Microfluidic chip based nano liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of abused drugs and metabolites in human hair

A microfluidic chip based nano-HPLC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nano-HPLC-Chip-MS/MS) has been developed for simultaneous measurement of abused drugs and metabolites: cocaine, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene, norcocaine, morphine, codeine, 6-acetylmorphine, phencyclidine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, MDA, MDEA, and methadone in the hair of drug abusers. The microfluidic chip was fabricated by laminating polyimide films and it integrated an enrichment column, an analytical column and a nanospray tip. Drugs were extracted from hairs by sonication, and the chromatographic separation was achieved in 15 min. The drug identification and quantification criteria were fulfilled by the triple quardropule tandem mass spectrometry. The linear regression analysis was calibrated by deuterated internal standards with all of the R ² at least over 0.993. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were from 0.1 to 0.75 and 0.2 to 1.25 pg/mg, respectively. The validation parameters including selectivity, accuracy, precision, stability, and matrix effect were also evaluated here. In conclusion, the developed sample preparation method coupled with the nano-HPLC-Chip-MS/MS method was able to reveal the presence of drugs in hairs from the drug abusers, with the enhanced sensitivity, compared with the conventional HPLC-MS/MS.     

Distribution characteristics of methamphetamine and amphetamine in urine and hair specimens collected from alleged methamphetamine users in northern Taiwan

This study was conducted to better understand the distribution characteristics of methamphetamine and amphetamine in urine and hair specimens collected from alleged methamphetamine users in the local population. It is anticipated that the data hereby obtained will be helpful to the interpretation of the time and pattern of drug use. Eight alleged methamphetamine-using arrestees from Keelung Police Department (north of Taipei, Taiwan) consented to contribute both urine and hair specimens. Each arrestee contributed seven urine specimens collected at 0, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h, respectively, after the arrest. Hair specimens were cut into 2-cm sections. The limits of detection and quantitation of the urine protocol were 40 and 50 ng/mL, respectively, for both amphetamine and methamphetamine, while the corresponding limits of detection and quantitation for the hair protocol were 0.8 and 1.0 ng/mg, respectively. The concentration variations of methamphetamine and amphetamine in the urine specimens exhibited three distinct patterns: (a) continuous decrease in the analytes’ concentrations for specimens collected at hours 0-120; (b) increase in the analytes’ concentrations in specimens collected at hours 0-12, followed by decrease; (c) increase in analytes’ concentrations in specimens collected at later times. Together with the amphetamine/methamphetamine concentration ratios found in these urine specimens, the observed trends in the changes of the analytes’ concentrations are helpful for the interpretation on the time of drug use. Unlike urine specimens, amphetamine/methamphetamine concentration ratios in various hair specimens and hair sections remain relatively constant.     

Rapid identification and quantification of methamphetamine and amphetamine in hair by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry coupled with micropulverized extraction,aqueous acetylation and microextraction by packed sorbent

We developed a rapid identification and quantification method for the toxicological analysis of methamphetamine and amphetamine in human hair by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry coupled with a novel combination of micropulverized extraction, aqueous acetylation and microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) named MiAMi–GC/MS. A washed hair sample (1–5 mg) was micropulverized for 5 min in a 2 mL plastic tube with 250 μL of water. An anion-exchange sorbent was added to adsorb anionic interferences. After removing the residue with a membrane-filter unit, sodium carbonate and acetic anhydride was admixed in turn. Acetylation was completed in approximately 20 min at room temperature. The acetylated analytes in the reaction liquid were concentrated to an octadecylsilica sorbent packed in the needle of a syringe by a CombiPAL autosampler. Elution was carried out with 50 μL of methanol, and the entire eluate injected into a gas chromatograph using a programmable temperature vaporizing (PTV) technique. The time required for sample preparation and GC/MS analysis was approximately 1 h from a washed hair sample, and an evaporation process was not required. Ranges for quantification were 0.20–50 (ng/mg) each for methamphetamine and amphetamine using 1 mg of hair. Accuracy and relative standard deviation (RSD) were evaluated intraday and interday at three concentrations, and the results were within the limit of a guidance issued by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For identification, full-scan mass spectra of methamphetamine and amphetamine were obtained using 5 mg of fortified hair samples at 0.2 ng/mg. The extraction device of MEPS was durable for at least 300 extractions, whereas the liner of the gas chromatograph should be replaced after 20–30 times use. The carry over was estimated to be about 1–2%. This sample-preparation method coupled with GC/MS is fast and labor-saving in comparison with conventional methods.     

