Negative Chemical Ionization Mass Research Articles

Urine dicarboxylic acids are metabolic biomarkers of early Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundWe previously identified urine dicarboxylic acids (DCA) of carbon length 4‐9 as candidate biomarkers of probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and energy dysregulation, and found their levels correlated with hippocampal volume. Our aim was to evaluate these initial findings in a second cohort.MethodStudy participants (> 65 years) were classified clinically as cognitively healthy (CH, n=188) or with probable AD (n=66) based on Uniform Data System‐3 of the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center criteria. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid ß42 (A) and phospho‐ tau (T) levels were measured by validated immunoassay. Urine was collected in a “spot” sample after a 12 h overnight fast; target DCAs were detected using gas chromatography coupled with negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry and each DCA was normalized to deuterated internal standards and to a percent of total fatty acids.ResultThe mean of short‐chain DCA’s (C4‐C5) were higher in CH (44.38% ±17.79) compared to AD individuals (34.79% ±12.39) (p=0.0002), while the long‐chain DCA’s (C7‐C9) were lower for CH (34.70% ±16.88) when compared to AD individuals (45.22% ±15.11) (p<0.0001). DCA levels in the subset of CH participants with A+/T+ were in a transition to the levels of the AD group and C4‐C5 and C7‐C9 differed from those with A‐/T‐ biomarkers (p=0.0001). Combining results into a ratio of short‐ to long‐chain DCAs distinguished the A‐/T‐ (2.330 ±2.144) from the A+/T+ group (1.178 ±0.946); p<0.0001. ROC curve of the DCA ratio between CH‐NAT and AD is 82%. Study participant clinical and DCA groups were not significantly correlated with the common confounders of age, sex, education or ApoE genotype.ConclusionOur data extends our initial finding that urine DCA measures have potential as biomarkers of AD pathology, including for cognitively healthy individuals who are positive for CSF AT biomarkers. We propose that measurement of urine DCAs provides a new approach to screen for metabolic fluctuations in early AD and to monitor the effect of novel therapies in clinical trials. While studies are needed, including with other populations, varied clinical classifications, simplified chemistry, this data supports DCA biomarkers for widespread screening since the necessary urine sample is available from everyone.

Feline urinary F2-isoprostanes measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy are poorly correlated.

15-F2T-isoprostanes are byproducts of lipid peroxidation and were determined to be the best marker of oxidative injury in a rodent model of oxidative stress. A previous study compared methods for measurement of urinary F2-isoprostanes (gas chromatography and negative ion chemical ionization-mass spectrometry, GC-NICI-MS; and ELISA) and found poor agreement in dogs, horses, and cows. Surprisingly, fair agreement between these methods was identified in a small population of cats. We evaluated the agreement between GC-NICI-MS and ELISA of urinary F2-isoprostanes in the urine of 50 mature cats ranging from healthy to systemically ill. All urine samples had detectable levels of F2-isoprostanes by both methods. Significant proportional bias and poor agreement were identified between the 2 methods (ρ = 0.364, p = 0.009) for all cats, and in subgroup analysis based on health status. The concentration of urinary F2-isoprostanes was significantly lower in systemically ill cats compared to healthy cats when measured by ELISA (p = 0.002) but not by GC-NICI-MS (p = 0.068). Our results indicate that GC-NICI-MS and ELISA have poor agreement when measuring urinary F2-isoprostanes in cats.

Identifying Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers by Analyzing Fatty Acids in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Urine

