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[The use of the ion exchange polymer Wofatit CP for sample preparation of drugs from urine for high pressure liquid chromatographic and spectrophotometric determinations].

The sample preparation of the alkaline drugs dioxopromethazinehydrochloride and trapidil from urine was studied systematically. The weak acid cation exchanger Wofatit CP was used as stationary phase. Batch mode and column chromatographic sample preparation were compared. The usable capacity of the ion exchanger for the analyte is an important characteristic for the sample preparation. The great influence of pH and ionic strength of the sample on the usable capacity was proved.

Acrylic Resins↗

Sampling almonds for aflatoxin, part I: estimation of uncertainty associated with sampling, sample preparation, and analysis.

Domestic and international regulatory limits have been established for aflatoxin in almonds and other tree nuts. It is difficult to obtain an accurate and precise estimate of the true aflatoxin concentration in a bulk lot because of the uncertainty associated with the sampling, sample preparation, and analytical steps of the aflatoxin test procedure. To evaluate the performance of aflatoxin sampling plans, the uncertainty associated with sampling lots of shelled almonds for aflatoxin was investigated. Twenty lots of shelled almonds were sampled for aflatoxin contamination. The total variance associated with measuring B1 and total aflatoxins in bulk almond lots was estimated and partitioned into sampling, sample preparation, and analytical variance components. All variances were found to increase with an increase in aflatoxin concentration (both B1 and total). By using regression analysis, mathematical expressions were developed to predict the relationship between each variance component (total, sampling, sample preparation, and analysis variances) and aflatoxin concentration. Variance estimates were the same for B1 and total aflatoxins. The mathematical relationships can be used to estimate each variance for a given sample size, subsample size, and number of analyses other than that measured in the study. When a lot with total aflatoxins at 15 ng/g was tested by using a 10 kg sample, a vertical cutter mixer type of mill, a 100 g subsample, and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, the sampling, sample preparation, analytical, and total variances (coefficient of variation, CV) were 394.7 (CV, 132.4%), 14.7 (CV, 25.5%), 0.8 (CV, 6.1%), and 410.2 (CV, 135.0%), respectively. The percentages of the total variance associated with sampling, sample preparation, and analytical steps were 96.2, 3.6, and 0.2, respectively.

Aflatoxin B1↗

Alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid affinity sample preparation. A protocol for MALDI-MS peptide analysis in proteomics.

We present a new MALD1 sample preparation technique for peptide analysis using the matrix alpha-cyano-4-hydroxy-cinnamic acid (CHCA) and prestructured sample supports. The preparation integrates sample purification, based on the affinity of microcrystalline CHCA for peptides, thereby simplifying the analysis of crude peptide mixtures. Enzymatic digests can thus be prepared directly, without preceding purification. Prepared samples are homogeneous, facilitating automatic spectra acquisition. This method allows preparation of large numbers of samples with little effort and without the need for automation. These features make the described preparation suitable for cost-efficient high-throughput protein identification. Performance of the sample preparation is demonstrated with in situ proteolytic digests of human brain proteins separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Brain Chemistry↗

[Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical specimens other than sputum by the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct Test (MTD)--assessment of sample preparation methods and clinical evaluation].

The Gen-Probe Amplified Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct Test (MTD) has been widely used as a rapid test for the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in clinical samples, and several research groups have verified its clinical usefulness. However, most of the specimens they tested were sputum, and there have been few reports on other specimens. In particular, there have been no reports on assessments of methods of preparing samples other than sputum for the MTD. We assessed methods of preparing samples other than sputum and the influence of a local anesthetic and an anticoagulant that may be present in samples, and also evaluated the MTD as a means of detecting M. tuberculosis in pleural fluid, bronchial lavage cerebrospinal fluid, urine and ascitic fluid. 1. Assessment of three sample preparation methods, i.e., the NALC-NaOH method GuSCN-Diatom nucleic acid extraction method, and the ultrasonication method, revealed that the combination of the NALC-NaOH method and the ultrasonication method, widely used to prepare sputum samples, is also a valid method of preparing other samples. 2. The local anesthetic and the anticoagulant used clinically and remained in specimens did not affect the results of the MTD. 3. Seven (36.8%) of 19 pleural fluid samples from patients diagnosed as tuberculous pleurisy were positive of M. tuberculosis by the MTD, while five (27.8%) of 18 pleural fluid samples cultured for bacteria were positive for M. tuberculosis complex. None of the 20 pleural fluid samples from patients diagnosed as non-tuberculous pleurisy were positive for M. tuberculosis complex either by MTD or culture. 4. Eight (32.0%) of 25 bronchial lavage samples from patients diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis were positive for M. tuberculosis complex by the MTD, while 3 (12.0%) were positive by culture. None of the 18 bronchial lavage samples from patients diagnosed as non-tuberculous disease were positive for M. tuberculosis complex either by the MTD or culture. Based on these results, it is concluded that the MTD is a very useful method of detecting M. tuberculosis in clinical samples other than sputum because it is more sensitive than culture on Ogawa's egg medium in detecting M. tuberculosis complex in pleural fluid samples, bronchial lavage samples, and so on, with the same preparation method as used for sputum.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

