title: Performance assessment of microflow LC combined with high-resolution MS in bioanalysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There continues to be consistent pressure for bioanalytical scientists to achieve lower limits of quantitation. The reasons range from smaller sample volumes available for analysis, to more potent analytes and the growth of biologics in drug development. This has led scientists to investigate alternative LC techniques, including microflow and nanoflow. These techniques have been shown to increase sensitivity of electrospray methods and reduce ionization matrix effects. Because high-resolution MS has significant benefits for the analysis of biologics, this type of mass spectrometer is becoming increasingly important in bioanalysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For microflow analysis, a new ion source and significant extra sample preparation or chromatographic separation are not required. However, increased sensitivity and reduced matrix effects were consistently demonstrated when compared with UHPLC flow rates. The extent of matrix effects observed were compound dependent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This paper presents the utility of combining high-resolution/accurate mass with microflow LC from a quantitative standpoint. This includes evaluating the typical quantitative parameters of sensitivity, linearity/dynamic range, precision and accuracy. It also includes the evaluation of changes in signal suppression using microflow LC and microspray ionization. The benefits and disadvantages of using the combination of these two technologies for quantitative bioanalysis are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Thermo Fisher Scientific, San Jose, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Hongxia
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000525:Alprazolam / Q000032:analysis; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D002065:Buspirone / Q000032:analysis; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D006801:Humans; D040901:Proteomics; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry; D016593:Terfenadine / Q000032:analysis; D013988:Ticlopidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D001798:Blood Proteins; D016593:Terfenadine; D000077144:Clopidogrel; D013988:Ticlopidine; D002065:Buspirone; D000525:Alprazolam