Automated Isotopic Profile Deconvolution for High Resolution Mass Spectrometric Data (APGC-QToF) from Biological Matrices

Anal Chem. 2019 Dec 17;91(24):15509-15517. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b03335. Epub 2019 Dec 5.

Abstract

An isotopic profile matching algorithm, the isotopic profile deconvoluted chromatogram (IPDC), was developed to screen for a wide variety of organic compounds in high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) data acquired from instruments with resolution power as low as 22 000 fwhm. The algorithm initiates the screening process by generating a series of C/Br/Cl/S isotopic patterns consistent with the profiles of approximately 3 million molecular formulas for compounds with potentially persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) properties. To evaluate this algorithm, HRMS data were screened using these seed profiles to isolate relevant chlorinated and/or brominated compounds. Data reduction techniques included mass defect filtering and retention time prediction from estimated boiling points predicted using molecular formulas and reasonable elemental conformations. A machine learning classifier was also developed using spectrometric and chromatographic variables to minimize false positives. A scoring system was developed to rank candidate molecular formulas for an isotopic feature. The IPDC algorithm was applied to a Lake Michigan lake trout extract analyzed by atmospheric pressure gas chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight (APGC-QToF) mass spectrometry in positive and negative modes. The IPDC algorithm detected isotopic features associated with legacy contaminants and a series of unknown halogenated features. The IPDC algorithm resolved 313 and 855 halogenated features in positive and negative modes, respectively, in Lake Michigan lake trout.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Automation
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Isotopes*
  • Organic Chemicals
  • Trout*

Substances

  • Isotopes
  • Organic Chemicals