Chip-Based Solid-Phase Extraction Pretreatment for Direct Electrospray Mass Spectrometry Analysis Using an Array of Monolithic Columns in a Polymeric Substrate

Hyphenated sample preparation-electrospray and nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for biofluid analysis

Stand-alone electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) has been advancing through enhancements in throughput, selectivity and sensitivity of mass spectrometers. Unlike traditional MS techniques which usually require extensive offline sample preparation and chromatographic separation, many sample preparation techniques are now directly coupled with stand-alone MS to enable outstanding throughput for bioanalysis. In this review, we summarize the different sample clean-up and/or analyte enrichment strategies that can be directly coupled with ESI-MS and nano-ESI-MS for the analysis of biological fluids. The overview covers the hyphenation of different sample preparation techniques including solid phase extraction (SPE), solid phase micro-extraction (SPME), slug flow micro-extraction/nano-extraction (SFME/SFNE), liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA), extraction electrospray, extraction using digital microfluidics (DMF), and electrokinetic extraction (EkE) with ESI-MS and nano-ESI-MS.

On-line multi-residue analysis of fluoroquinolones and amantadine based on an integrated microfluidic chip coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

An on-line multi-residue qualitative and quantitative analysis method for fluoroquinolones and amantadine using an integrated microfluidic chip was developed prior to directly coupling to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (QQQ-MS). Six parallel channels consisting of sample filtration units and micro solid phase extraction (micro-SPE) columns were present in the specifically designed microfluidic device. Firstly, the impurities in the sample solution were trapped by the micropillars in the filtration units. The solution passed through the micro-SPE units packed with hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced (HLB) particles, and then the two classes of drugs were enriched. After washing, the targets were eluted and immediately electrosprayed for MS analysis. This approach allowed effective filtration, enrichment, elution, and MS detection without the introduction of an additional separation step after SPE. Direct electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode could not only ensure the high sensitivity of quantitative analysis, but also achieved accurate qualitative analysis towards targets using the MRM ratios, reducing the possibility of false positives. Good linear relationships were obtained by the internal standard (IS) method with a linear range of 1-200 ng mL^-1 (R² > 0.992). The mean recoveries of the eight target analytes were from 85.2% to 122% with the relative standard deviation (RSD) ranging from 5.6% to 20.3%. All this demonstrated that the developed microfluidic device could be a useful tool for rapid detection in the field of food safety.

Electrospray ionization rapid screening sans liquid chromatography column: A sensitive method for detection and quantification of chemicals in animal tissues and urine

RATIONALE

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in conjunction with liquid chromatography (LC) can provide accurate quantitative data, but it is not well-suited for the rapid screening (RS) of analytes incurred into complex matrices. This study was designed to determine the usefulness of ESI for rapid detection and quantitation of veterinary drugs from complex biological matrices under near real-time conditions.

METHODS

Nine veterinary drugs or metabolites, clenbuterol, erythromycin, flunixin, 5-hydroxyflunixin, meloxicam, ractopamine, salbutamol, tylosin and zilpaterol, present in cow urine, sheep urine, sheep tissues (kidney, muscle, liver and lung) or pig kidney, were simultaneously analyzed. A simple sample clean-up procedure, which included dilution with 10% sodium carbonate followed by extraction with ethyl acetate, was used. For tissues, an additional pre-extraction with hexane was performed to remove fat prior to MS analysis. Samples were introduced into the mass spectrometer through the LC autosampler, but no chromatographic separation was employed. A Sciex 5600+ triple time-of-flight mass spectrometer with a dual-spray source interfaced with a Shimadzu Nexera LC system was used. Samples were analyzed in positive ion mode.

RESULTS

Sample extraction times were typically 10-30 min or less and instrumental analysis time was 1 min/sample. Regression coefficients of matrix-matched standard curves across all compounds ranged from 0.9701-0.9999 in urine (cow and sheep) and tissues (sheep kidney, liver, lung, muscle and pig kidney). Limits of detection ranged from 0.11 to 2.03 ng/mL across analytes in urine and 0.11 to 8.86 ng/g across tissues. Correlations between RS-ESI-MS and LC/MS/MS results were 0.956 to 0.998 for incurred residues of flunixin in cow urine, ractopamine in pig kidney and zilpaterol in sheep urine.

CONCLUSIONS

RS-ESI-MS provided rapid, sensitive, and accurate analyses of nine veterinary drugs from complex matrices with very little sample preparation and produced quantitative data akin to LC/MS/MS.

