1
|
Vinkovic K, Galic N, Schmid MG. Micro-HPLC–UV analysis of cocaine and its adulterants in illicit cocaine samples seized by Austrian police from 2012 to 2017. J LIQ CHROMATOGR R T 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/10826076.2017.1409237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristinka Vinkovic
- Department for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nives Galic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martin G. Schmid
- Department for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Szarka M, Guttman A. Smartphone Cortex Controlled Real-Time Image Processing and Reprocessing for Concentration Independent LED Induced Fluorescence Detection in Capillary Electrophoresis. Anal Chem 2017; 89:10673-10678. [PMID: 28949126 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b03525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We present the application of a smartphone anatomy based technology in the field of liquid phase bioseparations, particularly in capillary electrophoresis. A simple capillary electrophoresis system was built with LED induced fluorescence detection and a credit card sized minicomputer to prove the concept of real time fluorescent imaging (zone adjustable time-lapse fluorescence image processor) and separation controller. The system was evaluated by analyzing under- and overloaded aminopyrenetrisulfonate (APTS)-labeled oligosaccharide samples. The open source software based image processing tool allowed undistorted signal modulation (reprocessing) if the signal was inappropriate for the actual detection system settings (too low or too high). The novel smart detection tool for fluorescently labeled biomolecules greatly expands dynamic range and enables retrospective correction for injections with unsuitable signal levels without the necessity to repeat the analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mate Szarka
- Horváth Csaba Laboratory of Bioseparation Sciences, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen , H-4032 Debrecen, 98. Nagyerdei krt., Hungary
| | - Andras Guttman
- Horváth Csaba Laboratory of Bioseparation Sciences, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen , H-4032 Debrecen, 98. Nagyerdei krt., Hungary.,MTA-PE Translational Glycomics Laboratory, University of Pannonia , Veszprem, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Martins AF, Dos Santos JB, Todeschini BH, Saldanha LF, da Silva DS, Reichert JF, Souza DM. Occurrence of cocaine and metabolites in hospital effluent - A risk evaluation and development of a HPLC method using DLLME. Chemosphere 2017; 170:176-182. [PMID: 27988453 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A fast method for the determination of cocaine and its metabolites in hospital effluent samples was worked out by using liquid chromatography with the aid of fluorescence and diode array detection. Solid phase extraction and dispersive liquid -liquid microextraction were employed during the sample preparation stage. The experiment was conducted by using Chromabond® C18 ec 6 ml/500 mg cartridges, with recoveries higher than 96.6%, 88.3%, 78.7%, and LOQm 0.15; 0.18 and 0.30 μg L-1 for cocaine, benzoylecgonine and anhydroecgonine respectively. In the case of DLLME, different chemical conditions and solvent combinations were tested to find the best settings for the microextraction: pH 9; addition of 0.3 mol L-1 NaCl; 150 μL extractor (chloroform) and 350 μL disperser (methanol). The recoveries for cocaine were as high as 98.3% with LOQm 0.3 μg L-1. After validation, these methods were applied to quantification of the analytes. While the concentration of the anhydroecgonine, (the main pyrolytic metabolite of cocaine), remained below the limit of detection, the range of concentrations of cocaine and benzoylecgonine determined were 0.4-4.9 μg L-1 and 0.9-8.6 μg L-1, respectively. The occurrence has a relatively median/high environmental impact. These concentration values suggest that a role is played by other sources of cocaine, probably related to transport, or handling and the consumption of the drug. The outcome is that cocaine can be quantified by using DLLME as well as SPE, however, DLLME offered clear benefits like simplicity, affordability, and speed, as well as only requiring a small volume of solvents and samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayrton F Martins
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Darliana M Souza
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Balbino MA, de Oliveira LS, Eleotério IC, Oiye EN, Ribeiro MF, McCord BR, Ipolito AJ, de Oliveira MF. The Application of Voltammetric Analysis of Δ9-THC for the Reduction of False Positive Results in the Analysis of Suspected Marijuana Plant Matter. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:1067-73. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Balbino
