Weak Cation-exchange Cartridge Research Articles

LC-MS/MS methods for the determination of 30 quaternary ammonium compounds including benzalkonium and paraquat in human serum and urine

Benzalkyldimethylammonium (or benzalkonium; BACs), alkyltrimethylammonium (ATMACs), and dialkyldimethylammonium compounds (DDACs) have been widely used for over six decades as disinfectants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we describe methods for the determination of 7 BACs, 6 ATMACs, 6 DDACs, 8 BAC metabolites, and the structurally similar quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) herbicides diquat, paraquat, and difenzoquat in human serum and urine using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The methods were optimized using isotopically labelled internal standards and solid-phase extraction with weak cation-exchange cartridges. We separated diquat and paraquat chromatographically using a mixed-mode LC column, and BACs, ATMACs, DDACs, difenzoquat, and BAC metabolites using reversed-phase (C8 and C18) LC columns. Method limits of detection (MLODs) and quantification (MLOQs) were 0.002–0.42 and 0.006–1.40 ng/mL, respectively. Recoveries of all analytes fortified at 1, 5, and 20 ng/mL concentrations in serum and urine matrices were 61–129%, with standard deviations of 0–20%. Repeated analysis of similarly fortified serum and urine samples yielded intra-day and inter-day variations of 0.22–17.4% and 0.35–17.3%, respectively. Matrix effects for analytes spiked into serum and urine matrices ranged from –27% to 15.4%. Analysis of real urine and serum samples revealed the presence of several QACs in human serum. Although no parent BACs were found in urine, we detected, for the first time, several ω-hydroxy and ω-carboxylic acid metabolites of BACs at average concentrations in the range of 0.05–0.35 ng/mL. The developed method is suitable for application in large-scale biomonitoring of human exposure to QACs and their metabolites in human serum and urine.

A validated method for the separation of ethyl glucoside isomers by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and quantitation in human whole blood and urine

Ethyl glucoside (EG) is present in Japanese sake in high concentrations, and can be found in other alcoholic beverages like beer and wine in varying amounts. EG exists as alpha (α) and beta (β) isomers, and the concentrations and ratios of these isomers differ depending on the alcoholic beverage. Herein, we report a validated analysis method for the separation of EG isomers in human whole blood and urine, by GC–MS/MS. Whole blood and urine samples were deproteinized and interferences removed by weak cation exchange cartridges. The target analytes were acetylated using acetic anhydride and pyridine by microwave-accelerated derivatization. Separation was performed using tandem columns, with detection in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The MRM transitions for all compounds were m/z 157.0 > 115.1 for the quantifying transition, and m/z 157.0 > 73.1 and m/z 141.0 > 81.0 for the qualifying transitions. Assay validation included linearity, LOD and LLOQ, bias, within-run and between-run precision, stability, and dilution integrity. Baseline separation of the 2 isomers was achieved with linear calibration (r2 > 0.99) across the calibration range 0.625 to 50 μg/mL for both α- and β-EG in both whole blood and urine. The validated method was then applied to actual human whole blood and urine samples collected at autopsy, as well as relevant alcoholic beverage samples. The quantitation of EG isomers could benefit the forensic toxicology community by acting as markers for recent alcoholic beverage consumption.

Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry based method development and validation of S016-1271 (LR8P), a novel cationic antimicrobial peptide for its application to pharmacokinetic studies

S016-1271 (LR8P) is a broad spectrum novel cationic antimicrobial peptide. The objective of the present study was to develop a selective liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) based bioanalytical method of S016-1271 peptide in mice and human plasma in order to uncover its pharmacokinetic aspects. The chromatographic separation of S016-1271 (FR8P as internal standard) was achieved on a Waters™ X select CSH-C18 column (75 × 3.0 mm, 2.5 μ) using mixture of acetonitrile and triple distilled water (TDW) both containing 0.05% formic acid as mobile phase. A seven minute linear gradient method was designed to separate analytes from ion suppression at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The extraction of analytes from mice and human plasma was performed through solid phase extraction technique using mixed mode weak cation exchange cartridge (Thermo SOLA WCX 10 mg 1CC) with an extraction recovery of analytes about 75%. Mass spectrometric detection of S016-1271 and FR8P was performed with optimized multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions (Q1/Q3) at 658.8 [M+3H] 3+/653.2 [M+3H-NH3] 3+ and 443.4 [M+5H]5+ /434.7 [y12-NH3]4+,respectively in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. The linearity in mice and human plasma was established over a concentration range of 7.81–250 ng/mL with regression coefficient (r2 > 0.99). The currently developed method was validated as per US-FDA guidelines and found to be within the acceptable limits. The method was successfully applied to intravenous (IV) pharmacokinetic study in mice wherein the levels were detected upto 24 h. The peptide demonstrated poor distribution characteristics which were demonstrated through volume of distribution at steady state (202.71 ± 47.02 mL/kg less than total body water of mice; 580 mL/kg). The clearance of the peptide predominantly occurred through central compartment (central clearance is 25 fold greater than peripheral clearance). Also, the in vitro pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated the stability of S016-1271 in plasma and high plasma protein binding in mice and humans.

