Ion-Pairing Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography for Impurity Profiling of Therapeutic Phosphorothioated Oligonucleotides

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 53, 2025

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezLCMS Library in the week of 12th January 2026? Check out new documents from the field of liquid phase, especially HPLC and LC/MS techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT LCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezGCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezICPMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application notes by <strong>Agilent Technologies, Shimadzu, Waters Corporation </strong>and poster by<strong> Thermo Fisher Scientific / HPLC!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: B Vitamin Analysis in Dietary Supplements on the Agilent 1290 Infinity III LC System</strong></h3><p><strong>Using ion-pairing reagent and supported by time‑saving automation of routine tasks using the Agilent InfinityLab Assist</strong></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_b_vitamin_dietary_supplements_1290_infinityiii_lc_5994_8826en_agilent_56b5eb2fb1.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>There is a huge variety of (multi)vitamin supplements on the market, with different vitamin combinations and different concentrations available. To ensure that the claimed vitamin contents are met, analysis of those supplements is&nbsp;necessary.&nbsp;</p><p>To ensure constant and good analytical performance, preparation of the analytical system is fundamental. There are different approaches to preparing the system for analysis. Purging the solvent lines from bottle to pump removes possible air bubbles, especially after longer breaks between instrument usage or changing eluent to the ion-pairing and buffer-containing eluent after the weekend. Equilibration can either be done by a calculated time (10–20 column volumes)1 , set as a fixed experimentally determined value, or manually monitored. Using a fixed time for equilibration can lead to unnecessary high solvent consumption, as equilibration may already be established and no monitoring was previously done. In contrast, manual monitoring of equilibration can be time-consuming and error-prone. For example, if there are no written rules regarding key points for equilibration of the column, its determination can be subjective (constant&nbsp;pressure and baseline of e.g. UV absorption).&nbsp;</p><p>As vitamins are grouped according to their water solubility and not their chemical structure, separation behavior can greatly differ as they have different charges at physiological pH. In such cases, ion-pairing reagents such as hexane sulfonic acid can enable the separation of those vitamins while using a reversed phase column. As ion-pairing LC depends on good equilibration to ensure the presence of ion‑pairing reagent within the system, the process of preparing the instrument is an inevitable step. This is essential for good and reproducible analytical results.&nbsp;</p><p>With the Agilent InfinityLab Assist, making your instrument ready is no longer a time-consuming and unpleasant procedure.<sup>1</sup> This application note demonstrates the separation of multiple B vitamins in multivitamin tablets and effervescent tablets using an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?search=1290+Infinity+III"><strong>Agilent 1290 Infinity III LC System</strong></a>. Furthermore, it is shown how the InfinityLab Assist can help users ensure good chromatographic results, save time, and reduce errors by replacing manual tasks with InfinityLab Assist tasks.&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Experimental&nbsp;</strong></h4><h5><strong>Equipment&nbsp;</strong></h5><ul><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity III High-Speed Pump (G7120A)&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity III Multisampler (G7167B) with Agilent InfinityLab Sample Thermostat (G4761A)&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity III Multicolumn Thermostat (G7116B) with Agilent InfinityLab Quick Connect Heat Exchanger (G7116-60015)&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent InfinityLab Level Sensing (G7175A)&nbsp;</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=InfinityLab+Assist"><strong>Agilent InfinityLab Assist</strong></a> (G7180A) with Agilent InfinityLab Assist Control Software, version 2.0&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity III Diode Array Detector (G7117B) with Agilent InfinityLab Max-Light Cartridge Cell (10 mm, 1.0 µL, G4212-60008)&nbsp;</li></ul><h5><strong>Software&nbsp;</strong></h5><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=OpenLab+CDS"><strong>Agilent OpenLab CDS,</strong></a> version 2.8, update 7 (or later versions)&nbsp;</li></ul><h5><strong>Column&nbsp;</strong></h5><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=InfinityLab+Poroshell+120+EC-C18"><strong>Agilent InfinityLab Poroshell 120 EC-C18</strong></a>, 2.1&nbsp;mm × 100 mm, 2.7 µm column (p/n 695775-902).