- Departamento de Química; Faculdade de Filosofia; Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto; Universidade de São Paulo; 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto SP Brasil
| | - Laura S. de Oliveira
- Departamento de Química; Faculdade de Filosofia; Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto; Universidade de São Paulo; 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto SP Brasil
| | - Izabel C. Eleotério
- Departamento de Química; Faculdade de Filosofia; Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto; Universidade de São Paulo; 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto SP Brasil
| | - Erica N. Oiye
- Departamento de Química; Faculdade de Filosofia; Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto; Universidade de São Paulo; 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto SP Brasil
| | - Maria F.M. Ribeiro
- Departamento de Química; Faculdade de Filosofia; Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto; Universidade de São Paulo; 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto SP Brasil
| | - Bruce R. McCord
- Chemistry Department; International Forensic Research Institute; Florida International University; Miami FL
| | - Antonio J. Ipolito
- Superintendência de Polícia Técnico-Científica do Estado de São Paulo; Núcleo de Perícias Criminalísticas de Ribeirão Preto; 14015-040 Ribeirão Preto SP Brasil
| | - Marcelo F. de Oliveira
- Departamento de Química; Faculdade de Filosofia; Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto; Universidade de São Paulo; 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto SP Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Floriani G, Gasparetto JC, Pontarolo R, Gonçalves AG. Development and validation of an HPLC-DAD method for simultaneous determination of cocaine, benzoic acid, benzoylecgonine and the main adulterants found in products based on cocaine. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 235:32-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Revised: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
6
|
Tripatara P, Onlamul W, Booranasubkajorn S, Wattanarangsan J, Huabprasert S, Lumlerdkij N, Akarasereenont P, Laohapand T. The safety of Homnawakod herbal formula containing Aristolochia tagala Cham. in Wistar rats. BMC Complement Altern Med 2012; 12:170. [PMID: 23031193 PMCID: PMC3519600 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background A dried root of Aristolochia tagala Cham. (ATC) is often used in Thai traditional medicine as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory agent, muscle relaxant, appetite-enhancing agent, and analeptic. Homnawakod, an important herbal recipe, originally contains ATC in its formula, however, some Aristolochia species have been reported to cause nephrotoxicity due to aristolochic acid (AA) and its derivatives, resulting in ATC removal from all formulae. Therefore, this study investigates the chemical profiles of ATC, the original (HNK+ATC) and the present Homnawakod Ayurved Siriraj Herbal Formulary™ (HNK), and investigates whether they could cause nephrotoxicity or aggravate LPS-induced organ injuries in vivo. Methods HPLC and LC/MS were used for chemical profile study. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into groups in which the rats were intragastrically administered distilled water (2 groups), ATC (10 or 30 mg/kg), HNK+ATC (540 or 1,620 mg/kg), or HNK (1,590 mg/kg) for 21 days. A positive control group was administered with single dose 100 mg/kg standard AA-I intragastrically at day 1. Serum creatinine and urea were measured at baseline and at 7, 14 and 21 days of the treatment. On day 22, a model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia was used. One-way and two-way analyses of variance were performed and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results The similarity of the HPLC chromatograms of HNK+ATC and HNK could suggest that the qualities of both formulae are nearly the same in terms of chemical profile. The amount of AA-I found in ATC is 0.24%w/w. All experimental groups exhibited similar levels of serum urea at baseline and 7 and 14 days of the treatment. At 21 days, rats received AA exhibited a significant increase in serum urea, whereas the others did not exhibit such toxicity. On day 22, there were no significant changes in LPS-induced renal and liver dysfunction, or LPS-induced mean arterial pressure (MAP) reduction upon administration of ATC, HNK+ATC, HNK or AA-I. Conclusions These results suggest that ATC, HNK+ATC or HNK, at the animal dose equivalent to that used in human, do not cause the acute nephrotoxicity in rats and do not aggravate LPS-induced organ injuries even further.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sturm S, Hammann F, Drewe J, Maurer HH, Scholer A. An automated screening method for drugs and toxic compounds in human serum and urine using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2010; 878:2726-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2010.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2010] [Revised: 07/25/2010] [Accepted: 08/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
