Weak Cation-exchange Solid-phase Research Articles

A high throughput approach for determination of dermorphin in human urine using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for doping control purposes.

Dermorphin is a peptide with analgesic actions similar to morphine, but with greater effect and less potential to cause tolerance. The use of dermorphin has been documented in race horses, and its use in humans has already been reported. Considering the potential advantages from the use of dermorphin over morphine, a method to monitor it, and its main metabolite dermorphin (1-4) in humans becomes necessary for doping control. Here, we present two orthogonal methods for this purpose: a high-throughput liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) as an initial testing procedure and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) acquisition mode for a confirmation procedure. For urine samples, pretreatment through a mixed-mode weak cation-exchange solid-phase extraction emerged as an effective approach to extract peptides from the biological sample. For the HRMS analysis, a full-MS scan acquisition mode was selected to detect the exact masses of dermorphin and dermorphin (1-4) at m/z 803.37226 and 457.20816, respectively. The SRM method used in the MS/MS confirmation protocol presented high specificity and sensitivity. The selected product ions for dermorphin were 602.2, 202.1 and 574.3 and for dermorphin (1-4) were 207.1, 223.1, and 235.1. Both methods were evaluated for specificity, repeatability, carryover, matrix effects, and recovery. No carryover and matrix effects were detected. The limit of detection for initial testing procedure and the limit of identification for confirmation procedure was 2.5 ng/ml. Also, specificity and robustness were acceptable for the application. Together, the developed methods proved to be efficient for the analysis of dermorphin and metabolite for human doping control purpose.

22 CANONICAL CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF ADHD POLYGENIC RISK AND FUNCTIONAL BRAIN CONNECTIVITY

A novel assay for the simultaneous determination of ibuprofen (IBU) and its four probable metabolites, 1-hydroxyibuprofen (1-OH IBU), 2-hydroxyibuprofen (2-OH IBU), 3-hydroxyibuprofen (3-OH IBU) and carboxyibuprofen (CBX IBU) in equine urine samples with the application of Gas Chromatography-Electron Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) has been developed and elaborated. The new approach for sample preparation including minimizing matrix effects by the application of weak cation exchange solid-phase extraction together with strong cation exchange solid-phase extraction has been applied. The GC-EI-MS method was validated to demonstrate specificity, matrix effect, linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), precision, trueness, carry-over and stability by using the matrix-matched quality control samples. Additionally, extraction yield was evaluated. The assay achieved the LOQ of 1.75 μg mL−1, 0.62 μg mL−1, 4.15 μg mL−1, 0.58 μg mL−1 and 4.04 μg mL−1 for IBU, 1-OH IBU, 2-OH IBU, 3-OH IBU and CBX IBU, respectively. The developed method has been successfully applied to the excretion study in horses, in which a single oral IBU dose was administered to twelve horses (mares and geldings) and equine urine samples were collected for 5 or 6 days after the drug administration. Data on the detection and determination of three IBU metabolites, 2-OH IBU, 3-OH IBU and CBX IBU in equine urine samples has been presented for the first time. The obtained results indicated the rapid excretion of IBU and its metabolites that were detectable only in the first day after the drug administration. IBU was mainly the most abundant compound detected in equine urine samples (with two exceptions in the case of samples collected from two horses, for which the highest instrumental responses were obtained for CBX IBU). The received results have indicated that two major IBU metabolites, CBX IBU and 2-OH IBU can be important markers for the IBU abuse in view of doping control in equestrian sports.

Determination of trace inorganic antimony in PET-bottled soy sauce by ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

In this work, a method for the determination of trace inorganic antimony in polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-bottled soy sauce by ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (IC-ICP-MS) was developed. Trace inorganic Sb(III) has been discovered in PET-bottled soy sauce but has been difficult to directly quantify by using IC-ICP-MS. To determine trace inorganic Sb(III) in soy sauce, the sample was first filtered through a weak cation exchange solid-phase extraction (SPE) column and then subsequently washed with 3.0 mL of 0.02% l-ascorbic acid and 3.0 mL of methanol. Finally, the SPE column was eluted with 1.0 mL of 0.1% NaOH +2% H2O2. Under such conditions, the enriched inorganic Sb(III) in the SPE column converted into inorganic Sb(V) and was successfully eluted. Finally, the amount of inorganic Sb(V) in the eluate, equal to the amount of inorganic Sb(III) in the sample, was quantitatively analyzed by IC-ICP-MS. Thus, inorganic Sb(III) in soy sauce was detected. In the above method, the limit of detection (LOD) of inorganic Sb(III) was 0.1 μg L−1, and the linear correlation coefficient r was 0.995 when the calibration curve ranged from 0.5 μg L−1 to 5.0 μg L−1.The RSD (n = 6) was 8.8%, and the recoveries (n = 6) were 91%~97%. Comparing the amount of inorganic Sb(III) (0.8 μg L−1–2.3 μg L−1) with the total antimony (1.7 μg L−1–6.6 μg L−1), we found that 25.6% to 50.0% of the total antimony in soy sauce was inorganic Sb(III). In addition, spiked inorganic Sb(III) slowly converted into other forms of antimony in soy sauce over time, but that conversion was negligible within 10 min after spiking and did not affect the recovery experiment.