</li></ul><h4><strong>Results and discussion&nbsp;</strong></h4><h5><strong>Separation of vitamin B1, B2, B5, B9, and B12&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>To analyze vitamin B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12 in vitamin supplements, different columns, mobile phases, and gradients were evaluated. The selected chromatographic conditions (Table 1) showed the best separation from peak to peak and additional matrix peaks. Hexane sulfonate was needed as an ion-pairing reagent to ensure good peak shapes, as all vitamins investigated, except vitamin B12, are expected to be charged based on their pKa values.3 The method detects the B vitamins investigated in vitamin tablets and effervescent tablets as demonstrated in Figure 1, showing chromatograms of aqueous standards and real samples. As some vitamins are present at higher doses, such as the 12 mg tablet (vitamin&nbsp;B5) compared to the 2.5 µg tablet (B12) in supplement 3 (Figure 1), parallel analysis is rather difficult, and not all vitamins present were detectable in each&nbsp;supplement.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Using the Agilent 1290 Infinity III LC System setup detection of vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12 in effervescent tablets and multivitamin supplement matrix, good separation was achieved. Using the Agilent InfinityLab Assist "Make&nbsp;Ready" task, the system was prepared for B vitamin analysis using only one automated task and no manual monitoring. Running this task automatically by scheduling saved more than 20 minutes of working time. Additionally, the time required for medium equilibration monitoring sensitivity was reduced by approximately six minutes, compared to manual equilibration. Furthermore, using the schedulable InfinityLab Assist "Standby" task, the risk of errors regarding instrument standby can be drastically reduced. User-defined settings enable adjustment for different purposes, such as switching of all modules except the sampler thermostat.<sup>2</sup> The ability to remove the used buffer and ion-pairing reagent from the flow path for longer storage by scheduling a standby task also greatly helps to prevent salt precipitation in the system without additional effort. Also, the InfinityLab Assist can clearly help to accelerate checking the instrument status while preparing the instrument, as well as during running&nbsp;samples.<sup>2</sup></p><h3><strong>2. Shimadzu: Analysis of Ammonia as an Impurity in Fuel Cell Grade Hydrogen According to ISO 14687 Grade D Using a Gas Generator</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01070_en_43a535bf87.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Hydrogen is expected to be a new power and heat source to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen is an easily available substance that can be produced from the electrolysis of water in our daily lives. However, when used in fuel cells, it is necessary to control impurities in hydrogen gas because certain impurities introduced during the manufacturing process deteriorate the electrode and electrolyte membrane, reducing the performance of the fuel cell or shortening its life. When ammonia is used as a carrier of hydrogen gas due to its distribution as a chemical, there is a possibility that ammonia may be introduced into hydrogen. This article presents an example of analysis of ammonia in hydrogen using an ion chromatograph (IC) based on the standard values described in ISO 14687 Grade D.<sup>1)</sup></p><h4><strong>Analysis of Ammonium Ion by IC</strong></h4><p>A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=HIC-NS"><strong>non-suppressor IC (HIC-NS)</strong></a> was used to analyze NH<sub>4</sub>. Since the IC can selectively measure ions dissolved in the sample, it is less affected by contaminants than other methods and can measure NH<sub>4</sub> with high accuracy. In addition, by using the same device together with a suppressor IC, it is possible to measure inorganic halogens and formic acid, which are other impurities listed in ISO 14687. Table 1 shows the analytical conditions for NH<sub>4</sub>, Fig. 2 shows the chromatogram of a standard sample at a concentration near the specified value (25 μg/L), and Fig. 3 shows the calibration curve in the range from 2.5 μg/L to 200 μg/L. As shown in Fig. 3, the linearity was greater than 0.9999. Table 2 shows the reproducibility of the sample at 10 μg/L, which is around 1/2 of the specified concentration, repeated 7 times.