment of arrhythmias and heart failure in human blood and urine. This column is composed of an N-isopropylacrylamide polymer, the surface of which undergoes a reversible alteration from hydrophilic to hydrophobic by changing temperature. The chromatographic separation and retention times can be easily be controlled by adjusting the column temperature. As the column temperature was changed from 50 to 10 °C over 8 min, five CGs, including deslanoside, digoxin, methyldigoxin, digitoxin, and digitoxigenin (internal standard) were better resolved. Using these LC conditions, we analyzed four CGs in human whole blood and urine simultaneously by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Validation data as functions of recovery rates, linearity, accuracy, and precision were carefully tested; all were generally satisfactory. The detection limits for the four CGs in both matrices were 0.2–0.3 ng/mL. The method was applied to analysis of methyldigoxin and its main metabolite digoxin in whole blood and urine samples obtained from a deceased person in actual autopsy case. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing an LC-MS-MS method using a thermoresponsive column for analysis of drug(s). The inclusion of the thermoresponsive column in an LC-MS-MS technique seems to extend the possibility for simultaneous analysis of compounds of different properties, such as hydrophobic precursors and their hydrophilic metabolites in biological samples within limited analysis times.     

Comprehensive screening of acidic and neutral drugs in equine plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A multi-target high-throughput liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method for the detection of low ppt to low ppb levels of anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, anti-diabetics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in equine plasma was developed for the purpose of doping control. Plasma samples were first deproteinated by addition of trichloroacetic acid. Drugs were then extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE) using Bond Elut Certify cartridges, and the extracts were analysed by a triple-quadrupole/linear ion trap LC-MS-MS instrument in positive electrospray ionization (+ESI) mode with selected reaction monitoring (SRM) scan function. Chromatographic separation of the targeted drugs was achieved using a reverse phase 3.3 cm L x 2.1 mm ID, 3 microm particle size LC column with gradient elution. Plasma samples fortified with 66 targeted drugs including betamethasone, boldione, capsaicin, flunisolide, gestrinone, gliclazide, 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone hexanoate, isoflupredone and triamcinolone acetonide, etc. at low ppt to low ppb levels could be consistently detected. No significant matrix interference was observed at the retention time of the targeted ion transitions when blank plasma samples were analysed. The method has been validated for its extraction recoveries, precision and sensitivity, and is used regularly in the authors' laboratory to screen for the presence of these drugs in plasma samples from racehorses.     

Direct simultaneous analysis of plasma samples for a drug discovery compound and its hydroxyl metabolite using mixed-function column liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A polymer-coated mixed-function (PCMF) column was evaluated for direct plasma injection for the simultaneous determination of a drug candidate and its hydroxyl metabolite by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) in support of pharmacokinetic studies. Each diluted monkey plasma sample containing internal standard was directly injected on to the PCMF column for sample clean-up, enrichment and chromatographic separation. The proteins and macromolecules were first eluted from the column while the drug molecules were retained on the bonded hydrophobic phase. The analytes retained on the column were then eluted with a strong mobile phase using a gradient separation technique at a constant flow rate of 1.0 ml min(-1). When not diverted, the column effluent was connected either to the atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source or the electrospray ionization (ESI) source as part of the mass spectrometer system used for quantification. The calibration curve was linear over the range 5-2500 ng ml(-1) for both analytes. The retention times for the analytes and the internal standard were both consistent and no column deterioration was observed for at least 500 injections. The recovery through the column and reproducibility of the dosed compound and its hydroxyl metabolite in monkey plasma samples were > 90% (RSD < 6%). The total analysis time was < 8 min per sample. The analytical results obtained by the proposed direct plasma injection method were in good agreement with those obtained by the conventional LC-MS-MS method.     

