Analysis of native amino acids by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry: comparative study between two sources and interfaces

The analytical performances of two triple-quadrupole instruments, which differ in their atmospheric-pressure sources, were evaluated for native amino acid analysis. The Applied Biosystems/Sciex API 300 instrument was equipped with a turboIon Spray source and a curtain gas interface while the Waters/Micromass Quattro Ultima instrument was characterized by its Z-spray source. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of native amino acids requires volatile ion-pairing mobile phase additives (mainly perfluorinated carboxylic acids). The effects of the structure and concentration of the ion-pairing reagents as well as the organic modifier percentage on the electrospray response of amino acids were studied in detail. The most favourable chromatographic conditions depend strongly on the mass spectrometer used. Several instrumental parameters were also studied, including spray voltage, transmission lens voltages, temperature of desolvation and auxiliary gas flow rates. The results show substantial qualitative differences depending on the instrument geometry. The quantitative performances of the two triple-quadrupole mass spectrometers were evaluated in terms of limits of detection and quantification. The effects of the matrix on the analyte ionization were also examined, and the long-term stability of the electrospray performance was studied over 12 h using a mobile phase containing the perfluorinated ion-pairing reagents. The study provides information on the robustness of the MS instrument and its detection sensitivity towards native amino acid analysis. It appears that each instrument has its good and bad points since one provides higher sensitivity while another is more robust.     

Determination of carbapenems in water samples by UHPLC–MS/MS

A rapid and reliable method for the detection of five carbapenems (biapenem, imipenem, doripenem, meropenem, and faropenem) in water was developed and validated. After acidification of water samples with acetic acid, carbapenems were isolated using a Bond Elut PPL cartridge. The target compounds were separated using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with a chromatographic run time of 5 min and detected on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operated in positive electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring mode. Mean recoveries were in the range of 76.6–106.5%, with satisfactory intraday and interday relative standard deviations lower than 10.0 and 10.8%, respectively. The limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.05–0.2 µg/L and 0.1–0.5 µg/L, respectively, depending on the analyte. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of river samples and wastewater samples from swine farms, and no carbapenems were detected in the collected samples.     

Study of different atmospheric-pressure interfaces for LC-MS/MS determination of acrylamide in water at sub-ppb levels

A rapid, sensitive and selective method based on LC-MS/MS has been developed for the direct determination of acrylamide residues in water in compliance with the current European Union (EU) 98/83 Drinking Water Directive. Given the high polarity of acrylamide, the application of a rapid on-line solid phase extraction step, commonly used for preconcentrating low analyte levels, was not found to be completely satisfactory. Therefore, an alternative approach based on the use of direct large-volume injection into the LC-MS/MS system has been used. Three atmospheric-pressure interfaces (ESI, APCI and Ion Sabre APCI) were checked to reach the required sensitivity (0.1 microg/l). All three interfaces were tested by analysis of six different water samples (surface water, groundwater, drinking water and three treated water samples) spiked at three concentration levels each (0.1, 1 and 10 microg/l). When using ESI, poor sensitivity and high matrix effects were observed. This situation improved when APCI was used as the interface because no matrix effect was found, although sensitivity was not completely satisfactory. The best results were obtained by interfacing the Ion Sabre APCI; its higher sensitivity for acrylamide (LOD 0.03 microg/l) and the absence of matrix effects recommended its selection. Using this approach, satisfactory recoveries (90-97%) and precision (<12%) were obtained for all water samples studied. Besides, the acquisition of two different MS/MS transitions allowed not only the quantification but also the confirmation of acrylamide in water at concentration levels around 0.1 microg/l.     

