Towards a generic variable column length method development strategy for samples with a large variety in polarity

Automated Sequential Analysis of Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Fractions of Biological Samples: Increasing Single-Injection Chemical Coverage in Untargeted Metabolomics

In order to increase metabolite coverage in LC–MS-based untargeted metabolomics, HILIC- and RPLC-mode separations are often combined. Unfortunately, these two techniques pose opposite requirements on sample composition, necessitating either dual sample preparations, increasing needed sample volume, or manipulation of the samples after the first analysis, potentially leading to loss of analytes. When sample material is precious, the number of analyses that can be performed is limited. To that end, an automated single-injection LC–MS method for sequential analysis of both the hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions of biological samples is described. Early eluting compounds in a HILIC separation are collected on a trap column and subsequently analyzed in the RPLC mode. The instrument configuration, composed of commercially available components, allows easy modulation of the dilution ratio of the collected effluent, with sufficient dilution to obtain peak compression in the RPLC column. Furthermore, the method is validated and shown to be fit for purpose for application in untargeted metabolomics. Repeatability in both retention times and peak areas was excellent across over 140 injections of protein-precipitated blood plasma. Finally, the method has been applied to the analysis of real perilymph samples collected in a guinea pig model. The QC sample injections clustered tightly in the PCA scores plot and showed a high repeatability in both retention times and peak areas for selected compounds.

Current developments in LC-MS for pharmaceutical analysis

Liquid chromatography (LC) based techniques in combination with mass spectrometry (MS) detection have had a large impact on the development of new pharmaceuticals in the past decades.

Restriction capillaries as an innovative mixing unit for intermediate mobile phase exchange in multidimensional analysis

A novel mixing unit is proposed for the serial coupling of orthogonal columns to analyze polar and non-polar compounds in a single run. The principle relies on the isolation of unretained peaks eluting from a first dimension column in a sample loop, before directing them to a second column for separation. Since the mobile phases employed in highly orthogonal separations are not directly compatible, a mixing unit is required to alter the mobile phase composition before executing the second dimension separation. The mixing unit proposed in this work is based on the use of two restriction capillaries with different flow resistances to dilute the mobile phase eluting from the first dimension with a solvent appropriate for the second dimension separation. The restriction capillaries are implemented in an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography set-up using three high-pressure switching valves and two T-pieces. It is demonstrated that the dilution ratio can be adequately predicted using the law of Hagen-Poiseuille and can be adjusted easily by changing the dimensions of the restriction capillaries. The dilution volume required to obtain acceptable recoveries is investigated and the use of different column diameters in the first and second dimension is proposed to increase the sensitivity of the analysis. Under optimum dilution conditions, recoveries ranging between 82% and 99% are always obtained, while repeatability values are excellent. The proof-of-concept of the different set-ups is demonstrated for the separation of 20 pharmaceuticals with log D-values ranging between -5.75 and 4.22.

Quantitative mass spectrometry methods for pharmaceutical analysis

Quantitative pharmaceutical analysis is nowadays frequently executed using mass spectrometry. Electrospray ionization coupled to a (hybrid) triple quadrupole mass spectrometer is generally used in combination with solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography. Furthermore, isotopically labelled standards are often used to correct for ion suppression. The challenges in producing sensitive but reliable quantitative data depend on the instrumentation, sample preparation and hyphenated techniques. In this contribution, different approaches to enhance the ionization efficiencies using modified source geometries and improved ion guidance are provided. Furthermore, possibilities to minimize, assess and correct for matrix interferences caused by co-eluting substances are described. With the focus on pharmaceuticals in the environment and bioanalysis, different separation techniques, trends in liquid chromatography and sample preparation methods to minimize matrix effects and increase sensitivity are discussed. Although highly sensitive methods are generally aimed for to provide automated multi-residue analysis, (less sensitive) miniaturized set-ups have a great potential due to their ability for in-field usage.This article is part of the themed issue 'Quantitative mass spectrometry'.

Recent advances in the application of hydrophilic interaction chromatography for the analysis of biological matrices

Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) is being increasingly used for the analysis of hydrophilic compounds in biological matrices. The complexity of biological samples demands adequate sample preparation procedures, specifically adjusted for HILIC analyses. Currently, most bioanalytical assays are performed on bare silica and ZIC-HILIC columns. Trends in HILIC for bioanalysis include smaller particle sizes and miniaturization of the analytical column. For complex biological samples, multidimensional techniques can separate and identify more compounds than 1D separations. The high volatility of the mobile phase, the added separation power and high sensitivity make MS the detection method of choice for bioanalysis using HILIC, although other detectors such as evaporative light scattering detection, charged aerosol detection and nuclear magnetic resonance have been reported.