Michael Poetzsch

Liquid Chromatography, in Combination with a Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Instrument (LC QTOF), with Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Fragment-Ion Spectra (SWATH) Acquisition: Systematic Studies on Its Use for Screenings in Clinical and Forensic Toxicology and Comparison with Information-Dependent Acquisition (IDA)

Forensic and clinical toxicological screening procedures are employing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques with information-dependent acquisition (IDA) approaches more and more often. It is known that the complexity of a sample and the IDA settings might prevent important compounds from being triggered. Therefore, data-independent acquisition (DIA) methods should be more suitable for systematic toxicological analysis (STA). The DIA method sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment-ion spectra (SWATH), which uses Q1 windows of 20-35 Da for data-independent fragmentation, was systematically investigated for its suitability for STA. Quality of SWATH-generated mass spectra were evaluated with regard to mass error, relative abundance of the fragments, and library hits. With the Q1 window set to 20-25 Da, several precursors pass Q1 at the same time and are fragmented, thus impairing the library search algorithms to a different extent: forward fit was less affected than reverse fit and purity fit. Mass error was not affected. The relative abundance of the fragments was concentration dependent for some analytes and was influenced by cofragmentation, especially of deuterated analogues. Also, the detection rate of IDA compared to SWATH was investigated in a forced coelution experiment (up to 20 analytes coeluting). Even using several different IDA settings, it was observed that IDA failed to trigger relevant compounds. Screening results of 382 authentic forensic cases revealed that SWATHs detection rate was superior to IDA, which failed to trigger ∼10% of the analytes.

Segmental hair analysis for differentiation of tilidine intake from external contamination using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS and MALDI‐MS/MS imaging

Segmental hair analysis has been used for monitoring changes of consumption habit of drugs. Contamination from the environment or sweat might cause interpretative problems. For this reason, hair analysis results were compared in hair samples taken 24 h and 30 days after a single tilidine dose. The 24-h hair samples already showed high concentrations of tilidine and nortilidine. Analysis of wash water from sample preparation confirmed external contamination by sweat as reason. The 30-day hair samples were still positive for tilidine in all segments. Negative wash-water analysis proved incorporation from sweat into the hair matrix. Interpretation of a forensic case was requested where two children had been administered tilidine by their nanny and tilidine/nortilidine had been detected in all hair segments, possibly indicating multiple applications. Taking into consideration the results of the present study and of MALDI-MS imaging, a single application as cause for analytical results could no longer be excluded. Interpretation of consumption behaviour of tilidine based on segmental hair analysis has to be done with caution, even after typical wash procedures during sample preparation. External sweat contamination followed by incorporation into the hair matrix can mimic chronic intake. For assessment of external contamination, hair samples should not only be collected several weeks but also one to a few days after intake. MALDI-MS imaging of single hair can be a complementary tool for interpretation. Limitations for interpretation of segmental hair analysis shown here might also be applicable to drugs with comparable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties.

Single Hair Analysis of Small Molecules Using MALDI-Triple Quadrupole MS Imaging and LC-MS/MS: Investigations on Opportunities and Pitfalls

Single hair analysis normally requires extensive sample preparation microscale protocols including time-consuming steps like segmentation and extraction. Matrix assisted laser desorption and ionization mass spectrometric imaging (MALDI-MSI) was shown to be an alternative tool in single hair analysis, but still, questions remain. Therefore, an investigation of MALDI-MSI in single hair analysis concerning the extraction process, usage of internal standard (IS), and influences on the ionization processes were systematically investigated to enable the reliable application to hair analysis. Furthermore, single dose detection, quantitative correlation to a single hair, and hair strand LC-MS/MS results were performed, and the performance was compared to LC-MS/MS single hair monitoring. The MALDI process was shown to be independent from natural hair color and not influenced by the presence of melanin. Ionization was shown to be reproducible along and in between different hair samples. MALDI image intensities in single hair and hair snippets showed good semiquantitative correlation to zolpidem hair concentrations obtained from validated routine LC-MS/MS methods. MALDI-MSI is superior to LC-MS/MS analysis when a fast, easy, and cheap sample preparation is necessary, whereas LC-MS/MS showed higher sensitivity with the ability of single dose detection for zolpidem. MALDI-MSI and LC-MS/MS segmental single hair analysis showed good correlation, and both are suitable for consumption monitoring of drugs of abuse with a high time resolution.