防晒类化妆品中2种帕地马酯的高效液相色谱检测及质谱确证

建立了同时测定防晒类化妆品中帕地马酯A和帕地马酯O的高效液相色谱分析方法及质谱确证方法。化妆品样品以甲醇为提取溶剂进行超声提取,提取液离心处理,取上清液经微孔滤膜过滤后测定。采用XTerra MS C18柱(250×4.6mm,5μm)分离,外标法定量。结果表明防晒类化妆品中帕地马酯A和帕地马酯O的方法定量限均为0.5mg/kg,在低、中、高3个添加水平范围内平均回收率为89.1%~112.5%,相对标准偏差为2.0%~7.7%。对于疑似阳性样品,进一步采用液相色谱-串联质谱法进行确证分析。该方法准确、快速、灵敏度高,适用于防晒类化妆品的实际检验工作。     

Practical determination of methotrexate in serum of rheumatic patients by LC-MS/MS

A rapid and simple liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of methotrexate (MTX) in rheumatic patients' serum is described. Serum spiked with pterin as an internal standard was deproteinized with methanol. The separation of MTX from interfering peaks in matrix was achieved on a Luna 3 µm C₁₈ (100 × 4.6 mm i.d.) column with a mixture of 1% acetic acid and acetonitrile (88:12, v/v) within 5 min. Multiple reaction monitoring transitions monitored for MTX were m/z 455.2–308.1. The calibration curve of MTX in serum showed a good linearity (r = 0.999). Limits of detection and quantification of MTX at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 and 10 were 3.0 n m (4.4 fmol/injection) and 10.0 n m (14.5 fmol/injection), respectively. The accuracy and precision for intra‐ and inter‐day assays were 94.6–106.5% and <5.5 and <5.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed method was successfully applied to the sera nine rheumatic patients receiving MTX treatment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Validation of direct injection electrospray LC-MS/MS for confirmation of opiates in urine drug testing

A method based on the direct injection of diluted urine for the identification and quantification of morphine, morphine-3-glucuronide, morphine-6-glucuronide, codeine, codeine-6-glucuronide, ethylmorphine, ethylmorphine-6-glucuronide and 6-acetylmorphine (6AM) in human urine by electrospray ionisation liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was validated for use as a confirmation procedure in urine drug testing. Four deuterium labelled analogues were used as internal standards: morphine-3-glucuronide-D3, morphine-D3, codeine-D3 and 6AM-D3. Twenty microlitre aliquots of urine were mixed with 80 mul of the internal standard solution in autosampler vials and 10 mul was injected. The chromatographic system consisted of a 2.0 x 100 mm C18 column and the gradient elution buffers used acetonitrile and 25 mmol/l formic acid. Two product ions produced from the protonated molecular ions were monitored in the selected reaction monitoring mode. The intra- and inter-assay variability (coefficient of variation) was below 10% at higher levels for all analytes, but at the reporting limits the variation was above 20% for 6AM, morphine-3-glucuronide and codeine-6-glucuronide. Ion suppression occurred early after injection but did not affect the identification and quantification of the analytes in authentic samples. The method was further validated by comparison with a reference gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method using authentic urine samples. The two methods agreed almost completely (99%) regarding the identified analytes, but for the quantitative results there were slightly lower levels when measuring glucuronides directly as compared to total determination after hydrolysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.We conclude that the presented liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method is robust and reliable, and suitable for use as a confirmation method in urine drug testing for opiates     

液相色谱质谱联用检测血液和尿液中的 琥珀胆碱及对标样的稳定性评价

采用OasisR WCX固相萃取柱,用50％甲醇溶液洗脱杂质,并用1 mL甲酸-乙腈-水(1:8:1)溶液进行淋洗目标物.采用LC/MS/ESI检测其母离子为145.1,并选择115.5作为其定量离子.在尿液和血液中进行了回收率实验,测得其定量检测限分别为0.92ng/mL,1.89ng/mL( 10倍S/N),方法的...     