Role of Buffers in Protein Formulations

Buffers comprise an integral component of protein formulations. Not only do they function to regulate shifts in pH, they also can stabilize proteins by a variety of mechanisms. The ability of buffers to stabilize therapeutic proteins whether in liquid formulations, frozen solutions, or the solid state is highlighted in this review. Addition of buffers can result in increased conformational stability of proteins, whether by ligand binding or by an excluded solute mechanism. In addition, they can alter the colloidal stability of proteins and modulate interfacial damage. Buffers can also lead to destabilization of proteins, and the stability of buffers themselves is presented. Furthermore, the potential safety and toxicity issues of buffers are discussed, with a special emphasis on the influence of buffers on the perceived pain upon injection. Finally, the interaction of buffers with other excipients is examined.

On chip preconcentration and fluorescence labeling of model proteins by use of monolithic columns: device fabrication, optimization, and automation

Microfluidic systems with monolithic columns have been developed for preconcentration and on-chip labeling of model proteins. Monoliths were prepared in microchannels by photopolymerization, and their properties were optimized by varying the composition and concentration of the monomers to improve flow and extraction. On-chip labeling of proteins was achieved by driving solutions through the monolith by use of voltage then incubating fluorescent dye with protein retained on the monolith. Subsequently, the labeled proteins were eluted, by applying voltages to reservoirs on the microdevice, and then detected, by monitoring laser-induced fluorescence. Monoliths prepared from octyl methacrylate combine the best protein retention with the possibility of separate elution of unattached fluorescent label with 50% acetonitrile. Finally, automated on-chip extraction and fluorescence labeling of a model protein were successfully demonstrated. This method involves facile sample pretreatment, and therefore has potential for production of integrated bioanalysis microchips.

Solid phase extraction of proteins from buffer solutions employing capillary-channeled polymer (C-CP) fibers as the stationary phase

Polypropylene (PP) capillary-channeled polymer (C-CP) fibers are applied for solid phase extraction (SPE) of proteins from aqueous buffer solutions using a micropipette tip-based format. A process was developed in which centrifugation is used as the moving force for solution passage in the loading/washing steps instead of the previously employed manual aspiration. The complete procedure requires ~15 minutes, with the number of samples run in parallel limited only by the capacity of the centrifuge. The method performance was evaluated based on adsorption and elution characteristics of several proteins (cytochrome c, lysozyme, myoglobin, and glucose oxidase) from 150 mM phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solutions. Protein concentration ranges of ~2 to 100 μg mL(-1) were employed and the recovery characteristics determined through UV-Vis absorbance spectrophotometry for protein quantification. The protein loading capacities across the range of proteins was ~1.5 μg for the 5 mg fiber tips. Average recoveries from PBS were determined for each protein sample; cytochrome c ~86%, lysozyme ~80%, myoglobin ~86%, and glucose oxidase ~89%. Recoveries from more complex matrices, synthetic urine and synthetic saliva, were determined to be ~90%. A 10× dilution study for a fixed 1 μg protein application yielded 94 ± 3.2% recoveries. The C-CP tips provided significantly higher recoveries for myoglobin in a 150 mM PBS matrix in comparison to a commercially available protein SPE product, with the added advantages of low cost, rapid processing, and reusability.

Chip-based nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry for protein characterization

In the last several years, significant progress has been made in the development of microfluidic-based analytical technologies for proteomic and drug discovery applications. Chip-based nanoelectrospray coupled to a mass spectrometer detector is one of the recently developed analytical microscale technologies. This technology offers unique advantages for automated nanoelectrospray including reduced sample consumption, improved detection sensitivity and enhanced data quality for proteomic studies. This review presents an overview and introduction of recent developments in chip devices coupled to electrospray mass spectrometers including the development of the automated nanoelectrospray ionization chip device for protein characterization. Applications using automated chip-based nanoelectrospray ionization technology in proteomic and bioanalytical studies are also extensively reviewed in the fields of high-throughput protein identification, protein post-translational modification studies, top-down proteomics, biomarker screening by pattern recognition, noncovalent protein-ligand binding for drug discovery and lipid analysis. Additionally, future trends in chip-based nanoelectrospray technology are discussed.