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>Ammonia, an impurity in hydrogen, was analyzed using a nonsuppressor IC, and it was confirmed that the method met the standard value specified by ISO 14687 Grade D. In addition, when ammonia standard gas near the standard value was mixed into hydrogen using a gas generator, a good recovery rate was obtained, which confirmed the validity of the method including the collection flow of pretreatment.</p><h3><strong>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific / HPLC: High-sensitive multi-attribute analysis of ADCs under native conditions by using an online multiple heart-cut 2D-LC-HRAM mass spectrometry system</strong></h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_high_sensitive_multi_attribute_analysis_adcs_native_conditions_po_en_28e7e0b002.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>ADCs are a rapidly expanding class of biotherapeutics for cancer treatment. Critical quality attributes such as charge heterogeneity, DAR, and drug distribution are essential for ensuring the safety, stability, and efficacy of ADCs. Strong cation exchange (SCX) and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) are conventional methods employed for charge variant analysis and DAR determination of ADCs1. However, these methods frequently utilize MS-incompatible salts, limiting their use for MS characterization. Online 2D-LC addresses this by enabling desalting in the second dimension(2D) and offering multi-attribute analysis in one method. Here, multiple heart-cut 2D-LC-HRAM MS methods were developed to achieve high sensitivity for the multi-attribute analysis of polatuzumab vedotin under native conditions.</p><h4><strong>Methods</strong></h4><p>A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/742"><strong>Thermo Scientific Vanquish 2D UHPLC system</strong></a>, coupled with a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/402"><strong>Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 240 mass spectrometer</strong></a> with Biopharma option, were utilized to configure the multiple heart-cut 2D-LC-HRAM MS system. HIC-SEC and SCXSEC methods were developed and optimized for the charge variants, drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) and drug load distribution (DLD) characterization of ADCs under native conditions.</p><h4><strong>Conclusions&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>In this study, an online multiple heart-cut 2D-LC-HRAM MS system was configured and optimized for the multi-attribute analysis of polatuzumab vedotin. This approach provides detailed and comprehensive insights into the charge heterogeneity analysis, DAR, and DLD analysis of polatuzumab vedotin under native conditions.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>The online multiple heart-cut 2D-LC system enables the direct transfer of SCX and HIC fractions to mass spectrometry analysis by utilizing SEC as a desalting step, thereby overcoming the MS-incompatibility buffer in the LC separation.&nbsp;</li><li>The backflush transfer of fractions was employed to enhance peak shape and sensitivity in the 2D SEC separation.&nbsp;</li><li>The 2D SEC-MS analysis enables the characterization of ADCs under native conditions.&nbsp;</li><li>The high sensitivity of the Orbitrap Exploris 240 MS allows for the identification of fractions with low abundance in the 1D chromatography</li></ul><h3><strong>4. Waters Corporation: Automated Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) Method Development for Peptide Drugs Using waters_connect for Quantitation Software</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/720009123_en_1f51e50be8.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h5><strong>Benefits&nbsp;</strong></h5><ul><li>Rapid evaluation and optimization of MRM conditions freeing up bioanalysts to perform other valuable tasks</li><li>Interactive graphical review of results facilitating informed decision making.&nbsp;</li><li>Elimination of transcription errors via direct transfer of MRM results to the LC-MS method editor.</li></ul><p>LC-MS/MS is the technology of choice for the quantification of drugs, metabolites, and biomarkers in biofluids, typically employing tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) with detection via MRM. MRM method development for classic small molecule drugs involves the selection of the best precursor and product ion followed by optimization of cone voltages and collision energies. This is achieved by infusion or LC injection of the analyte(s) of interest. For small molecule drug compounds, this process is usually straightforward and lends itself to automation as they largely generate singly charged ions. However, in electrospray mass spectrometry, biomolecules such as peptides, oligonucleotides, and proteins normally form several multiply charged precursor ions, e.g., M+3H3+, M+4H4+. This significantly complicates MRM method development, as each charge state can generate multiple fragment ions, all of which need to be compared both within and across each charge state to choose the best transition or transitions for analyte measurement.