Analysis of an egyptian mummy resin by mass spectrometry

Fast atom bombardment combined with mass spectrometry (FAB/MS), high resolution FAB/MS, FAB tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were used to determine the composition of the resinous material recovered from the wrappings of an Egyptian mummy believed to be from the Roman period (100–350 A.D.). FAB/MS and MS/MS studies identified several oxidation products of abietic acid as the principal resin components, indicating that one or more species of coniferous trees were used by the Egyptians as a source of the resin. GC/MS studies also identified several n-alkanes with carbon numbers from C₁₉ to C₃₃ in the sample. The relative amounts of these n-alkanes, along with characteristic trace metals, indicate that bitumen, an asphalt native to the region, was added to the resin. The presence of this ancient source of carbon in this sample explains the inconsistent date assigned to the mummy by carbon-14 analysis.     

Photoelectronic properties of horseradish peroxidase-functionalized CdSe/silica mesoporous composite and its sensing towards hydrogen peroxide

CdSe nanocrystals were prepared within a template of mesoporous silica (MS) spheres via chemical reaction, and then the as-synthesized CdSe/MS composites were dip coated on an optically transparent electrode. The photoelectric properties of CdSe/MS composite film were examined under ultraviolet (UV) illumination at the excitation wavelength of 365 nm. The CdSe/MS composite can facilitate charge rectification and minimize charge recombination as shown by its higher photocurrent. Most importantly, horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-functionalized CdSe/MS-modified electrode (HRP/CdSe/MS) had a stronger response toward hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) under UV illumination than in the dark. The result demonstrates the potential application of HRP/CdSe/MS composite film as a novel biosensor for monitoring H₂O₂ under UV illumination.     

Reviews on recent trends in chromatography/mass spectrometry coupling. Part IV. Reasons why supercritical fluid chromatography is not so easily coupled with mass spectrometry as originally assessed

Summary When SFC was rediscovered in the early 1980s, it was frequently estimated that a strong driving force to its development would be the ease of devising a simple SFC/MS interface. This was believed to be easily achieved if analytical conditions were limited to capillary SFC columns as a general separation tool, and to the choice of neat CO₂ as the unique supercritical fluid. The low flow rate of mobile phase delivered by capillary columns was easy to accommodate by the vacuum equipment of standard mass spectrometers, and the specific physical properties of CO₂ made possible solute ionization by different ion-molecule reactions, especially charge exchange ionization. This approach has lived up to all of its promises. The major causes of the observed mismatch are the large variations of the MS source pressure as a result of the CO₂ pressure gradient at the SFC column inlet, the low sensitivity of charge exchange ionization at these high MS source pressures, and the inability to handle polar and nonvolatile molecules. Adaptation of LC/MS interfaces, such as the thermospray interface or the particle beam interface, to SFC/MS conditions was a step forward, but these devices have their own limitations. Alternative methods to direct SFC/MS coupling have been investigated recently. They are based on the use of packed columns rather than capillaries, and on solute ionization at atmospheric pressure rather than under a vacuum, by means of either gas-phase corona discharge ionization or liquidphase electrospray ionization. These new developments may revive research into the design of reproducible and sensitive SFC/MS systems where the number of recent studies is still low compared with other chromatography/mass spectrometry coupling studies.See [1] for part III     

Structural determination by atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometry of some compounds isolated from the SARA fractions obtained from bitumen

We have identified compounds obtained from the SARA fractions of bitumen by using atmospheric pressure photoionization mass spectrometry and low‐energy collision tandem mass spectrometric analyses with a QqToF‐MS/MS hybrid instrument. The identified compounds were isolated from the maltene saturated oil and the aromatic fractions of the SARA components of a bitumen. The QqToF instrument had sufficient mass resolution to provide accurate molecular weight information and to enhance the tandem mass spectrometry results. The APPI‐QqToF‐MS analysis of the separated compounds showed a series of protonated molecules [M + H]⁺ and molecular ions [M]^+? of the same mass but having different chemical structures, in the maltene saturated oil and the aromatic SARA fractions. These isobaric ions were a molecular ion [M₂]^+? at m/z 418.2787 and a protonated molecule [M₅ + H]⁺ at m/z 287.1625 in the saturated oil fraction, and molecular ions [M₆]^+? at m/z 418.1584 and [M₇]^+? at m/z 287.1285 in the aromatic fraction. The identification of this series of chemical compounds was achieved by performing CID‐MS/MS analyses of the molecular ions [M]^+? ([M₁]^+? at m/z 446. 2980, [M₂]^+? at m/z 418.2787, [M₃]^+? at m/z 360.3350 and [M₄]^+? at m/z 346.2095) in the saturated oil fraction and of the [M₅ + H]⁺ ion at m/z 287.1625 also in the saturated oil fraction. The observed CID‐MS/MS fragmentation differences were explained by proposed different breakdown processes of the precursor ions. The presented tandem mass spectrometric study shows the capability of MS/MS experiments to differentiate between different classes of chemical compounds of the SARA components of bitumen and to explain the reasons for the observed mass spectrometric differences. However, greater mass resolution than that provided by the QqToF‐MS/MS instrument would be required for the analysis of the asphaltene fraction of bitumen. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