8
|
Decaestecker TN, Vande Casteele SR, Wallemacq PE, Van Peteghem CH, Defore DL, Van Bocxlaer JF. Information-Dependent Acquisition-Mediated LC−MS/MS Screening Procedure with Semiquantitative Potential. Anal Chem 2004; 76:6365-73. [PMID: 15516129 DOI: 10.1021/ac0492315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The development of a LC-MS/MS general unknown screening procedure for toxicologically relevant substances in blood samples by means of information-dependent acquisition on a Q-TOF is reported. IDA is an artificial intelligence-based product ion scan mode providing automatic "on-the-fly" MS to MS/MS switching. By performing information-dependent scanning at two different fragmentation energies, two collision-induced dissociation product ion spectra for each of the detected compounds are generated. As such, information-rich MS/MS spectra are obtained from precursor ions not known beforehand. In addition, limitation of the MS/MS acquisition time to an acceptable minimum resulted in an almost instantaneous switch back to the MS mode. As such, this approach provided MS chromatograms that still could be of use for semiquantitative purposes. Since the switching intensity threshold, unequivocally related to the background noise, proved a critical parameter, the solid-phase extraction procedure, the liquid chromatographic conditions, and the mass spectrometric parameters all were optimized to the advantage of information-dependent acquisition. Finally, the screening procedure we developed was benchmarked, on one hand, qualitatively against the results obtained from traditional GUS approaches in a number of routine toxicological laboratories (20 samples) and, on the other hand, quantitatively with respect to its potential against established LC-MS/MS methods (7 samples). The procedure performed very well from a qualitative point of view; almost all of the drugs detected by the conventional techniques were identified, as well as additional drugs that were not previously reported. The procedure proved well-suited for an initial semiquantitative assessment, as is customary in, for example, forensic toxicology before accurate intoxication levels are determined using targeted analytical analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tineke N Decaestecker
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
The systematic analysis of postmortem samples is one of the most challenging tasks in forensic toxicology. For determining cause of death, analysis of different tissues can be indispensable. Automation of these analyses would increase reproducibility and therefore lead to more reliable and comparable results. Recent developments in analytical toxicology and the availability of automation devices for various analytical stages, such as sampling, preliminary testing, sample extraction, chromatographic separation, identification, and data processing are examined and discussed. At present only parts of the analytical procedure have been automated-however, the goal should be the integration of these parts into a single, continuous process. Currently, only one "fully-automated" procedure for the comprehensive screening of blood and urine (excluding sample pretreatment, which remains separate) has been published. But it can be expected that automation of analytical procedures in forensic toxicology will indeed progress, even with regard to the very complex screening of postmortem samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Stimpfl
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Vienna, Sensengasse 2, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Politi L, Groppi A, Polettini A, Montagna M. A rapid screening procedure for drugs and poisons in gastric contents by direct injection-HPLC analysis. Forensic Sci Int 2004; 141:115-20. [PMID: 15062949 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2004.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2003] [Revised: 01/21/2004] [Accepted: 01/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A high performance liquid chromatographic method for toxicological drug screening of gastric content has been developed. The samples were diluted (1:3-1:30) in 0.01 N hydrochloric acid and injected into a reverse phase column for separation by gradient elution. Mobile phase consisted of solvent A (acetonitrile/water 90:10, 0.01 M sodium dodecylsulphate, 0.5% v/v glacial acetic acid) and solvent B (water/acetonitrile 90:10, 0.01 M sodium dodecylsulphate, 0.5% v/v glacial acetic acid); the gradient was programmed from 20 to 80% A in 30 min. The flow was kept constant at 1.5 ml/min. Two home-made internal standards, butyrylsalicylic acid and diacetyltubocurarine with retention times of 5.6 and 21.4 min, respectively, were used. Drugs are identified by matching their relative retention times and UV spectra (200-400 