Analysis of phenolic choline esters from seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus by capillary liquid chromatography/electrospray‐ tandem mass spectrometry

Total phenolic choline ester fractions prepared from seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus were analyzed by capillary LC/ESI‐QTOF‐MS and direct infusion ESI‐FTICR‐MS. In addition to the dominating sinapoylcholine, 30 phenolic choline esters could be identified based on accurate mass measurements, interpretation of collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra, and synthesis of selected representatives. The compounds identified so far include substituted hydroxycinnamoyl‐ and hydroxybenzoylcholines, respective monohexosides as well as oxidative coupling products of phenolic choline esters and monolignols. Phenolic choline esters are well separable by reversed‐phase liquid chromatography and sensitively detectable using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in positive ion mode. CID mass spectra obtained from molecular ions facilitate the characterization of both the type and substitution pattern of such compounds. Therefore, LC/ESI‐MS/MS represents a valuable tool for comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of this compound class. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analyses of benzodiazepines and their metabolites in various biological matrices by LC-MS(/MS)

Benzodiazepines are among the most frequently prescribed drugs due to their sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and antiepileptic properties. Because of the high consumption of benzodiazepines worldwide, this class of drugs and their metabolites are frequently present in both clinical and forensic cases. For these reasons, the analysis of benzodiazepines and their metabolites in biological fluids is of great interest to clinicians and forensic toxicologists. This paper reviews procedures for multi-analyte single-stage (LC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using different mass analyzers for the screening, identification and/or quantification of drugs, poisons and/or their metabolites in blood, plasma, serum or urine published since 2001. Basic information about the biosamples assayed, work-up, LC column, mobile phase, ionization type, mass spectral detection mode, matrix effects and validation data for each procedure is summarized. The feasibility of using LC-MS(/MS) techniques to identify and quantify benzodiazepines and their metabolites is also discussed.     

Profiles analysis of proanthocyanidins in the argun nut (Medemia argun—an ancient Egyptian palm) by LC–ESI–MS/MS

Medemia argun is an ancient palm rich in proanthocyanidins (PACs). These polyphenolic compounds are widely distributed in plants and are an integral part of the human diet. A sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–MS) method in the negative ion mode for sequencing these ubiquitous and highly beneficial antioxidants is described in order to profile different PACs in M. argun nuts. The analytical protocol based on tandem mass spectrometry was used to sequence dimers, trimers, tetramers and pentamers with different A‐type, B‐type and A/B‐type linkages. Diagnostic ions resulting from heterocyclic ring fission and retro‐Diels–Alder reaction of flavan‐3‐ol provided information on the hydroxylation pattern and the type of interflavan bond. The sequences were discovered through ions derived from quinone methide cleavage of the interflavan bond. The identification of PACs linkages through LC–MSⁿ eliminates a number of tedious separation steps. The method was successfully applied to give a view of PAC profile in M. argun nuts. M. argun nuts contained 636.88 mg/g PACs (as equivalent of (þ)‐catechin). The data obtained in our research show that M. argun is a rich source of hydrolyzable PACs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

化妆品中氯胺T的超声辅助水解/液相色谱检测及质谱确证

建立了化妆品中氯胺T的超声辅助水解/高效液相色谱分析方法,并采用液相色谱-串联质谱进行确证.将不同类型(膏霜、水剂、散粉、香波、牙膏)化妆品样品分散于盐酸溶液中,超声波辅助提取并水解氯胺T,水解液用乙醚萃取后,采用高效液相色谱分离分析,以Agilent Extend C18 (4.6 mm×250 mm,5μm)为色谱...     

Direct analysis of 15N-label in amino and amide groups of glutamine and asparagine

A novel method for on-line determination of the amount and position of 15N-labeling in complex mixtures of amino acids is presented. Underivatized amino acids were analyzed by ion-pair chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry. This enables the direct determination of the 15N label distribution. The fragmentation pathways of the nitrogen moieties of glutamine (Gln) and asparagine (Asn) were studied in detail using all mono 15N isotopomers, which led to a method for differentiating between 15N-amide and 15N-amino labeling. The fragmentation involving the amino and amide groups of Gln led to distinct ion structures. The equivalent fragmentation pattern was not observed for Asn. Instead, the amide group of Asn was eliminated as HNCO in a secondary process. The developed analytical method was evaluated by analysis of a range of standard mixtures taking into account different levels of 15N abundance and distribution between the amino and amide groups. The detection limit (3 SD) for the presence of a 15N label was 0.7 and 1.0% for Gln and Asn, respectively. The determination of the positional labeling follows a nonlinear function. A representative example at 30% 15N was used as a benchmark resulting in average relative standard deviations of 2.7 and 15% for Gln and Asn, respectively. The corresponding expectation windows for the positional labeling were found to be 2 and 12%, respectively.     

