MALDI-MS of flavonoids: a systematic investigation of ionization and in-source dissociation mechanisms

Bufadienolides originated from toad source and their anti-inflammatory activity

Bufadienolide, an essential member of the C-24 steroid family, is characterized by an α-pyrone positioned at C-17. As the predominantly active constituent in traditional Chinese medicine of Chansu, bufadienolide has been prescribed in the treatment of numerous ailments. It is a specifically potent inhibitor of Na+/K+ ATPase with excellent anti-inflammatory activity. However, the severe side effects triggered by unbiased inhibition of the whole-body cells distributed α1-subtype of Na+/K+ ATPase, restrict its future applicability. Thus, researchers have paved the road for the structural alteration of desirable bufadienolide derivatives with minimal adverse effects via biotransformation. In this review, we give priority to the present evidence for structural diversity, MS fragmentation principles, anti-inflammatory efficacy, and structure modification of bufadienolides derived from toads to offer a scientific foundation for future in-depth investigations and views.

ANALYSIS OF CARBOHYDRATES AND GLYCOCONJUGATES BY MATRIX-ASSISTED LASER DESORPTION/IONIZATION MASS SPECTROMETRY: AN UPDATE FOR 2015-2016

This review is the ninth update of the original article published in 1999 on the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry to the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and brings coverage of the literature to the end of 2016. Also included are papers that describe methods appropriate to analysis by MALDI, such as sample preparation techniques, even though the ionization method is not MALDI. Topics covered in the first part of the review include general aspects such as theory of the MALDI process, matrices, derivatization, MALDI imaging, fragmentation and arrays. The second part of the review is devoted to applications to various structural types such as oligo- and poly-saccharides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosides and biopharmaceuticals. Much of this material is presented in tabular form. The third part of the review covers medical and industrial applications of the technique, studies of enzyme reactions and applications to chemical synthesis. The reported work shows increasing use of combined new techniques such as ion mobility and the enormous impact that MALDI imaging is having. MALDI, although invented over 30 years ago is still an ideal technique for carbohydrate analysis and advancements in the technique and range of applications show no sign of deminishing. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Absorption and Metabolic Behavior of Hesperidin (Rutinosylated Hesperetin) after Single Oral Administration to Sprague-Dawley Rats

We investigated the absorption and metabolic behavior of hesperidin (hesperetin-7-O-rutinoside) in the blood system of Sprague-Dawley rats by liquid chromatography- and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometries (LC-MS and MALDI-MS). After a single oral administration of hesperidin (10 mg/kg), which was expected to be absorbed in its degraded hesperetin form, we detected intact hesperidin in the portal vein blood (t_max, 2 h) for the first time. We successfully detected glucuronized hesperidin in the circulating bloodstream, while intact hesperidin had disappeared. Further MS analyses revealed that homoeriodictyol and eriodictyol conjugates were detected in both portal and circulating blood systems. This indicated that hesperidin and/or hesperetin are susceptible to methylation and demethylation during the intestinal membrane transport process. Sulfated and glucuronized metabolites were also detected in both blood systems. In conclusion, hesperidin can enter into the circulating bloodstream in its conjugated forms, together with the conjugated forms of hesperetin, homoeriodictyol, and/or eriodictyol.

TLC-MALDI-TOF-MS-based identification of flavonoid compounds using an inorganic matrix

INTRODUCTION

Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is frequently used to obtain the fingerprint of a plant extract. Although the retardation factor and the response to visualisation give primary information about compound identification, the direct TLC-mass spectrometry (MS) coupling allows a more detailed characterisation of samples.

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate the potential for the flavonoid dereplication using an inorganic matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) method with and without TLC separation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Samples derived from wine, apple or rose were deposited on an aluminium-backed silica gel TLC sheet compatible with the MS adapter. Unlike the wine sample, for apple and rose samples compound derivatisation was necessary. These two samples were deposited twice and the plate was cut in two parts. One half was oversprayed with Neu-Peg reagent to visualise flavonoids while the inorganic matrix was deposited on each flavonoid zone on the second half for MS ionisation.