nm) with those contained in a home made library of more than 340 reference compounds (9 analgesics, 22 antidepressants, 30 antihistamines, 14 antihypertensives, 21 antirheumatics, 15 beta-blockers, 9 bronchodilators, 10 Ca antagonists, 14 diuretics, 26 neuroleptics, 25 tranquilizers, and other significant xenobiotic compounds). The fluorometric (FLD) emission spectrum (280-700 nm; excitation wavelength, 230 nm) was used as a further identification. At 50mg/l analyte concentrations, the injection of gastric content after dilution (1:3) produced S/N ratios in the range 8-140. The method is simple, rapid, rather inexpensive and proved to be a useful means of investigation if used in combination with GC-MS screening in blood. On the other hand, the system suffers from a relatively limited sensitivity for compounds with a low UV absorption and from interferences due to the presence in the matrix of some highly UV- and FL-responsive compounds (e.g. tryptophan).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Politi
- Department of Legal Medicine and Public Health, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini, 12 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
The voltammetric behavior of trazodone (TRZ) HCl was studied using direct current (DC(t)), differential pulse (DPP) and alternating current (AC(t)) polarography. The drug manifests cathodic waves over the pH range of 10-14. The waves were characterized as being irreversible, diffusion-controlled with limited adsorption properties. At pH 10, the diffusion current-concentration relationship was found to be rectilinear over the range 4-32 and 0.8-24 microg ml(-1) using DC(t) and DPP modes, respectively, with minimum detectability (S/N=2) of 0.104 microg ml(-1) (2.45 x 10(-6) M) and 0.314 microg ml(-1) (7.397 x 10(-6) M) using the DPP and DC(t) modes, respectively. The diffusion-current constant (I(d)) is 4.31+/-0.02 (n=6). The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of the studied compound either in pure form or in formulations. The results obtained were favorably compared with those given using a reference method. Furthermore, the proposed method was applied to the determination of TRZ in spiked human urine and plasma adopting the DPP technique. No prior extraction step is needed in case of urine. The percentage recoveries were 98.43+/-0.79 and 97.44+/-0.705 (n=4) in spiked human urine and plasma, respectively. A pathway for the electrode reaction was postulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N EL-Enany
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Mansoura, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Aresta A, Monaci L, Zambonin CG. Determination of delorazepam in urine by solid-phase microextraction coupled to high performance liquid chromatography. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2002; 28:965-72. [PMID: 12039639 DOI: 10.1016/s0731-7085(02)00012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
An SPME-HPLC-UV method for the determination of delorazepam, a representative benzodiazepine, in spiked human urine samples was developed for the first time. The performances of two commercially available fibers, a carbowax/templated resin (Carbowax/TPR-100) and a polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB), were compared, indicating the latter as the most suitable for urine samples analysis. All the aspects influencing adsorption (extraction time, pH, temperature, salt addition) and desorption (desorption and injection time, desorption solvent mixture composition) of the analyte on the fiber have been investigated. In particular, short extraction times were necessary to reach the equilibrium and very short desorption times were employed. The procedure required simple sample pre-treatment and was able to detect 5 ng/ml in spiked urine, regardless of the complexity of the matrix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Aresta
- Università degli Studi di Bari, Dipartimento di Chimica, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70100, Bari, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Publications focusing on the analysis of postmortem specimens for the presence of drugs were reviewed with particular reference to systematic toxicological analysis. Specimens included blood, liver, other solid specimens, and fly larvae. Extraction techniques published during the past 10 years most commonly used traditional solvent extraction techniques. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to multichannel wavelength detection was most commonly used, which would easily lend itself to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. There were few practical differences in the assays validated for a range of postmortem specimens to those in other forms of forensic toxicology, unless substantially decomposed tissue was used. When putrefied specimens were analyzed, a back-extraction or other form of specimen cleanup was recommended to reduce interfering substances. Many immunoassays designed for urine have been adapted for use in blood and tissue homogenates. Immunoassays designed for blood analysis, however, are likely to have more useful cutoff values than immunoassays optimized for urine testing. Postmortem specimens provide less stability for a number of drugs than other types of specimens. This is particularly a problem for cocaine, heroin, and some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines. A number of artifacts occur postmortem, which affects the concentration of drug in specimens. This includes postmortem redistribution for drugs with a high tissue concentration relative to blood. Consequently, the likely extent of any change in concentration is relevant to the interpretation of doses and drug effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olaf H Drummer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 57-83 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Melbourne, Australia 3006.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Unger M, Jacobsen W, Holzgrabe U, Benet LZ. Quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry determination of isatin in urine using automated on-line extraction. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2002; 767:245-53. [PMID: 11885853 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4347(01)00538-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Here we describe a simple, fast and sensitive liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method with automated on-line extraction to quantify isatin, an endogenous monoamine oxidase, and atrial natriuretic peptide inhibitor, in urine. After derivatisation of isatin to isatinoxime with hydroxylamine hydrochloride and zinc sulfate precipitation, samples were loaded on the extraction column, washed and, after activation of the column-switching valve, backflushed onto the analytical column. Using electrospray ionisation, [M+H]+ ions could be detected in the selected ion monitoring mode. The assay was linear from 5 to 5000 ng/ml (r2>0.99) and analytical recovery was >80%. Inter-assay precision for the quality control samples was less than 3% and inter-assay accuracy was within +/- 5%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Unger
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0446, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lips AG, Lameijer W, Fokkens RH, Nibbering NM. Methodology for the development of a drug library based upon collision-induced fragmentation for the identification of toxicologically relevant drugs in plasma samples. J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl 2001; 759:191-207. [PMID: 11499473 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4347(01)00249-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The possibility of creating a robust mass spectral library with use of high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure-electrospray ionization (HPLC-AP-ESI) for the identification of drugs misused in cases of clinical toxicology has been examined. Factors reported as influencing the fragmentation induced by "source transport region collision induced dissociation" (CID) have been tested in this study (i.e. solvent, pH, different acids or buffer salts and their concentration, different organic modifiers and the modifier concentration). The tests performed on a few "model drugs" were analysed with use of two different single quadrupole instruments. The large number of mass spectra obtained appears to be affected by the mobile phase conditions to only a minor extent. This also holds for the mass spectra obtained at two different instruments (laboratories). Subsequently breakdown curves have been measured for about 20 randomly chosen drugs by variation of the kinetic energy of their ions in the CID zone through changing the fragmenter voltage. These breakdown curves were used to optimize the fragmenter voltage for each drug. The optimized fragmenter voltages were then applied by use of a variably ramped fragmenter voltage to acquire mass spectra for the library. The chromatographic separations were run on a Zorbax Stable bond column using a 10-mM ammonium formate-acetonitrile gradient method. Spiked blank serum and patient samples with a total of 40 different drugs were extracted with use of a standard basic liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method. A search of significant peaks in the chromatogram by application of the developed mass spectral library is shown to result in a more than 95% positive identification. reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A G Lips
- Agilent Technologies, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
