Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
Coupling ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography with single quadrupole mass spectrometry for the analysis of a
Julie Schappler1, Raul Nicoli, Dao Nguyen
1Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Boulevard d'Yvoy 20, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The coupling of ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography with a single quadrupole mass spectrometer was investigated for the analysis of several cytochromes P450 (CYP450) substrates and respective metabolites. The effect of numerous operating parameters (e.g. mobile phase pH, flow rate, gradient length, MS acquisition mode, dwell time, polarity switching, etc.) on selectivity, sensitivity and acquisition rate was studied. It was demonstrated that basic pH conditions provided the best compromise in terms of sensitivity and chromatographic selectivity with both acidic and basic compounds. The optimal mobile phase flow rate for UHPLC-MS experiments should be comprised between 300 and 600 microL/min for 2.1mm ID columns, while a higher flow rate generated up to 3-fold loss in sensitivity. It was also demonstrated that the fast polarity switching mode represented a valuable tool to improve throughput, maintaining acceptable performance. Finally, limits of detection were included in the range [1-50 ng/mL] in positive ionization mode and [50-250 ng/mL] in negative ionization mode, for investigated compounds.
Related Concept Videos
Mass Spectrometry: Complex Analysis
GC–MS is a powerful hyphenated method commonly used in forensics and environmental...
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Elution Process
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Introduction
In HPLC, two phases play a critical role in the separation process:
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS)
A gas chromatograph consists of a long, narrow capillary column with a polysiloxane coating on the inner wall. The coating...
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Types of Detectors
