Application of liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry in natural product analysis. Evaluation and optimization of electrospray and heated nebulizer interfaces

Abstract

A representative set of 46 secondary metabolites of plant and microbial origin was examined with electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization MS in both positive and negative ion mode, in order to evaluate the applicability of atmospheric pressure ionization LC-MS as a tool for rapid identification and dereplication of bioactive compounds in the drug screening process. MS characteristics of different compound classes were determined on the basis of quasi-molecular ion and other adduct ion responses observed with the two LC-MS interfaces. Interface parameters and LC mobile phase composition were optimized and an analytical protocol applicable to a wide range of secondary metabolites is proposed.