Enrichment and analysis of quaternary alkaloids from Zanthoxylum simulans using weak cation exchange solid-phase extraction coupled with LC-MS.

Quaternary alkaloids (QAs) are the major alkaloids in several traditional Chinese medicines, especially in Zanthoxylum simulans. However, few studies on enrichment of QAs from Z. simulans were conducted due to their high polarity and low content. To develop a weak cation exchange (WCX) solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method to enrich and identify QAs from Z. simulans. Meanwhile, the qualitative and quantitative analyses of QAs were carried out based on the optimum conditions of the method. Fresh stem bark of Z. simulans was extracted with 70% aqueous methanol and enriched by WCX-SPE. A high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) with an electrospray ionisation (ESI) source was used for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of QAs. Significant improvements were observed in resolution and abundance of the peaks with WCX-SPE. The linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined for this analytical method. The linear relationship (A=338.85C - 187.72, R2 =0.99) was explored in the range of 0.5 to 312.5μg/mL for chelerythrine. The LOD and LOQ for chelerythrine standard solutions were 0.0539μg/mL and 0.1798μg/mL, respectively. In addition, 22 peaks were detected successfully with WCX-SPE and nine of them are undetectable without the processing of WCX-SPE. A highly selective and efficient method for simultaneous enrichment and identification of QAs from crude extract of Z. simulans was developed for the first time by combining WCX-SPE with LC-MS.

Development of a multi‐functional concurrent assay using weak cation‐exchange solid‐phase extraction (WCX‐SPE) and reconstitution with a diluted sample aliquot for anti‐doping analysis

In addition to the development of adequate screening methods for multiple compounds, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) requires anti-doping laboratories to analyze prohibited substances and their metabolites from various classes. This task presents a difficult challenge for all agencies and interests involved in the field of doping control. A screening method is reported in which hybrid sample preparation was performed using a combination of weak cation-exchange solid-phase extraction (WCX-SPE) and the 'Dilute and Shoot' strategy in order to take advantage of both the methodologies. Target substances were extracted using a WCX cartridge and reconstituted with a diluted sample aliquot that included 20% of an untreated urine sample. The target substances were further analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The SPE procedure was optimized using a cartridge-washing step, elution conditions, and elution volume. The cartridge-washing step, which was performed using 10% methanol, improved the overall recovery of target substances. Since the recovery was observed to vary according to the pH of the eluting solution, we applied an elution step using both an acid and a basic organic solvent to achieve complementary recovery. Reconstitution of the diluted aliquot sample was performed to recover the polar substances. The method was validated and applied to real samples in accordance with the external quality assessment scheme of WADA and to the previously reported samples that had provided positive test results. This novel method using hybrid sample preparation and LC/MS could be useful to screen multiple classes of the 264 targeted substances in anti-doping analysis.

Simultaneous determination of ibuprofen and its metabolites in complex equine urine matrices by GC-EI-MS in excretion study in view of doping control

