Liquid Chromatography Coupled With Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Research Articles

Characterization and Comparison of Steroidal Glycosides from Polygonatum Species by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Polygonatum species have been used as traditional medicines and functional foods in Asia and Europe since ancient times. In this study, a fast and simple method based on liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) was developed to systematically analyze and identify the steroidal glycosides in four major Polygonatum species distributed in Japan, including P. odoratum, P. falcatum, P. macranthum, and P. sibiricum. As a result, 31 steroidal glycosides were tentatively identified, including 18 known and 13 previously unreported glycosides. Their structures were identified by the interpretation of chromatographic behavior and ESI-MS fragmentation patterns. The identification of 31 steroidal glycosides was indicative of a common biogenetic pathway in Polygonatum species. Our study disclosed the chemical profiling of steroidal glycosides in the plants of Polygonatum species, which will benefit better phytochemotaxonomical and phytochemical understanding and quality control for their medicinal usage.

Lucy is back in Brazil with a new dress

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, a John Lennon song that was a hit in the 1960s, was born amidst a social context enlightened by lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). In Brazil, both the drug and the song were very popular at the time, although it gradually mitigated. Nevertheless, while the song remains out of the spotlight, LSD derivatives are currently gaining attention with the rising of the new psychoactive substances (NPS). With this new presentation, the drug is returning to Brazil after a few decades and herein we report and discuss the first cases of an LSD prodrug seized in our country. Nine suspected blotter paper samples were seized by the Sao Paulo State Police in different cities of the State. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analyses were utilized to confirm the identity of the LSD derivative. The compound was identified as 4-acetyl-N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (ALD-52 or 1A-LSD) and no other active substance was detected in all samples. The identity of the unknown compound found in seized blotter papers has been successfully confirmed as an LSD prodrug, ALD-52, which was not controlled by Brazilian legislation. The arrival of a new type of designer drug in Brazil is in support by other reports, although those are still scarce and should not be overlooked. Altogether, these findings indicate the rising of a new NPS strategy that merits proper discussion.

Characterization of glycerophospholipids and a sphingolipid in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with different illnesses by LC-ESI-MS

A sensitive and accurate reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) method for determining glycerophospholipids and a sphingolipid was developed and validated in order to profile and quantify the classes of lipids in the cerebrospinal fluids of patients with three different illnesses. The LC-ESI-MS method was optimized for the analysis, and an Inertsil 6 ODS-3 (4.6 x 150 mm) column was utilized with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile/methanol/triethylamine in the ratio 550/1000/25 (w/w/w) eluted isocratically at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The results demonstrated that both the accuracy and precision of the intra- and inter-day assays of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS) and sphingomyelin (SM) were within acceptable criteria. Clinical application demonstrated that the percentage and content of each class differed in the cerebrospinal fluids of patients with three different illnesses, with the richest lipid components being SM (848 ± 75.5 ng/mL, 40.7% ± 2.2%), PC (8042.5 ± 1214.4 ng/mL, 53.8% ± 4.2%) and PS (2124.2 ± 152.0 ng/mL, 43.3% ± 1.6%), respectively for patients with chordoma, trigeminal neuralgia and Parkinson's disease. It was concluded that this improved method can be used to directly detect glycerophospholipids and a sphingolipid, and applied to detect physiological changes in humans to discover preventive medicines or therapeutic medicines, or develop new drugs.

In Vitro Aging of Human Skin Fibroblasts: Age-Dependent Changes in 4-Hydroxynonenal Metabolism.

Evidence suggests that the increased production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species lead to cellular aging. One of the consequences is lipid peroxidation generating reactive aldehydic products, such as 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) that modify proteins and form adducts with DNA bases. To prevent damage by HNE, it is metabolized. The primary metabolic products are the glutathione conjugate (GSH-HNE), the corresponding 4-hydroxynonenoic acid (HNA), and the alcohol 1,4-dihydroxynonene (DHN). Since HNE metabolism can potentially change during in vitro aging, cell cultures of primary human dermal fibroblasts from several donors were cultured until senescence. After different time points up to 30 min of incubation with 5 µM HNE, the extracellular medium was analyzed for metabolites via liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS). The metabolites appeared in the extracellular medium 5 min after incubation followed by a time-dependent increase. But, the formation of GSH-HNL and GSH-DHN decreased with increasing in vitro age. As a consequence, the HNE levels in the cells increase and there is more protein modification observed. Furthermore, after 3 h of incubation with 5 µM HNE, younger cells showed less proliferative capacity, while in older cells slight increase in the mitotic index was noticed.

