High-performance Liquid Chromatography Retention Research Articles

Optimal Hydrophobicity in Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization-Based Protein Mimics Required for siRNA Internalization.

Exploring the role of polymer structure for the internalization of biologically relevant cargo, specifically siRNA, is of critical importance to the development of improved delivery reagents. Herein, we report guanidinium-rich protein transduction domain mimics (PTDMs) based on a ring-opening metathesis polymerization scaffold containing tunable hydrophobic moieties that promote siRNA internalization. Structure-activity relationships using Jurkat T cells and HeLa cells were explored to determine how the length of the hydrophobic block and the hydrophobic side chain compositions of these PTDMs impacted siRNA internalization. To explore the hydrophobic block length, two different series of diblock copolymers were synthesized: one series with symmetric block lengths and one with asymmetric block lengths. At similar cationic block lengths, asymmetric and symmetric PTDMs promoted siRNA internalization in the same percentages of the cell population regardless of the hydrophobic block length; however, with 20 repeat units of cationic charge, the asymmetric block length had greater siRNA internalization, highlighting the nontrivial relationships between hydrophobicity and overall cationic charge. To further probe how the hydrophobic side chains impacted siRNA internalization, an additional series of asymmetric PTDMs was synthesized that featured a fixed hydrophobic block length of five repeat units that contained either dimethyl (dMe), methyl phenyl (MePh), or diphenyl (dPh) side chains and varied cationic block lengths. This series was further expanded to incorporate hydrophobic blocks consisting of diethyl (dEt), diisobutyl (diBu), and dicyclohexyl (dCy) based repeat units to better define the hydrophobic window for which our PTDMs had optimal activity. High-performance liquid chromatography retention times quantified the relative hydrophobicities of the noncationic building blocks. PTDMs containing the MePh, diBu, and dPh hydrophobic blocks were shown to have superior siRNA internalization capabilities compared to their more and less hydrophobic counterparts, demonstrating a critical window of relative hydrophobicity for optimal internalization. This better understanding of how hydrophobicity impacts PTDM-induced internalization efficiencies will help guide the development of future delivery reagents.

Prediction of Acridinones’ Ability to Interstrand DNA Crosslinks Formation Using Connected QSRR and QSAR Analysis

QSAR studies to predict acridinones’ ability to interstrand DNA crosslinks formation were performed. The study is based on experimental, as well as predicted retention data (log k) and was conducted by connected QSRR and QSAR strategy. For this purpose, chromatography analysis of acridinone derivatives was utilized. Moreover, computer modeling of the above-mentioned compounds was performed. Afterwards, statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed by two different HPLC stationary phases: phosphatidylcholine (IAM) and α1-glycoprotein (AGP). This approach allowed determining retention parameter log k, which characterizes binding affinity of acridinones to phospholipids or proteins. Moreover, molecular modeling was performed based on the chemical structure of considered acridinones using HyperChem 8.0 program (HyperCube Inc., Gainesville, FL, USA). Structural descriptors were obtained from Dragon 6.0 software (Talete, Italy). Those data were used to create general QSAR equations. Derived QSAR models described acridinones’ ability to interstrand DNA crosslinks formation (C0) depending on HPLC retention parameters, whereas log k parameter obtained by HPLC analysis was mostly dependent on molecular descriptors calculated. Additionally, the predictive performance of obtained QSARs and QSRRs models allowed us to predict the ability to interstrand DNA crosslinks formation by acridinones derivatives. It also enabled us to predict their chromatographic retention parameters. Proposed connected QSRR and QSAR approach could be a useful tool for in silico experiments, which verifies acridinones’ activity, without any in vivo biological test. Keywords: Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR), quantitative structure-retention relationships (QSRR), multiple linear regression (MLR), high-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), acridinones, interstrand DNA crosslinks, molecular modeling descriptors.