A novel assay for the simultaneous determination of ibuprofen (IBU) and its four probable metabolites, 1-hydroxyibuprofen (1-OH IBU), 2-hydroxyibuprofen (2-OH IBU), 3-hydroxyibuprofen (3-OH IBU) and carboxyibuprofen (CBX IBU) in equine urine samples with the application of Gas Chromatography-Electron Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) has been developed and elaborated. The new approach for sample preparation including minimizing matrix effects by the application of weak cation exchange solid-phase extraction together with strong cation exchange solid-phase extraction has been applied. The GC-EI-MS method was validated to demonstrate specificity, matrix effect, linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), precision, trueness, carry-over and stability by using the matrix-matched quality control samples. Additionally, extraction yield was evaluated. The assay achieved the LOQ of 1.75 μg mL−1, 0.62 μg mL−1, 4.15 μg mL−1, 0.58 μg mL−1 and 4.04 μg mL−1 for IBU, 1-OH IBU, 2-OH IBU, 3-OH IBU and CBX IBU, respectively. The developed method has been successfully applied to the excretion study in horses, in which a single oral IBU dose was administered to twelve horses (mares and geldings) and equine urine samples were collected for 5 or 6 days after the drug administration. Data on the detection and determination of three IBU metabolites, 2-OH IBU, 3-OH IBU and CBX IBU in equine urine samples has been presented for the first time. The obtained results indicated the rapid excretion of IBU and its metabolites that were detectable only in the first day after the drug administration. IBU was mainly the most abundant compound detected in equine urine samples (with two exceptions in the case of samples collected from two horses, for which the highest instrumental responses were obtained for CBX IBU). The received results have indicated that two major IBU metabolites, CBX IBU and 2-OH IBU can be important markers for the IBU abuse in view of doping control in equestrian sports.

Quantification of the antimalarial drug pyronaridine in whole blood using LC–MS/MS — Increased sensitivity resulting from reduced non-specific binding

Malaria is one of the most important parasitic diseases of man. The development of drug resistance in malaria parasites is an inevitable consequence of their widespread and often unregulated use. There is an urgent need for new and effective drugs. Pyronaridine is a known antimalarial drug that has received renewed interest as a partner drug in artemisinin-based combination therapy. To study its pharmacokinetic properties, particularly in field settings, it is necessary to develop and validate a robust, highly sensitive and accurate bioanalytical method for drug measurements in biological samples. We have developed a sensitive quantification method that covers a wide range of clinically relevant concentrations (1.5ng/mL to 882ng/mL) using a relatively low volume sample of 100μL of whole blood. Total run time is 5min and precision is within ±15% at all concentration levels. Pyronaridine was extracted on a weak cation exchange solid-phase column (SPE) and separated on a HALO RP amide fused-core column using a gradient mobile phase of acetonitrile–ammonium formate and acetonitrile-methanol. Detection was performed using electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (positive ion mode with selected reaction monitoring). The developed method is suitable for implementation in high-throughput routine drug analysis, and was used to quantify pyronaridine accurately for up to 42days after a single oral dose in a drug-drug interaction study in healthy volunteers.

Detection and in vitro metabolism of the confiscated peptides BPC 157 and MGF R23H.

A new peptide, body protecting compound (BPC), BPC 157, and a variant of mechano-growth factor (MGF), MGF R23H, were identified in confiscated vials. BPC 157 has the amino acid sequence, GEPPPGKPADDAGLV, and is currently under investigation for the promotion of healing and recovery in a variety of tissues. In vitro metabolism experiments in plasma demonstrate that MGF R23H has good stability and should be detectable in urine, while BPC 157 forms a stable metabolite that should be detectable in urine. A weak cation exchange solid phase extraction method was validated for detection of BPC 157 in urine. The method has a limit of detection of 0.1ng/mL, precision of less than 20%, and good linearity, r2 0.998. BPC 157 was stable in urine for at least 4days. The specificity of the method is improved by measurement of a potential BPC metabolite along with the parent peptide. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Two-dimensional solid-phase extraction strategy for the selective enrichment of aminoglycosides in milk.

An orthogonal two-dimensional solid-phase extraction strategy was established for the selective enrichment of three aminoglycosides including spectinomycin, streptomycin, and dihydrostreptomycin in milk. A reversed-phase liquid chromatography material (C18 ) and a weak cation-exchange material (TGA) were integrated in a single solid-phase extraction cartridge. The feasibility of two-dimensional clean-up procedure that experienced two-step adsorption, two-step rinsing, and two-step elution was systematically investigated. Based on the orthogonality of reversed-phase and weak cation-exchange procedures, the two-dimensional solid-phase extraction strategy could minimize the interference from the hydrophobic matrix existing in traditional reversed-phase solid-phase extraction. In addition, high ionic strength in the extracts could be effectively removed before the second dimension of weak cation-exchange solid-phase extraction. Combined with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, the optimized procedure was validated according to the European Union Commission directive 2002/657/EC. A good performance was achieved in terms of linearity, recovery, precision, decision limit, and detection capability in milk. Finally, the optimized two-dimensional clean-up procedure incorporated with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry was successfully applied to the rapid monitoring of aminoglycoside residues in milk.

Method for determination of streptomycin and streptidine as markers for streptomycin industrial dregs monitoring in pig and poultry compound feeds.

