Problem solving with LC-MS/MS

products-servicesProlytic GmbH
April 25th 2018

 

Overview

Prolytic GmbH (Prolytic) are experts in bioanalysis that the harness the power of the analytical chemistry techniques of liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This partners the mass analysis capabilities of mass spectrometry (MS) with the physical separation capabilities of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Coupled liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) systems are highly useful in chemical and biological analysis, with scope for the individual capabilities of each technique to be deployed synergistically.

This creates opportunities for advanced problem solving with LC-MS/MS, particularly when it comes to quantifying very small molecules, concentrations, variations and identifying elusive substances.

Problem solving with LC-MS/MS

As experts in bioanalysis, Prolytic is often asked to help client companies on complex questions regarding the determination of active ingredients or small molecules.

Problem solving with LC-MS/MS usually involves exploiting the power of HPLC, using UV-Vis (ultraviolet visual scanning), combined with ECD (electrochemical detection) or FD (fluorescence detection).

On the Mass Spectrometry side, Prolytic can deploy ESI (electrospray-ionisation) or APCI (atmospheric pressure chemical ionization) source options.

Combining these tools allows Prolytic to address client issues such as the following:

Determining very small concentrations
Prolytic’s LC-MS/MS tools are ideally suited to determining even the smallest concentrations, from low molecular to peptide substances.

The techniques and instruments have detection limits measured in picograms (pg), i.e. one trillionth of a gram or 0.001 nanogram.

Detecting difficult substances
Finding and quantifying difficult (i.e. elusive) substances can be largely a matter of suitable sample preparation. Careful selection of the correct solvents, solvent ratios, various solid phases and many other parameters can make the difference between success and failure.

Prolytic attaches great importance to sample preparation, developing the right assay method for each substance according to client requirements, taking into account costs, available sample volume, detection limit and available time frame. Based on many years of experience, Prolytic is usually easily able to detect the most difficult substances using LC/MS-MS.

Compensating for variations in sample preparation
It is also very important to specify the right internal standard, which must have similar chemical and physical characteristics to the actual substance being studied, forming an isotopically labelled version of the target molecule.

Traditionally in bioanalysis, deuterated standards have been preferred due the abundance of hydrogen in organic molecules as well as cost advantages. Deuterated internal standards will ideally exhibit similar extraction recovery and ionization response behaviors in ESI mass spectrometry, as well as co-eluting with the studied compound. However, C14 and other deuterium-based solutions are both costly and time intensive in production.

Crucially, Prolytic is able, based on extensive experience, to identify other substances which can be used as internal standards which are less expensive and available faster. Therefore, customers benefit from the cost savings and studies can be measured earlier because they do not have to wait for the lengthy process of producing a deuterated standard. This saves customers valuable time.

Selection of correct internal standards enables Prolytic to compensate for variation in sample preparation (e. g. adsorption on matrix components, or incomplete reaction during derivatization) and measurement (e. g. change in temperature in the measuring device, errors with injected sample quantity). In addition to the analytical parameters, standard specification will also take into account costs, delivery times, while drawing on a detailed database of previous experience with each standard.

Prolytic’s operations are Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) certified and the company also works in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP)

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Supplier Information
Supplier: Prolytic GmbH
Address: Alt Fechenheim 34, D-60437 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Tel: +49 (0)69 4109 2534
Fax: +49 (0)69 4269 4784
Website: www.prolytic.de