Automated acoustic matrix deposition for MALDI sample preparation.

Novel high-throughput sample preparation strategies for MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) and profiling are presented. An acoustic reagent multispotter was developed to provide improved reproducibility for depositing matrix onto a sample surface, for example, such as a tissue section. The unique design of the acoustic droplet ejector and its optimization for depositing matrix solution are discussed. Since it does not contain a capillary or nozzle for fluid ejection, issues with clogging of these orifices are avoided. Automated matrix deposition provides better control of conditions affecting protein extraction and matrix crystallization with the ability to deposit matrix accurately onto small surface features. For tissue sections, matrix spots of 180-200 microm in diameter were obtained and a procedure is described for generating coordinate files readable by a mass spectrometer to permit automated profile acquisition. Mass spectral quality and reproducibility was found to be better than that obtained with manual pipet spotting. The instrument can also deposit matrix spots in a dense array pattern so that, after analysis in a mass spectrometer, two-dimensional ion images may be constructed. Example ion images from a mouse brain are presented.

Animals↗

On-line sample preparation for high throughput reversed-phase LC/MS analysis of combinatorial chemistry libraries.

An on-line sample preparation method utilizing a time-programmed autosampler is described for high throughput liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). This approach is particularly helpful for the LC/MS analysis of samples which require solvents incompatible with HPLC in the sample preparation process. The on-line sample preparation approach minimizes a bottleneck in throughput and improves sample recovery under some circumstances.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Initial study of two-phase laminar flow extraction chip for sample preparation for gas chromatography.

A sample preparation method for gas chromatography using a two-phase, laminar flow extraction PDMS/glass chip has been developed. A stable two-phase laminar interface was obtained by surface modification, and the organic extraction phase and the aqueous sample phase were separated effectively when the two-phase laminar flows exit the chip. Experiments were conducted on the chip to extract ephedrine from aqueous solution. Good reproducibility was obtained over the entire range of ephedrine concentration using the extraction chips (CV range 2.7%-4.5%). Effects of salt and solvent on extraction efficiency were studied.

Chromatography, Gas↗

New trends in sample preparation: on-line microextraction in packed syringe (MEPS) for LC and GC applications Part III: Determination and validation of local anaesthetics in human plasma samples using a cation-exchange sorbent, and MEPS-LC-MS-MS.

The need for on-line sample preparation for high-throughput applications in bioanalysis has increased during the past decade. In this paper a robust and on-line sample preparation technique, micro extraction in packed syringe (MEPS) has been developed and validated. The method is a miniaturized, fully automated, solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique that can be connected on-line to GC or LC without any modification of the chromatographs. The performance of MEPS as sample preparation method is illustrated by the determination of local anaesthetics in human plasma samples on-line with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and tandem mass spectrometry. The sampling sorbent was 1mg silica based benzenesulphonic acid cation exchanger that was inserted in a 250 microl syringe. Ropicavine and two of its metabolites (PPX and 3-OH-ropivacine), lidocaine and bupivacine were used as model substances. The accuracy values of quality control samples (QC) were between 95% and 109%, and precision (relative standard deviation, R.S.D.) had a maximum deviation of 9% for the analytes.

Anesthetics↗

Automated sample preparation using in-tube solid-phase microextraction and its application -- a review.

Sample preparation, such as extraction, concentration, and isolation of analytes, greatly influences their reliable and accurate analysis. In-tube solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a new effective sample preparation technique using an open tubular fused-silica capillary column as an extraction device. Organic compounds in aqueous samples are directly extracted and concentrated into the stationary phase of capillary columns by repeated draw/eject cycles of sample solution, and they can be directly transferred to the liquid chromatographic column. In-tube SPME is an ideal sample preparation technique because it is fast to operate, easy to automate, solvent-free, and inexpensive. On-line in-tube SPME-performed continuous extraction, concentration, desorption, and injection using an autosampler, is usually used in combination with high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. This technique has successfully been applied to the determination of various compounds such as pesticides, drugs, environmental pollutants, and food contaminants. In this review, an overview of the development of in-tube SPME technique and its applications to environmental, clinical, forensic, and food analyses are described.

