When performing LC–MS-MS analysis, phospholipids are perhaps one of the most troublesome components of bioanalytical samples.
The presence of phospholipids not only reduces the column lifetime and sensitivity but can also cause a phenomenon known as
ion suppression.
This work compares the presence of phospholipids in plasma samples after two different sample preparation techniques, protein
precipitation and simultaneous protein precipitation and phospholipid removal using a new product, Phree.
Experimental Conditions
Table 1: Sample preparation protocols.
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Plasma samples from the same lot were prepared (Table 1) and were injected on a Kinetex® 2.6 µm C18 core–shell column coupled
with an API 3000 MS (AB SCIEX) (Figure 1). A total phospholipid profile was monitored using m/z 184–184.
Results and Discussion
Figure 1: Total phospholipid profile.
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When monitoring the total phospholipid profile, the protein precipitated plasma showed a large amount of phospholipids. In
comparison, the plasma sample that was prepared using Phree showed virtually no phospholipids (Figure 1).
Figure 2: Column sensitivity after 250 injections.
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We also studied analyte response by comparing diclofenac spiked plasma samples. After sample preparation, 20 µL samples were
injected on a Kinetex® 2.6 µm C18 core–shell column. The diclofenac signal in the protein precipitated samples was immediately
lower than the signal in the Phree extracted samples. The signal in the protein precipitated sample rapidly decreases. The
Phree extracted sample shows a steadier signal and is able to withstand > 250 injections (Figure 2). The higher signal strength
of the Phree extracted sample is due to the reduction of phospholipid induced ion suppression. The significant reduction in
phospholipid build up on the column and MS source also resulted in an increase in column lifetime and a decrease in the amount
of MS maintenance required.
Conclusion
By preparing samples with Phree, analysts can remove proteins and phospholipids in 4 short steps resulting in immediate improvements
to their chromatography work.
For more information about Phree, visit
http://www.phenomenex.com/Phree.
Phenomenex Inc.
411 Madrid Avenue, Torrance, California 90501, USA
tel. +1 (310) 212 0555 +1 (310) 328 7768
Website:
http://www.phenomenex.com
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