High-throughput biological sample analysis using on-line turbulent flow extraction combined with monolithic column liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

A high-throughput liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method, which combines on-line sample extraction through turbulent flow chromatography with a monolithic column separation, has been developed for direct injection analysis of drugs and metabolites in human plasma samples. By coupling a monolithic column into the system as the analytical column, the method enables running 'dual-column' extraction and chromatography at higher flow rates, thus significantly reducing the time required for the transfer and mixing of extracted fraction onto the separation column as well as the time for gradient separation. A strategy of assessing and reducing the matrix suppression effect on the on-line extraction LC/MS/MS has also been discussed. Experiments for evaluating the resolution, peak shape, sensitivity, speed, and matrix effect were conducted with dextromethorphan and its metabolite dextrorphan as model compounds in human plasma matrix. It was demonstrated that the total run time for this assay with a baseline separation of two analytes is less than 1.5 min.     

Evaluation of a silicon oxynitride hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography column in saccharide and glycoside separations

The retention characteristics of a silicon oxynitride stationary phase for carbohydrate separation were studied in hydrophilic interaction chromatography mode. Four saccharides including mono‐, di‐, and trisaccharides were employed to investigate the effects of water content and buffer concentration in the mobile phase on hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography retention. For the tested saccharides, the silicon oxynitride column demonstrated excellent performance in terms of separation efficiency, hydrophilicity, and interesting separation selectivity for carbohydrates compared to the bare silica stationary phase. Finally, the silicon oxynitride hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography column was employed in the separation of complex samples of fructooligosaccharides, saponins, and steviol glycoside from natural products. The resulting chromatograms demonstrated good separation efficiency and longer retention compared with silica, which further confirmed the advantages and potential application of silicon oxynitride stationary phase for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography separation.     

Enhanced method performance due to a shorter chromatographic run-time in a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay for paclitaxel

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) is often performed in a high-throughput environment. Unfortunately, with atmospheric pressure ionization (API) techniques, shorter run-times or reduced sample clean-up often result in ion or matrix suppression, which can lead to erroneous results. The present work on the analysis of paclitaxel compares ion suppression, sensitivity and linearity of a high-throughput LC-MS-MS method (0.8 min run-time, method B) to a method with increased separation (2.0 min run-time, method A). An atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) interface was used for both methods. The high-sample-throughput method uses an increased amount of organic solvent in the mobile phase (isocratic, 85% versus 70% of methanol) and a higher flow-rate (600 microl/min versus 400 micro/min). As a result, internal standard (docetaxel) and target analyte (paclitaxel) co-elute, close to, although separated from the solvent front. Ion suppression of both methods was evaluated by comparing pure standard to plasma and plasma containing a vehicle. Sensitivity and linearity were compared by injecting matrix matched calibration samples with both methods. Ion suppression by the vehicle Cremophor EL led to poor data quality for the standard method (A), while for the short method (B), ion suppression was compensated for by the co-eluting internal standard. The short method showed similar linearity but increased sensitivity by at least a factor five. This work provides a strategy to compensate for ion suppression without the use of labeled internal standards. In addition, a better sensitivity and a shorter run-time are noted.     

Evaluation of BEH C18, BEH HILIC, and HSS T3 (C18) column chemistries for the UPLC-MS-MS analysis of glutathione, glutathione disulfide, and ophthalmic acid in mouse liver and human plasma

Glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and ophthalmic acid (OA) are important biological oxidative stress biomarkers to be monitored in pathological and toxicological studies. With the advent of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) technology, sensitive and selective analysis of these biomarkers in biological samples is now being performed routinely. Due to the hydrophilic and polar natures of GSH and its endogenous derivatives, achieving good retention, resolution, and peak shape is often a chromatographic challenge. In this study, three ultra-performance (UP) LC column chemistries (namely, BEH C18, BEH HILIC, and HSS T3 [C18]) are evaluated for the UPLC-MS-MS analysis of GSH, GSSG, and OA extracted from mouse liver and human plasma samples. The chromatographic parameters evaluated are retentivity, tailing factor, MS sensitivity, and resolution of the three analytes. Based on the optimized method for each column chemistry, our results indicate that the HSS T3 (C18) column chemistry affords the best retention and separation of these analytes when operated under the ultra high-pressure chromatographic conditions.     