Antibiotic industrial dregs, generated from the production of antibiotics by fermentation, are banned in China as animal feed additives. Official monitoring programs require the analysis of feeds for possible illegal use of the dregs. A rapid and sensitive method was developed for the simultaneous determination of streptomycin and streptidine as markers for streptomycin industrial dregs in pig and poultry compound feeds. After extraction with 20% aqueous trichloroacetic acid and pH adjustment, sample cleanup was performed by weak cation-exchange solid-phase extraction. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS was carried out using a hydrophilic interaction chromatography(HILIC)column to achieve separation. Quantification required matrix-matched calibrations in a linear range of 50-1000μgkg-1; the calibration curves were linear in this range with coefficients of determination of 0.991 and 0.994 for streptomycin and streptidine, respectively. The method validity parameters-LODs (20μgkg-1) and LOQs (50μgkg-1), recoveries (71-78% and 75-84%, respectively), and relative reproducibility (5.4-9.6%)-satisfy the requirements of routine analysis.

Differential Mobility Spectrometry Coupled with Multiple Ion Monitoring in Regulated LC-MS/MS Bioanalysis of a Therapeutic Cyclic Peptide in Human Plasma

A differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) in combination with a multiple ion monitoring (MIM) method was developed and validated for quantitative LC-MS/MS bioanalysis of pasireotide (SOM230) in human plasma. Pasireotide, a therapeutic cyclic peptide, exhibits poor collision-induced dissociation (CID) efficiency for multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) detection. Therefore, in an effort to increase the overall sensitivity of the assay, a DMS-MIM approach was explored. By selecting the most abundant doubly charged precursor ion in both the Q1 and Q3 of the mass analyzer in MIM and combining the DMS capability to significantly reduce the high matrix/chemical background noise, this new LC-DMS-MIM method overcomes the sensitivity challenge in the typical MRM method due to poor CID fragmentation of the analyte. Human plasma was spiked with pasireotide with concentrations in the range 0.01-50 ng/mL. Weak cation-exchange solid-phase extraction was employed for sample preparation. The sample extracts were analyzed with a SCIEX QTRAP 6500 system equipped with an ESI source and DMS device. The separation voltage and compensation voltage of the DMS and other parameters of the MS system were optimized to maximize signal responses. The performance of the LC-DMS-MIM assay for quantitative analysis of pasireotide in human plasma was evaluated and compared to those obtained via LC-MRM and LC-MIM without DMS. Overall, the assay sensitivity with DMS-MIM was approximately 5-fold better than that observed in MRM or MIM without DMS. The assay was validated with accuracy (% bias) and precision (% CV) of the QC results at eight concentration levels (0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.15, 0.3, 1.5, 15, and 37.5 ng/mL) evaluated ranging from -4.8 to 5.0% bias and 0.7 to 8.6% CV for the intraday and interday runs. The current LC-DMS-MIM workflow can be expanded to quantitative analysis of other molecules that have poor fragmentation efficiency in CID.

Measurement of catecholamines in rat and mini-pig plasma and urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with solid phase extraction.

A tandem mass spectrometry method combined with an ion-pair chromatographic separation after weak cation exchange solid phase sample extraction for epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) has been developed. Two surrogate matrixes for plasma and urine as well as stable isotope labeled internal standards were utilized for quantitation. The observed dynamic range of E, NE and DA was 0.025-100ng/ml for plasma, and 0.25-1000ng/ml for urine with a r(2) regression coefficient >0.99. Extraction recoveries were greater than 60% and the lower limit of quantitation was 25pg/ml for all three analytes in plasma. This method provided excellent sensitivity and selectivity for use with small sample volumes (≤25uL), enabling high-throughput pharmacodynamic animal model development and screening of adverse effects.

Multiple reaction monitoring with multistage fragmentation (MRM3) detection enhances selectivity for LC-MS/MS analysis of plasma free metanephrines.