GC/IMS and GC/MS analysis of pre-concentrated medical and biological samples

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a well-known analytical method for the detection of CWAs and explosives since many years. Coupling IMS to GC pre-separation, new application fields in medicine and biology could be opened, dealing with complex and humid mixtures. However, identification of unknowns in such a complex sample is challenging and can only be achieved by parallel GC/MS analysis, thus obtaining a proposal for the responsible compound for validation via reference substances by GC/IMS again. The available adsorption tools for such accompanying GC/MS analysis have their particular drawbacks (e.g. problematic quantification for SPME, high sample volumes for adsorption tubes). Therefore miniaturised adsorption needles (NeedleTrap) were applied to both GC/IMS and GC/MS for validation of their reproducibility. It could be demonstrated that the needles can even be used for appropriate quantification when the adsorbent and the sample volume are adapted properly to the concentration range, the compounds of interest and humidity of the sample. The method is very flexible with regard to the concentration range by variation of the sample volume (e.g. 20 mL for ppt_V, 10 mL for lower ppb_V or 1 mL for ppm_V) and with regard to the compounds of interest by application of common adsorption materials optimised for the relevant substance group. Such materials are available commercially in a broad variability. Therefore, the miniaturised adsorption needles are a helpful complementary sampling method for any GC/MS or GC/IMS investigations.     

Screening and determination of drugs in human saliva utilizing microextraction by packed sorbent and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

This study presents a new method for collecting and handling saliva samples using an automated analytical microsyringe and microextraction by packed syringe (MEPS). The screening and determination of lidocaine in human saliva samples utilizing MEPS and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) were carried out. An exact volume of saliva could be collected. The MEPS C₈‐cartridge could be used for 50 extractions before it was discarded. The extraction recovery was about 60%. The pharmacokinetic curve of lidocaine in saliva using MEPS‐LC‐MS/MS is reported. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparison of different mass spectrometry techniques in the measurement of L‐[ring‐13C6]phenylalanine incorporation into mixed muscle proteins

Precise measurement of low enrichment of stable isotope labeled amino‐acid tracers in tissue samples is a prerequisite in measuring tissue protein synthesis rates. The challenge of this analysis is augmented when small sample size is a critical factor. Muscle samples from human participants following an 8 h intravenous infusion of L‐[ring‐¹³C₆]phenylalanine and a bolus dose of L‐[ring‐¹³C₆]phenylalanine in a mouse were utilized. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), gas chromatography (GC) MS/MS and GC/MS were compared to the GC‐combustion‐isotope ratio MS (GC/C/IRMS), to measure mixed muscle protein enrichment of [ring‐¹³C₆]phenylalanine enrichment. The sample isotope enrichment ranged from 0.0091 to 0.1312 molar percent excess. As compared with GC/C/IRMS, LC/MS/MS, GC/MS/MS and GC/MS showed coefficients of determination of R² = 0.9962 and R² = 0.9942, and 0.9217 respectively. However, the precision of measurements (coefficients of variation) for intra‐assay are 13.0%, 1.7%, 6.3% and 13.5% and for inter‐assay are 9.2%, 3.2%, 10.2% and 25% for GC/C/IRMS, LC/MS/MS, GC/MS/MS and GC/MS, respectively. The muscle sample sizes required to obtain these results were 8 µg, 0.8 µg, 3 µg and 3 µg for GC/C/IRMS, LC/MS/MS, GC/MS/MS and GC/MS, respectively. We conclude that LC/MS/MS is optimally suited for precise measurements of L‐[ring‐¹³C₆]phenylalanine tracer enrichment in low abundance and in small quantity samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection of low polar compounds by adding NaAuCl4

Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS) has been widely used for various analyses. However, it is difficult to use LC/ESI/MS for the analysis of low polar compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It is well known that AuCl₄^? ion decomposes to AuCl₃ by heating, and AuCl₃ is a strong π‐electrophilic Lewis acid. Low polar compounds (pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene, perylene, benzo[ghi]perylene, dibenzothiophene and p‐dimethoxybenzene) were detected by ESI/MS in the positive ion mode by adding NaAuCl₄. The low polar compound interacts with AuCl₃ formed at the ESI interface, and undergoes electron transfer to AuCl₃. The radical cation of the low polar compound was then detected by MS. In addition, the LC/ESI/MS determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by the post‐column addition of NaAuCl₄ was studied. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Mass Spectrometry Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd     

ESI‐MS/MS analysis of protonated N‐methyl amino acids and their immonium ions

Methylation is one of the important posttranslational modifications of biological systems. At the metabolite level, the methylation process is expected to convert bioactive compounds such as amino acids, fatty acids, lipids, sugars, and other organic acids into their methylated forms. A few of the methylated amino acids are identified and have been proved as potential biomarkers for several metabolic disorders by using mass spectrometry–based metabolomics workstation. As it is possible to encounter all the N‐methyl forms of the proteinogenic amino acids in plant/biological systems, it is essential to have analytical data of all N‐methyl amino acids for their detection and identification. In earlier studies, we have reported the ESI‐MS/MS data of all methylated proteinogenic amino acids, except that of mono‐N‐methyl amino acids. In this study, the N‐methyl amino acids of all the amino acids ( 1 ‐ 21 ; including one isomeric pair) were synthesized and characterized by ESI‐MS/MS, LC/MS/MS, and HRMS. These data could be useful for detection and identification of N‐methyl amino acids in biological systems for future metabolomics studies. The MS/MS spectra of [M + H]⁺ ions of most N‐methyl amino acids showed respective immonium ions by the loss of (H₂O, CO). The other most common product ions detected were [MH‐(NH₂CH₃]⁺, [MH‐(RH)]⁺ (where R = side chain group) ions, and the selective structure indicative product ions due to side chain and N‐methyl group. The isomeric/isobaric N‐methyl amino acids could easily be differentiated by their distinct MS/MS spectra. Further, the MS/MS of immonium ions inferred side chain structure and methyl group on α‐nitrogen of the N‐methyl amino acids.     

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry as a critical tool for revealing new properties of snake venom phospholipase A2

Results from high‐performance liquid chromatography/nano‐electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/nESI‐MS/MS) coupled to two‐dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D SDS‐PAGE) indicated that the monomer and dimer of phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) coexisted in crude Chinese Agkistrodon blomhoffii Ussurensis snake venom (ABUSV). Then, an acidic PLA₂ with the accurate molecular mass of 13979.6 Da was purified from ABUSV (mo‐ABUSV‐aPLA₂). MS/MS‐derived peptides from ABUSV‐aPLA₂ were compared with other homologous snake venom PLA₂s, which in turn showed that ABUSV‐aPLA₂ is a novel snake venom PLA₂. Meanwhile, the ABUSV‐aPLA₂ dimer (di‐ABUSV‐aPLA₂) was also obtained. MS/MS analysis identified the same peptides from di‐ABUSV‐aPLA₂ as from mo‐ABUSV‐aPLA₂, which indicates that di‐ABUSV‐aPLA₂ is a homodimer. One Ca²⁺ ion is contained per ABUSV‐aPLA₂. The Ca²⁺ ion is critical for both the hydrolytic activity and the structure of ABUSV‐aPLA₂. Pro‐Q Emerald and Pro‐Q Diamond specific glycoprotein and phosphoprotein staining combined with MS/MS analysis indicated that the ABUSV‐aPLA₂ is both a glycoprotein and a phosphoprotein, which to our knowledge is the first such report for a snake venom PLA₂ and thus provides new threads for the study of the functions and structures of snake venom PLA₂s. One phosphorylation site and the size of the glycan chain are determined by using HPLC/nESI‐MS/MS and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) MS. The delicate utilization of ESI‐MS can exert tremendous impact on protein sciences. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

LC/ESI‐MS/MS characterisation of lipopeptide biosurfactants produced by the Bacillus licheniformis V9T14 strain