The authors evaluated an integrated approach for the screening of drugs in biosamples consisting of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of serum or whole blood (SB/GC-MS) and of high-performance liquid chromatographic and ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) analysis of urine with the REMEDi HS Biorad system (U/REM) (Bio-rad; Segrate, MI, Italy). Urine and blood samples from 26 suspected intoxicated patients and from 22 suspected lethal poisoning cases were examined. Eighty-one of the 99 parent drugs/main metabolites detected were identified by SB/GC-MS and 54 with U/REM. Thirty-six drugs/metabolites were identified with both methods, 45 by SB/GC-MS alone, and 18 by U/REM alone. Absence of the mass spectrometry (MS) spectra in the reference library and high polarity of the analytes were the main reasons for failed identification by SB/GC-MS. Unsuccessful identifications with U/REM were basically caused by the absence of the UV spectra in the reference library or by low chromatographic and spectroscopic selectivity as in the case of barbiturates and benzodiazepines (BZD), which represented 11% and 51%, respectively, of the 45 SB/GC-MS unique identifications. Urine samples of 14 BZD-positive cases were also submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis and analyzed with the REMEDi UBz assay, and results were compared with those obtained by SB/GC-MS: 14 of the 22 identified BZD were detected with both methods, three by U/REM only, and five by SB/GC-MS only. In conclusion, the integrated use of SB/GC-MS and U/REM approaches greatly enhances the amount and quality of analytical information obtainable by applying either method alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Valli
- Department of Legal Medicine and Public Health, University of Pavia, Legal Medicine and Toxicology Service, S. Matteo Hospital, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine includes raw medicinal materials and Chinese proprietary medicine (CPM). Despite being of natural origin, toxic effects, adulteration with synthetic therapeutic substances and even deaths had been associated with CPM. There is thus a need to develop analytical technique to rapidly screen for undeclared toxic and therapeutic substances in CPM. In this study, a high performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detection method was developed and used to screen for undeclared therapeutic substances in CPM. An ultraviolet (UV) library of 266 drugs had been compiled. Solute identification was performed by comparing the analytical data (UV spectra, retention time and relative retention time) with those of the 266 standards. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used as a confirmation method. These chromatographic methods had been shown to be selective and reproducible in screening for undeclared drugs in CPM. Using the method developed, 41 CPM samples in seven categories were screened for undeclared therapeutic substances. One anti-asthmatic CPM was found to contain codeine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Y Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry has evolved from a topic of mainly research interest into a routinely usable tool in various application fields. With the advent of new ionization approaches, especially atmospheric pressure, the technique has established itself firmly in many areas of research. Although many applications prove that LC-MS is a valuable complementary analytical tool to GC-MS and has the potential to largely extend the application field of mass spectrometry to hitherto "MS-phobic" molecules, we must recognize that the use of LC-MS in forensic toxicology remains relatively rare. This rarity is all the more surprising because forensic toxicologists find themselves often confronted with the daunting task of actually searching for evidence materials on a scientific basis without any indication of the direction in which to search. Through the years, mass spectrometry, mainly in the GC-MS form, has gained a leading role in the way such quandaries are tackled. The advent of robust, bioanalytically compatible combinations of liquid chromatographic separation with mass spectrometric detection really opens new perspectives in terms of mass spectrometric identification of difficult molecules (e.g., polar metabolites) or biopolymers with toxicological relevance, high throughput, and versatility. Of course, analytical toxicologists are generally mass spectrometry users rather than mass spectrometrists, and this difference certainly explains the slow start of LC-MS in this field. Nevertheless, some valuable applications have been published, and it seems that the introduction of the more universal atmospheric pressure ionization interfaces really has boosted interests. This review presents an overview of what has been realized in forensic toxicological LC-MS. After a short introduction into LC-MS interfacing operational characteristics (or limitations), it covers applications that range from illicit drugs to often abused prescription medicines and some natural poisons. As such, we hope it can act as an appetizer to those involved in forensic toxicology but still hesitating to invest in LC-MS.