Quantitative analysis of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in preserved oral fluid by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid and sensitive method for the analysis of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in preserved oral fluid was developed and fully validated. Oral fluid was collected with the Intercept, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sampling device that is used on a large scale in the U.S. for workplace drug testing. The method comprised a simple liquid-liquid extraction with hexane, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) analysis. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a XTerra MS C18 column, eluted isocratically with 1 mM ammonium formate-methanol (10:90, v/v). Selectivity of the method was achieved by a combination of retention time, and two precursor-product ion transitions. The use of the liquid-liquid extraction was demonstrated to be highly effective and led to significant decreases in the interferences present in the matrix. Validation of the method was performed using both 100 and 500 MicroL of oral fluid. The method was linear over the range investigated (0.5-100 ng/mL and 0. 1-10 ng/mL when 100 and 500 microL, respectively, of oral fluid were used) with an excellent intra-assay and inter-assay precision (relative standard deviations, RSD <6%) for quality control samples spiked at a concentration of 2.5 and 25 ng/mL and 0.5 and 2.5 ng/mL, respectively. Limits of quantification were 0.5 and 0.1 ng/mL when using 100 and 500 microL, respectively. In contrast to existing GC-MS methods, no extensive sample clean-up and time-consuming derivatisation steps were needed. The method was subsequently applied to Intercept samples collected at the roadside and collected during a controlled study with cannabis.     

Characterisation of Stevia rebaudiana by comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC x LC) connected on-line to electrospray ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) was employed for analysis of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana. Different combinations of strong cation-exchange (SCX), amino (NH2), and octadecyl siloxane (C18) stationary phases were tested in the separation of all nine known sweet Stevia glycosides. A combination of C18 as the first-dimension column and NH2 as the second-dimension column fully separated all the glycosides from the matrix. The method proved to be quantitative and repeatable. The limit of detection (S/N=3) for stevioside, a widely used natural sweetener, was 43.4 ng/g in dry leaves. The RSD for retention times was <0.1% and that of peak areas 4.5%.     

Simultaneous determination of beta-blockers in human plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A detailed procedure for the analysis of four beta-blockers, acebutolol, labetalol, metoprolol and propranolol, in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) using an MSpak GF column, which enables direct injection of crude plasma samples, is presented. Protein and/or macromolecule matrix compounds were eluted first from the column, while the drugs were retained on the polymer stationary phase of the MSpak GF column. The analytes retained on the column were then eluted into an acetonitrile-rich mobile phase using a gradient separation technique. All drugs showed base peak ions due to [M + H]+ ions by LC-MS with positive ion electrospray ionization, and the product ions were produced from each [M + H]+ ion by LC-MS-MS. Quantification was performed by selected reaction monitoring. The recoveries of the four beta-blockers spiked into plasma were 73.5-89.9%. The regression equations for all compounds showed excellent linearity in the range 10-1000 ng/mL of plasma, with the exception of propranolol (10-800 ng/mL). The limits of detection and quantification for each drug were 1-3 and 10 ng/mL, respectively, of plasma. The intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation for all drugs in plasma were not greater than 10.9%.     

Reversed phase liquid chromatography with UV absorbance and flame ionization detection using a water mobile phase and a cyano propyl stationary phase Analysis of alcohols and chlorinated hydrocarbons

The development of liquid chromatography with a commercially available cyano propyl stationary phase and a 100% water mobile phase is reported. Separations were performed at ambient temperature, simplifying instrumental requirements. Excellent separation efficiency using a water mobile phase was achieved, for example N=18 800, or 75 200 m(-1), was obtained for resorcinol, at a retention factor of k'=4.88 (retention time of 9.55 min at 1 ml min(-1) for a 25 cmx4.6 mm i.d. column, packed with 5 mum diameter particles with the cyano propyl stationary phase). A separation via reversed phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) with a 100% water mobile phase of six phenols and related compounds was compared to a separation of the same compounds by traditional RP-LC, using octadecylsilane (ODS), i.e. C18, bound to silica and an aqueous mobile phase modified with acetonitrile. Nearly identical analysis time was achieved for the separation of six phenols and related compounds using the cyano propyl stationary phase with a 100% water mobile phase, as compared to traditional RP-LC requiring a relatively large fraction of organic solvent modifier in the mobile phase (25% acetonitrile:75% water). Additional understanding of the retention mechanism with the 100% water mobile phase was obtained by relating measured retention factors of aliphatic alcohols, phenols and related compounds, and chlorinated hydrocarbons to their octanol:water partition coefficients. The retention mechanism is found to be consistent with a RP-LC mechanism coupled with an additional retention effect due to residual hydroxyl groups on the cyano propyl stationary phase. Advantages due to a 100% water mobile phase for the chemical analysis of alcohol mixtures and chlorinated hydrocarbons are reported. By placing an absorbance detector in-series and preceding a novel drop interface to a flame ionization detector (FID), selective detection of a separated mixture of phenols and related compounds and aliphatic alcohols is achieved. The compound class of aliphatic alcohols is selectively and sensitively detected by the drop interface/FID, and the phenols and related compounds are selectively and sensitively detected by absorbance detection at 200 nm. The separation and detection of chlorinated hydrocarbons in a water sample matrix further illustrated the advantages of this methodology. The sensitivity and selectivity of the FID signal for the chlorinated hydrocarbons are significantly better than absorbance detection, even at 200 nm. This methodology is well suited to continuous and automated monitoring of water samples. The applicability of samples initially in an organic solvent matrix is explored, since an organic sample matrix may effect retention and efficiency. Separations in acetonitrile and isopropyl alcohol sample matrices compared well to separations with a water sample matrix.     

Zirconia-based column high-performance liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometric analyses of drug molecules in rat plasma

A method using zirconia-based column high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) interfaced with an atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) source and a tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS) was developed for the quantitative determination of new chemical entities in rat plasma in support of pharmacokinetics studies. The ionization suppression resulting from endogenous components of the biological matrices on the quantitative zirconia-based column HPLC/APPI-MS/MS method was investigated using the post-column infusion technique. The analytical results for 'rapid rat pharmacokinetics' for 12 drug discovery compounds, obtained by both silica-based phase (S-phase) and zirconia-based phase (Z-phase) chromatographic separation, are in good agreement in terms of accuracy. The application of a Z-phase column for high-temperature fast HPLC/MS/MS methods was explored to reduce the analysis time from 3 min to 30 s for column temperatures of 25-110 degrees C, respectively. The chromatographic retention times and peak responses of all analytes were found to be reproducible under high-temperature conditions following 100 continuous injections, with %CV less than 0.4 and 5, respectively.     

Applications of a miniaturized fluorimetric photodiode array detector for capillary liquid chromatography

A high sensitivity, multichannel fluorescence detector with small volume has been developed for capillary column liquid chromatography. Using an intensified linear photodiode array to monitor fluorescence emission, several important mixtures exhibiting native fluorescence have been examined following high efficiency separation on a capillary column. By correlating mass spectral, fluorescence spectral, and retention time data, information of potential utility in the structural elucidation of aromatic molecules contained in complex mixtures can be obtained. Examples include the separation and spectral examination of the polyaromatic compounds in samples of both biological and environmental interest.     

Tackling matrix effects during development of a liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometric analysis of nine basic pharmaceuticals in aqueous environmental samples