Although fatty acid oxidation is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, no links have been established between brain lipids and excreted oxidized products. We hypothesize that oxidation of brain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can generate dicarboxylic acids (DCA) excreted in urine by AD subjects at different rates compared with cognitively healthy (CH) subjects. Furthermore, this trend can be extended to differentiate CH subjects with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ42/tau ratios (CH‐NAT) and CH subjects with pathological CSF Aβ42/tau ratios (CH‐PAT).Subjects > 70 years were classified as CH (n=64) or AD (n=26) after neuropsychological assessment. CSF Aβ42 and Tau levels were determined using an ELISA‐based method and a logistic regression of Aβ42/tau ratios used to classify CH‐NAT and CH‐PAT. CSF was fractionated and PUFA levels quantified in supernatant fluid (SF), nanoparticles (NP), and unesterified fatty acid (UFA). DCA was derivatized to pentafluorobenzyl ester, and quantified using gas chromatography and isotope dilution negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. PUFA data is expressed as a percentage of fatty acids detected in CSF fractions while DCA is calculated as a percentage of 7 DCAs (C4–C10) in urine. Links between urinary DCAs and CSF PUFAs were determined using Spearman's ranked correlation.C10 DCA negatively correlated with 6 of 8 PUFAs in SF from CH and also negatively correlated with C20:3n‐3 and C22:6n‐3 in SF from CH‐NAT. In contrast, C9 DCA negatively correlated with 7 of 8 PUFAs in SF from AD. C6 and C8 DCAs positively correlated with SF C18:3n‐3 and C20:3n‐3 in AD, respectively, while C6 DCA negatively correlated with SF C18:2n‐6 from CH‐NAT. C4 DCA negatively correlated with C18:2n‐6, C20:4n‐6, and C22:6n‐3 in SF from CH‐PAT, while C7 DCA positively correlated with C20:4n‐6 in SF from CH‐PAT. In the NP fraction of CH, C4 DCA positively correlated with C20:2n‐6, C20:3n‐3, C20:5n‐3, and C22:5n‐3 PUFAs, while C8 DCA negatively correlated with C20:5n‐3. Only C9 DCA positively correlated with C20:4n‐6 in AD NP fractions. Interestingly, no correlations were found in the NP fraction from CH‐NAT. However, C8 DCA negatively correlated with NP C20:3n‐3, C20:5n‐3, and C22:5n‐3 and C4 DCA positively correlated with NP C20:5n‐3 from CH‐PAT. For UFA of CH, C6 DCA negatively correlated with C20:2n‐6, C20:3n‐3, and C22:6n‐3, while C5 and C7 DCAs positively correlated with homo‐γ‐C20:3n‐6 and C18:2n‐6, respectively. For UFA of CH‐NAT, C4 DCA positively correlated with homo‐γ‐C20:3n‐6, C5 and C8 DCAs negatively correlated with homo‐γ‐C20:3n‐6, and C7 DCA negatively correlated with C18:2n‐6. C5 DCA positively correlated with C18:2n‐6 in UFA from CH‐PAT. C8 DCA positively correlated with unesterified C22:6n‐3, while C9 DCA negatively correlated with unesterified C20:5n‐3 in AD subjects.Differential correlation of urinary DCAs with CSF PUFAs in clinical groups suggests a link with AD pathology. PUFAs and DCAs that segregate CH‐NAT from CH‐PAT are potential biomarkers of early AD.Support or Funding InformationL.K. Whittier and the Helen Posthuma FoundationsThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Routine Method for the Analysis of Short‐Chain Chlorinated Paraffins in Surface Water and Wastewater

Short‐chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) are persistent compounds that are included in the list of priority substances in the field of water policy of the European Union in 2001. In this paper, a method based on liquid–liquid extraction and gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC‐ECD) is evaluated to be proposed for the routine analysis of SCCPs in environmental water. Limits of quantification (LOQ) at ng L−1 levels that allow compliance with the maximum admissible level established in the Directive 2013/39/EU, good precision (lower than 11%) and expanded measurement uncertainties (ISO 11352) (lower than 20%) for surface and wastewater samples are obtained. The good agreement between the results found using GC‐ECD and gas chromatography coupled with negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC‐NICI‐MS), with relative errors lower than 13%, showed that GC‐ECD is a reliable method to control the presence of SCCPs in environmental water. The method is applied to river and wastewater samples collected in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (Spain). SCCPs are found in all the influents of wastewater treatment plants at concentrations ranging from <0.01 (MLOQ) to 3.20 μg L−1, while in the effluents they are detected in 54% of samples at levels below 0.13 μg L−1. SCCPs are not detected at the intake of a drinking water treatment plant that supply water to Barcelona city and only sporadically in the Llobregat River.

An Ultra-Trace Analysis Technique for SF6 Using Gas Chromatography with Negative Ion Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is widely used as a tracer gas because of its detectability at low concentrations. This attribute of SF6 allows the quantification of both small-scale flows, such as leakage, and large-scale flows, such as atmospheric currents. SF6's high detection sensitivity also facilitates greater usage efficiency and lower operating cost for tracer deployments by reducing quantity requirements. The detectability of SF6 is produced by its high molecular electronegativity. This property provides a high potential for negative ion formation through electron capture thus naturally translating to selective detection using negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (NCI-MS). This paper investigates the potential of using gas chromatography (GC) with NCI-MS for the detection of SF6. The experimental parameters for an ultra-trace SF6 detection method utilizing minimal customizations of the analytical instrument are detailed. A method for the detection of parts per trillion (ppt) level concentrations of SF6 for the purpose of underground ventilation tracer gas analysis was successfully developed in this study. The method utilized a Shimadzu gas chromatography with negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry system equipped with an Agilent J&W HP-porous layer open tubular column coated with an alumina oxide (Al2O3) S column. The method detection limit (MDL) analysis as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency of the tracer data showed the method MDL to be 5.2 ppt.