Determination of bisphenol A in canned food by microwave assisted extraction, molecularly imprinted polymer-solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Bisphenol A (BPA), a known potential endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) is expected to be present in low quantities in canned food due to its migration from the inner surface coating of cans made of epoxy resins. A selective and confirmatory analytical method, based on microwave assisted extraction (MAE), molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction (MISPE) using a polymer prepared by a non-covalent molecular imprinting technique and liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS) was developed for the determination of BPA in canned pineapple, tuna and mushrooms. First, the effect of the loading medium of hydro- organic solutions on the binding of BPA and its deuterated analogue on the MISPE sorbent was investigated. Subsequently, the effects of the experimental conditions of the microwave assisted extraction (solvent, sample mass/solvent volume, time and temperature) on the obtained recovery of BPA from canned food were assessed and the parameters were optimized to provide maximum recovery and selectivity. It was demonstrated that the combination of MAE with MISPE permits the use of a selective extraction solvent (methanol/water, 4/6, v/v), simplifying the sample preparation steps and enhancing sample clean-up of complex food matrices. The method was validated in different food matrices, using BPA-d16 as internal standard and quantitative relative recoveries were determined. The precision (RSD %) of the method ranged from 7% to 10% and the limit of detection was at low ng/g level for all food matrices. The determined concentration of BPA in commercial canned samples ranged between 7.3 and 42.3 ng/g.

Validation of the antihyperglycaemic and hepatoprotective activity of the flavonoid rich fraction of Brachychiton rupestris using in vivo experimental models and molecular modelling

Oxidative stress leads to many disorders as diabetes mellitus and liver diseases. This study evaluates the antihyperglycemic and hepatoprotective activities of Brachychiton rupestris (Malvaceae). The antihyperglycemic activity of the total methanol extract of B. rupestris leaves (BRT) and its ethyl acetate fraction (BRE) was evaluated using streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using carbon-tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity. Oral administration of 50 mg/kg b.wt (body weight) of BRT and BRE to Streptozotocin -diabetic rats caused a notable decrease in serum glucose by 39.38 and 42.09% with 35.62 and 15.44% increase in serum insulin, respectively, compared with Streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Oral administration of BRT and BRE to carbon-tetrachloride -treated rats (50 mg/kg b.wt) resulted in reduction in serum aspartate transaminase (AST) (28.88 and 27.2%, respectively) and alanine transaminase (ALT) (8 and 13.56%) levels, respectively. They also ameliorated oxidative stress in both models as evidenced from oxidative stress markers. Liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analysis of the most active fraction (BRE) identified nine compounds including flavonoids and phenolic acids. Molecular modelling of the identified compounds was performed on human pancreatic α-amylase (HPA) and human α-glucosidase (HAG) using Discovery Studio 2.5. Quercetin-3-O-(6″-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-D-glucoside showed the greatest affinity towards both HPA and HAG. Thus, this study provided scientific evidence on the antihyperglycemic and hepatoprotective activities of Brachychiton rupestris.

Isolation of underivatized amino acids by ion-pair high performance liquid chromatography for precise measurement of nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids: Development of comprehensive LC × GC/C/IRMS method

Nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids has been widely applied to biochemical, ecological, archeological, and biogeochemical studies in an attempt to trace nitrogen source and transformation processes. For accurate isotope analysis of individual amino acids, we validated a preparative method involving the isolation of underivatized amino acids by ion-pair chromatographic separation and confirmed the consistency of nitrogen isotope composition. Ion-pair reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) and gas chromatography/combustion coupled with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) were conducted for the purpose of separation of underivatized amino acids and nitrogen isotopic analysis, respectively. Firstly, we confirmed the resolution of proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids by the preparative ion-pair LC separation. Diagnostic product ions determined by mass spectrometry can support the rapid identification of individual amino acids in screening analyses. Secondly, we observed no dependency on nitrogen isotopic composition for the injection amount of underivatized amino acids and even for different chemical formula including neutral, acidic, sulfur-containing, heterocyclic, and aromatic species. The recovery during the LC was 91.7±4.3% (n=3). The present method and strategy of LC coupled with GC/C/IRMS (i.e., comprehensive LC×GC/C/IRMS) are useful for the high precision determination of the nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids, in conjunction with an appropriate pre-treatment of cation-exchange chromatographic procedures.