&nbsp;</p><p>The MRM Optimization tool with the waters_connect for Quantification Software has been specifically designed to address the challenge of MRM method development for multiply charged biomolecules. The Optimization tool facilitates the automatic acquisition of data from multiple precursor and product ion and collision energy combinations across several charge states, with the results reviewed via an interactive graphical interface. Here, the use of this optimization is illustrated, using the GLP-1 peptide, semaglutide, as an example.</p><h4><strong>Experimental</strong></h4><h5><strong>Mass Spectrometry</strong></h5><p>Mass spectrometry was performed on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2100"><strong>Waters Xevo™ TQ Absolute XR Mass Spectrometer</strong></a>, operated in positive ion electrospray ionization mode (ESI). Nitrogen was used as the nebulizer gas and argon as the collision gas. The cone voltage, collision energy, and MS/MS transitions were adjusted and evaluated using the waters_connect MRM Optimization tool.</p><h5><strong>Informatics&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>The mass spectrometer was controlled and resulting data evaluated using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1544"><strong>waters_connect for Quantitation</strong></a> Application Manager version 1.9.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The number of candidate biomolecule drugs, peptides, oligonucleotides, and proteins in pharmaceutical discovery and development is steadily increasing. These biomolecules require the development of quantitative LC-MS/MS assays to support discovery, preclinical, and human DMPK studies. Unlike small molecules, these biomolecules form multiply charged ions in the MS source, making MRM method development more challenging, as multiple charge state–product ion combinations must be evaluated and compared. The Optimization tool in waters_connect for Quantitation Software provides an automated, fast platform for the optimization and evaluation of the precursor ion → product ion pairs formed at each charge state, simplifying the process of LCMS/MS method development for biomolecules.</p>

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 03, 2026

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezLCMS Library in the week of 19th January 2026? Check out new documents from the field of liquid phase, especially HPLC and LC/MS techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT LCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezGCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezICPMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application notes by <strong>Agilent Technologies, Shimadzu, Waters Corporation </strong>and poster by<strong> Thermo Fisher Scientific!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: Automated Bioprocess Monitoring with Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Online LC Solutions</strong></h3><p><strong>Process analytics of L-alanine production using genetically modified </strong><i><strong>Vibrio natriegens</strong></i></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_automated_bioprocess_monitoring_1290_infinity_bioonline_solutions_5994_8865en_agilent_9f33de6ddf.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Bioprocess engineering is a challenging field because of the constantly changing nature of bioprocess models which make them difficult to validate.1 Consequently, process control needs to be developed at various levels using strategies tailored to these specific requirements.1 The performance and effectiveness of the bioreactor are determined by key performance indicators such as product yield, titer, production rate, and quality of the product.1 These factors can be quickly influenced by changes in process variables and the raw materials used.1,2 The ability to react quickly to problems is therefore crucial for preserving ongoing production, a factor that can be particularly significant in bioprocesses due to the substantial cost and time investmented.1,2 Such challenges can be tackled by constantly monitoring the bioprocess, which requires the ability to analyze and collect data quickly. Therefore, monitoring is of the utmost importance.&nbsp;</p><p>This application note describes the advantages of using an Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Online LC solution with Agilent Online LC Monitoring software. A bioreactor was interfaced with a Flownamics Seg-Flow S3 sampling system for aseptic withdrawal and an Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Online LC to make an hourly analysis.&nbsp;</p><p>This is a fully automated approach for taking sterile samples from a bioreactor and preparing or diluting them. In addition, the 1290 Infinity III Bio Online LC solution displays data in near real time, which is a crucial element for effective bioprocess&nbsp;monitoring.