In this report, we discuss key issues for the successful application of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to quantify drugs. These include choice and preparation of matrix, nature of cationization agent, automation, and data analysis procedures. The high molecular weight matrix mesotetrakis (pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin eliminates chemical noise in the low-mass range, a "brushing" spotting technique in combination with prestructured target plates enables fast preparation of homogeneous matrix crystals, and addition of Li + leads to intense cationized drug species. Complex biological samples were cleaned up using a 96-well solid-phase extraction plate, and the purified samples were automatically spotted by a pipetting robot. To obtain a suitable data analysis procedure for the quantitative analysis of drugs by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, various data processing parameters were evaluated on our two model drugs lopinavir and ritonavir. Finally, and most importantly, it is shown that the above-described procedure can be successfully applied to quantify clinically relevant concentrations of lopinavir, an HIV protease inhibitor, in extracts of small numbers of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (1 × 10 6).

doi.org/10.1021/ac060436i, hdl.handle.net/1765/60245
Analytical Chemistry
Department of Neurology

van Kampen, J., Burgers, P., de Groot, R., & Luider, T. (2006). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical compounds by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Analytical Chemistry, 78(15), 5403–5411. doi:10.1021/ac060436i