LC–MS/MS法测定动物性食品中万古霉素残留

建立液相色谱–串联质谱(LC–MS/MS)法检测动物性食品中万古霉素药物残留的方法。用磷酸盐缓冲溶液对动物性食品中的万古霉素进行提取,经HLB固相萃取柱净化,采用电喷雾离子源,以正离子检测方式进行质谱分析。实验结果表明,万古霉素质量浓度在1~500μg/L范围内与色谱峰面积呈良好的线性,相关系数r=0.998。低、中、高3个质量浓度添加水平的回收率为84.8%~118.2%,相对标准偏差为2.2%~7.2%(n=5),检出限为2μg/kg。     

Recent developments in the characterization of nucleic acids by liquid chromatography,capillary electrophoresis,ion mobility,and mass spectrometry (2010–2020)

The development of new strategies for the analysis of nucleic acids has gained momentum due to the increased interest in using these biomolecules as drugs or drug targets. The application of new mass spectrometry ion activation techniques and the optimization of separation methods including liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and ion mobility have allowed more detailed characterization of nucleic acids and oligonucleotide therapeutics including confirmation of sequence, localization of modifications and interaction sites, and structural analysis as well as identification of failed sequences and degradation products. This review will cover tandem mass spectrometry methods as well as the recent developments in liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and ion mobility coupled to mass spectrometry for the analysis of nucleic acids and oligonucleotides.     

Relationships between structure,ionization profile and sensitivity of exogenous anabolic steroids under electrospray ionization and analysis in human urine using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

The relationships between the ionization profile, sensitivity, and structures of 64 exogenous anabolic steroids (groups I–IV) was investigated under electrospray ionization (ESI) conditions. The target analytes were ionized as [M + H]⁺ or [M + H–nH₂O]⁺ in the positive mode, and these ions were used as precursor ions for selected reaction monitoring analysis. The collision energy and Q3 ions were optimized based on the sensitivity and selectivity. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.05–20 ng/mL for the 64 steroids. The LODs for 38 compounds, 14 compounds and 12 compounds were in the range of 0.05–1, 2–5 and 10–20 ng/mL, respectively. Steroids including the conjugated keto‐functional group at C3 showed good proton affinity and stability, and generated the [M + H]⁺ ion as the most abundant precursor ion. In addition, the LODs of steroids using the [M + H]⁺ ion as the precursor ion were mostly distributed at low concentrations. In contrast, steroids containing conjugated/unconjugated hydroxyl functional groups at C3 generated [M + H ? H₂O]⁺ or [M + H ? 2H₂O]⁺ ions, and these steroids showed relatively high LODs owing to poor stability and multiple ion formation. An LC‐MS/MS method based on the present ionization profile was developed and validated for the determination of 78 steroids (groups I–V) in human urine. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Accurate mass measurements by Fourier transform mass spectrometry in the study of advanced glycation end products/peptides

The Maillard reaction occurring between sugars and amino groups is important in living systems. When amino groups belonging to protein chains are involved, the Maillard reaction has been invoked as responsible for protein cross-linking and the production of 'toxic' compounds. The reaction leads to the production of a heterogeneous group of substances, usually called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Classical analytical approaches, such as spectroscopic (ultraviolet, fluorescence) and mass spectrometric (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry) methods, have shown that the digestion mixture is highly complex. However, there are clear differences between the digestion mixtures of glycated and unglycated human serum albumin (HSA). In the former case, possible glycated peptides belonging to the AGE peptide class may be identified. Tandem mass spectrometric experiments on selected species seemed to be promising as regards structural information, but it was thought of interest to undertake the present investigation, based on liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry, in order to obtain definitive results on their elemental composition. Using this approach, about 20 glycated peptides were detected and their possible structures were postulated by examining the known sequence of HSA.     