Determination of colistin in animal tissues, egg, milk, and feed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A confirmatory method for the determination of colistin in animal tissues, egg, milk, and feed was developed and validated. Colistin A and colistin B were extracted from samples with the mixture of 10% trichloroacetic acid-acetonitrile and isolated with mixed-mode weak cation exchange cartridge. Analytes were separated from matrix components using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography, and detected with electrospray ionization on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Mean recoveries ranged from 78.0% to 115.6% with intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviation lower than 8.4% and 12.4%, respectively. The quantitation limits for different matrices were between 5 and 30 μg/kg, which was satisfactory for surveillance monitoring. The developed method was applied to the analysis of real samples collected from different provinces of China, and 19 out of 348 samples were found to be contaminated, with the highest concentration of approximately 12,000 μg/kg colistin A and 10,000 μg/kg colistin B in feed.

A Novel Sensitive Method to Measure Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Activity Unravels the Presence of This Activity in Extracellular Vesicles Released by Rat Hepatocytes.

There is a clear need for drug treatments to be selected according to the characteristics of an individual patient, in order to improve efficacy and reduce the number and severity of adverse drug reactions. One of the main enzymes to take into account in pharmacogenomics is catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT), which catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to catechols and catecholamines, like the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Although, most of this enzyme is associated to intracellular vesicles, recently it has also been detected in extracellular vesicles secreted by hepatocytes and in serum circulating vesicles. COMT has implications in many neurological and psychiatric disorders like Parkinson's disease, chronic fatigue, pain response, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders. Remarkably, genetic variations of COMT affect its activity and are associated to various human disorders from psychiatric diseases to estrogen-induced cancers. Consequently, the establishment of new methods to evaluate COMT activity is an important aspect to investigate the biology of this drug-metabolizing enzyme. Herein, we have developed a sensitive and selective method to determine COMT activity. We first optimized the activity in rat liver incubated with two different substrates; norepinephrine and dopamine. The enzymatically formed products (normetanephrine and 3-methoxytyramine, respectively) were extracted by solid-phase extraction using weak cation exchange cartridges, chromatographically separated, and detected and quantified using a mass spectrometer. The range of quantitation for both products was from 0.005 to 25 μg/mL. This methodology offers acceptable recovery for both enzymatic products (≥75%) and good accuracy and precision (≤15%). The lower limit of quantifications were 0.01 and 0.005 μM for 3-methoxytyramine and normetanephrine, respectively. Importantly, this sensitive assay was able to detect the presence of COMT activity in extracellular vesicles secreted by hepatocytes supporting a potential role of these vesicles in catecholamines and catecholestrogens metabolisms. In addition, the presence of COMT activity in extracellular vesicles opens new possibilities to develop tools to evaluate personalized drug response in a low invasive manner.

Identification of natural lactoylcholine in lactic acid bacteria-fermented food

Acetylcholine (AcCh) is a major neurotransmitter and an agonist of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in non-neuronal systems. Artificially synthesized lactoylcholine (LaCh) has potent nicotinic activity equal to that of AcCh. In this study, we report the isolation and purification of natural AcCh and LaCh from a lactic-fermented food known to reduce blood pressure. To our knowledge, we are the first to isolate natural LaCh. The choline esters were isolated using a novel purification procedure combining a weak cation-exchange cartridge with ODS and pentafluorophenyl HPLC columns, and the structure of LaCh was identified via various analyses. Assessment of d- and l-LaCh showed that the isolated LaCh was an enantiomer mixture with a D/L ratio of 1.6. d-LaCh induced vasorelaxation of thoracic aortas from spontaneously hypertensive rats (EC50=3.83×10−7M), while l-LaCh did not. Our results suggest that choline esters could be new functional ingredients in lactic-fermented foods.