</p><h4><strong>Experimental&nbsp;</strong></h4><h5><strong>Equipment&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=1290+Infinity+III+Bio"><strong>1290 Infinity III Bio </strong></a>Online LC comprised the following&nbsp;modules:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Flexible Pump (G7131A) with an InfinityLab Quick Change Bio inline filter assembly (part&nbsp;number 5067-1607), 2.1 mm id, 0.2 µm pore size&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Online Sample Manager (G3167B) with Sample Thermostat (option #101) clustered with Agilent 1290 Infinity Valve Drive (G1170A), featuring a reactor valve pod (part number 5067-6680) and Online LC Monitoring Software&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity III Multicolumn Thermostat (G7116B) equipped with an Agilent Quick Connect Bio Heat Exchanger Std. (G7116-60071)&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity III Diode Array Detector (DAD) (G7117B), equipped with a Bio Max-Light Cartridge Cell (G4212-6008), 10 mm, 1 µL&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1260 Infinity High-Performance Degasser (G4225A) is connected between S1 (transport solvent) solvent line and Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Online Sample Manager (G3167B)&nbsp;</li></ul><h5><strong>Software&nbsp;</strong></h5><ul><li>Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=OpenLab+CDS"><strong>OpenLab CDS</strong></a> version 2.8 or later versions&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent Online LC Monitoring Software version 1.3 or later&nbsp;versions&nbsp;</li><li>Flownamics FlowWeb control&nbsp;software</li></ul><h5><strong>Instrumental configuration&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>The 1290 Infinity III Bio Online LC solution was used with a Seg-Flow interface for automatic sampling and online analysis (see Figure 1). The Seg-Flow interface was used to withdraw samples from a bioreactor through a Flownamics F-Series 310 FISP probe with a ceramic membrane filter (0.2&nbsp;µm pore size) from a 5 L bioreactor. The drawn samples were sent through the built-in sample collection cup on the Seg‑Flow to the LC and the samples were retained into vials. The collected samples were then automatically derivatized by using an injector program and subsequently analyzed. A more detailed description of the instrumental configuration has been published.<sup>3</sup></p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>For online bioprocess monitoring, a fully automated setup consisting of a bioreactor, a Flownamics sampling system, and an Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Online LC solution was successfully established. This setup is capable of taking aseptic samples from a bioreactor, preparing, analyzing, and processing samples without the need for manual interaction. In addition, the added value of the Agilent Online LC Monitoring software was evident in the display method and the ability to track it quickly.</p><h3><strong>2. Shimadzu: Analysis of Oligonucleotide Impurities Using Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00974_en_c50bb67c7a.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h4><strong>User Benefits</strong></h4><ul><li>Combination use of LCMS-2050 single quadrupole mass spectrometer and LabSolutions Insight Biologics provides comprehensive characterization of oligonucleotides and related impurities.</li><li>Purity calculations for target components can be performed even on poorly separated peaks by utilizing MS spectra simultaneously acquired with UV chromatogram.</li></ul><p>In recent years, oligonucleotide therapeutics have been paid attention as a novel drug discovery modality because of their rapid progress of development. During the synthesis of oligonucleotide therapeutics, impurities that have differing base chain lengths are generated along with the target oligonucleotide. To ensure the safety and efficacy of the drug, comprehensive detection and identification of these impurities are required.&nbsp;</p><p>Reversed phase ion-pair chromatography is often employed as a method to separate the target compound from co-existing impurities. However, it is often difficult to establish analytical conditions that provide compete separation of all impurities that are formed in synthesis process due to their similar structures and properties to the principal compound of active ingredient. Against this drawback, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is commonly used for impurity detection and identification. For analysis of oligonucleotide impurities, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometers are mainly used because of their high mass resolution and ability to perform sequence and structure estimations via MS/MS analysis. However, in quality control process, the use of a single quadrupole mass spectrometer is expected to be advantageous because of providing mass information with easy operation when impurity information is already known.