Application of partially fluorinated carboxylic acids as ion-pairing reagents in LC/ESI-MS

This report describes the application of partially fluorinated carboxylic acids as ion-pairing reagents for basic analytes in high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) in positive-ion mode.Partially fluoridated carboxylic acids such as difluoroacetic acid, 3,3,3-trifluoropropionic acid and 3,3,3-trifluoromethyl-2-trifluoromethylpropionic acid functioned as volatile paired-ion similarly as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). These acids provided basic analytes larger retention factor (k) compared to acetic acid or formic acid in LC. The ESI-MS signal strength of analytes with these acids were higher than that of TFA and was analogous to that of acetic acid or formic acid.The performances of partially fluorinated carboxylic acids in LC and ESI-MS for basic analytes were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis using physicochemical descriptors of acids. Equations obtained in the analysis enabled us the quantitative evaluation of the performance of fluorinated carboxylic acids as ion-pair reagents for basic analytes in LC/ESI-MS.

An LC‐ESI‐MS method for the quantitative analysis of bile acids composition in fecal materials

In this work, a liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) method was developed and validated for quantification of bile acids in fecal materials. Co-eluting matrix impurities in fecal materials have been shown to greatly suppress the ionization of analytes in mass spectrometry, which is known as the matrix effect. To correct large quantitative errors caused by the matrix effect, we developed a scheme that combined the standard addition method with internal standard (SA-IS). The fecal sample pretreatment involved a single step of extraction with ethanol. Bile acids were separated using a Luna C(18) column (150 mm, 2 mm i.d., 5 µm) with gradient elution. The deprotonated analytes were detected in selective ion monitoring mode. Our results showed that, by using this method, the accuracy of quantification was significantly improved in comparison to the conventional internal standard method. The linearity, sensitivity, accuracy and precision of the method were within the range of 0.05-5 µmol/L. This SA-IS method was successfully applied to the analysis of bile acids in the samples collected from patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.

Ultrafast Microwave-Assisted In-Tip Digestion of Proteins

Trypsin was immobilized on glycidylmethacrylate-co-divinylbenzene (GMA/DVB) polymerized in pipet tips for online enzymatic digestion of proteins. The major advantages of in-tip digestion are easy handling and small sample amount required for analysis. Microwave-assisted digestion was applied for highly efficient and time saving proteolysis. Adaption to an automated robotic system allowed fast and reproducible sample treatment. Investigations with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) and liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS) attested high sequence coverages (SCs) for the three standard proteins, myoglobin (Myo, 89%), bovine serum albumin (BSA, 78%) and alpha-casein (alpha-Cas, 83%). Compared to commercially available trypsin tips, clear predominance concerning the digestion performance was achieved. Storageability was tested over a period of several weeks and results showed only little decrease (<5%) of protein sequence coverages. The application of microwave-assisted in-tip digestion (2 min) with full automation by a robotic system allows high-throughput analysis (96 samples within 80 min) and highly effective proteolysis.

Synthesis of phytochelatins in vetiver grass upon lead exposure in the presence of phosphorus