Influence of carboxylic ion-pairing reagents on retention of peptides in thin-layer chromatography systems with C18 silica-based adsorbents

One of the main problems related to chromatography of peptides concerns adverse interactions of their strong basic groups with free silanol groups of the silica based stationary phase. Influence of type and concentration of ion-pairing regents on peptide retention in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) systems has been discussed before. Here we present influence of these mobile phase additives on retention of some peptide standards in high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) systems with C18 silica-based adsorbents. We prove, that due to different characteristic of adsorbents used in both techniques (RP HPLC and HPTLC), influence of ion-pairing reagents on retention of basic and/or amphoteric compounds also may be quite different. C18 silica-based HPTLC adsorbents provide more complex mechanism of retention and should be rather considered as mixed-mode adsorbents.

Identification and Quantification of the Major Constituents in Egyptian Carob Extract by Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Background:Carob - Ceratonia siliqua L., commonly known as St John's-bread or locust bean, family Fabaceae - is one of the most useful native Mediterranean trees. There is no data about the chromatography methods performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for determining polyphenols in Egyptian carob pods.Objective:To establish a sensitive and specific liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization (ESI)-tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) methodology for the identification of the major constituents in Egyptian carob extract.Materials and Methods:HPLC with diode array detector and ESI-mass spectrometry (MS) was developed for the identification and quantification of phenolic acids, flavonoid glycosides, and aglycones in the methanolic extract of Egyptian C. siliqua. The MS and MSn data together with HPLC retention time of phenolic components allowed structural characterization of these compounds. Peak integration of ions in the MS scans had been used in the quantification technique.Results:A total of 36 compounds were tentatively identified. Twenty-six compounds were identified in the negative mode corresponding to 85.4% of plant dry weight, while ten compounds were identified in the positive mode representing 16.1% of plant dry weight, with the prevalence of flavonoids (75.4% of plant dry weight) predominantly represented by two methylapigenin-O-pentoside isomers (20.9 and 13.7% of plant dry weight).Conclusion:The identification of various compounds present in carob pods opens a new door to an increased understanding of the different health benefits brought about by the consumption of carob and its products.SUMMARY This research proposed a good example for the rapid identification of major constituents in complex systems such as herbs using sensitive, accurate and specific method coupling HPLC with DAD and MS, which facilitate the clarification of phytochemical composition of herbal medicine for better understanding of their nature and biological activities. Abbreviation used: HPLC: High performance liquid chromatography, DAD: Diode array detector, MS: Mass spectrometry, TR: Retention time.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction and Purification of Arctiin and Arctigenin from Fructus Arctii by High-Speed Countercurrent Chromatography.

An efficient method for the rapid extraction, separation and purification of bioactive lignans, arctiin and arctigenin, from Fructus arctii by microwave-assisted extraction coupled with high-speed countercurrent chromatography was developed. The optimal extraction conditions of arctiin and arctigenin were evaluated by orthogonal array. Arctigenin could be converted from arctiin by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis. The separations were performed at a preparative scale with two-phase solvents composed of ethyl acetate-ethanol-water (5 : 1 : 5, v/v/v) for arctiin, and n-hexane-ethyl acetate-ethanol-water (4 : 4 : 3 : 4, v/v/v/v) for arctigenin. From 500 mg of crude extract sample, 122.3 mg of arctiin and 45.7 mg of arctigenin were obtained with the purity of 98.46 and 96.57%, and the recovery of 94.3 and 81.6%, respectively. Their structures were determined by comparison with the high-performance liquid chromatography retention time of standard substance as well as UV, FT-IR, electrospray ion source (ESI)-MS, (1)H-NMR and (13)C-NMR spectrum. According to the antioxidant activity assay, arctigenin had stronger 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals scavenging activity.

