Development of chiral HPLC for selenoamino acids with ICP-MS detection:application to selenium nutritional supplements

Highly sensitive LC-MS method for stereochemical quality control of a pharmaceutical drug substance intermediate

Stereochemical quality control for pharmaceutical drug substance intermediates is a daunting task, especially considering the need to separate multiple stereoisomers simultaneously with low ppm level sensitivity. To address these challenges, we have successfully implemented chiral column screening, and developed an ultrasensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method to separate four stereoisomers including the API intermediate, its enantiomer, and two other diastereomers. Parameters such as mobile phase additives, MS fragmentor, and column temperature were optimized to achieve the desired selectivity and sensitivity. The method enabled stereoisomer detection with high sensitivity (2 ppm LOD and 5 ppm LOQ), good linearity, and desired spike recovery, and it has been successfully applied for stereoisomer quantitation in multiple large-scale batches and demonstrated chiral quality control of the drug substance intermediate.

Addressing the presence of biogenic selenium nanoparticles in yeast cells: analytical strategies based on ICP-TQ-MS

Complementary analytical strategies based on ICP-TQ-MS were used for the detection and characterization of selenium-containing nanoparticles in selenized yeast.

Effect of sample preparation methods on the D,L-enantiomer ratio of extracted selenomethionine

Effects of the two most widespread sample preparation techniques on the D,L-enantiomer ratio of extracted selenomethionine were monitored through the analysis of the certified reference material selenium-enriched yeast and the isolated protein fraction of high selenium monkeypot nut. The extracted selenomethionine (SeMet) fractions were orthogonally cleaned up with anion exchange chromatography before carrying out the enantiomer-specific detection to increase the robustness and the efficiency of the subsequent o-phthal-aldehyde and n-isobutyril-cysteine-based derivatisation process and reversed phase-high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) detection. The two techniques, namely methanesulphonic acid (MSA) based digestion and proteolytic digestion with protease XIV, resulted in significantly different ratio of D,L-selenomethionine with the final results of 2.2-2.7% and 0.5-0.6% of D-SeMet, respectively. The study revealed significant differences in the ICP-MS-related sensitivity of the derivatised selenomethionine enantiomers, which calls attention to the quantification of this selenoamino acid after MSA hydrolysis.

Determination of Se(IV) and Se(VI) in Italian Mineral Waters

This paper deals with determination of selenium and analysis of its speciation in some Italian mineral waters. Selenium was determined by differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (DPCSV) even if square wave cathodic stripping voltammetry (SWCSV) was also taken into consideration. The selenium determined in the mineral waters here investigated is not over 600 ng L(-1); in three samples, it was found below the detection limit. Analysis of speciation revealed that Se(VI) is the highly prevailing form present: only two of the examined samples revealed a detectable amount (few ng L(-1)) of Se(IV). DPCSV made possible to detect, in two of the samples, the presence of a specie(s) able to interact with Se(IV). The apparent interaction constant for the adduct formation was evaluated and the species concentration determined. However, the nature of such compound(s) remains unknown.

Synthesis and characterization of (S)-amino alcohol modified M41S as effective material for the enantioseparation of racemic compounds

A new chiral stationary phase (CSP) was synthesized based on (S)-1-anilino-3-propyl-2-propanol covalently bonded to the mesoporous semi-crystalline material M41S. Direct semipreparative enantioseparation of mandelic acid could be achieved using medium pressure chromatography. Partly separated could also be the enantiomers of 2,2'-dihydroxy-1,1'-binaphthalene, cyanochromene oxide, diethyl tartrate and 2-phenyl propionic acid. The characterization of CSP was accomplished by microanalysis, cross polarized magic angle spinning (CP-MAS) 13C NMR, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and solid reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy. Furthermore the stability of CSP was satisfactory as it could withstand three washing and reuse experiments of enantioseparation of mandelic acid without loss in its performance.

Selenium speciation analysis using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Selenium exists in several oxidation states and a variety of inorganic and organic compounds, and the chemistry of selenium is complex in both the environment and living systems. Selenium is an essential element at trace levels and toxic at greater levels. Interest in speciation analysis for selenium has grown rapidly in this last decade, especially in the use of chromatographic separation coupled with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Complete characterization of selenium compounds is necessary to understand selenium's significance in metabolic processes, clinical chemistry, biology, toxicology, nutrition and the environment. This review describes some of the essential background of selenium, and more importantly, some of the currently used separation methodologies, both chromatographic and electrophoretic, with emphasis on applications of selenium speciation analysis using ICP-MS detection.

