Selective detection of alkaloids in MALDI-TOF: the introduction of a novel matrix molecule

Abstract

The current manuscript presents 3-[5'-(methylthio)-2,2'-bithiophen-5-ylthio]propanenitrile (MT3P), as a novel matrix molecule, which facilitates the selective ionization of alkaloids in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Exhibiting strong ionizing properties at low levels of laser energy, MT3P was evaluated on 55 compounds belonging to various chemical families. The observed molecular ion yields induced by MT3P were compared with those obtained by commercially available matrices such as 1,8-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydroanthracen-9-one, α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, 2,2':5',2"-terthiophene and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. In conclusion, MT3P displayed excellent ionization properties for 23 out of 25 investigated alkaloids, while showing little to no interaction with compounds from different chemical origin. Further, in comparison to other tested matrices, MT3P generally facilitated better ionization of alkaloids. Eventually, levels of laser energy were adjusted to obtain spectra with significantly reduced matrix noise.

Matrix-Free Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry as an Efficient Tool for the Rapid Detection of Opiates in Crude Extracts of Papaver somniferum

“…For the time being, very little is known about the ionization of opiates by laser desorption. Some reports describe the MALDI detection of morphine from bodily fluids, protein conjugates, and pharmaceutical preparations, − as well as from a monocomponent solution and TLC surfaces . Like LDI, MALDI yields instant results and may even provide increased sensitivity.…”

The Development of Novel Nanodiamond Based MALDI Matrices for the Analysis of Small Organic Pharmaceuticals

“…This is not surprising as the exact mechanism of ionization during MALDI-MS is not fully understood [6], with the vast majority of new matrices being introduced based on experimental data [31][32][33][34]. It is this fact that prompted us initially to evaluate a novel drug delivery agent ND-Lys as a MALDI matrix.…”

Simultaneous quantification of atropine and scopolamine in infusions of herbal tea and Solanaceae plant material by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (tandem) mass spectrometry

“…In contrast, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) has never been described before for the quantification of Atr and Scp. Nevertheless, there was evidence that alkaloids in general and Atr and Scp in particular are detectable by MALDI‐TOF MS. In principle, MALDI‐TOF MS approaches bear the advantage of rapid measurement (only a few seconds per spotted sample) for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes.…”