HPLC Biogram Analysis: A Powerful Tool Used for Hit Confirmation in Early Drug Discovery

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) biogram methodology is a powerful pharmaceutical screening hit confirmation strategy that couples analytical HPLC data with functional bioassay data. It is used primarily for screening hit chemical validation and triaging in support of early phase discovery programs and enables further investigation of the source of bioactivity in screening hits. The process combines semi-preparative separation technologies, automated compound handling and distribution, high-throughput biological screening, and informatics tools. The final output is an HPLC retention time versus bioactivity graphical overlay report. In this manner, biograms allow the analyst to determine which component in the sample is responsible for the biological activity, enabling decision making toward chemotype selection and prioritization from a pool of potential candidates. Another powerful aspect of the biogram assay lies in its utility in investigating biological activity in atypical samples, such as degraded samples or mixtures, for detection of minor active impurities or in addressing lot-to-lot activity discrepancies for a given test compound. Biograms are employed to track, isolate, and identify the source of biological activity in such samples, often yielding important information for program decisions.

A derivatization strategy for the detection and identification of volatile trialkylphosphites using liquid chromatography-online solid phase extraction and offline nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

We demonstrate herein the application of selective derivatization method that converts volatile and labile trialkylphosphites (TAPs) into virtually non-volatile, thermally stable, and UV absorbing derivatives. After simple sample preparation, purification/enrichment of the derivatives was achieved by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to on-line post column solid phase extraction (SPE) system. These derivatives were subjected to 31P{1H} NMR and 1D-selTOCSY experiments. Conclusive identification was achieved on the basis of their HPLC retention time and NMR spectral signatures (δH1,δpE1, nJH–H, and 3JP–H). This method was tested for the unambiguous identification of a mixture containing low concentrations (∼10μgmL−1) of trimethylphosphite (TMP), triethylphosphite (TEP), triisopropylphosphite (TIP), and tributylphosphite (TBP) along with a high concentration of irrelevant background chemicals. It offered a high dynamic range and good detection limit and recovery (>75%) without the need for special NMR probe heads or exotic NMR experiments.

Hydrophobic Blocks Facilitate Lipid Compatibility and Translocon Recognition of Transmembrane Protein Sequences

Biophysical hydrophobicity scales suggest that partitioning of a protein segment from an aqueous phase into a membrane is governed by its perceived segmental hydrophobicity but do not establish specifically (i) how the segment is identified in vivo for translocon-mediated insertion or (ii) whether the destination lipid bilayer is biochemically receptive to the inserted sequence. To examine the congruence between these dual requirements, we designed and synthesized a library of Lys-tagged peptides of a core length sufficient to span a bilayer but with varying patterns of sequence, each composed of nine Leu residues, nine Ser residues, and one (central) Trp residue. We found that peptides containing contiguous Leu residues (Leu-block peptides, e.g., LLLLLLLLLWSSSSSSSSS), in comparison to those containing discontinuous stretches of Leu residues (non-Leu-block peptides, e.g., SLSLLSLSSWSLLSLSLLS), displayed greater helicity (circular dichroism spectroscopy), traveled slower during sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, had longer reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography retention times on a C-18 column, and were helical when reconstituted into 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylglycero-3-phosphocholine liposomes, each observation indicating superior lipid compatibility when a Leu-block is present. These parameters were largely paralleled in a biological membrane insertion assay using microsomal membranes from dog pancreas endoplasmic reticulum, where we found only the Leu-block sequences successfully inserted; intriguingly, an amphipathic peptide (SLLSSLLSSWLLSSLLSSL; Leu face, Ser face) with biophysical properties similar to those of Leu-block peptides failed to insert. Our overall results identify local sequence lipid compatibility rather than average hydrophobicity as a principal determinant of transmembrane segment potential, while demonstrating that further subtleties of hydrophobic and helical patterning, such as circumferential hydrophobicity in Leu-block segments, promote translocon-mediated insertion.