LC-MS/MS with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) is a powerful tool for quantifying target analytes in complex matrices. However, the technique lacks selectivity when plasma free metanephrines are measured. We propose the use of multistage fragmentation (MRM(3)) to improve the analytical selectivity of plasma free metanephrine measurement. Metanephrines were extracted from plasma with weak cation exchange solid-phase extraction before separation by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. We quantified normetanephrine and metanephrine by either MRM or MRM(3) transitions m/z 166→134→79 and m/z 180→149→121, respectively. Over a 6-month period, approximately 1% (n = 21) of patient samples showed uncharacterized coeluting substances that interfered with the routine assay, resulting in an inability to report results. Quantification with MRM(3) removed these interferences and enabled measurement of the target compounds. For patient samples unaffected by interferences, Deming regression analysis demonstrated a correlation between MRM(3) and MRM methods of y = 1.00x - 0.00 nmol/L for normetanephrine and y = 0.99x + 0.03 nmol/L for metanephrine. Between the MRM(3) method and the median of all LC-MS/MS laboratories enrolled in a quality assurance program, the correlations were y = 0.97x + 0.03 nmol/L for normetanephrine and y = 1.03x - 0.04 nmol/L for metanephrine. Imprecision for the MRM(3) method was 6.2%-7.0% for normetanephrine and 6.1%-9.9% for metanephrine (n = 10). The lower limits of quantification for the MRM(3) method were 0.20 nmol/L for normetanephrine and 0.16 nmol/L for metanephrine. The use of MRM(3) technology improves the analytical selectivity of plasma free metanephrine quantification by LC-MS/MS while demonstrating sufficient analytical sensitivity and imprecision.

Determination of paraquat in vegetables using HPLC-MS-MS.

A simple, sensitive, reliable and economical method was developed for the determination of paraquat (a widely used herbicide) in four edible vegetables (cabbage, lettuce, spinach and Chinese cabbage) using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-MS). The samples were extracted with water under sonication and cleaned up by weak cation exchange solid-phase extraction. Chromatographic separation of paraquat was achieved on a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography column (2.1 × 100 mm, 3 µm) with a gradient program using 10 mM ammonium acetate in 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phase. The low salt concentration used in the eluting buffer ensured extended LC-MS analysis of paraquat in different matrices without the necessity of frequent source cleaning. The validity of the developed method was evaluated by spiking paraquat in four edible vegetables at 50 and 500 ng g(-1). Recovery ranged from 43.6 to 73.5%. The limit of detection is 0.94 ng g(-1). With the developed method, the kinetic of paraquat entering plant tissue was also evaluated.

A Sensitive and Interference-Free Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Measuring Metanephrines in Plasma

Background: Plasma metanephrines are the primary biomarkers used to aid in diagnosing pheochromocytoma. However, the low physiological levels of metanephrines, physicochemical properties, and potential interferences make it challenging to achieve high sensitivity and specificity. In this report, we developed and validated a sensitive and interference-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for measuring plasma metanephrines with simple sample preparation. Methods: Plasma samples were extracted using weak cation exchange solid-phase extraction cartridges, and analyzed by LC-MS/MS with an analytical cycle time less than six minutes. Results: Absolute ion suppression and matrix effect were observed, however, were completely compensated for by the internal standards. Epinephrine, an isobaric interferent of normetanephrine, was chromatographically separated, and no interference was observed from other common interferents. The method was linear from 0.08 to 22.2 nmol/L for normetanephrine and 0.03 to 8.2 nmol/L for metanephrine with accuracy ranging from 81 to 107%. No carryover was observed up to 56.8 nmol/L for normetanephrine and 8.7 nmol/L for metanephrine. Intra-assay and total CVs were within 6.8% for normetanephrine and 5.2% for metanephrine for three levels tested. Based on Deming regression, comparison with a reference LC-MS/MS method using patient specimens (n=40) showed a slope of 0.973, intercept of 0.11 nmol/L and correlation coefficient of 0.9936 for normetanephrine and a slope of 1.039, intercept of -0.014 nmol/L, and correlation coefficient of 0.9914 for metanephrine. The mean difference was 3.5% and -1.6% for normetanephrine and metanephrine, respectively. Conclusion: This LC-MS/MS assay is sensitive and free of interference for quantitation of plasma metanephrines

Multiclass, multiresidue method for the detection of antibiotic residues in distillers grains by liquid chromatography and ion trap tandem mass spectrometry

The increased production of ethanol in the US has resulted in large amounts of distillers grains (DG) which is an excellent feed supplement for livestock. However, the use of antimicrobials during ethanol fermentation has led to a growing concern over the possibility of their residues remaining in DG. To enable the detection of antimicrobial residues, a robust LC-MS/MS method was developed that included 13 antibiotics of diverse chemistries, ampicillin, penicillin G, tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, bacitracin A, virginiamycin M1, chloramphenicol, erythromycin A, clarithromycin, tylosin A, monensin A and streptomycin. The residues were extracted with an aqueous solution of EDTA and trichloroacetic acid followed by methanol. The combined extract was subjected to a two-track cleanup and concentration on either hydrophilic polymeric or weak cation exchange solid phase extraction cartridges. The extracts are analyzed by LC/ion trap tandem mass spectrometry. The method was validated in dry DG matrix. Absolute recoveries of the analytes ranged from 50 to 100%. Accuracy ranged from 89 to 111% based on calibration by processed standards. The limits of detection and relative standard deviation are satisfactory to support future surveillance studies. The method was subsequently tested in three different end-products of DG: distillers dry grains, distillers wet grains and distillers grains solubles.

