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Advances in LC-MS Methods for Quantitation of Drugs and Biomarkers in Biological Matrices

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Discover how LGC is overcoming the challenges of analyzing peptides with LC-MS

3 Feb 2017
Lucy Vass
Administrator / Office Personnel

Editorial article

 James Howard, Scientist within Drug Development Services at LGC

We plan to continue to screen n-MBA when we analyze peptides as it can give us a good boost in sensitivity for certain peptides

James Howard,  


Drug Development Services, LGC

James Howard, a Scientist within Drug Development Services at LGC, gave SelectScience® an insight into his role in the development of LC-MS methods for the quantitation of drugs and biomarkers in biological matrices.

“Peptides are more challenging to analyze using mass spectrometry than small molecules because they are harder to specifically extract from matrix, show greater instability in plasma and a higher sensitivity is required” James explained. He also highlighted that in the spectrum of a typical peptide, a charge state envelope appears and the signal is split over multiple charge states, giving the technique low sensitivity.

One way to overcome the high sensitivity challenge is by using supercharging reagents which are added to the mobile phase. James discussed recent research carried out at LGC into the supercharging reagent m-NBA (meta nitrobenzyl alcohol), which has been successful in altering the peptide charge state distribution enabling high sensitivity to be obtained for some peptides.

Watch the full interview here and visit LGC’s company profile to find out more about its services.

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LC-MSLC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) systems and equipment are used for separation and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures, combining liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Quantify proteins, contaminants, pesticides or screen for drug metabolites with a high level of sensitivity. LC-MS systems and equipment include reverse phase, normal phase and specialized columns integrated with various MS detectors such as time-of-flight (TOF), quadrupole, orbitrap or ion trap mass analyzers. LC-MS/MS instruments equipped with a qTOF or triple quadrupole analyzer give greater sensitivity and resolving power to your analysis. Find the best LC-MS equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. Protein PurificationProtein purification is a vital step in drug discovery, therapeutics, biotech and life science research. The purification process typically involves subcellular or membrane protein extraction with cell lysis kits, separation of proteins from cell debris by filtration or spin columns, and the isolation of proteins of interest from other proteins and impurities with affinity purification (including fusion protein tags and antibody binding proteins A, G and L), immunoprecipitation or chromatographic methods, such as ion exchange, size exclusion and immobilized metal affinity chromatography. All purification methods come in multiple formats for your laboratory needs, including agarose or magnetic beads, resins, columns and filter plates. Find the best protein purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Clinical TrialsClinical Trials, an essential part of drug discovery process, assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical Trials are a phased process (Phase 0, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV) which begins after initial preclinical testing.Protein DetectionProtein detection techniques are essential for understanding protein expression, localization, and function. Methods such as western blotting, ELISA, and mass spectrometry are commonly used in research and diagnostics. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best tools for protein detection, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.BiopharmaceuticalsBiopharmaceuticals are proteins and other compounds (such as nucleic acids) produced by living organisms that have uses as therapeutics or for in vivo diagnostics. The most well known example of a biopharmaceutical product, and the first to be approved for therapeutic use, was recombinant human insulin.PeptidesPeptides are short chains of amino acids that play key roles in biological processes, including signaling, immune responses, and enzyme regulation. Peptide research is critical in drug discovery, diagnostics, and vaccine development. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best peptides and peptide-related products, compare options, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Drug DevelopmentDrug development refers to the process of bringing a new drug to market.Biomarker DiscoveryClinical biomarkers refer to substances related to known medical conditions that can be accurately measured <i>in vitro</i>. Biomarkers can be used to diagnose presence of a disease and indicate disease severity. The discovery of new biomarkers is incredibly valuable in the field of diagnostics.

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