Electromembrane Extraction of Posaconazole for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometric...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Separation Science
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI/MS) is a powerful analytical technique.
• Efficient sample preparation is crucial for sensitive and accurate MALDI/MS analysis.
• Electromembrane extraction (EME) offers a promising approach for analyte preconcentration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a new electromembrane extraction (EME) method for posaconazole determination.
• To couple EME with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI/MS) for enhanced detection.
• To assess the method's applicability for analyzing posaconazole in biological samples, such as human serum.

Main Methods:

• A novel EME setup utilizing a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane within a hollow fiber and glass tube system was designed.
• Posaconazole was extracted from an aqueous solution by applying an electrical potential difference (80 V).
• The extracted analyte was directly analyzed by MALDI/MS after applying an α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) matrix solution.

Main Results:

• The developed EME-MALDI/MS method achieved a linear calibration curve for posaconazole over a concentration range of 0.10–100.00 nM.
• An impressive enhancement factor of 138 was observed for posaconazole.
• A low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 nM was achieved at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3.

Conclusions:

• The novel electromembrane extraction technique coupled with MALDI/MS provides a highly sensitive and efficient method for posaconazole quantification.
• The method demonstrates successful application in the determination of posaconazole in complex human serum samples.
• This approach holds significant potential for the analysis of pharmaceutical compounds and other analytes in various matrices.