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
A review of techniques used to screen biological specimens for the presence of drugs was conducted with particular reference to systematic toxicological analysis. Extraction systems of both the liquid-liquid and solid-phase type show little apparent difference in their relative ability to extract a range of drugs according to their physio-chemical properties, although mixed-phase SPE extraction is a preferred technique for GC-based applications, and liquid-liquid were preferred for HPLC-based applications. No one chromatographic system has been shown to be capable of detecting a full range of common drugs of abuse, and common ethical drugs, hence two or more assays are required for laboratories wishing to cover a reasonably comprehensive range of drugs of toxicological significance. While immunoassays are invariably used to screen for drugs of abuse, chromatographic systems relying on derivatization and capable of extracting both acidic and basic drugs would be capable of screening a limited range of targeted drugs. Drugs most difficult to detect in systematic toxicological analysis include LSD, psilocin, THC and its metabolites, fentanyl and its designer derivatives, some potent opiates, potent benzodiazepines and some potent neuroleptics, many of the newer anti-convulsants, alkaloids colchicine, amantins, aflatoxins, antineoplastics, coumarin-based anti-coagulants, and a number of cardiovascular drugs. The widespread use of LC-MS and LC-MS-MS for specific drug detection and the emergence of capillary electrophoresis linked to MS and MS-MS provide an exciting possibility for the future to increase the range of drugs detected in any one chromatographic screening system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O H Drummer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Polettini A. Systematic toxicological analysis of drugs and poisons in biosamples by hyphenated chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl 1999; 733:47-63. [PMID: 10572974 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4347(99)00264-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of hyphenated chromatographic-spectroscopic techniques represented a substantial step-forward for Systematic Toxicological Analysis (STA), increasing the amount and quality of information obtainable from the analysis of a biological sample, and enhancing the possibilities of identifying unknown drugs and poisons. STA methods based either on GC-MS or on HPLC-UV published in the last decade are reviewed in this paper. The different analytical phases, i.e. sample preparation (pretreatment, extraction, derivatisation), chromatographic separation and detection/identification are examined in detail in order to emphasise the complementarity of the two approaches. In addition, the first STA method based on HPLC-MS is illustrated and some applications of TLC-UV to drug screening are also described. Finally, an overview of semi- and fully-automated STA methods is given.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Polettini
- Department of Legal Medicine and Public Health, University of Pavia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Maurer HH. Systematic toxicological analysis procedures for acidic drugs and/or metabolites relevant to clinical and forensic toxicology and/or doping control. J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl 1999; 733:3-25. [PMID: 10572972 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4347(99)00266-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews systematic toxicological analysis (STA) procedures for acidic drugs and/or metabolites relevant to clinical and forensic toxicology or doping control using gas chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. Papers from 1992 to 1998 have been taken into consideration. Screening procedures in biosamples (whole blood, plasma, serum, urine, vitreous humor, brain, liver or hair) of humans or animals (horse, or rat) are included for the following drug classes: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II (AT-II) blockers, anticoagulants of the 4-hydroxy coumarin type, barbiturates, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (calcium antagonists), diuretics, hypoglycemic sulfonylureas and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Methods for confirmation of preliminary results obtained by screening procedures using immunoassay or chromatographic techniques are also included. Furthermore, procedures for the simultaneous detection of several drug classes are reviewed. The toxicological question to be answered and the consequences for the choice of an adequate method, the sample preparation and the chromatography itself are discussed. The basic information about the biosample assayed, work-up, separation column, mobile phase or separation buffer, detection mode and validation data of each procedure is summarized in 16 tables. They are arranged according to the drug class and the analytical method. Examples of typical applications are presented. Finally, STA procedures are reviewed and described allowing simultaneous screening for different (acidic) drug classes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H H Maurer
- Department of Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Saarland, Homburg (Saar), Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
