A New Derivatization Reagent for HPLC-MS Analysis of Biological Organic Acids.

ABSTRACT: Small molecules containing carboxylic acid functional groups are ubiquitous throughout biology, playing vital roles in biological chemistry ranging from energy metabolism to cellular signaling. This paper describes a new derivatization reagent, 4-bromo-N-methylbenzylamine, which was selected for its potential to derivatize mono-, di- and tri-carboxylic acids, such as the intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. This derivatization procedure facilitated the use of positive electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) detection of derivatized species allowing for clear identification thanks to the easily recognizable isotope pattern of the incorporated bromine. A liquid chromatography (LC)-MS/MS method was developed which provided limits of detection between 0.2 and 44 μg L-1 in under 6 min, depending on the analyte and total analysis time. This method was successfully applied in both in vitro and in vivo models.

SUBMITTER: Marquis BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5698372 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature