Chemometric and sensometric techniques in enological data analysis.

Enological evaluations capture the chemical and sensory space of wine using different techniques; many sensory methods as well as a variety of analytical chemistry techniques contribute to the amount of information generated. Data fusion, especially integrating data sets, is important when working with complex systems. The success reported when trying to integrate different modalities is generally low and has been attributed to the lack of statistically considerate strategies focusing on the data handling process. Multiple stages of data handling must be carefully considered when dealing with multi-modal data. In this review, the different stages in the data analysis process were examined. The study revealed misconceptions surrounding the process and elucidated rules for purpose-driven approaches by examining the complexities of each stage and the impact the decisions made at each stage have on the resulting models. The two major modeling approaches are either supervised (discrimination, classification, prediction) or unsupervised (exploration). Supervised approaches were emphatic on the pre-processing steps and prioritized increasing performance. Unsupervised approaches were mostly used for preliminary steps. The review found aspects often neglected when it came to the data collection and capturing which in the end contributed to the low success in combining sensory and chemistry data.

Sample preparation for large-scale bioanalytical studies based on liquid chromatographic techniques.

Quality of the analytical data obtained for large-scale and long term bioanalytical studies based on liquid chromatography depends on a number of experimental factors including the choice of sample preparation method. This review discusses this tedious part of bioanalytical studies, applied to large-scale samples and using liquid chromatography coupled with different detector types as core analytical technique. The main sample preparation methods included in this paper are protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, derivatization and their versions. They are discussed by analytical performances, fields of applications, advantages and disadvantages. The cited literature covers mainly the analytical achievements during the last decade, although several previous papers became more valuable in time and they are included in this review.

Use of a green (bio) solvent--limonene--as extractant and immiscible diluent for large volume injection in the RPLC-tandem MS assay of statins and related metabolites in human plasma.

Limonene, considered a green solvent, was successfully used to extract simvastatin, lovastatin, and their hydroxy-acid metabolites from human plasma samples. The extraction process was followed by the direct injection of a large volume aliquot (100 µL) from the limonene layer into a Zorbax SB-C(18) Rapid Resolution chromatographic column (50 mm length × 4.6 mm i.d. × 1.8 µm d.p.), operated under gradient elution reversed-phase separation mechanism. Tandem mass spectrometry operated under the multiple reaction monitoring mode was used for detection, providing low quantitation limits in the 0.25-0.5 ng/mL concentration interval. This method was validated and used for quantitation of simvastatin and its hydroxy acid metabolite in incurred plasma samples obtained from two volunteers participating in a bioequivalence study, using lovastatin and its hydroxy analog as internal standards. The results were statistically compared with those produced by means of an alternative RPLC-tandem MS using protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The quality attributes of the two methods are comparatively discussed. The agreement between the quality characteristics of the two methods and the experimental results obtained on real samples may be considered as a consistent basis for the simultaneous use of limonene as extraction medium and injection diluent for hydrophobic compounds in bioanalytical approaches.

Linearization of the MS response function: case study for metformin assay in plasma samples for bioequivalence purposes.

Calibration data of LC-MS/MS rarely fit the pure least square regression model, especially for large concentration intervals. The response function of the MS instrument is corrected by weighted regression models or logarithms. The choice of a response linearization method is based on results produced through back-interpolation of experimental data and/or evaluation of correlation coefficients. Two bioequivalence studies carried out for pharmaceutical formulations containing metformin gave us the opportunity to appreciate the impact of the MS response linearization method (logarithm and 1/x weighted linear regression) on method quality characteristics. The sample preparation was based on protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax CN column (mobile phase acetonitrile and aqueous 10 m m ammonium acetate solution, pH 3.5). Tandem MS detection was performed on a triple quadrupole spectrometer equipped with an electrospray source, operated under positive-ion mode. The method was validated and used for evaluation of the bioequivalence of formulations containing 500 and 1000 mg metformin. The 500 mg metformin study used logarithms for linearization of the detector response, while the 1000 mg metformin study was based on 1/x linear weighted regression. Data resulting from validations and studies completion were compared with evaluate the impact of the response linearization on the method quality characteristics.

Retention study of some cation-type compounds using bile acid sodium salts as ion pairing agents in liquid chromatography.