Microchip emitter for solid-phase extraction-gradient elution-mass spectrometry

A microchip electrospray emitter with a magnetic bead trap has been designed for solid-phase extraction-gradient elution-mass spectrometry (SPE-GEMS). The goal of this method is the detection of analytes at low concentrations and it is here demonstrated using reverse phase coated magnetic beads (Mbs) for the preconcentration and detection of the peptides. The sample is passed through the chip, and the peptides are retained and enriched in the trap. After washing, the peptides are released sequentially by stepwise gradient elution and electrosprayed for mass spectrometry analysis. This approach allows effective sample desalting, enrichment, sequential elution, and MS detection without the introduction of an additional separation step after SPE. Efficient preconcentration of model peptides by SPE and sequential release and analysis of peptides by GEMS were demonstrated for diluted sample solutions within the range of 1 μM to 10 nM. Fortified human blood serum, protein digest and fractions collected after protein digest OFFGEL separation were analyzed by SPE-GEMS allowing the detection of low abundance peptides usually not observed by direct mass spectrometry analysis. A mathematical model for gradient elution is proposed.

Purification of DNA/RNA in a microfluidic device

Often, modern diagnostic techniques require the isolation and purification of nucleic acids directly from patient samples such as blood or stool. Many diagnostic tests are being miniaturized onto micro-sized platforms and integrated into microfluidic devices due to the economies resulting from smaller sample and reagent volumes. Often, these devices perform sample preparation in series with the diagnostic tests. The sample preparation steps are vital in order to purify the desired genetic material from potential inhibitors that can interfere with the outcome of the test. There are various techniques used to selectively capture the nucleic acids while washing away potential contamination (proteins, enzymes, lipids, etc.). Two of the most common forms of selective capture are based on nucleic acid binding to silica surface or on the precipitation of nucleic acids with or without the presence of a carrier species. Each of these methods can be performed in liquid phase or in a solid support such as an extraction column. Here we discuss both methods and address microfluidic applications.

Metabolomic analysis of the effects of polychlorinated biphenyls in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants and have been associated with abnormal liver enzymes and suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, and the metabolic syndrome in epidemiological studies. In epidemiological surveys of human PCB exposure, PCB 153 has the highest serum levels among PCB congeners. To determine the hepatic effects of PCB 153 in mice, C57BL/6J mice were fed either a control diet (CD) or a high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, with or without PCB 153 coexposure. The metabolite extracts from mouse livers were analyzed using linear trap quadrupole-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (LTQ-FTICR MS) via direct infusion nanoelectrospray ionization (DI-nESI) mass spectrometry. The metabolomics analysis indicated no difference in the metabolic profile between mice fed the control diet with PCB 153 exposure (CD+PCB 153) and mice fed the control diet (CD) without PCB 153 exposure. However, compared with CD group, levels of 10 metabolites were increased and 15 metabolites were reduced in mice fed HFD. Moreover, compared to CD+PCB 153 group, the abundances of 6 metabolites were increased and 18 metabolites were decreased in the mice fed high fat diet with PCB 153 exposure (HFD+PCB 153). Compared with HFD group, the abundances of 2 metabolites were increased and of 12 metabolites were reduced in HFD+PCB 153 group. These observations agree with the histological results and indicate that the metabolic effects of PCB 153 were highly dependent on macronutrient interactions with HFD. Antioxidant depletion is likely to be an important consequence of this interaction, as this metabolic disturbance has previously been implicated in obesity and NAFLD.

Microfluidic chip-based liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for determination of small molecules in bioanalytical applications

The development and integration of microfabricated liquid chromatography (LC) microchips have increased dramatically in the last decade due to the needs of enhanced sensitivity and rapid analysis as well as the rising concern on reducing environmental impacts of chemicals used in various types of chemical and biochemical analyses. Recent development of microfluidic chip-based LC mass spectrometry (chip-based LC-MS) has played an important role in proteomic research for high throughput analysis. To date, the use of chip-based LC-MS for determination of small molecules, such as biomarkers, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and drugs of abuse and their metabolites, in clinical and pharmaceutical applications has not been thoroughly investigated. This mini-review summarizes the utilization of commercial chip-based LC-MS systems for determination of small molecules in bioanalytical applications, including drug metabolites and disease/tumor-associated biomarkers in clinical samples as well as adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies of APIs in drug discovery and development. The different types of commercial chip-based interfaces for LC-MS analysis are discussed first and followed by applications of chip-based LC-MS on biological samples as well as the comparison with other LC-MS techniques.