液相色谱–串联质谱法测定水果及其制品中氯吡脲残留量

建立了液相色谱–三重四极杆串联质谱测定水果及其制品中氯吡脲的方法。样品经乙腈提取,氨基固相萃取小柱净化后,用ZORBAX Extend-C18柱(150 mm×2.1 mm,5μm)分离,以甲醇–水为流动相等度洗脱,采用多反应监测正离子模式检测,外标法定量。氯吡脲的质量浓度在4.0~200.0 ng/m L范围内线性良好,相关系数大于0.999,在5.0,10.0,20.0μg/kg 3个添加水平下,氯吡脲的平均加标回收率为86%~92%,测定结果的相对标准偏差为5.3%~7.6%(n=5),方法定量下限为2.0μg/kg。方法灵敏度高,操作简便,定量准确,可满足梨、柑桔、黄桃等水果及其罐头制品中氯吡脲残留的检测与确证需要。     

Determination of 19 sulfonamides residues in pork samples by combining QuEChERS with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by UHPLC–MS/MS

A new simple and rapid pretreatment method for simultaneous determination of 19 sulfonamides in pork samples was developed through combining the QuEChERS method with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The sample preparation involves extraction/partitioning with QuEChERS method followed by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction using tetrachloroethane as extractive solvent and the acetonitrile extract as dispersive solvent that obtained by QuEChERS. The enriched tetrachloroethane organic phase by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was evaporated, reconstituted with 100 μL acetonitrile/water (1:9 v/v) and injected into an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and 0.1% v/v formic acid under gradient elution and separated using a BHE C₁₈ column. Various parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were investigated. Matrix‐matched calibration curves were established. Good linear relationships were obtained for all analytes in a range of 2.0–100 μg/kg and the limits of detection were 0.04–0.49 μg/kg. Average recoveries at three spiking levels were in the range of 78.3–106.1% with relative standard deviations less than 12.7% (n = 6). The developed method was successfully applied to determine sulfonamide residues in pork samples.     

Direct determination of pregabalin in human urine by nonaqueous CE‐TOF‐MS

Determination of pregabalin in urine samples was carried out by nonaqueous CE with TOF‐MS via ESI, with a mixture of 10 mM ammonium formate and 0.05% acetic acid in methanol. By using TOF‐MS, accurate mass information was obtained, thus causing a great improvement in qualitative ability. In order to avoid ionic suppression, urine samples dilution 1:10 was used. This was the only treatment to urine samples before the injection. Despite this dilution, the detection limit was as low as 0.03 μg/mL for pregabalin. The method was validated with respect to accuracy, precision, and linearity, LOD, and LOQ. This method was applied to the analysis of urine samples from seven different cancer patients undergoing treatment with pregabalin. The developed method may find wide application for the routine determination of pregabalin in biological samples in order to establish a more efficient and safe dosage.     

液相色谱-串联质谱法测定液态乳制品中的苯代三聚氰胺

建立了液态乳制品中苯代三聚氰胺的高效液相色谱-串联质谱(HPLC-MS/MS)测定方法。优化了前处理条件、液相色谱和质谱参数。样品经LC-C18固相萃取柱富集净化后,采用ZORBAX-Eclipse Plus C18色谱柱分离,流动相为乙腈-水(15∶85,体积比),流速为0.3 mL/min。采用正离子模式的电喷雾质谱检测,多反应(MRM)选择离子监测,定量离子与定性离子分别为m/z 104.1与m/z 146.0,外标法定量。结果表明,苯代三聚氰胺在2~100 μg/L范围内线性关系良好,相关系数为0.999 1,方法的检出限和定量下限分别为1.0 μg/kg和3.0 μg/kg。在低、中、高3个加标水平下的平均回收率为77%~105%,相对标准偏差(RSD)为2.3%~5.0%。该方法操作简单、准确可靠,适用于液态乳制品中苯代三聚氰胺的测定。