In a hydroponic setting, we investigated the possible role of phytochelatins (metal-binding peptides) in the lead (Pb) tolerance of vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides L.). Pb was added to the nutrient medium at concentrations ranging from 0 to 1,200 mg L−1. Furthermore, we simulated the effect of soil phosphorus (P) on potentially plant available Pb by culturing vetiver grass in P-rich nutrient media. After 7 days of exposure to Pb, we evaluated the Pb uptake by vetiver grass. Results indicate that vetiver can accumulate Pb up to 3,000 mg kg−1 dry weight in roots with no toxicity. Formation of lead phosphate inhibited Pb uptake by vetiver, suggesting the need for an environmentally safe chelating agent in conjunction with phytoremediation to clean up soils contaminated with lead-based paint. Unambiguous characterization of phytochelatins (PCn) was possible using high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESMS). Vetiver shows qualitative and quantitative differences in PCn synthesis between root and shoot. In root tissue from vetiver exposed to 1,200 mg Pb L-1, phytochelatins ranged from PC1 to PC3. Collision-induced dissociation of the parent ion allowed confirmation of each PCn based on the amino acid sequence. Possible Pb-PC1 and Pb2-PC1 complexes were reported in vetiver root at the highest Pb concentration. The data from these experiments show that the most probable mechanism for Pb detoxification in vetiver is by synthesizing PCn and forming Pb–PCn complexes.

Determination of the Predominant Catechins in Acacia catechu by Liquid Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization−Mass Spectrometry

A high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) method under selected ion monitoring mode (SIM) was developed to quantitate the predominant catechins, catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin-3-O-gallate, and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, in the medicinal plant catechu (Acacia catechu). Other major secondary products including caffeine, flavanol dimers, and flavonol glycosides were also identified by their molecular ion peaks and fragmentation peaks using LC/MS and LC/MS/MS. For the investigated ion concentration ranges of catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin-3-O-gallate, and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, good linearities (r2 > 0.99) were obtained for each calibration curve. Validation for this method showed an accuracy ranging from 1.06 to 11.76%, and the precision (relative standard deviation) varied between 1.60 and 9.36% for these four analytes. This is the first quantitative determination of all predominant catechins in catechu heartwood and leaves.

Characterization of a new methylated β‐cyclodextrin with a low degree of substitution by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

A new methylated beta-cyclodextrin (Me-beta-CD) with a low degree of substitution (DS) was characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and liquid chromatography coupled with ESI-MS (LC/ESI-MS). For ESI-MS analyses, the composition of the infused sample solution was optimized in order to obtain only singly charged ammoniated CDs without fragmentation. The DS value (i.e. the number of methyl groups per glucopyranose unit) was found to be 0.7, which was in accordance with the values previously obtained by other methods. The LC/ESI-MS analysis, derived from a method using evaporative light scattering detection, allowed the study of the substitution isomers of each derivative and appears to be an easy and rapid tool for the accurate characterization of Me-beta-CD mixtures.

Determination of limonin in rat plasma by liquid chromatography–electrospray mass spectrometry

A simple, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS) method for determination of limonin (LM) in rat plasma has been developed and validated. The method had advantages of a single liquid–liquid extraction with ether and high sensitivity. Analyses were conducted at a flow rate of 0.2 ml/min by a gradient elution. The detection utilized selected ion monitoring in the negative ion mode at m/ z 460.00 and 423.15 for the deprotonated molecular ions of LM and the internal standard, respectively. The quantitation limit for LM in rat plasma was 1.0 ng/ml. The linearity was also excellent over the concentration range of 1.9–500 ng/ml of LM. The intra- and inter-day precision (relative standard deviation (R.S.D.%)) was lower than 10% and accuracy ranged from 90 to 110%, showing a good reproducibility. This developed method was successfully applied to analysis of LM in biological fluids.

Identification of Microcystin-RR and [Dha7]Microcystin-RR in Commercial Standards by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Three different commercial standards of microcystin-RR were assessed for purity by the liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS) technique. Although the liquid chromatograms with photodiode array detector for each standard looked virtually identical, the analysis of corresponding mass spectra revealed that only one of them contained microcystin-RR per purity assay. The second standard was a mixture of microcystin-RR, and its demethyl variant identified as [Dha7]microcystin-RR, and the third one contained [Dha7]microcystin-RR only. We strongly recommend applying LC coupled with MS for purity assay of microcystin standards.