Lipopeptide biosurfactants produced by the Bacillus licheniformis V9T14 strain showed an interesting anti‐adhesion activity against biofilm formation of human pathogenic bacterial strains. The chemical characterisation of the crude extract of V9T14 strain was first developed through electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and ESI‐MS/MS direct infusions: two sets of molecular ion species belonging to the fengycin and surfactin families were revealed and their structures defined, interpreting their product ion spectra. The LC/ESI‐MS analysis of the crude extract allowed to separate in different chromatogram ranges the homologues and the isoforms of the two lipopeptide families. The extract was then fractionated by silica gel chromatography in two main fractions, I and II. The purified biosurfactants were analysed through a new, rapid and suitable LC/ESI‐MS/MS method, which allowed characterising the composition and the structures of the produced lipopeptides. LC/ESI‐MS/MS analysis of fraction I showed the presence of C₁₃, C₁₄ and C₁₅ surfactin homologues, whose structures were confirmed by the product ion spectra of the sodiated molecules [M + Na]⁺ at m/z 1030, 1044 and 1058. LC/ESI‐MS/MS analysis of fraction II confirmed the presence of two main fengycin isoforms, with the protonated molecules [M + H]⁺ at m/z 1478 and 1506 corresponding to C₁₇ fengycin A and C₁₇ fengycin B, respectively. Other homologues (C₁₄ to C₁₆) were revealed and confirmed as belonging to fengycin A or B according to the retention times and the product ions generated, although with the same nominal mass. Finally, a relative percentage content of each homologue for both lipopeptides families in the whole extract was proposed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quantification of peptides using N‐terminal isotope coding and C‐terminal derivatization for sensitive analysis by micro liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry

Stable isotope‐coding coupled with mass spectrometry is a popular method for quantitative proteomics and peptide quantification. However, the efficiency of the derivatization reaction at a particular functional group, especially in complex structures, can affect accuracy. Here, we present a dual functional‐group derivatization of bioactive peptides followed by micro liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). By separating the sensitivity‐enhancement and isotope‐coding derivatization reactions, suitable chemistries can be chosen. The peptide amino groups were reductively alkylated with acetaldehyde or acetaldehyde‐d₄ to afford N‐alkylated products with different masses. This process is simple, quick and high‐yield, and accurate comparative analysis can be achieved for the mass‐differentiated peptides. Then, the carboxyl groups were derivatized with 1‐(2‐pyrimidinyl)piperazine to increase MS/MS sensitivity. Angiotensins I–IV, bradykinin and neurotensin were analyzed after online solid phase extraction by micro LC‐MS/MS. In all instances, a greater than 17‐fold increase in sensitivity was achieved, compared with the analyses of the underivatized peptides. Furthermore, the values obtained from the present method were in agreement with the result from isotope dilution quantification using isotopically labeled angiotensin I [Asp‐Arg‐(Val‐d₈)‐Tyr‐Ile‐His‐Pro‐(Phe‐d₈)‐His‐Leu]. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of desmosine-d4: Improvement of isotopic purity by D-H exchange of amino groups

Desmosine is a crosslinking pyridinium amino acid of elastin, which is a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by LC–MS/MS analysis. We previously reported a synthesis of desmosine-d₄, which is useful as an internal standard for quantitative LC–MS/MS analysis of desmosines, by deuterogenation of an alkyne group; however, the isotopic purity of the desmosine-d₄ was only ca. 50%. The present report describes a new synthesis of desmosine-d₄ that improves the isotopic purity to ca. 90% by exchanging the protons of the amino groups to deuterium using deuterogenation.     

Tandem mass spectrometry of aminated fullerene derivatives

The products of the reaction between fullerenes (C₆₀/C₇₀) and dimethylamine were investigated by fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The FAB mass spectrum shows peaks corresponding to the addition of up to eight dimethylamine species, exclusively to C₇₀. MS/MS reveals an unusual fragmentation pattern. The mass spectrum of the reaction products, together with a number of tandem mass spectra, are shown.     

Ultra high performance supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for screening of doping agents. I: Investigation of mobile phase and MS conditions

The conditions for the analysis of selected doping substances by UHPSFC–MS/MS were optimized to ensure suitable peak shapes and maximized MS responses. A representative mixture of 31 acidic and basic doping agents was analyzed, in both ESI+ and ESI− modes. The best compromise for all compounds in terms of MS sensitivity and chromatographic performance was obtained when adding 2% water and 10 mM ammonium formate in the CO₂/MeOH mobile phase. Beside mobile phase, the nature of the make-up solvent added for interfacing UHPSFC with MS was also evaluated. Ethanol was found to be the best candidate as it was able to compensate for the negative effect of 2% water addition in ESI− mode and provided a suitable MS response for all doping agents.     