The prerequisite of applicability of hyphenated methods in forensic analysis is the achievement of a stage of "final maturity". In the field of liquid chromatography, HPLC coupled with diode array detection (DAD) seems to fulfill this criterion, whilst the combination with atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-API-MS) is still in a development stage. HPLC-DAD is broadly used as identification tool in forensic and in emergency toxicology. Two main approaches were observed; development of retention index scales for intra-laboratory exchange of data and establishing of databases only for intra-laboratory use. Using these approaches, several databases were established for toxicological relevant substances (illicit and therapeutic drugs and their metabolites, environmental poisons etc.) in biological fluids. Also, complete HPLC-DAD identification systems are commercially available. Further possibility of progress depends on the on-line combination ("triple hyphenation") with other detection methods, preferably API-MS. HPLC-API-MS, both in electrospray (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) options, underwent dramatic development in the last decade and is reaching its final shape. The method was broadly applied for various groups of toxicologically relevant substances, a lot of them unaccessible for other techniques, including GC-MS. Particularly important was application of HPLC-API-MS for detection and quantitation of active, polar metabolites of various drugs and for analysis of macromolecules. APCI seems to be more useful for analysis of less polar compounds, whereas ESI is particularly valuable for determination of polar, large molecules (e.g., toxic peptides, polar metabolites etc.) Up to now, HPLC-API-MS has been mainly applied for dedicated analyses, but the introduction of APCI or ESI in systematic toxicological screening may be expected in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Bogusz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Aachen University of Technology, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
A suicidal ingestion of an unknown quantity of Resochin (chloroquine) tablets is described. Although chloroquine is known since 1934, intoxications due to chloroquine overdose are rather rare in European countries. The authors report on a new and fast method of analysing and determining the chloroquine concentration in body fluids and postmortem specimens. The analytes were extracted from alkalinized samples into ethyl acetate before GC/MS analysis. The analyses of chloroquine were performed without any complex sample clean-up steps and, in addition, with little sample material. The proposed method resulted in a rapid procedure most useful in cases of deliberate poisoning with the anti-inflammatory and antimalarial drug chloroquine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Keller
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Paris-Lodron-University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kraemer T, Maurer HH. Determination of amphetamine, methamphetamine and amphetamine-derived designer drugs or medicaments in blood and urine. J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl 1998; 713:163-87. [PMID: 9700558 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4347(97)00515-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews procedures for the determination of amphetamine, methamphetamine and amphetamine-derived designer drugs or medicaments in blood and urine. Papers published from 1991 to early 1997 were taken into consideration. Gas chromatographic and liquid chromatographic procedures with different detectors (e.g., mass spectrometer or diode array) were considered as well as the seldom used thin-layer chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. Enantioselective procedures are also discussed. A chapter deals with amphetamine-derived medicaments, e.g. anoretics, antiparkinsonians or vasodilators, which are metabolized to amphetamine or methamphetamine. Differentiation of an intake of such medicaments from amphetamine or methamphetamine intake is discussed. Basic information about the biosample assayed, internal standard, work-up, GC column or LC column and mobile phase, detection mode, reference data and validation data of each procedure is summarized in Tables. Examples of typical applications are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Kraemer
- Department of Toxicology, University of Saarland, Homburg (Saar), Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
A review of methods for the measurement of benzodiazepines in biological specimens published over the last five years is presented. A range of immunoassay procedures using EIA, ELISA, FPIA, agglutination or kinetic interaction of microparticles, or RIA methods are now available. Cross reactivities to benzodiazepines are variable such that no one kit will recognise all benzodiazepines and their relevant metabolites at concentrations likely to be encountered during therapeutic use. Prior hydrolysis of urine to convert glucuronide metabolites to immunoreactive substances improves detection limits for many benzodiazepines. Several radioreceptor assays have now been published and show good sensitivity and specificity to benzodiazepines and offer the advantage (over immunoassay) of being able to detect these drugs with equal sensitivity. Solvent extraction techniques using a variety of solvents were still popular and offer acceptable recoveries and lack of significant interference from other substances. A number of papers describing solid phase extraction procedures were also published. Direct injection of specimens into a HPLC column with back flushing were also successfully described. Seventy two chromatographic methods using HPLC, LC-MS, GC and GC-MS methods were reviewed. HPLC was able to achieve detection limits for many benzodiazepines using UV or DAD detection down to 1-2 ng/ml using 1-2 ml of urine or serum (blood). ECD detectors gave detection limits better than 1 ng/ml from 1 ml of specimen, which was an order of magnitude lower than for NPD. EI-MS offered similar sensitivity, whilst NCI-MS was capable of detection down to 0.1 ng/ml. Methods suitable for the separation of enantiomers of benzodiazepines have been described using HPLC. Electrokinetic micellar chromatography has also been shown to be capable of the analysis of benzodiazepines in urine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O H Drummer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|