Comparison of conventional liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry versus microflow liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry within the framework of full method validation for simultaneous quantification of 40 antidepressants and neuroleptics in whole blood

Microflow liquid chromatography (MFLC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) is claimed to improve analysis throughput, reduce matrix effects and lower mobile phase consumption. This statement was checked within the framework of method validation of a multi-analyte procedure in clinical and forensic toxicology employing MFLC-MS/MS and conventional LC-MS/MS. 200 μL whole blood were spiked with 50 μL internal standard mixture and extracted by protein precipitation. The concentrated extract was separated into two vials. One was analyzed using a Thermo Fisher Ultimate liquid chromatography system coupled to an ABSciex 5500 QTrap mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) and one by an ABSciex Eksigent Microflow LC system coupled to an ABSciex 4500 linear ion trap quadrupole MS (MFLC-MS/MS). Both methods were fully validated and compared in terms of selectivity, stability, limits, calibration model, recovery (RE), matrix effects (ME), bias, imprecision and beta tolerance interval for 40 antidepressants and neuroleptics including 9 metabolites. Both methods had comparable LODs, LOQs and calibration models with some exceptions. The MFLC system showed slightly higher coefficients of variation (CVs) in the RE experiments. ME were reproducible in both systems but with lower CVs in the conventional LC system. Acceptance criteria for imprecision and bias were fulfilled for 32 analytes on the LC and for 28 analytes on the MFLC system. Beta tolerance intervals indicated better reproducibility in terms of narrower intervals for the conventional LC system. The advantages of the MFLC system were low mobile phase consumption, short run time, and better peak separation. The systems were comparable in terms of peak interference, LOD, ME, bias and imprecision. The advantages of the conventional LC system were more data points per peak, linear calibration models, stable retention times and better beta tolerance intervals. Due to higher robustness, the conventional LC system was finally chosen for routine application in forensic toxicology.

Development and validation of an ultra-fast and sensitive microflow liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MFLC-MS/MS) method for quantification of LSD and its metabolites in plasma and application to a controlled LSD administration study in humans.

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a semi-synthetic hallucinogen that has gained popularity as a recreational drug and has been investigated as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Analysis of LSD represents a major challenge in forensic toxicology due to its instability, low drug concentrations, and short detection windows in biological samples. A new, fast, and sensitive microflow liquid chromatography (MFLC) tandem mass spectrometry method for the validated quantification of LSD, iso-LSD, 2-oxo 3-hydroxy-LSD (oxo-HO-LSD), and N-desmethyl-LSD (nor-LSD) was developed in plasma and applied to a controlled pharmacokinetic (PK) study in humans to test whether LSD metabolites would offer for longer detection windows. Five hundred microlitres of plasma were extracted by solid phase extraction. Analysis was performed on a Sciex Eksigent MFLC system coupled to a Sciex 5500 QTrap. The method was validated according to (inter)-national guidelines. MFLC allowed for separation of the mentioned analytes within 3 minutes and limits of quantification of 0.01 ng/mL. Validation criteria were fulfilled for all analytes. PK data could be calculated for LSD, iso-LSD, and oxo-HO-LSD in all participants. Additionally, hydroxy-LSD (HO-LSD) and HO-LSD glucuronide could be qualitatively detected and PK determined in 11 and 8 subjects, respectively. Nor-LSD was only sporadically detected. Elimination half-lives of iso-LSD (median 12 h) and LSD metabolites (median 9, 7.4, 12, and 11 h for oxo-HO-LSD, HO-LSD, HO-LSD-gluc, and nor-LSD, respectively) exceeded those of LSD (median 4.2 h). However, screening for metabolites to increase detection windows in plasma seems not to be constructive due to their very low concentrations. Copyright

MALDI-MS drug analysis in biological samples: opportunities and challenges

Drug analysis represents a large field in different disciplines. Plasma is commonly considered to be the biosample of choice for that purpose. However, concentrations often do not represent the levels present within deeper compartments and therefore cannot sufficiently explain efficacy or toxicology of drugs. MALDI-MS in drug analysis is of great interest for high-throughput quantification and particularly spatially resolved tissue imaging. The current perspective article will deal with challenges and opportunities of MALDI-MS drug analysis in different biological samples. A particular focus will be on hair samples. Recent applications were included, reviewed for their instrumental setup and sample preparation and pros and cons as well as future perspectives are critically discussed.

A new metabolomics-based strategy for identification of endogenous markers of urine adulteration attempts exemplified for potassium nitrite

AbstractUrine adulteration to circumvent positive drug testing represents a problem for toxicological laboratories. While creatinine is a suitable marker for dilution, detection of chemicals is often performed by dipstick tests associated with high rates of false positives. Several methods would be necessary to check for all possible adulterants. Untargeted mass spectrometry (MS) methods used in metabolomics should theoretically allow detecting concentration changes of any endogenous urinary metabolite or presence of new biomarkers produced by chemical adulteration. As a proof of concept study, urine samples from 10 volunteers were treated with KNO2 and analyzed by high-resolution MS. For statistical data evaluation, XCMSplus and MetaboAnalyst were used. Compound identification was performed by database searches using an in-house database, Chemspider, METLIN, HMDB, and NIST. Principle component analysis revealed clear separation between treated and untreated urine samples. In detail, 307 features showed significant concentration changes with fold changes greater than 2 (79 decreased; 228 increased). Mainly amino acids (e.g., histidine, methylhistidine, di- and trimethyllysine) and purines (uric acid) were detected in lower amounts. 5-HO-isourate was found to be formed as a new compound from uric acid and, e.g., imidazole lactate concentrations increased due to the breakdown of histidine. This metabolomics-based strategy allowed for a broad identification range of markers of urinary adulteration. More studies will be needed to investigate routine applicability of identified potential markers exploring urinary conditions of their formation and stability. Selected markers might then be integrated into routine MS screening procedures allowing for detection of adulteration within routine MS analysis. Graphical Abstractᅟ