The possibility of forming ion-pairs between bile acids (sodium taurocholate, sodium taurodeoxycholate and sodium taurochenodeoxycholate) and different compounds (pralidoxime, obidoxime and pyridostigmine) having a cationic character has been studied in reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC). This study can be useful in understanding the role of bile acids in the transport of ionic species through hydrophobic membrane. The present study focused on the influence of mobile phase composition on the retention parameters of chosen compounds (percentage of acetonitrile, pH of aqueous component or ionic strength). For constant concentration of bile acids in aqueous component of mobile phase the functional dependencies between the logarithm of the retention factor (k) and the methanol content in the mobile phase followed a binomial pattern (U-shaped), with a minimum positioned within the interval 70-85% methanol.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of some oximes and associated therapeutic consequences: a critical review.

Undoubtedly, the use of oximes represents real progress in counteracting intoxications with organophosphates (OP), through potentiating antidotal effects of atropine. The penetration extent of these compounds through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to significantly reactivate phosphorylated or phosphonylated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain still remains a debatable issue. Penetration of biological barriers by oximes was investigated mainly through determination of several quantitative parameters characterizing digestive absorption and BBB penetration. A weak penetration of biological barriers could be concluded from the available experimental data. The functional parameters/therapeutic effects following the penetration of oximes through BBB, more precisely the antagonism of OP-induced seizures and hypothermia, prevention of brain damage and respiratory center protection, leading to the final end-point, the survival of intoxicated organisms, are of high interest. It seems obvious that oximes are weakly penetrating the BBB, with minimal brain AChE reactivation (<5%) in important functional areas, such as the ponto-medullar. The cerebral protection achieved through administration of oximes is only partial, without major impact on the antagonism of OP-induced seizures, hypothermia and respiratory center inhibition. The antidotal effects probably result from synergic effects of other PD properties, different from the brain AChE reactivation process. Oxime structures especially designed for enhanced BBB penetration, through potentiating the hydrophobic characteristics, more often produce neurotoxic effects. Certainly, obtaining oximes with broad action spectrum (active against all OP types) would make a sense, but certainly, such a target is not achievable only through the increase in their penetrability in the brain.

Bioanalysis of pentoxifylline and related metabolites in plasma samples through LC-MS/MS.

Analytical aspects related to the assay of pentoxifylline (PTX), lisofylline (M1) and carboxypropyl dimethylxanthine (M5) metabolites are discussed through comparison of two alternative analytical methods based on liquid chromatography separation and atmospheric pressure electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry detection. One method is based on a 'pure' reversed-phase liquid chromatography mechanism, while the second one uses the additional polar interactions with embedded amide spacers linking octadecyl moieties to the silicagel surface (C-18 Aqua stationary phase). In both cases, elution is isocratic. Both methods are equally selective and allows separation of unknowns (four species associated to PTX, two species associated to M1) detected through specific mass transitions of the parent compounds and owning respective structural confirmation. Plasma concentration-time patterns of these compounds follow typical metabolic profiles. It has been advanced that in-vivo formation of conjugates of PTX and M1 is possible, such compounds being cleaved back to the parent ones within the ion source. The first method was associated with a sample preparation procedure based on plasma protein precipitation by strong organic acid addition. The second method used protein precipitation by addition of a water miscible organic solvent. Both analytical methods were fully validated and used to assess bioequivalence between a prolonged release generic formulation and the reference product, under multidose and single dose approaches.

Competitional hydrophobicity driven separations under RP-LC mechanism: application to sulfonylurea congeners.

Retention of a model set of sulfonylurea compounds has been studied under RP-LC conditions, considering competitional effects brought by different alcohols (ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, and 1-octanol) used as additives in the organic component of the mobile phase (methanol). The capacity factors determined for the model compounds decreased with the increase of the hydrophobic character of the organic additive in the mobile phase. The amount of the additive within the organic component of the mobile phase was kept constant (1% as volumetric ratio). Retention was studied at different mobile phase compositions (aqueous to organic component ratios). Different functional fitting models were used to correlate retention to the content of the organic component in the mobile phase. Extrapolation of retention expressed as capacity factor to a mobile phase composition free of organic component is well correlated to the hydrophobic characteristics of the organic additives. The adsorption model was used for tuning the experimental find-outs. The possibility of controlling retention through the competitive effects induced by hydrophobic additives in the mobile phase is highlighted.

Assay of free captopril in human plasma as monobromobimane derivative, using RPLC/(+)ESI/MS/MS: validation aspects and bioequivalence evaluation.