Usefulness of thin-layer chromatography for the prediction of high-performance liquid chromatographic retention behavior of new 1,2,4-triazole and thiosemicarbazide derivatives

The purpose of this paper was to assess the suitability of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) as a pilot method for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The new 1,2,4-triazole and thiosemicarbazide derivatives were analyzed by use of reversed-phase (RP)-TLC and RP-HPLC techniques, applying octadecyl silica adsorbents and aqueous-organic mobile phases. Organic modifiers: methanol and acetonitrile were used at appropriate concentrations providing optimal retention factors. For both techniques, retention coefficient k in column chromatography and the retardation factor RF expressing retention in TLC were determined. The experimentally measured parameters were presented in a logarithmic scale as log k and RM, respectively. The constructed relationships between log k and RM allowed determining the possibility of TLC for anticipating HPLC retention behavior.

Liquid chromatography combined with atomic and molecular mass spectrometry for speciation of arsenic in chicken liver

Human exposure to high concentrations of arsenic from water and food is an important health concern. Although 3-nitro-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid (Roxarsone) was used for more than 60 years as a feed additive to feed chickens, little is known about the metabolism of this arsenic species in chicken. Determination of potential arsenic metabolites present at trace concentrations is an analytical challenge, requiring efficient separation and sensitive detection. The primary objective of this research is to develop a method that enables the identification and quantification of various arsenic species in chicken liver. This report describes a method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation with both inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) detection. Anion exchange HPLC enabled the separation of Roxarsone and other arsenic species within 12min. Detection with both ICPMS and ESI-MS/MS allowed for identification and quantification of eight arsenic species in chicken livers, including arsenobetaine, inorganic arsenite, dimethylarsinic acid, monomethylarsonic acid, inorganic arsenate, 3-amino-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid, N-acetyl-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid (N-AHPAA), and Roxarsone. The concentrations of these arsenic species, with the exception of arsenobetaine, are significantly higher in the Roxarsone-fed chickens than in the control chickens. The simultaneous detection by both ICPMS and ESIMS from the same HPLC separation allowed for comparison of peaks in both ICPMS and ESIMS chromatograms. This is advantageous over two separate analyses, particularly when HPLC retention times might fluctuate due to sample matrix effect. HPLC separation with the complementary atomic and molecular mass spectrometry detection prevented misidentification of co-eluting compounds, as demonstrated by the determination of two possible metabolites of Roxarsone, N-AHPAA and 4-amino-phenylarsonic acid (4-APAA). N-AHPAA was confirmed by HPLC separation with simultaneous arsenic-specific detection by ICPMS and multiple reaction monitoring by ESIMS. Although an arsenic-containing compound had identical retention time as 4-APAA in the HPLC–ICPMS chromatogram, it was ruled out as 4-APAA from the simultaneous detection by ESIMS. The identification and quantitation of trace arsenic species present in complex samples demonstrate the potential of HPLC separation with simultaneous ICPMS and ESIMS detection for other speciation applications.

Compound “J” in Late Cretaceous/Tertiary terrigenous oils revisited: Structure elucidation of a rearranged oleanane coeluting on GC with 18β(H)-oleanane

A C30 pentacyclic triterpane eluting slightly after 18α(H)-oleanane in the m/z 191 mass chromatograms of Late Cretaceous/Tertiary terrigenous oils (peak “J” in the early literature) has been isolated from a Niger Delta oil and identified using NMR spectroscopy as 3β-methyl-24-nor-18α(H)-oleanane. The previous assignment as 18β(H)-oleanane is therefore partly erroneous. 3β-Methyl-24-nor-18α(H)-oleanane affords a larger m/z 412→356 response than the oleananes and the relative contribution of 3β-methyl-24-nor-18α(H)-oleanane to the 412→191 “oleanane peak” can be roughly estimated from comparison of the 412→356/412→191 ratio from the oleanane peak with that of the pure compounds. 3β-Methyl-24-nor-18α(H)-oleanane can be as abundant as 18α(H)-oleanane in oils having a high concentration of early eluting rearranged oleananes. 3β-Methyl-24-nor-19α(H)-taraxastane was also tentatively assigned in the oils on the basis of its mass spectrum as well as its gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography retention times. 3β-Methyl-24-nor-gammacerane was tentatively assigned in a similar way in an oil containing gammacerane. All 3β-methyl-24-nor-triterpanes could be formed via dehydration, rearrangement and hydrogenation of triterpenoids having an OH group at C-3.