Structural characterization of the new synthetic cannabinoids CUMYL-PINACA, 5F-CUMYL-PINACA, CUMYL-4CN-BINACA, 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA and CUMYL-4CN-B7AICA

Synthetic cannabinoids are a group of new psychoactive compounds (NPS) that act as agonists at the cannabinoid receptor. First reported in 2008, they currently represent one of the largest groups of NPS that are monitored by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Five samples (4 from the European RESPONSE project and one from daily casework) containing different synthetic cannabinoids were analyzed by a complex of analytical methods including gas chromatography-electron ionization mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS), liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Five new synthetic cannabinoids containing a cumyl moiety as a linked group were identified: CUMYL-PINACA, 5F-CUMYL-PINACA, CUMYL-4CN-BINACA, 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA, CUMYL-4CN-B7AICA. 5F-CUMYL-PINACA and 5F-CUMYL-P7AICA as well as CUMYL-4CN-BINACA and CUMYL-4CN-B7AICA are constitutional isomers and only differ in the position of a nitrogen atom. The article contains all analytical data for a proper identification and differentiation of the five cumyl compounds.

Assessment of simpler calibration models in the development and validation of a fast postmortem multi-analyte LC-QTOF quantitation method in whole blood with simultaneous screening capabilities using SWATH acquisition

AbstractIn postmortem toxicology, fast methods can provide a triage to avoid unnecessary autopsies. Usually, this requires multiple qualitative and quantitative analytical methods. The aim of the present study was to develop a postmortem LC-QTOF method for simultaneous screening and quantitation using easy sample preparation and reduced alternative calibration models. Hence, a method for 24 highly relevant substances in forensic toxicology was fully validated using the following calibration models: one-point external, one-point internal via corresponding deuterated standards, multi-point external daily calibration, and multi-point external weekly calibration. Two hundred microliters of postmortem blood were spiked with internal deuterated standard mixture and extracted by acetonitrile protein precipitation. Analysis was performed on a Sciex 6600 QTOF instrument with ESI+ mode using data-independent acquisition (DIA) namely sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH). Validation of the different calibration models included selectivity, autosampler stability, recovery, matrix effects, accuracy, and precision for 24 substances. In addition, corresponding deuterated analogs of 52 substances were included to the internal standard mix for semi-quantitative concentration assessment. The simple protein precipitation provided recoveries higher than 55 and 75% for all analytes at low and high concentrations, respectively. Accuracy and precision criteria (bias and imprecision ± 15 and ± 20% near the limit of quantitation) were fulfilled by the different calibration models for most analytes. The validated method was successfully applied to more than 100 authentic postmortem samples and 3 proficiency tests. Furthermore, the one-point internal calibration via corresponding deuterated standard proved to be a considerably time saving technique for 76 analytes. Graphical abstractOne-point and multi-point calibration and the resulting beta-tolerance intervals from method validation

Development of a high-speed MALDI-triple quadrupole mass spectrometric method for the determination of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in oral fluid.

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is still a widely used illicit designer drug and its detection in different matrices is of major importance for forensic purposes (e.g. driving under the influence) as well as for workplace drug testing or abstinence control. Established analytical methods for the determination of MDMA are mainly employing high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC) coupled to mass spectrometric detection. Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-QqQ-MS/MS) is so far rarely used in forensics and offers an ultrafast high-throughput platform. The Quantisal™ Oral Fluid Collection Device was used for sample collection. After addition of the deuterated internal standard and a carbonate buffer (0.75 M Na2 CO3 ), oral fluid samples were liquid-liquid extracted (ButOAc/EtOAc, 1:1). As little as 1 microlitre of a mixture of this extract and the MALDI matrix (alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid) was spotted onto the MALDI plate and could directly be analyzed. With MALDI omitting chromatographic separation, very short analysis times of about 10 s per sample were possible. The method was developed and validated according to international guidelines including specificity, recovery, matrix effects, accuracy and precision, stabilities and limit of quantification. All validation criteria were fulfilled except for ion suppression/enhancement. Comparison with a routine liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method showed good agreement of the results. Applicability of the method was shown by analyzing about 250 oral fluid samples collected after controlled administration of 125 mg MDMA in a pharmacokinetic study. The whole lot of samples could be analyzed in less than 1 h, proving the ultra-high-speed of the method.