University of Leiden, Biosyn Group

Q: WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR LAB’S RESEARCH?

A: The research in the Biosyn group is focused on the design, synthesis and function of the four major types of biomolecules: nucleic acids, carbohydrates, peptides and lipids and hybrid structures thereof. These biomolecules and their derivatives are used in drug discovery and chemical biology, to develop synthetic methodology or as an inspiration for mimetic design.

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?

A: I started as organic chemist on Pt-adducts on self-made DNA fragments under supervision of Professor Dr. J. Reedijk. Following that, I switched to synthesis of bio-organic molecules on solid support under supervision of Professor Dr. J.van Boom. Currently I am working with sophisticated analytical equipment including many (prep) LCMS systems under supervision of Professor Dr. H. Overkleeft. With this equipment we show our facility to many other workgroups within and outside the University of Leiden.

Q: WHY DID YOU INCORPORATE THE EXPRESSION CMS INTO YOUR LABORATORY?

A: It’s easy, walk-up use with straightforward swapping of ESI and APCI sources make it a reliable, productive tool for determining synthetic success.

Q: HOW DID THE EXPRESSION CMS HELP RESOLVE YOUR CHALLENGES?

A: I incorporated the expression CMS as TLC/MS system because of its simplicity, low cost and the brilliant combination with the Plate Express (as a TLC interface).

Q: TO WHOM WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE EXPRESSION CMS?

A: I recommend the expression CMS to people who want to use a robust system with simple handling (like organic chemists).

Sudan Dyes Analysis Using Compact Mass Spectrometry with TLC Interface

Sudan Dyes are synthesized azo-dyes which are widely used to generate color in plastics, leather, fabrics, oil, waxes, etc. They are classified as Group 3 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and are banned as food additives worldwide. However, in some countries these dyes are still occasionally used in order to intensify the color in products. In this note, a TLC/CMS method using expression^® compact mass spectrometer (CMS) coupled with the Plate Express^™ Interface is introduced for the detection of 7 Sudan dyes in a chili matrix.

Benjamin List, Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Department for Homogeneous Catalysis

2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry Recipient

October 6, 2021: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021 to:

Benjamin List • Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
David W.C. MacMillan • Princeton University, USA

“for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis”

Building molecules is a difficult art. Benjamin List and David MacMillan are awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021 for their development of a precise new tool for molecular construction: organocatalysis. This has had a great impact on pharmaceutical research, and has made chemistry greener.

Benjamin List, a true leader in chemistry, is an exceptional user of the expression^® Compact Mass Spectrometer in the List Research Group. Read his full interview featuring the Nobel Prize announcement here.

Q: WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR LAB’S RESEARCH?

A: Our group focuses on the development of new catalysis concepts within the areas of organocatalysis, transition metal catalysis, and, to some extent, biocatalysis. Since 1999, our group concentrates on enantioselective organocatalysis as a fundamental approach complementing biocatalysis and transition metal catalysis. We have a profound interest in developing “new reactions”, designing and identifying new principles for the development of organocatalysts, expanding the scope of already developed catalysts, using organocatalysis in the synthesis of natural products and pharmaceuticals, and also investigating the mechanism by which organocatalysts activate their substrates. Furthermore, in 2005 our group has first conceptualized another approach to asymmetric catalysis, namely asymmetric counteranion directed catalysis (ACDC). This idea has not only progressed within the department but also at other institutions around the globe into a general strategy for asymmetric synthesis applied in organocatalysis as well as in transition metal catalysis and Lewis acid catalysis.

Q: WHATE WAS YOUR PREVIOUS WORK FLOW OR CHALLENGE?

A: The design and development of new asymmetric catalysts usually requires finding novel synthesis routes. Real-time characterization of the desired products and side products in the synthesis of new catalysts and precursors as well as in the exploration of novel reactions is thus very important with regard to saving time and costs.

Q: WHY DID YOU INCORPORATE THE EXPRESSION^® CMS INTO YOUR LABORATORY?