Determination of amphetamine-type stimulants, cocaine and ketamine in human hair by liquid chromatography/linear ion trap-Orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometry

An LTQ Orbitrap XL hybrid mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of illicit drugs and their metabolites, including amphetamine (AP), methamphetamine (MA), dimethylamphetamine (DMA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), ketamine (KET), norketamine (NK), cocaine (COC) and benzoylecgonine (BE), in hair. Micropulverized extraction was employed for sample preparation using a small hair sample (2 cm piece or 0.2 mg). Recoveries of the analytes during sample preparation were estimated using fortified hair samples and ranged from 35.5% for COC to 71.7% for AP. High resolution full-scan mass spectra and unit resolution product-ion spectra were obtained with the Orbitrap analyzer and the linear ion-trap analyzer, respectively. High-resolution extracted ion chromatograms at a tolerance of 3 ppm were utilized for quantification. The analytes were identified using the product-ion spectra in combination with the accurate masses of the corresponding protonated molecules observed in the high-resolution mass spectra. Lower limits of quantification obtained from a 0.2 mg hair sample were 0.050 ng mg(-1) (MDMA, KET and BE), 0.10 ng mg(-1) (AP, MA, DMA, NK and COC) and 0.50 ng mg(-1) (MDA). Two reference materials were analyzed for verification, and segmental analysis of single strands of hair specimens from actual cases was performed.     

Liquid chromatographic method for the determination of enantiomeric composition of amphetamine and methamphetamine in hair samples

Interest in hair analysis as an alternative or complementary approach to urinalysis for drug abuse detection has grown in recent years. Hair analysis can be particularly advantageous for drugs such as amphetamine and methamphetamine that are rapidly excreted. Confirmation of abuse of these stimulants is complicated by the fact that some forms are found in legitimate medications. Examination of the enantiomeric composition of amphetamine and methamphetamine in hair samples can provide valuable assistance in interpreting drug testing results. In this work, we developed a liquid chromatographic method for the separation of amphetamine and methamphetamine enantiomers isolated from human hair samples. The drug enantiomers were separated on a chiral stationary phase after derivatization with an achiral fluorescent agent. The methodology was evaluated with a Standard Reference Material that contained several drugs of abuse including amphetamine and methamphetamine.Contribution of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Not subject to copyright.     

Hair analysis for illicit drugs by using capillary zone electrophoresis-electrospray ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry

In forensic toxicology, hair analysis has become a well established analytical strategy to investigate retrospectively drug abuse histories. In this field, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry are currently used, often after preliminary screening with immunoassays. However, on the basis of previous applications to pharmaceutical analysis, capillary zone electrophoresis coupled to ion trap mass spectrometry looks also highly promising. The purpose of the present work was the development of a simple and rapid CZE-MS method for sensitive and quantitative determination of the main drugs of abuse and their metabolites (namely, 6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethampthetamine (MDMA), benzoylecgonine, ephedrine and cocaine) in human hair. Hair samples (100 mg) were washed, cut and incubated overnight in 0.1 M HCl at 45 degrees C, then neutralized with NaOH and extracted by a liquid-liquid extraction method. CZE separations were carried out in a 100 cm x 75 microm (I.D.) uncoated fused silica capillary. The separation buffer was composed of 25 mM ammonium formate, pH 9.5; the separation voltage was 15 kV. Electrokinetic injections were performed at 7 kV for 30 s under field amplified sample stacking conditions. ESI-ion trap MS detection was performed in the ESI positive ionization mode using the following conditions: capillary voltage 4 kV, nebulizer gas (nitrogen) pressure 3psi, source temperature 150 degrees C and drying gas (nitrogen) flow rate 8l/min. A sheath liquid, composed of isopropanol-water (50:50, v/v) with 0.5% formic acid, was delivered at a flow rate of 4 microl/min. The ion trap MS operated in a selected ion monitoring mode (SIM) of positive molecular ions for each drug/metabolite. Collision induced fragmentation was also possible. Nalorphine was used as internal standard. Under the described conditions, the separation of all compounds, except amphetamine/methamphetamine, MDA/MDMA and morphine/6-MAM was achieved in 20 min, with limits of detection lower than the most severe cut-offs adopted in hair analysis (i.e. 0.1 ng/mg). Linearity was assessed within drug concentration ranges from 0.025 to 5 ng of each analyte/mg of hair. Analytical precision was fairly acceptable with RSD's < or = 3.06% for migration times and < or = 22.47% for areas in real samples, in both intra-day and day-to-day experiments. On these grounds, the described method can be proposed for rapid, selective and accurate toxicological hair analysis for both clinical and forensic purposes.     

Automated headspace solid-phase microextraction and in-matrix derivatization for the determination of amphetamine-related drugs in human urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

An automated extraction and determination method for the gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of amphetamine-related drugs in human urine is developed using headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and in-matrix derivatization. A urine sample (0.5 mL, potassium carbonate (5 M, 1.0 mL), sodium chloride (0.5 g), and ethylchloroformate (20 microL) are put in a sample vial. Amphetamine-related drugs are converted to ethylformate derivatives (carbamates) in the vial because amphetamine-related drugs in urine are quickly reacted with ethylchloroformate. An SPME fiber is then exposed at 80 degrees C for 15 min in the headspace of the vial. The extracted derivatives to the fiber are desorbed by exposing the fiber in the injection port of a GC-MS. The calibration curves show linearity in the range of 1.0 to 1000 ng/mL for methamphetamine, fenfluramine, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine; 2.0 to 1000 ng/mL for amphetamine and phentermine; 5.0 to 1000 ng/mL for methylenedioxyamphetamine; 10 to 1000 ng/mL for phenethylamine; and 50 to 1000 ng/mL for 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine in urine. No interferences are found, and the time for analysis is 30 min for one sample. Furthermore, this proposed method is applied to some clinical and medico-legal cases by taking methamphetamine. Methamphetamine and its metabolite amphetamine are detected in the urine samples collected from the patients involved in the clinical cases. Methamphetamine, amphetamine, and phenethylamine are detected in the urine sample collected from the victim of a medico-legal case.     

Development of a simultaneous analytical method for selected anorectics,methamphetamine, MDMA,and their metabolites in hair using LC-MS/MS to prove anorectics abuse

Owing to the tight control of methamphetamine, it is presumed that phentermine, an amphetamine-type anorectic, has recently been considered a supplement for methamphetamine abusers in Korea. In addition, the abuse of other anorectics obtained by inappropriate means has become a social issue. Hair is a useful specimen to prove chronic drug use. Therefore, an analytical method for the simultaneous detection of phentermine, phendimetrazine, amfepramone, fenfluramine, mazindol, methamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), as well as their metabolites, which covers the major amphetamines and anorectic agents in Korea, in hair was established and validated using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The drugs and their metabolites in hair were extracted using 1 % HCl in methanol and then filtered and analyzed by LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionization in positive mode. The validation results for selectivity, linearity, matrix effect, recovery, process efficiency, intra- and interassay precision and accuracy, and processed sample stability were satisfactory. The limits of detection ranged from 0.025 to 1 ng/10 mg hair and the limits of quantification were 0.25 ng/10 mg hair for every analyte except mazindol and phentermine, for which they were 10 ng/10 mg hair. The method was successfully applied for the segmental determination of selected anorectics, methamphetamine, MDMA, and their metabolites in hair from 39 drug suspects. Among the anorectics, phentermine and/or phendimetrazine were identified with or without methamphetamine in the hair samples. Closer supervision of the inappropriate use of anorectics is necessary. Also, hair analysis is useful for monitoring the abuse potential of unnoticed drugs.     