Automation↗

Routine diagnostics of Lawsonia intracellularis performed by PCR, serological and post mortem examination, with special emphasis on sample preparation methods for PCR.

The aim of this study was to find suitable and reliable tools for demonstrating Lawsonia intracellularis in routine clinical diagnosis. Firstly, a method to prepare tissue samples before a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was evaluated in pigs submitted for necropsy. Secondly, seven different faecal preparation methods and four different DNA polymerases were tested in single or nested PCR, with co-amplification of a mimic molecule. Thirdly, in selected pigs submitted for necropsy, tissue and faecal samples were examined histopathologically and by PCR, and blood samples were analysed serologically. Detection of L. intracellularis in tissue preparations by PCR showed good specificity and correlated to lesions found at necropsy. The sensitivity in spiked tissue samples was 10(1)-10(2) mimic molecules per tube. In faecal samples, nested PCR on boiled lysate gave the best result with a sensitivity of 10(2)-10(3) mimic molecules per reaction tube. However, because of the time-consuming procedure and the increased risk for contamination, a commercially available kit was preferred for routine diagnoses, despite a somewhat lower detection rate in subclinically infected pigs. In a few cases, the serological results differed from those obtained by PCR and by necropsy but the reason for this is not clear. This study indicates that the best method for diagnosis of acute enteritis in growers is PCR on faecal or tissue samples. To determine the presence of the bacteria in a herd, serology or repeated faecal sampling for PCR from target animals, or both, should be used.

Animals↗

Importance of solubility in the sample preparation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) for MALDI TOFMS.

The role of solubility in the sample preparation process for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry is demonstrated for oligomeric and medium molar mass poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). For low molar mass oligomers (PET-1), minor discrimination effects were observed when the sample was not completely in solution. MALDI spectra of medium molar mass PET, representative of the entire molar mass distribution, were obtained only when a good solvent for PET was used, such as 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (commonly referred to as HFIP), as the sample preparation solvent and dithranol as the matrix. The azeotropic composition of 70:30 CH(2)Cl(2)/HFIP better solubilizes the more nonpolar matrixes, which enables more latitude in selecting sample preparation conditions than pure HFIP. Segregation effects were observed when the azeotrope mixture was diluted with tetrahydrofuran, resulting in large molar mass distribution discrimination effects in the MALDI spectra. Dilution with CH(2)Cl(2) resulted in a significant decrease in the overall signal intensity for the entire polymer distribution. With each attempt to dilute the azeotrope, the sample after solvent evaporation was visibly heterogeneous, which resulted in shot-to-shot variability. Both examples demonstrate the importance of constant solvent composition during solvent evaporation. The compatibility of matrix and polymer was explored using relative HPLC retention times. Consistent with previous work in our laboratories, it was found that the matrix/polymer combination that has the closest match of retention time resulted in the best MALDI signal intensity.

Image Enhancement↗

Rapid quantification of hepatitis B virus DNA by automated sample preparation and real-time PCR.

Monitoring of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum by molecular methods has become the standard for assessment of the replicative activity of HBV. Several molecular assays for the detection and quantification of HBV DNA have been described. However, they usually lack automated sample preparation. Moreover, those assays, which are based on PCR, are limited by a short dynamic range (2 to 3 log units). In the present study, the use of RealArt HBV LC PCR Reagents in conjunction with automated extraction on the COBAS AMPLIPREP analyzer was evaluated. Members of an HBV proficiency program panel were tested; linearity, interassay, and intra-assay variations were determined. The performance of the assay in a routine clinical laboratory was evaluated with a total of 117 clinical specimens. When members of the HBV proficiency program panel were tested by the new molecular assay, the results were found to be within +/-0.5 log unit of the results obtained by reference laboratories. Determination of linearity resulted in a quasilinear curve over more than 6 log units. The interassay variation of the RealArt HBV LC PCR Reagents by use of the automated sample preparation protocol ranged from 16 to 73%, and the intra-assay variation ranged from 9 to 40%. When clinical samples were tested by the new assay with the automated sample preparation protocol and the results were compared with those obtained by the COBAS AMPLICOR HBV MONITOR Test with manual sample preparation, the results for 76% of all samples with positive results by both tests were found to be within +/-0.5 log unit and the results for another 18% were found to be within between 0.5 and 1.0 log unit. In conclusion, the real-time PCR assay with automated sample preparation proved to be suitable for the routine molecular laboratory and required less hands-on time.