Multi-Segment Direct Inject nano-ESI-LTQ-FT-ICR-MS/MS For Protein Identification

Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) interfaced to electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is commonly used for the identification of peptides from proteolytically cleaved proteins embedded in a polyacrylamide gel matrix as well as for metabolomics screening. HPLC separations are time consuming (30-60 min average), costly (columns and mobile phase reagents), and carry the risk of column carry over between samples. The use of a chip-based nano-ESI platform (Advion NanoMate) based on replaceable nano-tips for sample introduction eliminates sample cross-contamination, provides unchanging sample matrix, and enhances spray stability with attendant increases in reproducibility. Recent papers have established direct infusion nano-ESI-MS/MS utilizing the NanoMate for protein identification of gel spots based on full range MS scans with data dependent MS/MS. In a full range scan, discontinuous ion suppression due to sample matrix can impair identification of putative mass features of interest in both the proteomic and metabolomic workflows. In the current study, an extension of an established direct inject nano-ESI-MS/MS method is described that utilizes the mass filtering capability of an ion-trap for ion packet separation into four narrow mass ranges (50 amu overlap) with segment specific dynamic data dependent peak inclusion for MS/MS fragmentation (total acquisition time of 3 minutes). Comparison of this method with a more traditional nanoLC-MS/MS based protocol utilizing solvent/sample stream splitting to achieve nanoflow demonstrated comparable results for protein identification from polyacrylamide gel matrices. The advantages of this method include full automation, lack of cross-contamination, low cost, and high throughput.

Trends in nonpolar polymer-based monolithic columns for reversed-phase capillary electrochromatography

This review article is concerned with describing the various strategies that have been introduced for the preparation of nonpolar polymer-based monolithic columns for RP-CEC. First, the various traditional ways of generating the EOF that involved the introduction of fixed charges on the surface of the monoliths are reviewed. This is followed by a description of the development of neutral monoliths as the most promising monoliths for the separation of a wide range of neutral and charged species at a relatively moderate to strong EOF in the absence of electrostatic attraction or repulsion.

Multifunctional protein processing chip with integrated digestion, solid-phase extraction, separation and electrospray

We describe a microfluidic device in which integrated tryptic digestion, SPE, CE separation and electrospray ionization for MS are performed. The chip comprised of 10 × 30 μm channels for CE, and two serially connected 150 μm deep, 800 μm wide channels packed with 40 to 60 μm diameter beads, loaded with either immobilized trypsin, reversed-phase packing or both. On-chip digestion of cytochrome c using the trypsin bed showed complete consumption of the protein in 3 min, in contrast to the 2 h required for conventional solution phase tryptic digestion. SPE of 0.25 μg/mL solutions of the peptides leu-enkephalin, angiotensin II and LHRH gave concentration enhancements in the range of 4.4-12, for a ten times nominal volume ratio. A 100 nM cytochrome c sample concentrated 13.3 times on-chip gave a sequence coverage of 85.6%, with recovery values ranging from 41.2 to 106%. The same sample run without SPE showed only five fragment peaks and a sequence coverage of 41.3%. When both on-chip digestion and SPE (13.3 volume ratio concentration enhancement) were performed on 200 nM cytochrome c samples, a sequence coverage of 76.0% and recovery values of 21-105% were observed. Performing on-chip digestion alone on the same sample gave only one significant fragment peak. The above digestion/peptide concentration step was compared to on-chip protein concentration by SPE followed by on-chip digestion with solution phase trypsin. Both procedures gave similar recovery results; however, much larger trypsin autodigestion interference in the latter approach was apparent.

Transient zeta-potential measurements in hydrophobic, TOPAS microfluidic substrates

We utilize time-resolved electrokinetic measurements in order to study the electrokinetic properties of silica and TOPAS microfluidic channels as a function of the time history of the fluid-solid interface. In pressure-driven flow through TOPAS microchannels, the zeta-potential as inferred from streaming potential measurements decays exponentially by a factor of 1.5 with a characteristic decay time of 3 h after the initial formation of the fluid-solid interface. A similar exponential decay is observed immediately after water is exchanged for ethanol as the solvent in the system. In electroosmotically driven flow through TOPAS microchannels, the zeta-potential as inferred through current monitoring experiments was constant in time. No electrokinetic transients were observed in silica microchannels under these flow conditions.