海洛因与甲基苯丙胺毒品滥用者毛发特征分析的比较

根据海洛因和甲基苯丙胺滥用者毛发中毒品及其代谢物的分布特点,通过实验比较了两类毒品滥用者毛发的分析特点。 海洛因吸食者毛发采用甲醇超声释放待测物,而后直接调整pH值进行液相萃取,萃取物挥干后进行衍生化并进行GC/MS检测;甲基苯丙胺吸食者毛发在碱性条件下消解,然后采用小体积萃取,直接在提取液中衍生化,并进行GC/MS检测。 通过空白毛发标准添加6-单乙酰吗啡、吗啡和可待因进行分析,3种鸦片类毒品最小检测限均小于 3 μg/g,RSD(n=5)为2.5%~9.6%;通过空白毛发标准添加苯丙胺、甲基苯丙胺、3,4-(亚甲二氧基)苯丙胺和3,4-(亚甲二氧基)-甲基苯丙胺进行分析,4种苯丙胺类毒品的最小检测限为0.05 μg/g,RSD(n=5)为5%~14%。     

HPLC with fluorescence detection of methamphetamine and amphetamine in segmentally analyzed human hair

A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection for determining methamphetamine and its major metabolite, amphetamine, in abusers' hair segments was developed. Methamphetamine and amphetamine in hair samples collected from addicts were extracted into acidified methanol, derivatized with 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzoyl chloride, separated isocratically on an ODS column using TRIS-HCl buffer (0.1 mol dm-3, pH 7.0)-methanol (30 + 70 v/v) as the mobile phase and the derivatives were detected fluorimetrically at 440 nm (lambda ex 330 nm). Calibration curves obtained by using control human hair spiked with standard solutions were linear (r > or = 0.999) up to at least 676.1 ng mg-1 for amphetamine and 746.1 ng mg-1 for methamphetamine. The detection limits at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 were 51.4 and 74.6 pg mg-1 hair for amphetamine and methamphetamine, respectively. Using control hair spiked with standard solutions, the intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations (n = 5) were < or = 8.6% for both the target compounds. The method was successfully applied to the segmental analyses of methamphetamine abusers' hair samples.     

Two new standard reference materials for the determination of drugs of abuse in human hair

Two new standard reference materials (SRM) for drugs of abuse in human hair have been developed. SRM 2379 consists of hair spiked with cocaine, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene, phencyclidine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine. SRM 2380 consists of hair spiked with codeine, morphine, monoacetylmorphine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The SRMs were prepared by soaking the hair in a solution of the target analytes in water-dimethylsulfoxide. The concentration of each analyte was determined using two methods, one based upon gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and one based upon liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Both methods used 0.1 M HCl for extraction of all the analytes from the hair, except for THC, which was extracted with 1 M NaOH. For isolation of the analytes from the extracts, the GC/MS-based methods used different clean-up procedures from those used for the LC/MS-based methods. The results from the two methods were in good agreement with mean differences for the analytes ranging from 4% to 16%. These materials will enable laboratories performing analyses of hair for drugs of abuse to test the accuracy of their methods.     