Solid‐phase extraction of small biologically active peptides on cartridges and microelution 96‐well plates from human urine

Currently liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis after solid-phase extraction (SPE) on weak cation-exchange cartridges is a method of choice for anti-doping analysis of small bioactive peptides such as growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs), desmoporessin, LHRH, and TB-500 short fragment. Dilution of urine samples with phosphate buffer for pH adjustment and SPE on weak cation exchange microelution plates was tested as a means to increase throughput of this analysis. Dilution using 200 mM phosphate buffer provides good buffering capacity without affecting the peptides recoveries. SPE on microelution plates was performed on Waters Positive Pressure-96 Processor with subsequent evaporation of eluates in nitrogen flow. Though the use of smaller sample volume decreases the pre-concentration factor and increases the limits of detection of 5 out of 17 detected peptides, the recovery, linearity, and reproducibility of the microelution extraction were comparable with cartridge SPE. The effectiveness of protocols was confirmed by analysis of urine samples containing ipamorelin, and GHRP-6 and its metabolites. SPE after urine sample dilution with buffer can be used for faster sample preparation. The use of microelution plates decreases consumption of solvents and allows processing of up to 96 samples simultaneously. Cartridge SPE with manual рН adjustment remains the best option for confirmation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides metabolites in human urine after nasal administration of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin.

Growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs) stimulate secretion of endogenous growth hormone and are listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. To develop an effective method for GHRPs anti-doping control we have investigated metabolites of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin in urine after nasal administration. Each compound was administrated to one volunteer. Samples were collected for 2 days after administration, processed by solid-phase extraction on weak cation exchange cartridges and analyzed by means of nano-liquid chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry. Six metabolites of GHRP-1 were identified. GHRP-1 in the parent form was not detected. GHRP-1 (2-4) free acid was detected in urine up to 27 h. GHRP-2, GHRP-2 free acid and GHRP-2 (1-3) free acid were detected in urine up to 47 h after administration. GHRP-6 was mostly excreted unchanged and detected in urine 23 h after administration, its metabolites were detectable for 12 h only. Hexarelin and Ipamorelin metabolized intensively and were excreted as a set of parent compounds with metabolites. Hexarelin (1-3) free acid and Ipamorelin (1-4) free acid were detected in urine samples after complete withdrawal of parent substances. GHRPs and their most prominent metabolites were included into routine ultra-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry procedure. The method was fully validated, calibration curves of targeted analytes were obtained and excretion curves of GHRPs and their metabolites were plotted. Our results confirm that the detection window after GHRPs administration depends on individual metabolism, drug preparation form and the way of administration.

Aminoglycoside analysis in food of animal origin with a zwitterionic stationary phase and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

In this study, fourteen highly polar aminoglycoside (AGs) antibiotics were selected. Various stationary phases were tested, including Obelisc R, ZIC-HILIC, BEH amide and aminopropyl. The nature of the stationary phase, mobile phase (water or buffer solutions and acetonitrile), pH (percentage of formic acid), gradient conditions and injection solvents were systematically studied as relevant parameters for tuning retention selectivity and detectability of AGs in liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC–(ESI)–MS/MS). Only the two zwitterionic phases (Obelisc R and ZIC-HILIC) achieved a proper chromatographic separation considering interferences due to the crosstalk effect in low resolution mass spectrometers. The water/acetonitrile mobile phase containing 1% formic acid used with Obelisc R provided more sensitivity than the highly concentrated buffered mobile phases required for ZIC-HILIC. A solid phase extraction (SPE) clean-up procedure with polymeric weak cation exchange (WCX) cartridges was optimized for honey, milk and liver samples. Different brands of cartridges and elution solvents were tested, and the Taurus WCX offered the best recovery rate with a buffer elution at pH 3. The final optimized method was validated in these matrices according to Decision 2002/657/EC. A monitoring campaign for sixty honey, milk and liver samples was carried out at the Food Authority Control in Geneva. The concentration of dihydrostreptomycin (DSTP) found in one ovine liver exceeded the established maximum residue levels (MRLs) within the European and Swiss legislations but it was compliant taking into account the validation data.

