Using tolerance intervals in pre-study validation of analytical methods to predict in-study results. The fit-for-future-purpose concept

It is recognized that the purpose of validation of analytical methods is to demonstrate that the method is suited for its intended purpose. Validation is not only required by regulatory authorities, but is also a decisive phase before the routine use of the method. For a quantitative analytical method the objective is to quantify the target analytes with a known and suitable accuracy. For that purpose, first, a decision about the validity of the method based on prediction is proposed: a method is declared proper for routine application if it is considered that most of the future results generated will be accurate enough. This can be achieved by using the "beta-expectation tolerance interval" (accuracy profile) as the decision tool to assess the validity of the analytical method. Moreover, the concept of "fit-for-purpose" is also proposed here to select the most relevant response function as calibration curve, i.e. choosing a response function based solely on the predicted results this model will allow to obtain. This paper reports four case studies where the results obtained with quality control samples in routine were compared to predictions made in the validation phase. Predictions made using the "beta-expectation tolerance interval" are shown to be accurate and trustful for decision making. It is therefore suggested that an adequate way to conciliate both the objectives of the analytical method in routine analysis and those of the validation step consists in taking the decision about the validity of the analytical method based on prediction of the future results using the most appropriate response function curve, i.e. the fit-for-future-purpose concept.     

Analysis of recent pharmaceutical regulatory documents on analytical method validation

All analysts face the same situations as method validation is the process of proving that an analytical method is acceptable for its intended purpose. In order to resolve this problem, the analyst refers to regulatory or guidance documents, and therefore the validity of the analytical methods is dependent on the guidance, terminology and methodology, proposed in these documents. It is therefore of prime importance to have clear definitions of the different validation criteria used to assess this validity. It is also necessary to have methodologies in accordance with these definitions and consequently to use statistical methods which are relevant with these definitions, the objective of the validation and the objective of the analytical method. The main purpose of this paper is to outline the inconsistencies between some definitions of the criteria and the experimental procedures proposed to evaluate those criteria in recent documents dedicated to the validation of analytical methods in the pharmaceutical field, together with the risks and problems when trying to cope with contradictory, and sometimes scientifically irrelevant, requirements and definitions.     

High throughput analysis of tryptophan metabolites in a complex matrix using capillary electrophoresis coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A capillary electrophoresis method for separation and detection with time-of-flight mass spectrometry is described for tryptophan metabolites in the kynurenic pathway. Tryptophan metabolites are usually difficult to detect with electrospray mass spectrometry since they have low surface activity and occur in low nanomolar to micromolar range in body fluids. Modification of the silica-wall with 1-(4-iodobutyl)4-aza-1-azoniabicyclo[2,2,2]octane iodide, also named M7C4I, has successfully been used to deactivate the fused silica wall and generate a stable reversed electroosmotic flow. Utilizing this advantage together with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, which generates high resolution and fast acquisition monitoring of species, proved to be successful even for such a complex matrix like human cerebrospinal fluid.     

Mass distribution, polydispersity, and focusing properties of carrier ampholytes for IEF. Part V: pH 9-11 interval

As a last part of an investigation on all 2-pH-unit intervals of carrier ampholytes (CAs) for IEF (see Electrophoresis 2006, 27, 3919-3934; 2006, 27, 4849-4858; 2007, 28, 715-723) two different lots of Servalyt CAs, in the pH 9-11 range, have been analyzed by a 2-D technique based on preparative Rotofor fractionation followed by capillary electrophoresis mass-spectrometry of 10 out of 20 fractions harvested, in the second dimension. The findings: the two lots contain 65 and 69 different M(r) compounds, in the M(r) interval of 232-667 Da, for a total of 341-387 isoforms, respectively. Since this is a chaotic organic synthesis, the high reproducibility (here demonstrated for the first time during the 40 years of existence of CAs) of the synthetic process (for two batches produced at 6 years of distance) is remarkable, considering that a 94% agreement for the individual chemicals and 88% agreement for the total number of isoforms for the two lots is found. It is additionally demonstrated that the lower pI species are accompanied by considerably more isoforms than the high pI forms and that in all cases such isoforms consist of family of compounds clustered around the pI of the parental form, with a pI spread of ca. 0.1-0.2 pH units.     

Biosurfactant production by cultivation of Bacillus atrophaeus ATCC 9372 in semidefined glucose/casein-based media

Biosurfactants are proteins with detergent, emulsifier, and antimicrobial actions that have potential application in environmental applications such as the treatment of organic pollutants and oil recovery. Bacillus atrophaeus strains are nonpathogenic and are suitable source of biosurfactants, among which is surfactin. The aim of this work is to establish a culture medium composition able to stimulate biosurfactants production by B. atrophaeus ATCC 9372. Batch cultivations were carried out in a rotary shaker at 150 rpm and 35 degrees C for 24 h on glucose-and/or casein-based semidefined culture media also containing sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate, and soy flour. The addition of 14.0 g/L glucose in a culture medium containing 10.0 g/L of casein resulted in 17 times higher biosurfactant production (B(max)=635.0 mg/L). Besides, the simultaneous presence of digested casein (10.0 g/L), digested soy flour (3.0 g/L), and glucose (18.0 g/L) in the medium was responsible for a diauxic effect during cell growth. Once the diauxie started, the average biosurfactants concentration was 16.8% less than that observed before this phenomenon. The capability of B. atrophaeus strain to adapt its own metabolism to use several nutrients as energy sources and to preserve high levels of biosurfactants in the medium during the stationary phase is a promising feature for its possible application in biological treatments.     

Unique Formation of a Crystal Phase Containing Cyclic Oligomers and Helical Polymers of the Same Monomeric Fragment

The yellow, microcrystalline compound [Cu(pymo)] (Hpymo=2-hydroxypyrimidine) has been characterized with the newly emerging technique of ab initio X-ray powder diffraction. A unique and unprecedented crystal phase containing cyclic oligomers and infinite helical polymers (see picture) of the same monomeric fragment is selectively formed upon reaction of [Cu(CH₃CN)₄][BF₄] and Hpymo with NEt₃.