Microchip capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection for rapid separation and detection of seleno amino acids

This article describes an effective microchip capillary-electrophoresis protocol for rapid and effective measurements of food-related seleno amino acids, including Se-methionine (Se-Met), Se-ethionine (Se-Eth), Se-methyl cysteine (Se-Cys), utilizing o-phtaldialdeyde/2-mercaptoethanol (OPA/2-ME) derivatization. Relevant parameters of the chip separation and amperometric detection are examined and optimized using a response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimum conditions, the analytes could be separated and detected in a 30 mM borate buffer (pH 9.3, with 28 mM sodium dodecul sulfate) within 300 s using a separation voltage of 2000V and a detection voltage of +0.9 V. Linear calibration plots are observed for micromolar concentrations of the Se-amino acid compounds. The negligible sample volumes used in the microchip procedure obviates surface fouling common to amperometric measurements of selenoamino-acid compounds. The new microchip protocol offers great promise for a wide range of food applications requiring fast measurements and negligible sample consumption.

Selenium metabolites in human urine after ingestion of selenite, L-selenomethionine, or DL-selenomethionine: a quantitative case study by HPLC/ICPMS

To obtain quantitative information on human metabolism of selenium, we have performed selenium speciation analysis by HPLC/ICPMS on samples of human urine from one volunteer over a 48-hour period after ingestion of selenium (1.0 mg) as sodium selenite, L-selenomethionine, or DL-selenomethionine. The three separate experiments were performed in duplicate. Normal background urine from the volunteer contained total selenium concentrations of 8-30 microg Se/L (n=22) but, depending on the chromatographic conditions, only about 30-70% could be quantified by HPLC/ICPMS. The major species in background urine were two selenosugars, namely methyl-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-1-seleno-beta-D-galactopyranoside (selenosugar 1) and its deacylated analog methyl-2-amino-2-deoxy-1-seleno-beta-D-galactopyranoside (selenosugar 3). Selenium was rapidly excreted after ingestion of the selenium compounds: the peak concentrations (approximately 250-400 microg Se/L, normalized concentrations) were recorded within 5-9 hours, and concentrations had returned to close to background levels within 48 hours, by which time 25-40% of the ingested selenium, depending on the species ingested, had been accounted for in the urine. In all experiments, the major metabolite was selenosugar 1, constituting either approximately 80% of the total selenium excreted over the first 24 hours after ingestion of selenite or L-selenomethionine or approximately 65% after ingestion of DL-selenomethionine. Selenite was not present at significant levels (<1 microg Se/L) in any of the samples; selenomethionine was present in only trace amounts (approximately 1 microg/L, equivalent to less than 0.5% of the total Se) following ingestion of L-selenomethionine, but it constituted about 20% of the excreted selenium (first 24 hours) after ingestion of DL-selenomethionine, presumably because the D form was not efficiently metabolized. Trimethylselenonium ion, a commonly reported urine metabolite, could not be detected (<1 microg/L) in the urine samples after ingestion of selenite or selenomethionine. Cytotoxicity studies on selenosugar 1 and its glucosamine isomer (selenosugar 2, methyl-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-1-seleno-beta-D-glucosopyranoside) were performed with HepG2 cells derived from human hepatocarcinoma, and these showed that both compounds had low toxicity (about 1000-fold less toxic than sodium selenite). The results support earlier studies showing that selenosugar 1 is the major urinary metabolite after increased selenium intake, and they suggest that previously accepted pathways for human metabolism of selenium involving trimethylselenonium ion as the excretionary end product may need to be re-evaluated.

Enantioselective separations by packed column subcritical and supercritical fluid chromatography

Enantioselective separations have been one of the most successful applications of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). Although analytical scale separations have dominated the literature, the use of SFC for preparative chiral separations is growing. Both analytical and preparative scale SFC separations seek to take advantage of the high efficiency, high throughput, and rapid method development associated with the technique. This review will cover recent developments in the application of SFC to enantioseparations.

Chiral Speciation and Determination of DL-Selenomethionine Enantiomers on a Novel Chiral Ligand-Exchange Stationary Phase

A new type of chiral ligand-exchange stationary phase (CLES) was successfully synthesized by treating silica gel with beta-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxy silane and opening the epoxy ring by L-isoleucine. The chiral speciation of DL-selenomethionine (DL-SeMet) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV absorbance on the CLES column was studied. The influences of the contents of copper ion and methanol as well as the pH value in the mobile phase and temperature of the column on the efficiency of resolution of DL-SeMet were investigated in detail. DL-SeMet could be completely resolved within 40 min under the optimal operating conditions of 0.1 mmol/L Cu2+ at 0.05 mol/L KH2PO4 buffer (pH = 5.5) and 35 degrees C temperature of the column. The limits of detection of D- and L-SeMet were 255 ppb and 286 ppb, respectively. This method was applied to determine the D- and L-enantiomers of DL-SeMet in real samples, such as selenized yeast powder and garlic.