Simultaneous quantitative determination of amphetamines, ketamine, opiates and metabolites in human hair by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of common drugs of abuse in Asia. The method was able to simultaneously quantify amphetamines (amphetamine; AP, methamphetamine; MA, methylenedioxy amphetamine; MDA, methylenedioxymeth mphetamine; MDMA, methylenedioxy ethylamphetamine; MDEA), ketamine (ketamine; K, norketamine; NK), and opiates (morphine; MOR, codeine; COD, 6-acetylmorphine; 6-AM) in human hair. Hair samples (25 mg) were washed, cut, and incubated overnight at 25 degrees C in methanol/trifluoroacetic acid (methanol/TFA). The samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE), derivatized using heptafluorobutyric acid anhydride (HFBA) at 70 degrees C for 30 min, and the derivatives were analyzed by electron ionization (EI) GC/MS in selected ion monitoring mode. Confirmation was accomplished by comparing retention times and the relative abundances of selected ions with those of standards. Deuterated analogs of the analytes were used as internal standards for quantification. Calibration curves for ten analytes were established in the concentration range 0.1-10 ng/mg with high correlation coefficients (r2 > 0.999). The intra-day and inter-day precisions were within 12.1% and 15.8%, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day accuracies were between -8.7% and 10.7%, and between -5.9% and 13.8%, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) obtained were 0.03 and 0.05 ng/mg for AP, MA, MDA, MDMA and MDEA; 0.05 and 0.08 ng/mg for K, NK, MOR and COD; and 0.08 and 0.1 ng/mg for 6-AM. The recoveries were above 88.6% for all the compounds, except K and NK which were in the range of 71.7-72.7%. Eight hair samples from known polydrug abusers were examined by this method. These results show that the method is suitable for broad-spectrum drug testing in a single hair specimen.     

Quantification of methamphetamine, amphetamine and enantiomers by semi-micro column HPLC with fluorescence detection; applications on abusers' single hair analyses

Achiral and chiral semi-micro column high-performance liquid chromatographic methods with fluorescence detection to determine methamphetamine and amphetamine in human hair are described. These compounds were extracted into 5% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in methanol, derivatized with 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-benzoyl chloride and separated either on a 250 x 1.5 mm i.d. octadecyl-silane (ODS) or a 150 x 2 mm i.d. OD-RH column. Linear calibration curves extending over a wide range of concentration that covers the practical samples were obtained for amphetamine, methamphetamine and their enantiomers (r = 0.999). Resolution values for amphetamine and methamphetamine enantiomers were 3.4 and 1.1, respectively. Intra- and inter-day variations of both the methods were not larger than 8.9% expressed as relative standard deviations (n >/= 5). The limits of detection at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 obtained by both the methods were in the range of 1.0-4.7 fmol/5 microL injection with the achiral method being more sensitive. Abusers' hair samples were analyzed by the two methods and only the S(+)-enantiomers were found in eight Japanese abusers' hair samples. The achiral method was used to study the concentrations of these compounds in single black and white hair strands of abusers.     

Determination of basic drugs of abuse in human serum by online extraction and LC–MS/MS

A new quantitation method for the determination of drugs of abuse (opiates, amphetamine and derivatives, cocaine, methadone and metabolites) in serum by using online extraction coupled to liquid chromatography (LC)–mass spectrometry (MS)/MS has been developed. The online extraction is carried out using two extraction columns simultaneously and one analytical column. One extraction column is loaded, while the other one is eluted by a gradient. The elution gradient also separates the analytes in the analytical column. For the sample preparation, serum is spiked with a mixture of deuterated analogues of the drugs. After protein precipitation with methanol/zinc sulphate, centrifugation, evaporation and reconstitution, the sample is injected into the LC system. The quantitation is based on the analysis of two multiple reaction monitoring transitions per drug. The recovery of the protein precipitation step is over 80% for all analytes. Intra- and interday precision, as relative standard deviation, is lower than 6%, and in the case of accuracy, RE is lower than 15%. Only the most polar analytes showed matrix effects. The limits of quantitation for the analysed compounds vary between 0.5 and 2.8 ng/mL. The developed method was used to quantify basic drugs in samples “from driving under the influence of drugs” cases. The results were compared with those obtained by using solid-phase extraction–GC–MS.     