RESULTS

Mass spectra obtained for samples without plate development showed numerous ions corresponding to glycosylated flavonoids. The lower m/z observed could be due either to aglycone flavonoids or to in-source fragment ions. After plate development, a separation of many spots was observed and each spot was analysed separately leading to a deeper identification of the present flavonoids. Moreover, isobaric flavonoids with different hRf values could be differentiated.

CONCLUSION

TLC-MALDI-TOF-MS using an inorganic matrix enabled the analysis of anthocyanins in positive mode and of flavonols, flavanols, dihydrochalcones and phenolic acids in negative mode, reducing adduct, aggregate forms giving thus simple and reliable spectra for the dereplication approach of flavonoids in complex samples.

Direct Analyses of Secondary Metabolites by Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) from Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Trichomes

Helianthus annuus (sunflower) displays non-glandular trichomes (NGT), capitate glandular trichomes (CGT), and linear glandular trichomes (LGT), which reveal different chemical compositions and locations in different plant tissues. With matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and laser desorption/ionization (LDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) techniques, efficient methods were developed to analyze the tissue distribution of secondary metabolites (flavonoids and sesquiterpenes) and proteins inside of trichomes. Herein, we analyzed sesquiterpene lactones, present in CGT, from leaf transversal sections using the matrix 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) (mixture 1:1) with sodium ions added to increase the ionization in positive ion mode. The results observed for sesquiterpenes and polymethoxylated flavones from LGT were similar. However, upon desiccation, LGT changed their shape in the ionization source, complicating analyses by MSI mainly after matrix application. An alternative method could be applied to LGT regions by employing LDI (without matrix) in negative ion mode. The polymethoxylated flavones were easily ionized by LDI, producing images with higher resolution, but the sesquiterpenes were not observed in spectra. Thus, the application and viability of MALDI imaging for the analyses of protein and secondary metabolites inside trichomes were confirmed, highlighting the importance of optimization parameters.

Mass spectrometric imaging of flavonoid glycosides and biflavonoids in Ginkgo biloba L

Ginkgo biloba L. is known to be rich in flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides. However, the distribution within specific plant organs (e.g. within leaves) is not known. By using HPLC-MS and MS/MS we have identified a number of previously known G. biloba flavonoid glycosides and biflavonoids from leaves. Namely, kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, myricetin, laricitrin/mearnsetin and apigenin glycosides were identified. Furthermore, biflavonoids like ginkgetin/isoginkgetin were also detected. The application of MALDI mass spectrometric imaging, enabled the compilation of concentration profiles of flavonoid glycosides and biflavonoids in G. biloba L. leaves. Both, flavonoid glycosides and biflavonoids show a distinct distribution in leaf thin sections of G. biloba L.

Direct Coupling of HPTLC with MALDI-TOF MS for Qualitative Detection of Flavonoids on Phytochemical Fingerprints

INTRODUCTION

Thin layer chromatographic fingerprints of plant raw materials and extracts for food and pharma applications often focus on phenol carbonic acids and flavonoids. The visual detection and comparison of Rf values of applied reference substances only renders limited phytochemical information. Recently, direct coupling of TLC with MALDI-TOF MS has been successfully applied for analysis of biologically relevant compounds such as lipids. The mass analysis of low molecular weight TLC or HPTLC fingerprints of flavonoids has, to our knowledge, not yet been investigated.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, the feasibility of direct coupling of HPTLC with UV-MALDI-TOF MS for determination of molecular mass of the ubiquitously present flavonol glycoside, rutin, and flavone glycoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, as well as their corresponding aglycones, quercetin and luteolin, is demonstrated.

METHODOLOGY

HPTLC plate suitable for combination with a MALDI MS adapter was used for chromatographic separation of compounds of interest. After separation, the plate was sprayed with 2,5 dihydroxybenzoic acid as a MALDI matrix using an automated spraying device. After drying, the developed chromatograms were scanned by UV-MALDI-TOF MS in positive mode with a spatial resolution of 0.2 mm.

RESULTS

All compounds studied were distinctly detected in MALDI-TOF mass spectra. This is particularly pertinent for the co-eluted aglycones luteolin and quercetin, which could not have been distinguished by the common visual HPTLC derivatisation and evaluation.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the potential of MALDI-TOF MS for the analysis of low molecular weight fingerprints of flavonoids directly from their HPTLC chromatogram. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.