Selective detection and identification of Se containing compounds—review and recent developments

The complexity of selenium (Se) chemistry in the environment and in living organisms presents broad analytical challenges. The selective qualitative and quantitative determination of particular species of this element is vital in order to understand selenium's metabolism and significance in biology, toxicology, clinical chemistry and nutrition. This calls for state-of-the-art analytical techniques such as hyphenated methods that are reviewed with particular emphasis on interfaced separation with element-selective detection and identification of the detected selenium compounds. Atomic spectral element specific detection for monitoring chromatographic eluent enabled quantitative determination of selenium species in selenized yeast and qualitative measurement for breath samples. Gas chromatography with atomic emission detection (AED) of ethylated species and fluoroacid ion pair HPLC applied to the analysis of currently produced or archived selenized yeast and Brassica juncea have revealed the presence of a previously unrecognised Se-S amino acid, S-(methylseleno)cysteine.

Elemental speciation studies--new directions for trace metal analysis

Elemental speciation is reviewed as a new approach to trace metals analysis. The importance of metal speciation relative to total metal analysis is considered. Various types of chromatographic separation methods using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection are discussed. A brief introduction to the instrumental techniques is given, as well a discussion of coupling the instrumentation. Various chromatographies are included with an emphasis on liquid chromatography (LC). Gas chromatography (GC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) are also discussed. Application examples contrast and compare the advantages and disadvantages of ICP- MS with other detection methods. Summary tables are included for two of the LC methods.

Element speciation definitions, analytical methodology, and some examples

This paper gives definitions related to element speciation and the reasons for the need for speciation. The problems focused on, involve sampling, sample preparation and storage, as well as changes in species information that occur during the use of various separation technologies. However, the potential and advantages of the separation methods in element speciation are also discussed. In addition, problems arising during element detection that are attributable to analytes or mobile-phase composition are outlined, as well as the pronounced advantages of detection by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The combination of the various separation systems with element- or molecule-specific detectors creates problems especially in element speciation. These difficulties are described along with recent developments for overcoming them or for improving their coupling efficiency. Finally, several elements for which the issue of speciation is important are discussed, with examples from some recent publications on arsenic, selenium and iodine speciation.

Liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

It is known that while many elements are considered essential to human health, many others can be toxic. However, because the intake, accumulation, transport, storage and interaction of these different metals and metalloids in nature is strongly influenced by their specific elemental form, complete characterization of the element is essential when assessing its benefits and/or risk. Consequently, interest has grown rapidly in determining oxidation state, chemical ligand association, and complex forms of a many different elements. Elemental speciation, or the analyses that lead to determining the distribution of an element's particular chemical species in a sample, typically involves the coupling of a separation technique and an element specific detector. A large number of methods have been developed which utilize a multitude of different separation mechanisms and detection instruments. Yet, because of its versatility, robustness, sensitivity and multi-elemental capabilities, the coupling of liquid chromatography to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) has become one of the most popular techniques for elemental speciation studies. This review focuses on the basic principles of LC-ICP-MS, its historical development and the many ways in which this technique can be applied. Different liquid chromatography separations are discussed as well as the factors that must be considered when coupling each to ICP-MS. Recent applications of LC-ICP-MS to the speciation of environmental, biological and clinical samples are also presented.

Selenium incorporation into Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells: a study of different incorporation methods

AIMS

To study the effects of the selenium enrichment protocols in yeast at various points in the cell cycle, total selenium accumulation and the forms of selenium incorporated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The use of selenized yeast as enriched selenium supplements in human nutrition has become a topic of increasing interest over the last decade. Four enrichment procedures have been evaluated using sodium selenite as the selenium source: enrichment during the growth phase; enrichment at the non-growth phase, both of these at different selenium levels; enrichment by seeding in a fermentable carbon source (glucose); Se-enrichment with a non-fermentable carbon source (glycerol). A nitric acid digestion of the yeast samples prepared under different conditions has been performed in order to evaluate the total selenium incorporated into the yeast cells. Also, an enzymatic digestion of the yeast samples with pepsin has been carried out as an initial step to begin the process of determining which of the different possible selenium species are formed. The cell count evaluations of the selenium-enriched yeast showed that the growth phase, seeding and the use of YEPG media is influenced by the addition of Se, while the non-growth phase is not. Total selenium incorporation studies showed that seeding the yeast permits more accumulation of selenium. Speciation studies of the enriched yeast showed that the growth phase increases the formation of L-Se-methionine.

CONCLUSIONS

When the aim of enriching yeast with selenium is the formation of L-Se-methionine, the best enrichment procedure is using the growth phase with small concentrations of sodium selenite.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The use of selenium supplements is widespread and most of the supplements use selenium-enriched yeast in their formulation. Studies made on supplements do not have the appropriate Se-species for optimal absorption in the human body. This study presents and compares methods for the best selenium yeast enrichment that could ultimately be used in selenium supplement formulations.