Physicochemical and biochemical properties for the dialkyl phthalates

Abraham descriptors for 40 phthalate esters have been calculated from a variety of experimental data, including water–solvent partition coefficients, high performance liquid chromatographic and gas chromatographic retention times. These descriptors can then be used to calculate a large number of physicochemical and biochemical properties of the esters; values are given for dinonyl phthalate as an example. Once the Abraham descriptors have been obtained for a given phthalate ester, no more than simple arithmetic is needed to calculate values of a huge range of properties. The ‘three solubility method’ yields data that are consistent for a particular physicochemical property, but not necessarily correct data. Previous literature values for air–water partition coefficients for the higher phthalates are likely to be incorrect by several orders of magnitude.

Study of RP HPLC Retention Behaviours in Analysis of Carotenoids.

For determination of selected carotenoids, various types of columns for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with different properties have been used. The characteristics of the laboratory-used packing material containing monomeric alkyl-bonded phases (C18, C30) and phenyl as well as phenyl-hexyl stationary phases were studied. The retention data of the examined compounds were used to determine the hydrophobicity and silanol activity of stationary phases applied in the study. The presence of the polar and carboxyl groups in the structure of the bonded ligand strongly influences the polarity of the stationary phase. Columns were compared according to methylene selectivity using a series of benzene homologues. The measurements were done using a methanol–water mobile phase. Knowledge of the properties of the applied stationary phase provided the possibility to predict the RP HPLC retention behaviours in analysis of carotenoids including lutein, lycopene and β-carotene. The composition of the mobile phase, the addition of triethylamine and the type of stationary phase had been taken into account in designing the method of carotenoid identification. Also a monolithic column characterised by low hydrodynamic resistance, high porosity and high permeability was applied. The presented results show that the coverage density of the bonded ligands on silica gel packings and length of the linkage strongly influence the carotenoid retention behaviours. In our study, the highest retention parameters for lutein, lycopene and β-carotene were observed for C30 and C18 stationary phase. This effect corresponds with pore size of column packing greater than 100 Å and carbon content higher than 11 %.

Polyethyleneimine Immobilized on Silica Endcapped with Octadecyl Groups as a Stationary Phase for RP-LC

A new reversed stationary phase was prepared, based on thermal immobilization of trimethoxysilylpropyl modified polyethyleneimine onto silica particles endcapped with octadecyl molecules. The physicochemical and morphological properties of the stationary phase were characterized by solid state cross-polarization and magic angle spinning 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, porosimetry, and elemental analysis. For the studies on reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) retention, separation of the established Tanaka and Engelhardt test mixtures was performed. The stationary phase showed a typical partition mechanism for the reversed phase; however, the low hydrophobicity required a low organic content solvent in the mobile phase for chromatographic separation of more hydrophobic compounds. The stationary phase also showed low residual silanol activity for the elution of basic compounds due to the protection offered by octadecyl endcapped molecules and the competition provided by the imine groups of the polymeric layer. The proposed stationary phase possesses interesting selectivity and is convenient for applications requiring the separation of more retentive compounds in conventional HPLC columns using more aqueous mobile phases.