Effect of processing conditions on the content of cis/trans carotene isomers as provitamin A carotenoids in Korean sweet potato varieties

The present investigation intends to evaluate the changes in the content of cis/trans carotene isomers as provitamin A carotenoids by steaming and roasting processes in the roots of four Korean sweet potato varieties viz. Shinzami, Younwhangmi, Chuwhangmi and Jinhongmi using a liquid chromatography with diode array detection and the negative ion atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometric (LC-DAD-APCI/MS) method and UV spectral pattern library created from several reference data. Except Shinzami, the content of all trans β-carotenes was found to slightly decreased or remained constant when steamed or roasted. The content of cis α-/β-carotenes was potentially increased about 2-fold or greater when raw or steamed and the content was slightly decreased while roasted. In Chuwhangmi, the content of 13-cis α-carotene and all trans α-carotenes were rapidly increased when steamed and slightly decreased when roasted. Chuwhangmi exhibited 27.2 mg/100 g DW content of all trans β-carotenes when roasted and thus, it was considered as a relatively superior cultivar.

Optimisation of matrix solid-phase dispersion for the determination of Dechlorane compounds in marketed fish

A method for the determination of chlorinated flame retardants: Dechlorane Plus, Dechlorane (Dec) 602, Dec 603 and Dec 604, in marketed fish is described. The method involves the use of matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) prior to their determination by gas chromatography–electron-capture negative-ion chemical-ionisation mass spectrometry (GC–ECNICI-MS). Parameters that affect the extraction efficiency of the target analytes from fish samples were optimised using a Box–Behnken design method. MSPD integrated the extraction and clean-up procedures into a single step, which provides the benefits of being simple and convenient. The optimal extraction conditions involved dispersing a freeze-dried fish (1-g) in 2-g of silica gel, and packed with 1-g of Florisil, and then the target analytes were eluted with 20mL of n-hexane. The limits of quantification were 9–15pg/g-lipid weight. Preliminary results showed that the total concentrations of the target analytes ranged from 0.15 to 1.3ng/g-lipid weight.

Simultaneous detection of stable isotope‐labeled and unlabeled l‐tryptophan and of its main metabolites, l‐kynurenine, serotonin and quinolinic acid, by gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

A method for the detection of unlabeled and (15)N2 -labeled L-tryptophan (L-Trp), L-kynurenine (L-Kyn), serotonin (5-HT) and quinolinic acid (QA) in human and rat plasma by GC/MS is described. Labeled and unlabeled versions of these four products were analyzed as their acyl substitution derivatives using pentafluoropropionic anhydride and 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propanol. Products were then separated by GC and analyzed by selected ion monitoring using negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. L-[(13)C11, (15)N2]-Trp, methyl-serotonin and 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid were used as internal standards for this method. The coefficients of variation for inter-assay repeatability were found to be approximately 5.2% for L-Trp and (15)N2-Trp, 17.1% for L-Kyn, 16.9% for 5-HT and 5.8% for QA (n = 2). We used this method to determine isotope enrichments in plasma L-Trp over the course of a continuous, intravenous infusion of L-[(15) N2 ]Trp in pregnant rat in the fasting state. Plasma (15)N2-Trp enrichment reached a plateau at 120 min. The free Trp appearance rate (Ra) into plasma was 49.5 ± 3.35 µmol/kg/h. The GC/MS method was applied to determine the enrichment of (15)N-labeled L-Trp, L-Kyn, 5-HT and QA concurrently with the concentration of non-labeled L-Trp, L-Kyn, 5-HT and QA in plasma. This method may help improve our understanding on L-Trp metabolism in vivo in animals and humans and potentially reveal the relative contribution of the four pathways of L-Trp metabolism.