Tandem GC/MS: A useful tool for studying end-capping reactions of oligo(styryl)lithium anions

Anionic living polymerization methods, using organometallic initiators such as butyllithium reagents, have proven useful for, inter alia, styrene polymerization and are amenable to subsequent functionalization of poly(styryl)lithium in the termination step. In this study, general methods for the selective preparation of small styrene oligomers and termination of the intermediate oligo(styryl)lithium anions were investigated. The crude reaction mixtures were analyzed directly by tandem gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Of the carbon- and silicon-based electrophiles tested, chloro(chloroalkyl)silanes, Cl-SiR₂(CH₂)_nCl in particular, were shown by GC/MS to be regioselective end-capping reagents, thus allowing subsequent transformation to the primary amine. The combined GC/MS data allow not only an estimate of the degree of functionalization, but also the identification of by-products, thus providing insight into the end-capping process that otherwise might be difficult to access. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Fused silica capillary GC/MS coupling: A new,innovative approach

A novel fused silica capillary GC/MS direct coupling is described which ensures quantitative transfer of sample from the point of injection to the ion source of a mass spectrometer without contacting any surfaces other than the column wall. This device permits GC analysis of highly labile substances. Aflatoxin B₁, previously considered unassayable by GC, can now be determined by GC/MS.     

A rapid and sensitive bioanalytical LC–MS/MS method for the quantitation of a novel CDK5 inhibitor 20–223 (CP668863) in plasma: Application to in vitro metabolism and plasma protein-binding studies

A rapid, selective, and sensitive liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantitation of the novel CDK5 inhibitor ‘20–223' in mouse plasma. Separation of analytes was achieved by a reverse-phase ACE Excel C₁₈ column (1.7 μm, 100 × 2.1 mm) with gradient elution using 0.1% formic acid (FA) in methanol and 0.1% FA as the mobile phase. Analytes were monitored by MS/MS with an electrospray ionization source in the positive multiple reaction monitoring mode. The MS/MS response was linear over the concentration range 0.2–500 ng/mL for 20–223. The within- and between-batch precision were within the acceptable limits as per Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The validated method was successfully applied to plasma protein binding and in vitro metabolism studies. Compound 20–223 was highly bound to mouse plasma proteins (>98% bound). Utilizing mouse S9 fractions, in vitro intrinsic clearance (CL_int) was 24.68 ± 0.99 μL/min/mg protein. A total of 12 phase I and II metabolites were identified with hydroxylation found to be the major metabolic pathway. The validate method required a low sample volume, was linear from 0.2 to 500 ng/mL, and had acceptable accuracy and precision.     

A new A431/cell membrane chromatography and online high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method for screening epidermal growth factor receptor antagonists from Radix sophorae flavescentis

The intracellular kinase domains of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in some tumor cells such as human epidermal squamous cells (A₄₃₁ cells) are an important target for drug discovery. We have developed a new A₄₃₁/cell membrane chromatography (A₄₃₁/CMC)-online–high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) method for screening EGFR antagonists from medicinal herbs such as traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). In this study, A₄₃₁ cells with high EGFR expression levels were used to prepare cell membrane stationary phase (CMSP) in an A₄₃₁/CMC model. The retention fractions eluted from the CMSP column were enriched onto an ODS pre-column and then switched into an HPLC/MS system by combining a 10 port columns switching valve. The screening results found that oxymatrine and matrine from Radix sophorae flavescentis (RSF) were the targeted components which could act on EGFR in similar manner of gefitinib as a control drug. There was a good relationship of their inhibiting effects on EGFR secretion and A₄₃₁ cell growth in vitro. This new A₄₃₁/CMC-online-HPLC/MS method can be applied for screening EGFR antagonists from TCMs such as RSF. It will be a useful method for drug discovery with natural medicinal herbs as a leading compound resource.     

Multiple ligand detection and affinity measurement by ultrafiltration and mass spectrometry analysis applied to fragment mixture screening

Binding affinity of a small molecule drug candidate to a therapeutically relevant biomolecular target is regarded the first determinant of the candidate's efficacy. Although the ultrafiltration-LC/MS (UF-LC/MS) assay enables efficient ligand discovery for a specific target from a mixed pool of compounds, most previous analysis allowed for relative affinity ranking of different ligands. Moreover, the reliability of affinity measurement for multiple ligands with UF-LC/MS has hardly been strictly evaluated. In this study, we examined the accuracy of K_d determination through UF-LC/MS by comparison with classical ITC measurement. A single-point K_d calculation method was found to be suitable for affinity measurement of multiple ligands bound to the same target when binding competition is minimized. A second workflow based on analysis of the unbound fraction of compounds was then developed, which simplified sample preparation as well as warranted reliable ligand discovery. The new workflow implemented in a fragment mixture screen afforded rapid and sensitive detection of low-affinity ligands selectively bound to the RNA polymerase NS5B of hepatitis C virus. More importantly, ligand identification and affinity measurement for mixture-based fragment screens by UF-LC/MS were in good accordance with single ligand evaluation by conventional SPR analysis. This new approach is expected to become a valuable addition to the arsenal of high-throughput screening techniques for fragment-based drug discovery.