Quantitative Analysis of Paraquat in Vegetation by Stable Isotope Dilution and Liquid Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry

The method presented is a suitable approach for routine testing of paraquat in difficult sample types, such as winter wheat and alfalfa plant tissue, typically found with accidental spray drift. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography and ultra-performance LC is utilized with tandem quadrupole MS in the positive electrospray ionization mode. Three precursor-product ion transitions are measured in the multiple reaction monitoring mode, and paraquat d8 is added as an internal standard at the beginning of the extraction procedure to correct for losses in recovery and/or matrix effects in instrument response. A 5 g portion is digested with 6 M HCl in a 100°C water bath for 1 h. An aliquot is removed and adjusted to pH 7-8 prior to loading on a mixed mode weak cation-exchange SPE cartridge, and paraquat is eluted with formic acid-acetonitrile (10 + 90, v/v). Average recoveries of paraquat fortified at 0.020-0.080 ppm in winter wheat and alfalfa ranged from 80 to 114% (RSD 12-30%). Result data from naturally incurred paraquat (0.027-0.51 ppm) in composite garden plants, potato leaves, tree leaves, and alfalfa are presented. The LOQ is 0.020 ppm.

Multi-dye residue analysis of triarylmethane, xanthene, phenothiazine and phenoxazine dyes in fish tissues by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Beside the possible illegal use of malachite green in aquaculture, other familiar dyes could also been applied by fraudulent producers due to their antiseptic and antibacterial activity. In this contribution, a new sensitive multi-residue method was developed to determine triarylmethane, xanthene, phenothiazine and phenoxazine dyes in fish by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile, followed by an oxidation step using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone. Further clean-up was performed by tandem solid phase extraction using weak and strong cation exchange cartridges. Extracts were analysed by UPLC-MS(n) operating in the positive electrospray ionisation mode (ESI+). The fourteen dyes were separated within only 12min on a C18 BEH column using 1mM ammonium acetate in water at pH 4.5 and acetonitrile as mobile phases at a flowrate of 0.4mLmin(-1). The presented method was validated as defined by the European Union and scientific literature. Good linearity (R ≥0.99 and goodness-of-fit (g) ≤10%) was achieved over the tested concentration range (0.25-2ngg(-1)). Limit of quantification was 0.25ngg(-1) for all dyes, with a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 10/1. This is at least 5 to 10 times lower than previous published methods. Limits of detection were all <0.1ngg(-1). Precision and trueness fell within the criteria requested by the EC requirements for this concentration range. Decision limit (CCα) and detection capability (CCβ) were all <1 and <0.25ngg(-1), respectively. Due to background levels of the xanthene dyes, the two rhodamine dyes could only be determined above 0.75ngg(-1). For these dyes, the method can only be used for screening purposes. To show the applicability of the method, a monitoring study was performed to investigate the occurrence of artificial dyes in wildlife European eel in Flemish rivers.

Determination of aminoglycoside residues in kidney and honey samples by hydrophilic interaction chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry

Two methods based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were developed for the determination of ten aminoglycosides (streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, spectinomycin, apramycin, paromomycin, kanamycin A, gentamycin C1, gentamycin C2/C2a, gentamycin C1a, and neomycin B) in kidney samples from food-producing animals and in honey samples. The methods involved extraction with an aqueous solution (for the kidney samples) or sample dissolution in water (for the honey samples), solid-phase extraction with a weak cation exchange cartridge and injection of the eluate into a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system. A zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction chromatography column was used for separation of aminoglycosides and a triple quadrupole mass analyzer was used for detection. The methods were validated according to Decision 2002/657/EC. The limits of quantitation ranged from 2 to 125 μg/kg in honey and 25 to 264 μg/kg in the kidney samples. Interday precision (RSD%) ranged from 6 to 26% in honey and 2 to 21% in kidney. Trueness, expressed as the percentage of error, ranged from 7 to 20% in honey and 1 to 11% in kidney.

Improved plasma free metadrenaline analysis requires mixed mode cation exchange solid-phase extraction prior to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry detection

The investigation and effective management of phaeochromocytoma involves biochemical measurement of either conjugated total urine or plasma free metadrenalines. Current analytical methods include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection (ECD) or liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS). Since the first two methods are either extremely laborious, necessitate low sample run numbers, result in slow turnaround times or are subject to analytical interference, a robust, routine clinical method is not achievable. We established a novel sample preparation method to measure plasma free metadrenalines using LCMS/MS. Three different solid-phase extraction (SPE) methods were compared: hydrophilic-lipophilic balance sorbent (HLB), weak cation exchange (WCX) and mixed mode cation exchange (MCX) and their ability to remove interfering compounds prior to LCMS/MS analysis. Maximum recovery of plasma free metadrenaline and plasma free normetadrenaline were achieved by positively charging compounds prior to SPE application. Compared with HLB and WCX cartridges, MCX extraction resulted in chromatography without co-eluting interference with superior assay precision and accuracy. Additionally, samples that could not be quantified because of interference using HPLC/ECD could be readily assayed using this new method. The use of the MCX SPE method with LCMS/MS detection provides an improved assay to measure plasma free metadrenalines in comparison to many available alternative methods.