DNA, Viral↗

Sampling hazelnuts for aflatoxin: uncertainty associated with sampling, sample preparation, and analysis.

The variability associated with the aflatoxin test procedure used to estimate aflatoxin levels in bulk shipments of hazelnuts was investigated. Sixteen 10 kg samples of shelled hazelnuts were taken from each of 20 lots that were suspected of aflatoxin contamination. The total variance associated with testing shelled hazelnuts was estimated and partitioned into sampling, sample preparation, and analytical variance components. Each variance component increased as aflatoxin concentration (either B1 or total) increased. With the use of regression analysis, mathematical expressions were developed to model the relationship between aflatoxin concentration and the total, sampling, sample preparation, and analytical variances. The expressions for these relationships were used to estimate the variance for any sample size, subsample size, and number of analyses for a specific aflatoxin concentration. The sampling, sample preparation, and analytical variances associated with estimating aflatoxin in a hazelnut lot at a total aflatoxin level of 10 ng/g and using a 10 kg sample, a 50 g subsample, dry comminution with a Robot Coupe mill, and a high-performance liquid chromatographic analytical method are 174.40, 0.74, and 0.27, respectively. The sampling, sample preparation, and analytical steps of the aflatoxin test procedure accounted for 99.4, 0.4, and 0.2% of the total variability, respectively.

Aflatoxins↗

Automated Tecan programming for bioanalytical sample preparation with EZTecan.

This paper reports the first successful automated Tecan (Tecan US, Research Triangle Park, NC) programming for bioanalytical sample analysis with an in-house developed software, called EZTecan. Based on the sample run list in the Watson Laboratory Information Management System (InnaPhase Corp., Philadelphia, PA), EZTecan can generate a Tecan program for bioanalytical sample preparation, including sample transfer, sample dilution, extraction, and reconstitution. Many built-in functions for EZTecan ensure the flexibility, quality, and efficiency of the liquid handling. It takes about 90 min to prepare two 96-well plates from sample transfer to reconstitution. Analytical results shown good inter- and intra-assay accuracy and precision, which meet the +/-15% Good Laboratory Performance acceptance criteria. With EZTecan, bioanalysts can prepare samples without writing a single line of Tecan program.

Automation↗

Rapid sample preparation for determination of iron in tissue by closed-vessel digestion and microwave energy.

We developed a rapid acid-digestion method for preparing tissue samples for iron determination. Specimens were digested in nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide under high temperature and pressure in closed Teflon vessels, with microwave energy. Analysis for iron in 25- to 250-mg portions of digested bovine liver powder (National Bureau of Standards Certified Reference Material no. 1577a) showed excellent linearity ([predicted] = 1.007[actual] - 0.166 micrograms per sample) and analytical recovery (98%). Precision (CV) was 5.4% when iron content was 10 micrograms per sample. Assaying split samples of mouse tissues, we found a close correlation between iron concentrations obtained with closed vs open vessels ([closed] = 0.878[open] + 68 micrograms/g, r = 0.994, range 400-4600 micrograms/g dry weight). In contrast to time-consuming conventional procedures for tissue dissolution, closed-vessel digestion with microwave energy dramatically shortens time for tissue preparation, minimizes use of caustic acid, reduces risk of sample loss or contamination, and yields accurate and reproducible results.

Animals↗

Evaluation of an on-target sample preparation system for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry in conjunction with normal-flow peptide high-performance liquid chromatography for peptide mass fingerprint analyses.