Highly sensitive and selective measurement of underivatized methylmalonic acid in serum and plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a functional biomarker of vitamin B12 deficiency. Measurement of plasma MMA is challenging due to its small molecular weight and hydrophilic nature. Several liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods have been developed for measuring plasma MMA. However, these methods involve lengthy sample preparation, long chromatographic run time, inadequate sensitivity, or interference from succinic acid (SA). Here we report a novel LC-MS/MS method for quantitation of underivatized MMA in serum or heparinized plasma with high sensitivity and selectivity. Sample preparation involved only strong anion exchange solid phase extraction. The extract was purified by online turbulent flow and analyzed on an Organic Acids column. MS/MS analysis was performed in negative electrospray mode, and the analytical time was 6 min. The use of ion ratio confirmation in combination with chromatographic resolution from SA greatly enhanced the selectivity. No interference was observed. This method was linear from 26.2 to 26,010.0 nM with an accuracy of 98-111 %. Total coefficient of variation was less than 4.6 % for three concentration levels tested. Comparison with a reference laboratory LC-MS/MS method using leftover patient serum specimens (n = 48) showed a mean bias of -2.3 nM (-0.61 %) with a Deming regression slope of 1.016, intercept of -6.6 nM, standard error of estimate of 25.3 nM, and a correlation coefficient of 0.9945. In conclusion, this LC-MS/MS method offers highly sensitive and selective quantitation of MMA in serum and plasma with simple sample preparation.     

On-line derivatization gas chromatography with furan chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry for screening of amphetamines in urine

A simple alternative method with minimal sample pretreatment is investigated for screening of amphetamines in small volume (using only 20 microL) of urine sample. The method is sensitive and selective. The method uses gas chromatography (GC) direct sample introduction (DSI) for on-line derivatization (acylation) of amphetamines to improve sensitivity. Furan as chemical ionization (CI) reagent in conjunction with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is used to improve selectivity. Low background with sharp protonated molecular ion peaks of analytes is the evidence of improvement in sensitivity and selectivity. Blank urine samples spiked with known amounts of amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine is analyzed. Selected ion monitoring of the characteristic product ions (m/z 119+136+150+163) using furan CI-MS/MS in positive ion mode is used for quantification. Limits of detection (LOD) between 0.4 and 1.0 ng mL(-1) and limits of quantitation (LOQ) between 1.0 and 2.0 ng mL(-1) are established. Linear response over the range of 1-1000 ng mL(-1) (r(2)>0.997) is observed for all analytes, except for methamphetamine (2.0-1000 ng mL(-1)). Good accuracy between 86 and 113% and precision ranging from 4 to 18% is obtained. The method is also tested on real samples of urine from suspected drug abusers. This method could be used for screening and determination of amphetamines in urine samples, however needs additional work for full validation.     

高效液相色谱-串联质谱法分析毛发中甲基苯丙胺和苯丙胺手性对映异构体

建立了高效液相色谱-串联质谱（HPLC-MS/MS）分析毛发中甲基苯丙胺与苯丙胺对映异构体的手性分离方法。采用SUPELCO Astec CHIROBIOTIC^® V2手性液相色谱柱,以甲醇-含0.1%（v/v）甲酸的20 mmol/L乙酸铵水溶液（99：1,v/v）为流动相进行手性分离。结果表明,甲醇高温水浴超声法能较好地提取苯丙胺类化合物,且峰形较好（拖尾因子>0.95）。S-（+）-甲基苯丙胺、R-（-）-甲基苯丙胺、S-（+）-苯丙胺和R-（-）-苯丙胺在15~300 ng/mg范围内线性关系良好,相关系数均大于0.99;甲基苯丙胺和苯丙胺的检出限分别为0.1 ng/mg和0.15 ng/mg,定量限分别为0.4 ng/mg和0.5 ng/mg;日内精密度均≤6.8%,日间精密度均≤11.4%。采用所建方法对50余嫌疑人毛发进行手性分析,检出单一S-（+）-甲基苯丙胺和S-（+）-苯丙胺的占70%,同时检出S-（+）-甲基苯丙胺、R-（-）-甲基苯丙胺、S-（+）-苯丙胺和R-（-）-苯丙胺的占18%。该法简单快速,精密度好,可为实际法医毒物鉴定案例中的毛发手性分析提供技术支持与科学依据。     