N-Methyl-11C]choline by on-column reaction: a study on [11C]CH3I incorporation and the residual amount of precursor in the product

[N-Methyl-11C]choline has been synthesized at room temperature by the reaction of [11C]CH3I with 2-dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), with the latter directly loaded on a weak cation-exchange cartridge. Most of the efforts have been directed to reduce the amount of residual precursor in the product's final solution in order to make this tracer more suitable to brain studies. In the process, radiochemical yields and residual DMAE have been placed in relation with both the starting amount of precursor and the rinsing conditions used and compared with the more ‘traditional’ loading of the precursor on either a C18 cartridge or a loop. Comments and indications on the most convenient analytical technique and conditions for quantitative analysis, with particular emphasis on the precursor, are also reported. Under what we believe to be a fair compromise, [11C]CH3I incorporation yields of ca. 90% were easily achieved with a residual amount of starting material in the 8- to 12-ppm range. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Method for measurement of the quaternary amine compounds paraquat and diquat in human urine using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

We have developed a highly selective and sensitive analytical method to quantify paraquat and diquat by use of high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). The sample preparation includes solid phase extraction that uses weak cation exchange cartridges. These highly charged dual quaternary amines were not retained by standard reversed phase columns, but they could be adequately separated through HPLC with a HILIC column. The detection was carried out with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization probe in positive ion mode in multiple reaction monitoring. Repeated analysis in human urine samples spiked with low (5 ng/ml), medium (15 ng/ml), and high (30 ng/ml) concentrations of the analytes yielded relative standard deviations of less than 9%. The extraction efficiencies ranged from 77.7% to 94.2%. The limits of detection were in the range of 1 ng/ml.

Multiresidue determination of tetracycline antibiotics in propolis by using HPLC-UV detection with ultrasonic-assisted extraction and two-step solid phase extraction

An analytical method in propolis was developed and validated for the determination of four tetracyclines (TCs) by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the first time. After extraction by ultrasound, the extracting solution was subjected to Oasis HLB and weak cation-exchange cartridge to remove water-soluble and fat-soluble flavonoids, aromatic acids, terpenoid compounds, wax, and pollen debris. The calibration curves of fortified samples showed acceptable linear response (R2 > 0.99) through a range of 100–5000 ng g−1 in 20 replicates of six concentrations and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to validate the regression data. The limit of quantification of four TCs were 100 and 150 ng g−1, respectively. The recoveries of the four TCs for propolis samples spiked with 100–500 ng g−1 were in the range of 61.9–88.5% and the RSDs were between 4.80% and 13.2%. Traces of tetracycline were found in two out of 30 analysed real samples.

Trace analysis of quinolone and fluoroquinolone antibiotics from wastewaters by liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method, combined with solid-phase extraction and a weak cation exchange cartridge cleanup, was established for twenty quinolone and fluoroquinolone antibiotics (pipemidic acid, flerofloxacin, ofloxacin, pefloxacin, enoxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, lomefloxacin, difloxacin, sarafloxacin, gatifloxacin, sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin, cinoxacin, oxolinic acid, nalidixic acid, flumequine, and piromidic acid) in influent, effluent, and river waters. For the various water matrices considered, the overall recoveries were from 64% to 127% except for piromidic acid (27-33%), and no obvious matrix effect was observed. The method detection limits for the twenty target antibiotics in the influent, effluent, and surface water samples were 1.6-50 ng/L, 0.6-50 ng/L, and 0.8-50 ng/L, respectively. This method was applied to analyze residual quinolone and fluoroquinolone antibiotics in wastewater and surface water samples from Beijing, China. Eight antibiotics (12 (pipemidic acid)-1208 ng/L (ofloxacin)) were detected in wastewater, and seven (1.3 (lomefloxacin)-535 ng/L (ofloxacin)) were detected in surface water samples. Gatifloxacin, a 4th generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic, was detected for the first time in influent (111 ng/L), effluent (56 ng/L), and river water (16-42 ng/L).