A sensitive method for determination of free captopril as monobromobimane derivative in plasma samples is discussed. The internal standard (IS) was 5-methoxy-1H-benzimidazole-2-thiol. Derivatization with monobromobimane immediately after blood collection and plasma preparation prevents oxidation of captopril to the corresponding disulfide compound and enhances the ionization yield. Consequently, derivatization enhances sample stability and detection sensitivity. Addition of the internal standard was made immediately after plasma preparation. The internal standard was also derivatized by monobromobimane, as it contains a thiol functional group. Preparation of plasma samples containing captopril and IS derivatives was based upon protein precipitation through addition of acetonitrile, in a volumetric ratio 1:2. The reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation was achieved on a rapid resolution cartridge Zorbax SB-C(18), monitored through positive electrospray ionization and tandem MS detection using the multiple-reaction monitoring mode. Transitions were 408-362 amu for the captopril derivative and 371-260 amu for the internal standard derivative. The kinetics of captopril oxidation to the corresponding disulfide compound in plasma matrix was also studied using the proposed method. A linear log-log calibration was obtained over the concentration interval 2.5-750 ng/mL. A low limit of quantitation in the 2.5 ng/mL range was obtained. The analytical method was fully validated and successfully applied in a three-way, three-period, single-dose (50 mg), block-randomized bioequivalence study for two pharmaceutical formulations (captopril LPH 25 and 50 mg) against the comparator Capoten 50 mg.

Effect of large volume injection of hydrophobic solvents on the retention of less hydrophobic pharmaceutical solutes in RP-LC.

Injection of large volumes of samples in solvents other than mobile phase composition has been proved for some less hydrophobic compounds. Thus, the retention behavior of several compounds of pharmaceutical interest (isosorbide-2-nitrate, isosorbide-5-nitrate, tropicamide, pentoxifylline, and methyl p-hydroxybenzoate) was studied by using different hydrophobic solvents (n-hexane, n-heptane, or i-octane) as sample solvents. Two types of stationary phases were used: octyl and octadecyl modified silica (both of Zorbax Eclipse type). The experiments showed a linear dependence between capacity factor of each solute and sample injection volume, up to maximum volume values of about 680 microL for C8 stationary phase and 580 microL for C18 stationary phase, when the solutes are no longer retained in stationary phase. Injection of large volumes of these hydrophobic solvents is thus possible in RP-LC with a gradual reduction of retention and peak efficiency. Two major conditions are however necessary in order to apply such an injection approach: the solutes must have a proper solubility in hydrophobic solvents and meanwhile they have to be less hydrophobic than the sample solvent in order to avoid competition with solvent molecules in partitioning between mobile and stationary phases.

Simultaneous assay of metformin and glibenclamide in human plasma based on extraction-less sample preparation procedure and LC/(APCI)MS.

Separation of metformin and glibenclamide was achieved within a single chromatographic run on a Zorbax CN column, under isocratic conditions, using acetonitrile and aqueous component (0.01 moles/L ammonium acetate adjusted at pH 3.5 with acetic acid) in volumetric ratio 1/1. Plasma sample preparation is based on protein precipitation by means of organic solvent addition. 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine (IS1) was used as internal standard for metformin, while gliquidone (IS2) played the same role for glibenclamide. Detection was performed with an ion trap mass analyzer, using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI). A single MS stage was used for detection of metformin and IS1, by extracting ion chromatograms corresponding to molecular ions. MS/MS detection in the SRM mode was used for glibenclamide (m/z transition from 494 to 369 Da) and IS2 (m/z transition from 528 to 403 Da). The method produces linear responses up to 2000 ng/mL for metformin and 400 ng/mL for glibenclamide, respectively. Low limits of quantification were found in the 40 ng/mL range for metformin and at the 4 ng/mL level for glibenclamide. Precision was characterized by relative standard deviations (RSD%) below 9%. The analytical method was successfully applied to a single dose, open-label, randomized, two-period, two-sequence, crossover bioequivalence study of two commercially available anti-diabetic combinations containing 400 mg metformin and 2.5 mg of glibenclamide per coated tablet.

Determination of glibenclamide in human plasma by liquid chromatography and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/MS-MS detection.