Oligomerization Reaction of the Criegee Intermediate Leads to Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation in Ethylene Ozonolysis

Ethylene ozonolysis was investigated in laboratory experiments using a Teflon bag reactor. A negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometer (NI-CIMS) using SO2Cl(-) and Cl(-) as reagent ions was used for product analysis. In addition to the expected gas-phase products, such as formic acid and hydroperoxymethyl formate, oligomeric hydroperoxides composed of the Criegee intermediate (CH2OO) as a chain unit were observed. Furthermore, we observed secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from the ethylene ozonolysis, and the particle-phase products were also analyzed by NI-CIMS. The CH2OO oligomers were also observed as particle-phase components, suggesting that the oligomeric hydroperoxides formed in the gas phase partition into the particle phase. By adding methanol as a stabilized Criegee intermediate scavenger, both the gas-phase oligomer formation and SOA formation were strongly suppressed. This indicates that CH2OO plays a critical role in the formation of oligomeric hydroperoxides followed by SOA formation in ethylene ozonolysis. A new formation mechanism for the oligomeric hydroperoxides, which includes sequential addition of CH2OO to hydroperoxides, is proposed.

The Application of TD/GC/NICI–MS with an Al2O3-PLOT-S Column for the Determination of Perfluoroalkylcycloalkanes in the Atmosphere

A modified method for the quantitative determination of atmospheric perfluoroalkylcycloalkanes (PFCs) using thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography and detection by negative ion chemical ionization–mass spectrometry was developed. Using an optimized analytical system, a commercially available Al2O3 porous layer open tubular (PLOT) capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm) deactivated with Na2SO4 was used for separation of PFCs. Improvements in the separation of PFCs, the corresponding identification and the limit of detection of PFCs using this method and column are presented. The method was successfully applied to determine the atmospheric background concentrations of a range of PFCs from a number of samples collected at a rural site in Germany. The results of this study suggest that the method outlined using the Al2O3-PLOT-S capillary column has good sensitivity and selectivity, and that it can be deployed in a routine laboratory process for the analysis of PFCs in the future research work. In addition, the ability of this column to separate the isomers of one of the lower boiling PFCs (perfluorodimethylcyclobutane) and its ability to resolve perfluoroethylcyclohexane offer the opportunity for single-column analysis for multiple PFCs.

Mass spectra of methyl esters of brominated fatty acids and their presence in soft drinks and cocktail syrups

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is frequently used as a solubility transmitter in soft drinks. Being banned in Europe and Japan but permitted in the United States and Canada, there is a need for analytical methods suitable for use in food control. Brominated fatty acids in BVO are usually determined by gas chromatography (GC) after their conversion into the corresponding methyl esters. GC with mass spectrometry (MS) was used to record the electron ionization (EI) and negative ion chemical ionization (NICI) mass spectra of relevant brominated fatty acid methyl esters synthesized for this purpose. Brominated fatty acids obtained from transesterified BVO from soft drink and syrup samples were also analyzed. GC/NICI-MS was the most sensitive method for the detection of brominated fatty acids but GC/EI-MS was found to be more suited for quantification due to the formation of more selective fragment ions in the higher mass range. Suitable ions were selected for determination of the methyl esters of brominated fatty acids in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Artifacts produced by the transesterification of BVO with boron trifluoride were observed and discussed. BVO was also quantified in three syrup samples commercially produced for use in cocktails/long drinks. In one of the syrup samples that tested positive, BVO was not labelled in the ingredient list. Bromination experiments produced evidence that one or more Br2 -18:0 isomers identified as a shoulder peak of threo-9,10-dibromooctadecanoic acid in several soft drink and syrup samples originated from the bromination of partly hydrogenated plant oil. BVO was determined for the first time in syrup samples. Attention should be paid to the problem of BVO occurring unlabeled in soft drinks and cocktail syrups imported from North America.

Quantitative determination of memantine in human plasma by GC using negative ion chemical ionization MS detection after derivatization with a new reagent, o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoyl chloride

A method is presented for the quantitative determination of memantine in plasma by use of the derivatization reagent o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoyl chloride. Memantine can be quantitatively analyzed down to 49 pg per mL of plasma using a 250 μL sample and negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (GC-NICI-MS). Plasma samples were made alkaline with carbonate buffer and extracted with n-hexane. The extracts were treated with reagent solution for 20 min, concentrated, and submitted to GC-NICI-MS. The method is rapid because extraction and derivatization occur in one single step. Amantadine is used as an internal standard. The utility and robustness of the assay is demonstrated by giving data on specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision, benchtop stability, freeze-thaw stability, autosampler stability, aliquot analysis, and prospective analytical batch size accuracy.