A: We wanted an analytical method that allows a rapid characterization of reaction products combined with the lowest effort of sample preparation. The expression^® Compact Mass Spectrometer coupled with Plate Expres^® is the method of choice to provide reliable mass data directly from TLC plates and ASAP^® (Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe) allows for direct analysis from solutions and solid substances without any sample preparation. In addition, the easy and fast possibility of changing the ion sources between ESI and APCI gives us a wide range of options to characterize our analytes from non-polar to very polar compounds in both positive and negative mode simultaneously.

Q: TO WHOM WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE EXPRESSION^® CMS?

A: We recommend the expression^® Compact Mass Spectrometer coupled with Plate Express^® to any group with a focus on organic synthesis for usage as a routine tool to monitor chemical reactions.

University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Q: WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR LAB’S RESEARCH?
A: In our Department of Medicinal Chemistry we have focus on the synthesis of novel molecules with biological activity. We synthesize molecules of natural origin, peptides and heterocyclic compounds. As integral part of the department’s work we also do drug analysis.

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR PREVIOUS WORK FLOW OR CHALLENGES?

A: The modern Faculty of Pharmacy provides state-of-the art analytical techniques. We have a 400 MHz NMR in our department and access to 600 MHz and 800 MHz NMRs in the Infrastructural Centre. Furthermore, we routinely use FT IR, DAD HPLC. At one point biggest bottleneck was MS, as we had access to HRMS, but we did not have MS in our department for routinely use in synthesis and analytical procedures.

Q: WHY DID YOU INCORPORATE THE EXPRESSION^® CMS INTO YOUR LABORATORY?

A: We thought that a robust, easy to use MS would be most useful in our laboratory to make our work faster and most efficient. Versatile use, simple use of various ion sources, and direct application of samples from TLC or use of dissolved samples, were possibilities which persuaded us.

Q: WHO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO PURCHASE THE EXPRESSION^® CMS?

A: We would recommend the expression^® CMS to every medicinal chemistry department, who would use MS in a daily routine from undergraduate students to post-docs. Doing MS analysis is now a common and integral part of our work as well as doing TLC-MS-coupling with the Plate Express™. It is an excellent way for entry level to mass spectrometry, because of simple use, robustness and good results of analysis.

Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, PL

Q: WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR LAB’S RESEARCH?

A: The group has extensive experience in host-guest chemistry. We are seeking novel supramolecular platforms/systems, in particular macrocyclic systems, which might find applications in the recognition of ionic and neutral guest molecules. The research consists of two main parts: synthesis of novel receptors and analysis of their supramolecular assemblies. The formation of supermolecules is monitored and analyzed by NMR, UV-vis and fluorescence spectrometry. X-ray analysis is used to determine structure of receptors and their complexes. We also work with dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCL) and occasionally synthesize isotopically labeled compounds.

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR PREVIOUS WORK FLOW OR CHALLENGES?

A: In the synthesis of molecules of complex structures we need fast and reliable feedback about the success of each synthetic step. For example, macrocyclisation reactions sometimes give very complex mixtures. In order to follow the reaction course and facilitate purification, we need a fast tool for the unambiguous confirmation in which TLC spot is the desired product. Also, distinguishing between [1+1] and [2+2] macrocycles is not possible by simple NMR measurements and for new dynamic combinatorial libraries any HPLC characterization method required validation by an LC-MS in the service laboratory which takes time.

Q: WHY DID YOU INCORPORATE THE EXPRESSION^® CMS INTO YOUR LABORATORY?

A: We needed a versatile tool to speed up our synthesis processes and facilitate purification protocols. The expression^® CMS is mainly applied with Plate Express™ for fast compound identification from TLC plates. Now the choice of synthetic protocol can be evaluated within minutes. The product unambiguously spotted on the TLC plate is much easier to isolate. In addition, whenever needed we connect CMS to our HPLC system to analyze complex mixtures and to validate the analytical protocols. Isotope composition of labeled compounds is also easy to follow using this system.

Q: WHO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO PURCHASE THE EXPRESSION^® CMS?