Nanoelectrospray emitters: trends and perspective

The benefits of electrospray ionization are many, including sensitivity, robustness, simplicity and the ability to couple continuous flow methods with mass spectrometry. The technique has seen further improvement by lowering flow rates to the nanoelectrospray regime (<1,000 nL/min), where sample consumption is minimized and sensitivity increases. The move to nanoelectrospray has required a shift in the design of the electrospray source which has mostly involved the emitter itself. The emitter has seen an evolution in architecture as the shape and geometry of the device have proved pivotal in the formation of sufficiently small droplets for sensitive MS detection at these flow rates. There is a clear movement toward the development of emitters that produce multiple Taylor cones. Such multielectrospray emitters have been shown to provide enhanced sensitivity and sample utilization. This article reviews the development of nanoelectrospray emitters, including factors such as geometry and the manner of applying voltage. Designs for emitters that take advantage of multielectrospray are emphasized.

Review: Microfluidic applications in metabolomics and metabolic profiling

Metabolomics is an emerging area of research focused on measuring small molecules in biological samples. There are a number of different types of metabolomics, ranging from global profiling of all metabolites in a single sample to measurement of a selected group of analytes. Microfluidics and related technologies have been used in this research area with good success. The aim of this review article is to summarize the use of microfluidics in metabolomics. Direct application of microfluidics to the determination of small molecules is covered first. Next, important sample preparation methods developed for microfluidics and applicable to metabolomics are covered. Finally, a summary of metabolomic work as it relates to analysis of cellular events using microfluidics is covered.

Sample preparation module for bacterial lysis and isolation of DNA from human urine

Silica impregnated polymer monolithic columns may provide a simple method for lysing and extracting DNA from bacteria inside of microfluidic chips. Here we use Escherichia coli as a test organism for a point of care thermoplastic microfluidic module designed to take in a urine sample, mix it with lysis buffer, and perform a hybrid chemical/mechanical lysis and solid phase extraction of nucleic acids from the sample. To demonstrate proof-of-concept, we doped human hematuric urine samples with E. coli at concentrations ranging from 10(1)-10(5) colony-forming units/mL (CFU/mL) to simulate patient samples. We then performed on-chip lysis and DNA extraction. The bacterial DNA was amplified using real-time PCR demonstrating lysis and isolation down to 10(1) CFU/mL. Results were comparable to a commercial kit at higher concentrations and performed better at recovering DNA at lower concentrations.

A butyl methacrylate monolithic column prepared in-situ on a microfluidic chip and its applications

A butyl methacrylate (BMA) monolithic column was polymerized in-situ with UV irradiation in an ultraviolet transparent PDMS micro-channel on a homemade micro-fluidic chip. Under the optimized conditions and using a typical polymerization mixture consisting of 75% porogenic solvents and 25% monomers, the BMA monolithic column was obtained as expected. The BET surface area ratio of the BMA monolithic column was 366 m²·g^-1. The corresponding SEM images showed that the monolithic column material polymerized in a glass channel was composed of uniform pores and spherical particles with diameters ranging from 3 to 5 μm. The promethazine–luminal–potassium ferricyanide chemiluminescence system was selected for testing the capability of the column. A flow injection analytical technique–chemiluminescence (FIA–CL) system on the microfluidic chip with a BMA monolithic column pretreatment unit was established to determine promethazine. Trace promethazine was enriched by the BMA monolithic column, with more than a 10-fold average enrichment ratio. The proposed method has a linear response concentration range of 1.0×10^-8 - 1.0×10^-6g·mL^-1 and the detection limit was 1.6×10^-9g·mL^-1.

Confinement effects on the morphology of photopatterned porous polymer monoliths for capillary and microchip electrophoresis of proteins

We find that the morphology of porous polymer monoliths photopatterned within capillaries and microchannels is substantially influenced by the dimensions of confinement. Porous polymer monoliths were prepared by UV-initiated free-radical polymerization using either the hydrophilic or hydrophobic monomers 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or butyl methacrylate, cross-linker ethylene dimethacrylate and different porogenic solvents to produce bulk pore diameters between 3.2 and 0.4 microm. The extent of deformation from the bulk porous structure under confinement strongly depends on the ratio of characteristic length of the confined space to the monolith pore size. The effects are similar in cylindrical capillaries and D-shaped microfluidic channels. Bulk-like porosity is observed for a confinement dimension to pore size ratio >10, and significant deviation is observed for a ratio <5. At the extreme limit of deformation a smooth polymer layer 300 nm thick is formed on the surface of the capillary or microchannel. Surface tension or wetting also plays a role, with greater wetting enhancing deformation of the bulk structure. The films created by extreme deformation provide a rapid and effective strategy to create robust wall coatings, with the ability to photograft various surface chemistries onto the coating. This approach is demonstrated through cationic films used for electroosmotic flow control and neutral hydrophilic coatings for electrophoresis of proteins.