A simple and fast method intended for large-scale bioequivalence studies for the determination of glibenclamide in plasma samples is presented. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a monolithic octadecyl chemically modified silicagel column and a mobile phase containing 42% aqueous 0.1% HCOOH solution (v/v) and 58% acetonitrile, at a flow rate of 1 mL/min, in isocratic conditions. Preparation of plasma samples was based on protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Gliquidone was used as internal standard. The target analytes were transferred into an ion trap mass analyzer via an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization interface. The precursor ions with mass 494 a.m.u. for glibenclamide and 528 a.m.u. for gliquidone were isolated, while in the second MS stage product ions 369 a.m.u. and 403 a.m.u., respectively, were monitored. The analytical process was characterized by a low limit of quantitation of 1.5 ng/mL. The mean recovery for glibenclamide was 98.1+/-2.8% over a concentration interval ranging from 1 to 500 ng/mL. Intra-day and inter-day precision calculated over 2-400 ng/mL concentration interval ranged from 15.4% to 3.4%. Inter-sequence accuracy expressed as % bias from theoretical concentration values over the concentration interval of 10-400 ng/mL fall within -13.9% and +14.6%. The method was applied for evaluation of the bioequivalence between two formulations containing 3.5mg glibenclamide per dose.

Achiral-chiral LC/LC-FLD coupling for determination of carvedilol in plasma samples for bioequivalence purposes.

Bioequivalence data for two pharmaceutical formulations (solid oral dosage forms) containing carvedilol is presented for both racemic and enantiomers of the active substance. This was achieved by on-line coupling of two liquid chromatographic separations followed by fluorescence detection. The first LC dimension was used for a fast separation of racemic carvedilol from propranolol (IS) and the endogenous matrix, by means of a reversed phase mechanism. The peak of racemic carvedilol was on-line transferred to the second enantioselective LC dimension, based on a reversed phase separation on cellulose tris(3,5-dimethyl-phenylcarbamate) stationary phase. Both stages were monitored over a single run by means of a fluorescence detector operated at an excitation wavelength of 285 nm and an emission wavelength of 355 nm. Automated shortcutting of the racemic carvedilol peak to the chiral column and simultaneous detection over the two LC dimensions have been obtained by using an experimental set-up based on two six-port rotative switching valves. Linearity was demonstrated on the interval 2-150 ng/mL for racemic carvedilol and on 1-75 ng/mL intervals for enantiomers. LLOQ fits between 0.7 and 1.4 ng/mL. Recoveries of the target compounds are 87+/-4 and 81+/-4% for the IS. Precision ranged from 0.6 to 2.5% and the mean accuracy obtained on quality control samples (measured as % bias) over the whole study falls between -0.8 and 6.3%.

Fast RPLC-UV method on short sub-two microns particles packed column for the assay of tenoxicam in plasma samples.

An extraction-less sample preparation technique followed by a RPLC-UV method on sub-two microns particles packed short column were used for the assay of tenoxicam in plasma samples. Protein precipitation was made by means of trichloroacetic acid addition. Supernatant was injected to the chromatographic column without any further pH adjustment. The mobile phase consisted in a mixture of acetonitrile and aqueous 0.1% phosphoric acid, at 2 mL/min flow rate and gradient elution. The Zorbax SB-C18 column (50 mm length, 4.6 mm internal diameter and 1.8 microm particle size) was thermostated at 60 degrees C. The mobile phase gradient composition program allowed separation of tenoxicam and piroxicam (internal standard), column clean-up and re-equilibration within 4 min. UV detection was achieved at 368+/-10 nm. The method is characterized by a low limit of quantitation of 25 ng/mL for tenoxicam, with a linearity interval up to 5500 ng/mL. The use of a low volume detection cell and detector high frequency data acquisition rate produced high precision and accuracy through a whole bioequivalence study of tenoxicam in two commercially available tablet formulations, after a single oral administration dose. Full method validation is presented. The high throughput characteristic of the proposed method allowed full validation and bioanalytical study completion within a 96 h period.

The forgotten or underestimated relevance of biopharmaceutical-based assessments for the oral absorption studies of oxime reactivators.

INTRODUCTION: The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADME(T)) of oxime reactivators have been assessed with respect to their polarity, a fundamental requirement for their specific mechanism of action in the intoxication with organophosphorous compounds. The limitations of the therapeutic outcome have been associated not only with the severity of intoxication and to particularities of the toxicants, but also to the reduced lipophilicity and consequent restricted permeability across biological barriers. AREAS COVERED: This article inventories the plethora of mnemotic rules developed throughout the years for defining chemical spaces where drugs share one or more structural and ADME(T) characteristics. Their applicability to oxime is analyzed, especially in relation to intestinal absorption and brain distribution. Other aspects of oximes for antidotal outcome are also reviewed. EXPERT OPINION: The drugability rules are not applicable to oxime reactivators, because the increase in lipophicity and consequent improved permeability across biological barrier comes together with amplified (neuro)toxicity and reduced reactivating capacity. The available data suggest a high solubility and reduced metabolism, assigning the quaternary oximes to the fourth class of Biopharmaceutical Classification Systems. Reliance upon oral absorption data for designing safe centrally acting oximes can be of potential value, with adequate characterization of uptake-influx transporters interplay.

Liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of indapamide in serum for single/multiple dose bioequivalence studies of sustained release formulations.

Indapamide and internal standard (5-chloro-2-methoxy-N-[2-(4-sulphamoylphenyl)ethyl]benzamide) were isolated from plasma by a single step liquid-liquid extraction in t-butyl methyl ether. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed-phase C(18) monolithic column with a mobile phase consisting in a methanol/aqueous 0.1% formic acid mixture and a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min, in isocratic conditions, within 11 min. Target compounds were transferred in an ion trap analyzer via an atmospheric pressure electrospray interface (AP-ESI). The mass analyzer was used in a selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode, in order to enhance on detection selectivity. Whole method produces quantitation limit for indapamide of 1 ng/ml. Method was successfully applied to assess bioequivalence of two sustained release marketed pharmaceutical formulations of indapamide 1.5 mg coated tablets, carried-out in a single/multiple doses, randomized design.

Relationships between the antidotal efficacy and structure, PK/PD parameters and bio-relevant molecular descriptors of AChE reactivating oximes: inclusion and integration to biopharmaceutical classification systems.

INTRODUCTION: The therapeutic outcome of oximes used as reactivators of phosphorylated human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is influenced, among other factors, by their biological distribution, their in vivo ability to achieve the nucleophilic attack and their affinity for the anionic center of the intact/inhibited AChE. AREAS COVERED: An in silico evaluation of the molecular descriptors and biopharmaceutical properties of 454 set of oximes has been achieved. The available pharmacokinetic (PK) data was analyzed, in an attempt to illustrate their common characteristics and particularities. Based on the observed high water solubility and low permeability across biological barriers, we applied the officially adopted classification systems based on biopharmaceutical properties to identify the existing biopharmaceutical differences between the various oxime entities and to predict their in vivo fate. EXPERT OPINION: The structural differences of the organophosphorus compounds (OP) and the available oximes reactivators of OP-inhibited AChE generate distinct toxicokinetic or PK profiles. The tissue compartment specific distribution is one of the key elements for assessment of reactivating efficiency. The distribution through highly specialized barriers, such as blood-brain barrier remains a considerable challenge. The high solubility - low permeability biopharmaceutical profile of oximes can be used to suggest the possible involvement of active transport systems.

Ethyl lactate as a greener alternative to acetonitrile in RPLC: a realistic appraisal.

Appropriate substitution of acetonitrile (ACN) in mobile phases for reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) by low toxicity, ecologically friendly alternative solvents emerges as a greener approach in separation sciences. Ethyl lactate is considered as a green solvent in organic synthesis, industrial extraction processes and many other applicative fields. Its ability to substitute ACN in mobile phases for RPLC applications was barely investigated. The feasibility of such a replacement was tested for the separation of the mixture of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons listed by the Environmental Protection Agency. The analytical approach was found to be achievable, with some compromises in terms of elution order, peak efficiency and UV detectability. Thermodynamic aspects of the chromatographic process were also comparatively assessed. Correlations between the elution order and some molecular descriptors were also discussed.

Validated HPLC determination of 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]cyclohexanone, an impurity in tramadol, using a precolumn derivatisation reaction with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine.

A new method for the determination of 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]cyclohexanone (DAMC) in Tramadol (as active substance or active ingredient in pharmaceutical formulations) is described. The method is based on the derivatisation of 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]cyclohexanone with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH) in acidic conditions followed by a reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation with UV detection. The method is simple, selective, quantitative and allows the determination of 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]cyclohexanone at the low ppm level. The proposed method was validated with respect to selectivity, precision, linearity, accuracy and robustness.

Validation of a LC-fluorescence method for determination of free captopril in human plasma, using a pre-column derivatization reaction with monobromobimane.

Both derivatization of free captopril in human plasma samples using monobromobimane as fluorescent label and the corresponding HPLC-fluorescence detection (FLD) method were validated. Calibration curve for the fluorescent captopril derivative in plasma samples is linear in the ppb-ppm range with a detection limit of 4 ppb and an identification limit of 10 ppb (P%: 90; nu > or = 5). These methods were successfully applied on bioequivalence studies carried out on some marketed pharmaceutical formulations.