A: We would recommend it to all groups dealing with synthesis of small molecules. The instant feedback about the reaction progress and aid in isolation of the product saves a lot of time. With the expression^® CMS, the group is more independent, using the system as a stand-alone unit, coupled to the TLC plate reader or LC-system when needed.

CheMS Simplified Mass Spec Software

The CheMS user interface simplifies the mass spectrometry experience and makes it more accessible in chemistry and biochemistry laboratories. This allows the chemist to obtain optimal data without needing to be an expert in mass spectrometry.

Available with the Advion expression^® compact mass spectrometer (CMS) is a fast and easy tool that is ideal for the teaching environment — Students simply select an ionization method for effortless instrument setup at the click of a button.

Fill out the form to download the full CheMS product note now.

Mistletoe: Kiss of Love or Death?

Using Thin-Layer Chromatography with Compact Mass Spectrometry

A sprig of mistletoe symbolizes a tradition of romance; however, reputed to be the “kiss of death,” mistletoe is said by some to be so poisonous that humans can be killed if they ingest the leaves or berries.

In the spirit of the Holiday season and to ensure that mistletoe kisses are enjoyed and are ‘non-toxic’, Nigel Sousou and Jack Henion employed the Advion TLC/CMS system to analyze a commercial Tincture of Mistletoe ethanolic extract to determine whether tyramine is present in the extract of mistletoe.

John Innes Centre, United Kingdom

Q: What is the focus of your lab’s research?
A: Our research is focused on developing and exploiting chemical tools and principles to address questions in plant and microbial carbohydrate biochemistry. Projects typically involve some combination of chemical and enzymatic synthesis, inhibitor design and assessment, biochemistry, structural biology and omics analyses.

Q: What was your previous workflow or challenges?
A: We synthesize a lot of different molecules in the lab, many of which have relatively low molecular weights. To acquire low resolution MS spectra of purified compounds we relied on MALDI-TOF or on direct injection into an expensive LC-MS system (ESI). Access to these instruments required booking in advance and there was also often a delay in obtaining results.

Q: Why did you incorporate the expression^® CMS into your lab?
A: We wanted an instrument that would allow rapid access to low resolution MS data for low molecular weight compounds. Immediate access to this instrument allows rapid confirmation of product formation in chemical and ezymatic syntheses; the Compact Mass Spectrometer (CMS) is particularly useful for rapid identification of analytes from LC separations. All of this can be done by direct injection but in our lab the injection from a TLC silica plate using the Advion Interchim Scientific Plate Express™ is being increasingly used as a faster alternative. The APCI ion source is another great capability of the CMS, particularly for analysis of lipophilic compounds such as triterpenes, which we have experienced difficulties in analysing by other ionisation techniques.

Q: Who would you recommend to purchase the expression^® CMS?
A: Any group working with organic molecules that requires fast access to low resolution MS spectra. We would especially recommend coupling the expression^® CMS with the Plate Express™ for labs that routinely use TLC for monitoring chemical syntheses and biotransformations.

Analysis of 4-Aminobiphenyl and 4-Bromoanilin on normal phase TLC using TLC/MS

The analytical verification of compounds in organic syntheses is a challenging task. The sample is often directly taken out of the reaction mixture and therefore contains many impurities and matrix components. As a result, low-level sample preparation combined with a direct analysis method is highly beneficial. TLC/MS (thin layer chromatography – mass spectrometry) is such an analytical technique.

Co-authored with Merck Millipore in Darmstadt, Germany, this application note demonstrates a normal phase TLC/CMS technique for the rapid determination of 4-aminobiphenyl in its reaction mixture.

For the application note on the TLC/CMS determination of 4-aminobiphenyl in reverse phase, click here.

Analysis of 4-Aminobiphenyl and 4-Bromoanilin on reversed phase TLC using TLC/MS

Co-authored with Merck Millipore in Darmstadt, Germany, this application note demonstrates a reverse phase TLC/CMS technique for the rapid determination of 4-aminobiphenyl in its reaction mixture.

For the application note on the TLC/CMS determination of 4-aminobiphenyl in normal phase, click here.