A Study of δ-Globin Gene Mutations in the UK Population: Identification of Three Novel Variants and Development of a Novel DNA Test for Hb A′2

We report here the spectrum of δ-globin gene mutations found in the UK population. Nine different δ chain variants and two δ-thalassemia (δ-thal) mutations were characterized in a study of 127 alleles in patients with either a low Hb A2 value or a split Hb A2 peak on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The most common δ chain variant was Hb A′2 (or Hb B2) [δ16(A13)Gly → Arg; HBD: c.49G > C] (77.0%), followed by Hb A2-Yialousa [δ27(B9)Ala → Ser; HBD: c.82G > T] (12.0%), Hb A2-Babinga [δ136(H14)Gly → Asp; HBD: c.410G > A] (3.0%), Hb A2-Troodos [δ116(G18)Arg → Cys; HBD: c.349C > T] (1.0%), Hb A2-Coburg [δ116(G18)Arg → His; HBD: c.350G > A] (2.0%) and Hb A2-Indonesia [δ69(E13)Gly → Arg; HBD: c.208G > C] (1.0%). Three novel variants were identified: Hb A2-Calderdale [codon 2 (CAT > AAT), His → Asn; HBD: c.7C > A], Hb A2-Walsgrave [codon 52 (GAT > CAT), Asp → His; HBD: c.157G > C] and Hb A2-St. George’s [codon 81 (CTC > TTC), Leu → Phe; HBD: c.244C > T]. In addition, two known δ-thal mutations were observed: −68 (C > T); HBD: c.-118C > T and codon 4 (ACT > ATT); HBD: c.14C > T. Amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) primers were developed to provide a simple molecular diagnostic test for the most common variant, Hb A′2. Three of the variants had a characteristic HPLC retention time that can be used for a presumptive diagnosis.

Metabolic pathway for degradation of anthracene by halophilic Martelella sp. AD-3

Anthracene (40 mg l−1) was completely depleted by Martelella sp. strain AD-3 under 3% salinity and a pH of 9.0 after 6 days of incubation. The metabolites were extracted and identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) retention times, mass spectrometry, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and comparison to authentic compounds or literature data. On the basis of the identified metabolites, enzyme activities and the utilization of probable intermediates, anthracene degradation by strain AD-3 is proposed via two distinct routes. In route I, metabolism of anthracene is initiated by the dioxygenation at C-1,2, then proceeds through 6,7-benzocoumarin, 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, salicylic acid and gentisic acid. In route II, anthracene is metabolized to 9,10-anthraquinone. The results suggest that strain AD-3 possesses efficient anthracene biodegradability in high salinity. To our knowledge, this work presents the first report of anthracene degradation by a halophilic PAH-degrading strain via two routes. The strain AD-3 may be a useful candidate for PAH-contaminated saline-alkali soil bioremediation.

Novel Method To Identify the Optimal Antimicrobial Peptide in a Combination Matrix, Using Anoplin as an Example

Microbial resistance is an increasing health concern and a true danger to human well-being. A worldwide search for new compounds is ongoing, and antimicrobial peptides are promising lead candidates for tomorrow's antibiotics. The decapeptide anoplin (GLLKRIKTLL-NH2) is an especially interesting candidate because of its small size as well as its antimicrobial and nonhemolytic properties. Optimization of the properties of an antimicrobial peptide such as anoplin requires multidimensional searching in a complex chemical space. Typically, such optimization is performed by labor-intensive and costly trial-and-error methods. In this study, we show the benefit of fractional factorial design for identification of the optimal antimicrobial peptide in a combination matrix. We synthesized and analyzed a training set of 12 anoplin analogs, representative of 64 analogs in total. Using MIC, hemolysis, and high-performance liquid chromatography retention time data, we constructed analysis-of-variance models that describe the relationship between these properties and the structural characteristics of the analogs. We show that the mathematical models derived from the training set data can be used to predict the properties of other analogs in the chemical space. Hence, this method provides an efficient means of identification of the optimal peptide in the searched chemical space.

