Effects of ion source operating parameters on direct analysis in real time of 18 active components from traditional Chinese medicine

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2016 Mar 20:121:30-38. doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2016.01.001. Epub 2016 Jan 6.

Abstract

Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) provides a new analytical method for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The present study investigated the effects of key ion source operating parameters on DART-MS analysis of various TCM active components. A total of 18 active components, including phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, saponins, flavones, volatile oils, and glycosides, were examined. For each substance, the peak area and signal-to-noise of its characteristic ions under different reagent gases and heater temperatures were compared. Based on the comparison, the relationships among chemical structures, ion source parameters and instrument responses were revealed. Finally, some suggestions about choosing reagent gas and heater temperature were proposed for types of TCM active substance, which offered a reference for the application of DART-MS on TCM analysis.

Keywords: Bioactive component; Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry; Ion source parameter; Traditional Chinese medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids / chemistry
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / analysis*
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / chemistry*
  • Gases / chemistry
  • Glycosides / chemistry
  • Ions / chemistry*
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional / methods
  • Oils, Volatile / chemistry
  • Saponins / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Gases
  • Glycosides
  • Ions
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Saponins