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Application of UPLC-QTOF-MS in MSE mode for the rapid and precise identification of alkaloids in goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

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Abstract

Here, we describe a new application of ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry operating in MSE mode (UPLC-QTOF-MSE) for the sensitive, fast, and effective characterization of alkaloids in goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). This approach allowed identification of alkaloids using a cyclic low and high collision energy spectral acquisition mode providing simultaneous accurate precursor and fragment ion mass information. A total of 45 compounds were separated and 40 of them characterized including one new compound and 7 identified for the first time in goldenseal. The spectral data obtained using this method is comparable to those obtained by conventional LC-MSn. However, the UPLC-QTOF-MSE method offers high chromatographic resolution with structural characterization facilitated by accurate mass measurement in both MS and MS/MS modes in a single analytical run; this makes it suitable for the rapid analysis and screening of alkaloids in plant extracts.

Identification of alkaloids in goldenseal by UPLC-QTOF-MS in MSE mode

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Measurement Science and Standards, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada

    Phuong Mai Le, Margaret McCooeye & Anthony Windust

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  1. Phuong Mai Le
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  2. Margaret McCooeye
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  3. Anthony Windust
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Correspondence to Phuong Mai Le.

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Le, P.M., McCooeye, M. & Windust, A. Application of UPLC-QTOF-MS in MSE mode for the rapid and precise identification of alkaloids in goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). Anal Bioanal Chem 406, 1739–1749 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-013-7558-x

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