When developing an LC-MS/MS-method matrix effects are a major issue. The effect of co-eluting compounds arising from the matrix can result in signal enhancement or suppression. During method development much attention should be paid to diminish matrix effects as much as possible. The present work evaluates matrix effects from aqueous environmental samples in the simultaneous analysis of a group of nine specific pharmaceuticals with LC-ESI/MS/MS: flubendazole, propiconazole, pipamperone, cinnarizine, ketoconazole, miconazole, rabeprazole, itraconazole and domperidone. Solutions to diminish signal suppression were examined: optimisation of the sample preparation, decrease of the flow rate, and the use of appropriate internal standards. Several SPE-stationary phases were tested in view of retention of the analytes: Oasis HLB, C8, Phenyl, Strata X-polymer RP sorbent and Strata X-polymeric SCX/RP sorbent. Oasis HLB showed the best retention for all analytes. The Oasis HLB SPE-method was optimised, but analyses showed high matrix suppression. Therefore, a second SPE-method, on a phenyl stationary phase (the second best option), was also optimised. A comparison of the matrix effect was made between the two procedures: the phenyl-method was less subject to matrix effects, however, the average matrix effect (ME%) of 46% indicated that matrix effects where still present. Several optimisation options for the phenyl-method were evaluated: addition of a ferric nitrate solution before extraction, application of an alkaline wash step, and use of a second SPE-cartridge, either a NH2-column or a florisil column. A more efficient sample clean-up was achieved by applying the extract after extraction on the phenyl column and after dilution with chloroform, onto a NH2-column (average ME%: 53%). In addition, applying a post-column split (1:5), further reduced matrix effects (average ME%: 65%). Labelled internal standards are the best way to tackle matrix effects, but no such internal standards were commercially available for the analytes of interest. The thorough search and application of four internal standards (structural analogues) was beneficial and compensates the matrix effect partially (average ME%: 83%). In an attempt to reduce the analysis time Speedisk phenyl columns were applied. Under these conditions matrix effects decreased even more while recoveries were between 91 and 109%. Different kinds of surface water samples were analyzed, and different matrix effects were observed. For this reason, standard addition will be used to perform quantitative analysis.     

Characterization of a novel diol column for high-performance liquid chromatography

For the investigation of a diol phase (Inertsil Diol column) in hydrophilic interaction chromatography, urea, sucrose and glycine were used as test compounds. The chromatographic conditions were investigated for optimal column efficiency. The column temperature used in common reversed-phase liquid chromatography could also be used for the separation and the flow-rate should be adjusted to 0.3-0.5 ml/min to optimize column efficiency. It is suggested that the velocity of the hydrophilic interaction is slower than the hydrophobic interaction in RPLC. The addition of trifluoroacetic acid is effective for the retention of glycine, but ineffective for urea and sucrose. The diol phase exhibited sufficient chemical stability even if exposed to water in high percentage, and could be applied with isocratic elution for the separation/analysis of amino acids and glucose.     

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography for the separation of acidic agricultural compounds

Organic acids with very low pK_a require extremely low pH conditions to achieve adequate retention in reversed‐phase liquid chromatography, but an extremely low pH mobile phase can cause instrument reliability problems and limit the choice of columns. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography is a potential alternative to reversed‐phase liquid chromatography for the separation of organic acids using more moderate conditions. However, the hydrophilic interaction chromatography separation mechanism is known to be very complex and involves multiple competing mechanisms. In the present study, a hydrophilic interaction chromatography column packed with bare silica core–shell particles was used as the separation column and six agricultural organic acids were used as model analytes to evaluate the effects of buffer concentration, buffer pH, and temperature on sample loading capacity, selectivity, retention, and repeatability. It was found that using a higher concentration of buffer can lead to a significant improvement in the overall performance and reproducibility of the separation. Investigation of column equilibration time revealed that a very long equilibration time is needed when changing mobile phase conditions in between runs. This limitation needs to be acknowledged in hydrophilic interaction chromatography method development and sufficient equilibration time needs to be allowed in method scouting.     

Development and optimization of a system for comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography with UV and mass spectrometric detection for the separation of complex samples by multi-step gradient elution

Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC x LC) is a powerful tool for the separation of complex biological samples. This technique offers the advantage of simplified automation and greater reproducibility in a shorter analysis time than off-line two-dimensional separation systems. In the present study, an LC x LC system is developed enabling simultaneous UV and MS detection, and which can be easily converted to a conventional reversed-phase LC-UV/MS system. In LC x LC, a 60-min reversed-phase LC separation with a linear solvent gradient in the first dimension is coupled to a second-dimension separation on a mixed-mode cation-exchange/reversed-phase column with a modulation time of 60s. The isocratic separation in the second-dimension column is optimized by the use of a multi-step gradient where the organic and the ionic modifier are varied independently. Intraday (n=3) and interday (n=4) variability of the retention times were evaluated with the complete system and found to be 0.5% and 0.7%, respectively. Good linearity was observed in calibration curves for three different compounds varying in polarity.