&nbsp;</p><p>This article presents a simulated impurity analysis of synthetic oligonucleotide using the LCMS-2050 high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer and LabSolutions Insight Biologics.</p><h4><strong>Analytical conditions</strong></h4><p>The employed instrument setup was <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Nexera+XS"><strong>Nexera XS inert</strong></a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=LCMS-2050"><strong>LCMS-2050</strong></a>. HPLC conditions are shown in Table 2, and MS conditions are shown in Table 3. The conditions were set where n-1(5') co-eluted with FLP, while n-3(5') was separated (Fig. 1) to demonstrate impurity analysis performance.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>The simulated sample consisting of mainly FLP and small amounts of n-1(5')/n-3(5') was analyzed using the LCMS-2050 and LabSolutions Insight Biologics software and obtained data were processed appropriately. Detection, identification, and quantitation at low concentrations were accomplished not only for n-3(5') well-separated from FLP but also for n-1(5') co-eluted with FLP. In case that establishing analytical conditions is difficult, Using this instrument setup and software will provide efficient quality confirmation of oligonucleotide therapeutics.</p><h3><strong>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Simultaneous Quantitation and Untargeted Discovery (SQUAD) workflow using multiple fragmentation techniques for quantitation and characterization of trace level nitrosamine in biological matrices</strong></h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_squad_workflow_multiple_fragmentation_techniques_po_en_94a5b27b12.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>N-Nitrosamines are a class of carcinogenic chemical compounds that pose threat to humans exogenously through matrices like drinking water, food, cosmetics, and endogenously by nitrosation in gastrointestinal tract, nitrate to nitrite conversion, etc. An accurate, reliable analytical method is critical for detection and quantification of these trace-level, polar and low molecular weight compounds to understand the association between their exposure and related diseases.&nbsp;</p><p>An optimized SQUAD workflow is presented that discovers unknown compounds in the matrix by using high resolution orbitrap and a sensitive linear ion trap detector that quantifies the low intensity nitrosamines in a single run. The workflow uses multiple fragmentation types – HCD, CID and UVPD and MSn to help characterize isomeric structures.</p><h4><strong>Methods</strong></h4><p>Serial dilution of Nitrosamine standards were subjected to Simultaneous Quantitation and Discovery (SQUAD) analysis using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/744"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ Vanquish™ Horizon UHPLC system</strong></a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/561"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap IQ-X™ Tribrid™ mass spectrometer</strong></a> . Nitrosamine spiked matrices of human pooled urine and human Serum were subjected to SQUAD analysis.</p><h4><strong>Data Analysis&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Spectra were evaluated for nitrosamines using Thermo Scientific™ FreeStyle™ software and annotated using Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1757"><strong>Mass Frontier™ 8.0 software</strong></a>. Untargeted data analysis was performed using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1759"><strong>Compound Discoverer 3.4 software</strong></a>. Calibration curves were generated using Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/77"><strong>TraceFinder™ 5.2 software</strong></a>.</p><h4><strong>Conclusions&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>Detection limits as low ppb levels ( 0.2 ppb –0.5 ppb) and quantitation limits (0.2 ppb- 5 ppb ) in presence of the matrix were achieved for all seven nitrosamines by applying parallel ion trap analysis&nbsp;</li><li>SQUAD analysis was run on Orbitrap IQ-X Tribrid MS and achieved low ppb level quantitation in ion trap and identified unknown compounds through discovery analysis in Orbitrap.&nbsp;</li><li>Employing nano LC helped achieve lower limit of quantitation (5 ppt)</li></ul><h3><strong>4. Waters Corporation: Validated LC-MS/MS Method for Vitamin E Acetate in Cannabis Plants and Derived Products</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/720009082_en_c7a6fc6190.