Identification of a novel flavonoid glycoside sulfotransferase in Arabidopsis thaliana

The discovery of sulfated flavonoids in plants suggests that sulfation may play a regulatory role in the physiological functions of flavonoids. Sulfation of flavonoids is mediated by cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs), which utilize 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) as the sulfate donor. A novel SULT from Arabidopsis thaliana, designated AtSULT202B7 (AGI code: At1g13420), was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Using various compounds as potential substrates, we demonstrated, for the first time, that AtSULT202B7 displayed sulfating activity specific for flavonoids. Intriguingly, the recombinant enzyme preferred flavonoid glycosides (e.g. kaempferol-3-glucoside and quercetin-3-glucoside) rather than their aglycone counterparts. Among a series of hydroxyflavones tested, AtSULT202B7 showed the enzymatic activity only for 7-hydroxyflavone. pH-dependency study showed that the optimum pH was relatively low (pH 5.5) compared with those (pH 6.0-8.5) previously reported for other isoforms. Based on the comparison of high performance (pressure) liquid chromatography (HPLC) retention times between sulfated kaempferol and the deglycosylated product of sulfated kaempferol-3-glucoside, the sulfation site in sulfated kaempferol-3-glucoside appeared to be the hydroxyl group of the flavonoid skeleton. In addition, by using direct infusion mass spectrometry, it was found that the sulfated product had one sulfonate group within the molecule. These results indicated that AtSULT202B7 functions as a flavonoid glycoside 7-sulfotransferase.

Comprehensive profiling of flavonoids inScutellaria incanaL. using LC-Q-TOF-MS

Summary Scutellaria L. is a diverse genus of the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family of over 300 herbaceous plants commonly known as skullcaps. Various species of Scutellaria are used as ethnobotanical herbs for the treatment of ailments like cancer, jaundice, cirrhosis, anxiety, and nervous disorders. Scutellaria incana L., commonly known as the Hoary skullcap, is a traditional medicinal plant used by native Americans as a sedative for nervousness or anxiety. S. incana metabolites were identified by comparing their high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) retention times and mass spectra with those of the corresponding authentic standards. Where standards were unavailable, the structures were characterized on the basis of their tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) spectra following collision-induced dissociation (CID) and the accurate masses of the corresponding deprotonated molecules [M-H]− (mass accuracy ± 5 ppm). A total of 40 flavonoids, including two phenolic glycosides, were identified from leaves, stems, and roots of S. incana. Differences in the flavonoid composition between leaves, stems, and roots in S. incana were observed although the flavonoid profile of S. incana is consistent with other Scutellaria species. Further work should focus on assessing the potential of S. incana as a source of these bioactive metabolites.

Quantitative structure–retention relationships models for prediction of high performance liquid chromatography retention time of small molecules: Endogenous metabolites and banned compounds

Quantitative structure–retention relationship (QSRR) is a technique capable of improving the identification of analytes by predicting their retention time on a liquid chromatography column (LC) and/or their properties. This approach is particularly useful when LC is coupled with a high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) platform. The main aim of the present study was to develop and describe appropriate QSRR models that provide usable predictive capability, allowing false positive identification to be removed during the interpretation of metabolomics data, while additionally increasing confidence of experimental results in doping control area. For this purpose, a dataset consisting of 146 drugs, metabolites and banned compounds from World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lists, was used. A QSRR study was carried out separately on high quality retention data determined by reversed-phase (RP-LC–HRMS) and hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC-LC–HRMS) systems, employing a single protocol for each system. Multiple linear regression (MLR) was applied to construct the linear QSRR models based on a variety of theoretical molecular descriptors. The regression equations included a set of three descriptors for each model: ALogP, BELe6, R2p and ALogP2, FDI, BLTA96, were used in the analysis of reversed-phase and HILIC column models, respectively. Statistically significant QSRR models (squared correlation coefficient for model fitting, R2=0.95 for RP and R2=0.84 for HILIC) indicate a strong correlation between retention time and the molecular descriptors. An evaluation of the best correlation models, performed by validation of each model using three tests (leave-one-out, leave-many-out, external tests), demonstrated the reliability of the models. This paper provides a practical and effective method for analytical chemists working with LC/HRMS platforms to improve predictive confidence of studies that seek to identify small molecules.