Enantiomer-specific high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection of methamphetamines in abusers' hair and urine

Enantiomer-specific high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection using 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-benzoyl chloride as a fluorescence labeling reagent was applied to determine methamphetamine and its metabolites in abusers' hair and urine. Hair samples were segmentally analyzed based on 1 cm long segments. In four hair samples, only the S(+)-enantiomers of methamphetamine and its N-demethylated metabolite, S(+)-amphetamine were detected. Satisfactory correlation (r = 0.901) between the results of high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence and those of gas chromatography-nitrogen phosphorous detection was obtained (n = 19). In an abuser's urine sample, the S(+)- and R(-)-enantiomers of methamphetamine, amphetamine and para-hydroxymethamphetamine were detected. The degree of N-demethylation of S(+)-methamphetamine into the corresponding metabolite of amphetamine was significantly higher than that of the R(-)-enantiomer.     

高效液相色谱-串联质谱法检测鸡肉中9种化学合成类抗球虫药多残留

建立了鸡肉中氯羟吡啶、二硝托胺、4,4′-二硝基均二苯脲(尼卡巴嗪代谢物)、磺胺氯吡嗪、磺胺喹口恶啉、地克珠利、妥曲珠利、妥曲珠利砜和妥曲珠利亚砜9种化学合成类抗球虫药多残留的高效液相色谱-串联质谱分析方法。样品采用2%乙酸酸化的乙腈/二甲亚砜(4:1, v/v)提取,150 mg二甲基十八碳硅烷粉(octadecylsilyl, ODS)、100 mg石墨化炭黑(graphitized carbon black, GCB)和100 mg弗罗里硅土(Florisil)吸附剂分散固相萃取净化,经Hypersil GOLD C18色谱柱(150 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm)分离,电喷雾串联四极杆质谱多反应离子监测方式测定。9种分析物在20～150 μg/kg范围内线性关系良好,相关系数均大于0.995。样品基质中9种分析物在20、50和150 μg/kg加标水平下,平均回收率为81.5%～103.6%,相对标准偏差为4.5%～14.5%。该方法稳定、可靠,可满足鸡肉中化学合成类抗球虫药多残留的检测与确证。     

Rapid,simple, and highly sensitive analysis of drugs in biological samples using thin-layer chromatography coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Rapid and precise identification of toxic substances is necessary for urgent diagnosis and treatment of poisoning cases and for establishing the cause of death in postmortem examinations. However, identification of compounds in biological samples using gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry entails time-consuming and labor-intensive sample preparations. In this study, we examined a simple preparation and highly sensitive analysis of drugs in biological samples such as urine, plasma, and organs using thin-layer chromatography coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (TLC/MALDI/MS). When the urine containing 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) without sample dilution was spotted on a thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plate and was analyzed by TLC/MALDI/MS, the detection limit of the MDMA spot was 0.05 ng/spot. The value was the same as that in aqueous solution spotted on a stainless steel plate. All the 11 psychotropic compounds tested (MDMA, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, methamphetamine, p-hydroxymethamphetamine, amphetamine, ketamine, caffeine, chlorpromazine, triazolam, and morphine) on a TLC plate were detected at levels of 0.05 − 5 ng, and the type (layer thickness and fluorescence) of TLC plate did not affect detection sensitivity. In addition, when rat liver homogenate obtained after MDMA administration (10 mg/kg) was spotted on a TLC plate, MDMA and its main metabolites were identified using TLC/MALDI/MS, and the spots on a TLC plate were visualized by MALDI/imaging MS. The total analytical time from spotting of intact biological samples to the output of analytical results was within 30 min. TLC/MALDI/MS enabled rapid, simple, and highly sensitive analysis of drugs from intact biological samples and crude extracts. Accordingly, this method could be applied to rapid drug screening and precise identification of toxic substances in poisoning cases and postmortem examinations.