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h5><strong>Benefits&nbsp;</strong></h5><ul><li>The validated LC-MS/MS method provides high sensitivity and specificity for VEA quantification in complex cannabis matrices, including flower and concentrates.&nbsp;</li><li>Minimal sample preparation reduces handling time and improves laboratory throughput, supporting efficient routine analysis.&nbsp;</li><li>The method demonstrates robust performance across multiple matrices, ensuring reliable detection even in lipid-rich, chemically diverse samples.</li><li>Use of Waters ACQUITY UPLC H-Class System and Xevo TQ-S micro Mass Spectrometer enables accurate quantitation well below regulatory requirements.&nbsp;</li><li>The validated method complies with Missouri DCR and DHSS regulatory limits, enabling laboratories to confidently monitor VEA in cannabis products.</li></ul><p>VEA is used as a diluent and viscosity modifier in certain cannabis-derived products, including vaping formulations. Following increased public health awareness during 2019, VEA became a marker of interest for quality control and regulatory surveillance across cannabis supply chains due to its potential impact on lung health. In addition to concentrates and vape liquids, trace residues may be present in infused products and processing intermediates. Therefore, reliable quantification of VEA in these chemically diverse, lipid-rich matrices requires an analytical method that is sensitive, selective, and robust against matrix effects. In February 2024, Missouri’s DCR revised the tolerance limit for VEA in cannabis products from 0.2 ppm to 5 ppm.<sup>1&nbsp;</sup></p><p>Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) provides the sensitivity and specificity required to distinguish VEA from endogenous cannabinoids, terpenes, and other lipophilic excipients, while also offering the sensitivity to support low-ppm and sub-ppm action limits. Unlike UVbased methods, where co-eluting chromophores may interfere, LC-MS/MS enables targeted multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for confident identification and accurate quantitation in complex cannabis matrices.&nbsp;</p><p>This application note describes the validation of an LC-MS/MS method for the quantitation of VEA in two inhalable products, cannabis flower and cannabis concentrates. The method was developed and validated using the Waters ACQUITY UPLC H-Class System coupled with a Xevo TQ-S micro Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer. Chromatographic separation was achieved with a reversed-phase ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 Column. A streamlined sample preparation approach was applied for cannabis flowers and concentrates, which minimizes handling time and increases sample throughput.&nbsp;</p><p>The validation study was conducted at GPA. Method performance was evaluated for calibration range, linearity, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision, recovery, repeatability, and robustness. The results of these are evaluated against acceptance criteria set by State of Missouri DHSS and presented in this application note.</p><h4><strong>Experimental&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>LC system: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/198"><strong>ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Plus System&nbsp;</strong></a></li><li><strong>MS detection: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/209"><strong>Xevo TQ-S micro Mass Spectrometer&nbsp;</strong></a></li><li><strong>Column: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1952"><strong>ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 Column</strong></a>, 2.1 x 50 mm, 1.7 µm (p/n: 186002350)</li><li><strong>Software:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/635"><strong>MassLynx™ 4.1 Software&nbsp;</strong></a></li><li><strong>Data processing: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=5&amp;search=TargetLynx"><strong>TargetLynx™</strong></a> Application</li></ul><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The LC-MS/MS method developed and validated for VEA quantification in cannabis flower and concentrates demonstrates excellent linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness, and meets the regulatory requirements. Calibration curves achieved R² values greater than 0.999, with LOD and LOQ well below the Missouri action limit of 5 ppm. Matrix-spiked recoveries across flower and concentrate samples were within the 70–130% acceptance range, and QC samples met all performance criteria, confirming method reliability. Robustness testing across analysts and matrices further validated the method’s reproducibility. Overall, this approach provides a streamlined, sensitive, and regulatory-compliant workflow for laboratories, enabling accurate monitoring of VEA to support quality control, consumer safety, and regulatory compliance in cannabis-derived products</p>

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