We develop challenging, robust, sensitive, accurate and high throughput LC-MS/MS assays for quantitative measurement of small molecule biomarkers in different biological matrices. The challenges are mainly due to the biomarker instability, low basal levels in biological matrices, poor ionization, poor retention on reverse phase columns, etc. We offer extensive knowledge and expertise in developing and implementing innovative and reliable LC-MS/MS assays for a variety of small molecule biomarkers using hyphenated techniques, e.g., increased sensitivity using chemical derivatization (Figure 1), increased throughput using UPLC etc. 

We have performed assays for 

• Sphingolipids
• Amino acids and peptides
• Neurotransmitters
• Glycosaminoglycans
• Medium analysis

Figure 1 : Reductive ethylation labeling of DA, NE and E with d(4)-acetaldhyde.

The selected examples of our small molecule bioanalysis assays are as following: 

• Simultaneous measurement of dopamine (DA), epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT) and normetanephrine (NM) in CSF and microdialysate samples
• Simultaneous determination of dopamine (DA), epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE) in mouse, rat, monkey, and human plasma (Figure 2)
• Quantification of acetylcholine (ACH), Histamine (HA), 1-methylhistamine (MHA), and 1-methyl-4-imidazoleacetic acid (MIAA) in rat, monkey, and human CSF
• Quantification of 11,12- and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) in rat plasma and urine
• Determination of glutamate and aspartate in rat CSF, microdialysates, and brain tissue

Figure 2. Representative chromatograms of basal levels of DA, E and NE in mouse plasma.