Determination of methylene blue residues in aquatic products by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry

A method for the determination and confirmation of methylene blue (MB) in aquatic products was developed. Residues of MB were extracted from homogenized tissues with acetonitrile/sodium acetate buffer solution, and simply cleaned up with dichloromethane liquid/liquid extraction. After concentration and dissolution, the sample solutions were cleaned up by the neutral alumina and weak cation-exchange solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge, prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. MB was determined at 1.0-20 microg/kg in eel, toasted eel and shrimp, with a limit of quantification of 0.5 microg/kg. Recovery for MB was between 73.0% and 108.3%. This method is fast, exact and sensitive. It can be applied to determine MB in aquatic products.

Analysis of polyhexamethylene biguanide in multipurpose contact lens solutions

The objective of this study was to establish a reasonably simple and reliable method to measure very low concentrations of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) in multipurpose contact lens solutions (MPSs). By using a weak cation exchange solid phase extraction cartridge to extract the PHMB from MPS, followed by HPLC analysis using an evaporative light scattering detector, low levels (0.1 ppm) of PHMB were detected. Application of this method to a series of off-the-shelf MPS with PHMB as the active ingredient demonstrated these solutions contain 1 ppm. The contact lens solution with hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient gave no peak where the PHMB peak eluted. The Polyquad ® contact lens solution generated a peak close to the retention time of PHMB. Recovery of PHMB from fortified hydrogen peroxide contact lens solution was good at 0.25 ppm and above; 105% with a RSD of 17% or less. The repeatability of the HPLC system ranged from 4 to 11% RSD; the reproducibility of the entire method was less than 17.5% RSD. Storage and stability studies indicated that storage of MPS with PHMB for chemical analysis are not temperature dependent, but are affected by the composition of the container in which the contact lens solution is stored.

Analysis of aminoglycoside residues in bovine milk by liquid chromatography electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry after derivatization with phenyl isocyanate

A derivatization procedure using phenyl isocyanate was adapted to liquid chromatography ion trap mass spectrometry (LC–MSn) for confirmation and quantification of aminoglycoside residues in milk. Aminoglycoside residues were extracted from milk with acid and isolated from the matrix with a weak cation exchange solid-phase extraction cartridge. After isolating the compounds from the milk, derivatives of gentamicin, neomycin, and tobramycin were formed by reacting the drugs with phenyl isocyanate in the presence of triethylamine. The analytes were separated using a dilute formic acid/acetonitrile gradient on a reversed-phase LC column. The derivatized compounds were analyzed using positive ion electrospray LC–MSn with ion trap detection. Product ion spectra were generated from the derivatized protonated molecules. Specific ion transitions were evaluated for quantitative determination and qualitative confirmation of residues in milk. Using this procedure, residues were qualitatively confirmed in milk samples fortified with gentamicin and neomycin at levels ranging from 15 to 300ngmL−1. Gentamicin has four major components that were successfully separated and confirmed independently; for quantitative determination the peak areas from the four analogs were summed. Tobramycin was added as an internal standard for quantitation to mitigate the effects of matrix ion suppression and variable recoveries. Overall recoveries for this method ranged from 80% to 120% with relative standard deviations of less than 25%. The method detection limits are 9.8ngmL−1 for NEO and 12.8ngmL−1 for total GEN residues.

Determination of bencycloquidium bromide in human urine using weak cation-exchange solid-phase extraction and LC–ESI-MS: Method validation and application to kinetic study of urinary excretion

A sensitive LC–ESI-MS method has been developed and validated for the determination of bencycloquidium bromide (BCQB) in human urine samples. The method utilized a solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure, choosing carboxy propyl phase (CBA) as the extracting sorbent for purification of BCQB, with better baseline and higher selectivity achieved. Sample preparation by this method yielded very good and consistent mean recovery of above 94.5%. Another major benefit of the present method was the high detectability, with a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 0.02 ng/ml. The developed method was successfully applied to determine BCQB in human urine, and was proved to be suitable for use in Phase I clinical pharmacokinetic study of BCQB.