Development and validation of HPLC method for the determination of tobramycin in urine samples post-inhalation using pre-column derivatisation with fluorescein isothiocyanate

A reversed-phase liquid chromatography method involving pre-column derivatisation with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC, isomer I) for determination of tobramycin in urine samples after inhalation has been developed. FITC reacts with the primary amino groups of tobramycin and other aminoglycosides under mild conditions to form a highly fluorescent and stable derivative. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a Phenomenex Luna C 18 column at ambient temperature using a constant flow rate of 1 ml/min and mobile phase of acetonitrile–methanol–glacial acetic acid–water (420:60:5:515, v/v/v/v). The tobramycin–FITC derivative was monitored by fluorescent detection at an excitation wavelength 490 nm and emission wavelength 518 nm. The linearity of response for tobramycin was demonstrated at 11 different concentrations of tobramycin extracted from spiked urine, ranging from 0.25 to 20 μg/ml. Tobramycin and neomycin were extracted from spiked urine by a solid phase extraction clean-up procedure on a carboxypropyl-bonded phase (CBA) weak cation-exchange cartridge, and the relative recovery was >99% ( n = 5). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) in urine were 70 and 250 ng/ml, respectively. The method had an accuracy of <0.2%, and intra-day and inter-day precision (in term of %coefficient of variation) were <4.89% and 8.25%, respectively. This assay was used for urinary pharmacokinetic studies to identify the relative lung deposition of tobramycin post-inhalation of tobramycin inhaled solution 300 mg/5 ml (TOBI ®) by different nebuliser systems.

Plasma Free Metanephrine Measurement Using Automated Online Solid-Phase Extraction HPLC–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Quantification of plasma free metanephrine (MN) and normetanephrine (NMN) is considered to be the most accurate test for the clinical chemical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and follow-up of pheochromocytoma patients. Current methods involve laborious, time-consuming, offline sample preparation, coupled with relatively nonspecific detection. Our aim was to develop a rapid, sensitive, and highly selective automated method for plasma free MNs in the nanomole per liter range. We used online solid-phase extraction coupled with HPLC-tandem mass spectrometric detection (XLC-MS/MS). Fifty microliters plasma equivalent was prepurified by automated online solid-phase extraction, using weak cation exchange cartridges. Chromatographic separation of the analytes and deuterated analogs was achieved by hydrophilic interaction chromatography. Mass spectrometric detection was performed in the multiple reaction monitoring mode using a quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in positive electrospray ionization mode. Total run-time including sample cleanup was 8 min. Intra- and interassay analytical variation (CV) varied from 2.0% to 4.7% and 1.6% to 13.5%, respectively, whereas biological intra- and interday variation ranged from 9.4% to 45.0% and 8.4% to 23.2%. Linearity in the 0 to 20 nmol/L calibration range was excellent (R(2) > 0.99). For all compounds, recoveries ranged from 74.5% to 99.6%, and detection limits were <0.10 nmol/L. Reference intervals for 120 healthy adults were 0.07 to 0.33 nmol/L (MN), 0.23 to 1.07 nmol/L (NMN), and <0.17 nmol/L (3-methoxytyramine). This automated high-throughput XLC-MS/MS method for the measurement of plasma free MNs is precise and linear, with short analysis time and low variable costs. The method is attractive for routine diagnosis of pheochromocytoma because of its high analytical sensitivity, the analytical power of MS/MS, and the high diagnostic accuracy of free MNs.

On the use of solid phase ion exchangers for isolation of amino acids from liquid samples and their enantioselective gas chromatographic analysis

This work focuses on the development of a suitable working procedure for preconcentration of amino acids enantiomers from water samples using a solid phase extraction. The three types of ion exchangers with various capabilities have been used. The effect of experimental conditions in SPE procedure employing strong anion exchange (SAX), weak (WCX) and strong cation exchange (SCX) cartridges (such as sample volume, pH, origin of elution solvent and its volume) on effective preconcentration of the model set of amino acids has been studied in detail. The enantiomers of isolated and preconcentrated amino acids have been analysed by GC on three capillary columns coated with chiral selectors. The different amino acids derivatives have been investigated in order to achieve optimal resolution of biogenic amino acids and their enantiomers. The best separation of amino acid enantiomers has been obtained on a Chirasil- l-Val column analysing their N-TFA methyl esters. It has been shown that SCX-SPE cartridge with sulfonic groups attached on silicagel support is most suitable for isolation and preconcentration of amino acids from water samples. For this sample treatment procedure, the overall recovery of extraction process has been calculated as an average value from three measurements. It has been found, that recoveries are practically identical for both enantiomers of a particular amino acid and varies in the range 75–99% depending on the type of amino acid. The effectivity of this sample preparation and GC method has been verified by preconcentration of amino acids from orange juice fortified by racemic mixture of some selected amino acids.