Large-scale mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic analyses require high-throughput sample preparation techniques due to the increasing numbers of samples that make up a typical proteomics experiment. Moreover, extensive sample pre-treatment steps are necessary prior to MS acquisition for even the most rapid and robust MS-based proteomics methodology, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS followed by peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) analysis. These include sample purification and fractionation, removal of digestion buffers or solvents, and spotting of sample with matrix onto the MALDI target. These multiple steps of time-consuming sample handling can result in high overall analysis costs and the likelihood of sample contamination and loss. In order to overcome some of these limitations in sample processing, we have investigated the use of a novel, simple, inexpensive 96-well elastomeric array that affixes to a MALDI target to create an on-target 96-well plate that accommodates a high solution volume (ca. 200 microL), thereby enabling the on-target processing of samples for MALDI-TOFMS. We explored several factors that influence MALDI sample preparation: type of matrix, solution volume, solution organic composition, solution drying rates and matrix/analyte co-crystallization methods. We also investigated the use of the 96-well elastomeric device for coupling MALDI-TOFMS analysis directly to high flow rate (1 mL/min) reversed-phase (rp)-HPLC. By developing an optimized, robust sample preparation protocol, we were able to obtain mass spectra with a high signal-to-noise ratio from peptide standards present at the 50-fmol level in large starting volumes of solution. PMF analyses were possible from 1-pmol and 500-fmol protein-digest standards. Coupling the device to high-flow HPLC (750 microL/min) yielded a robust and semi-automated means to obtain enhanced MALDI-TOFMS data at 500 ng of protein digest. These methodologies developed for this simple, on-target, elastomeric device show promise for streamlining the sample preparation process from HPLC to MALDI-MS.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Developments in sample preparation and separation techniques for the determination of inorganic ions by ion chromatography and capillary electrophoresis.

A review is presented of sample preparation and separation techniques for the determination of inorganic ions by ion chromatography (IC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Emphasis has been placed on those sample treatment methods which are specific to inorganic analysis, and the developments in separation methods which are discussed are those which enhance the capabilities of IC and CE to handle complex sample matrices. Topics discussed include solid-phase extraction for sample clean-up and preconcentration, dialytic methods, combustion methods, matrix-elimination IC, electrostatic IC, electrically polarised ion-exchange resins, electromigration sample preparation in CE, chromatographic sample preparation for CE, use of high-ionic strength background electrolytes, buffering of background electrolytes in CE, use of capillary electrochromatography for inorganic determinations, and methods for the manipulation of separation selectivity in both IC and CE. Finally, some possible future trends are discussed.

Chromatography, Liquid↗

Sample preparation on polymeric solid phase extraction sorbents for liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric analysis of human whole blood--a study on a number of beta-agonists and beta-antagonists.

Alternative strategies for sample preparation of human blood samples were evaluated including protein precipitation (PP) and solid phase extraction (SPE) on Waters Oasis polymeric columns. Gradient chromatography within 15 min was performed on a Hypersil Polar-RP column combined with a Sciex API 2000 triple quadrupol instrument equipped with an electro-spray interface. Beta-agonists and beta-antagonists available on the Swedish market were included in the study. A combination of zinc sulphate and ethanol was found effective for PP. A clear supernatant was achieved that either could be injected directly on the LC-MS-MS system for analysis or transferred to a SPE column for further extraction and analyte concentration. Retention on the hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced sorbent HLB as well as the mixed mode cationic MCX and anionic MAX sorbents were investigated. On HBL the relative lipophilicity of the target analytes was investigated. At a high pH when the amino alcohols are deprotonised the more non-polar analytes (e.g., carvediol, betaxolol, bisoprolol and propranolol) were well retained on the sorbent and for the majority methanol content higher than 50% in water (v/v) was needed for elution. Some analytes though, with additional weak acidic functionalities (fenoterol, salbutamol, sotalol, and terbutaline) were poorly retained. On MAX the retention of these weak acids was improved when loaded under basic conditions but under neutral conditions analyte recoveries was comparable with HLB. On MCX all the analytes were well retained allowing a wash step of 100% methanol at neutral and low pH. By applying the supernatant from PP in combination with an additional portion of aqueous formic acid (2%) the analytes could be loaded and retained. High extraction recoveries were found for most analytes but for a few, significant losses were seen during PP (e.g., formoterol) and/or evaporation (e.g., fenoterol, formoterol, labetalol and terbutaline). The effectiveness of the sample preparation was evaluated by ESI ion-suppression studies by post column infusion of the target analyte. An ethanol zinc sulphate aq mixture was found to be more effective than acetonitrile, methanol or ethanol for PP of human whole blood samples. Beside suppression by salts in the front peak, only limited suppression from other artefacts such as more lipophilic compounds was found late in the chromatograms. Some tendency though to concentrate more lipophilic artefacts on the Oasis sorbents was seen. These findings show that the Oasis MCX sorbent is well suited for sample preparation of beta-agonists and beta-antagonists from human whole blood if the objective is to cover a great number of the analytes in the same assay.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