Quantitative method for determination of amphetamine in plasma using negative ion chemical ionisation GC‐MS of o‐(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)‐benzoyl derivatives

The use of a novel electrophoric derivatisation reagent, o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-benzoyl chloride is described for the quantitative determination of amphetamine in plasma. Amphetamine can be quantitatively measured down to 49 pg/mL plasma using only 250 μL of sample due to the extraordinary sensitivity of the derivatives under negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. Plasma samples were made alkaline with carbonate buffer and treated with n-hexane and reagent solution for 20 min, which, after concentration was measured by negative ion chemical ionisation gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The method is rapid as extraction and derivatisation occur in one single step. [(2)H(5)]-Amphetamine was used as an internal standard. Validation data are given to demonstrate the usefulness of the assay, including specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision, benchtop stability, freeze-thaw stability, autosampler stability, aliquot analysis and prospective analytical batch size accuracy.

Determination of memantine in human plasma by GC using negative ion chemical ionization MS detection after derivatization with a new reagent

We describe a method for the determination of memantine in plasma by use of the derivatization reagent o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-benzoyl chloride. Memantine can be quantitatively analyzed down to 49 pg per mL of plasma using a 250 μL sample and negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (GC-NICI-MS). Plasma samples were made alkaline with carbonate buffer and extracted with n-hexane. The extracts were treated with reagent solution for 20 min, concentrated, and submitted to GC-NICI-MS. The method is rapid because extraction and derivatization occur in one single step. Amantadine is used as an internal standard. The utility and robustness of the assay is demonstrated by giving data on specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision, benchtop stability, freeze–thaw stability, autosampler stability, aliquot analysis, and prospective analytical batch size accuracy.

Bis-pentafluorobenzyl derivatives of N-acetyl-l-methionine and N-acetyl-l-selenomethionine for the quantitative determination in human plasma by gas chromatography–negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry

Targeted anti-cancer combination therapy with infusion of N-acetyl-l-methionine (NALM) and N-acetyl-l-selenomethionine (NASeLM) shows promising results in cancer treatment. Selenium has been recognised as a valuable additive in cancer therapeutics due to its ability to minimise side effects of chemotherapy and its role in cancer prevention and therapy. Due to the promising results of this new therapeutic approach evaluation of pharmacokinetic data for NALM and NASeLM is of ultimate importance. We have therefore elaborated a method for the quantitative measurement of these compounds in human plasma based on GC–negative ion chemical ionisation-MS. The derivatisation sequence elaborated can be regarded as a novel strategy for the chemical modification of delicate sulphur- and selenium-containing compounds, and underlines the enhanced reactivity of selenium-analogues of sulphur-containing amino acids. The target compounds were extracted from plasma with ethyl acetate and converted to the S/Se-pentafluorobenzyl-homocysteine pentafluorobenzyl ester derivative. Reaction conditions were optimised for derivative yield. Calibration graphs were established in the range of 2.938–481.105ng/0.5mL plasma (NALM) and 0.233–59.543ng/0.5mL plasma (NASeLM). Accuracy, precision and stability data were elaborated. The method was applied to pharmacokinetic profiling of the compounds after infusion into human volunteers.

Microdialysis of melatonin in the confluens sinuum of the rat following quantification by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the negative chemical ion mode.

In this study, an original surgical implantation technique in the confluens sinuum via the superior sagittal vein was developed to quantify melatonin secretion by the pineal gland. Melatonin (CAS 73-31-4) was determined using gas chromatography couples to negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry following liquid extraction and derivatisation by penta-fluoropropionic acid anhydride (PFPA). The minimum detectable amount was 40 fg per injection, corresponding to 1 pg.ml-1 in dialysate. The assay was linear in the range 20-1000 pg.ml-1. This method was suitable for routine melatonin determination in dialysats of peripheral and central circulation with coefficients of variation of 11.2 and 24.6%, respectively for within and between analyses. Profiles of melatonin concentration were obtained (n = 3 rats) over a 2-day experimentation with a slowly diminution of the filtration capacity of the probe during the second day. The nocturnal concentrations of melatonin in the confluens sinuum dialysat ranged from 1003.9 to 2345 pg.ml-1 in the dialysat, indicating wide interindividual variations in the melatonin levels.

Gas chromatography–negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry using o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoyl derivatives for the quantitative determination of methylphenidate in human plasma

A novel electrophoric derivatisation procedure using o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoyl chloride for the quantitative determination of methylphenidate in human plasma is described. The drug can be quantitatively measured down to 0.006 pg/mL plasma due to the extraordinary sensitivity of the derivatives under negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. Plasma samples were made alkaline with carbonate buffer and treated with extraction solvent (n-hexane) and reagent solution for 15 min, which, after concentration was measured by GC–NICI–MS. The method is rapid as extraction and derivatisation occur in one single step. A stable isotope labelled internal standard was used. Validation data are given to demonstrate the usefulness of the assay, including selectivity, linearity, accuracy and precision, autosampler stability, aliquot analysis, robustness, and prospective analytical batch size accuracy. The method has been successfully applied to pharmacokinetic profiling of the drug after oral administration.

Quantitative determination of methylphenidate in plasma by gas chromatography negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry using o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-benzoyl derivatives

The use of a novel electrophoric derivatisation reagent, o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-benzoyl chloride, for the quantitative determination of methylphenidate in plasma is described. The drug can be quantitatively measured down to 72 pg/mL plasma using only 250 μL of sample due to the extraordinary sensitivity of the derivatives under negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. Plasma samples were made alkaline with carbonate buffer and treated with extraction solvent n-hexane and reagent solution for 30 min, which, after concentration, was measured by GC-NICI-MS. The method is rapid as extraction and derivatisation occur in one single step. A stable isotope-labelled internal standard was used and its synthesis described. Full validation data are given to demonstrate the usefulness of the assay, including specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision, long-term stability, short-term stability, freeze-thaw stability, stock solution stability, autosampler stability, aliquot analysis, robustness, matrix effect, and prospective analytical batch size accuracy. The method has been successfully applied to pharmacokinetic profiling of the drug after oral application.

Fast and fully automated analytical method for the screening of residues of aziridine and 2-chloroethylamine in pharmaceutical active principles

A simple, fast and fully automated method for the screening of aziridine (AZD) and 2-chloroethylamine (CEA) in active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) has been developed. The method is based on the in-fiber derivatization of the amines extracted from the sample headspace (previously dissolved or suspended in alkaline water) with 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzoyl chloride (PFBCl) previously adsorbed in the PDMS/DVB solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber. The derivatives formed are further desorbed and analyzed in a gas chromatograph with negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC–NCI-MS) using methane as reagent gas. The different operational parameters of the procedure have been optimized to get highest sensitivity. The validation of the method, however, revealed a poor repeatability, particularly evident in water-soluble APIs (RSD > 20% for AZD). In spite of that, the low detection limits (1–3 ng g −1 for AZD and CEA), speed (44 min total analysis time) and automation make that this method can be satisfactorily used as screening tool to accept or reject API batches attending to their volatile amine content and a critical specified value derived from the 1.5 μg/day Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) and maxima daily dosages. This was shown by analyzing seventy-five fluvoxamine maleate samples containing known levels of AZD and CEA (between 0.05 and 1.05 μg g −1) in intermediate reproducibility conditions to get reliable estimations of precision and linearity. From these data, acceptance, rejection and non-conclusive areas of response are defined for both analytes at different confidence and replication levels using normal statistics. The method was satisfactorily applied to real fluvoxamine maleate samples.

A versatile electrophoric derivatisation reagent for negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry: o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoyl chloride

The synthesis of a novel electrophoric derivatisation reagent, o-(pentafluorobenzyloxycarbonyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoyl chloride, is described. The reagent was tested against selected primary and secondary amino compounds, as well as phenolic and aliphatic hydroxyl compounds as analytical targets. The derivatives exhibit excellent mass spectral properties under negative ion chemical ionisation, i.e. reduced fragmentation and thus high ion current for the targeted m/z during analysis. Since the reagent bears a pentafluorobenzyl ester group, resulting negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectra were expectedly dominated by dissociative resonance electron capture typically observed with these compounds, additionally showing neutral loss of carbon dioxide and ammonia (in the case of primary amines). The reagent is suitable for detecting the target compounds with high sensitivity, as exemplified for the analysis of amphetamine and methylphenidate from human plasma where chromatographic background is drastically reduced by a shift in detected m/z and retention time and lower limits of quantification at 7.8 pg/mL (amphetamine) and 4.5 pg/mL (methylphenidate) can be obtained. The choice of two or three target quantification masses allows selective detection and adjustment of lowest background interference. No carryover effect was observed for the derivatives of amphetamine and methylphenidate.