Determination of Simvastatin in human plasma by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

A simple, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS) method for the determination of simvastatin (I) has been developed. After extraction by ethyl acetate, using lovastatin (II) as internal standard, solutes are separated on a C 18 column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol–water (9:1). Detection is performed on an atmospheric pressure ionization single quadruple mass spectrometer equipped with an ESI interface and operates in positive ionization mode. Simvastatin quantification was realized by computing peak area ratio (I/II) of the extracts analyzed in SIM mode ( m/ z: 441 and m/ z: 427 for I and II, respectively) and comparing them with calibration curve ( r=0.9997). Accuracy and precision for the assay were determined by calculating the intra-batch and inter-batch variation at three concentrations 0.1, 5.0, 10.0 ng/ml; the intra batch relative standard deviation (RSD) was less than 10% and ranged from 1.8 to 8.5%, respectively; the inter-batch RSD was less than 20% and ranged from 4.1 to 16.5%. The limit of detection was 0.05 ng/ml.

Detection of Triazolam and Its Hydroxy Metabolites in Rat Hair by Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography with Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

A sensitive method using reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) for simultaneous determination of triazolam (TZ) and its hydroxy metabolites in hair has been developed. After the addition of deuterium-labeled 1 -hydroxymethyltriazolam (1-HT-d4) as an internal standard, analytes in hair shaft and hair root samples were extracted with a basic medium, CH2Cl2/MeOH/28% NH4OH (20:80:2), at room temperature overnight. The chromatographic separation of the analytes was achieved using a 3-microm micro HPLC column (100 x 2.0-mm i.d.) with a gradient of acetonitrile in water containing 1% acetic acid as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.15 mL/min. The mass spectrometer was operated in selected-ion monitoring mode at quasi molecular ions [M+H]+ of TZ and its metabolites. Under the proposed conditions, the ranges of quantitation of TZ, 1-HT, and 4-HT were 0.1-10 ng/0.2 mL. The method has been applied to determine the hair shaft and hair root incorporation of TZ and its metabolites into Dark Agouti rats administered with 3 mg/kg or 6 mg/kg intraperitoneally twice a day for five days. Judging from the retention behavior by the chromatography and the mass spectra of the peaks detected, TZ, 1-HT, and 4-HT were incorporated in the hair shaft and the hair root. The concentration of 4-HT was the highest of all compounds detected. An unknown substance thought to be 1,4-diHT also appeared in both hair shaft and hair root samples. This substance was obtained from in vitro metabolic studies of TZ using rat liver microsome fraction and was accompanied by the other two metabolites, 1-HT and 4-HT. Structural elucidation was performed with online high-performance liquid chromatography-MS after acetylation of the substance with acetic anhydride and pyridine. This is the first report of the detection of the hydroxy metabolites of TZ in hair. The method has been found to be useful as a screening procedure of TZ intake in humans.

Separation and identification of higher fullerenes by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

The separation and identification of higher fullerenes extracted from carbon soot were studied using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). The mixture of fullerenes extracted from carbon soot was first separated by a preparative-scale column packed with monomeric octadecylsilica (ODS), which mainly controls the elution order of fullerenes by their relative molecular mass. Then five batches of the fraction which should contain higher fullerenes larger than C84 were collected and subsequently concentrated, followed by analytical-scale separation with a polymeric ODS column, which can elute fullerenes according to their shape and structure. Therefore, this stationary phase can separate many isomers of higher fullerenes. By identification using LC-ESI-MS, the existence of several higher fullerenes up to C98 and their isomers were confirmed. Temperature effects in the separation of fullerenes were also examined and the results indicated that separation of C82 and C84 isomers could be achieved at a column temperature lower than 15°C using a polymeric ODS column. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 10: 79–88, 1998

Separation and identification of higher fullerenes by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

The separation and identification of higher fullerenes extracted from carbon soot were studied using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). The mixture of fullerenes extracted from carbon soot was first separated by a preparative-scale column packed with monomeric octadecylsilica (ODS), which mainly controls the elution order of fullerenes by their relative molecular mass. Then five batches of the fraction which should contain higher fullerenes larger than C84 were collected and subsequently concentrated, followed by analytical-scale separation with a polymeric ODS column, which can elute fullerenes according to their shape and structure. Therefore, this stationary phase can separate many isomers of higher fullerenes. By identification using LC-ESI-MS, the existence of several higher fullerenes up to C98 and their isomers were confirmed. Temperature effects in the separation of fullerenes were also examined and the results indicated that separation of C82 and C84 isomers could be achieved at a column temperature lower than 15°C using a polymeric ODS column. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep10: 79–88, 1998