Analysis of Methylated Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography Combined With Mass Spectrometry
: Zarei, Iman; Babu, Ambrin Farizah; Koistinen, Ville M.; Tuomainen, Marjo; Karlund, Anna; Haikonen, Retu; Lehtonen, Marko; Hanhineva, Kati
Publisher: Wiley
: HOBOKEN
: 2025
: Mass Spectrometry Reviews
: Mass Spectrometry Reviews
: MASS SPECTROM REV
: 13
: 0277-7037
: 1098-2787
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/mas.21942(external)
: https://doi.org/10.1002/mas.21942(external)
: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/498507426(external)
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is a powerful technique for the detection and quantification of methylated quaternary ammonium compounds (mQACs), such as acylcarnitines and methylated amino-acid-derived (betainized) compounds, in biological matrices. Due to their high polarity and permanent charge, mQACs present analytical challenges, particularly in achieving efficient chromatographic retention and resolution. Here, we focus on the application of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometric (HILIC-MS), for the analysis of these compound classes in biological samples. We highlight practical considerations in their analysis, including their MS/MS fragmentation patterns and identification in positive electrospray mode (ESI)+, to support researchers working with mQACs in targeted or untargeted metabolomics studies.
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This work was financially supported by the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme of European Union (Grant 874739 for the LongITools project), the Research Council of Finland (nos. 321716 and 334814), and Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.
