Efficient reduction of vanadium (V) with biochar and experimental parameters optimized by response surface methodology.

Water pollution deteriorates ecosystems and has a great threaten to the environment. The environmental benefits of wastewater treatment are extremely important to minimize pollutants. Here, the biochar purchased from the related industry was used to treat the wastewater which contained high concentration of vanadium (V). The concentration of vanadium was measured by the IC-OES and the results showed that 96.1% vanadium (V) was reduced at selected reaction conditions: the mass ratio of biochar to vanadium of 5.4, reaction temperature of 90 °C, reaction time at 60 min and concentration of H2SO4 of 10 g/L, respectively. Response surface methodology confirmed that all the experimental parameters had positive effect on the reduction of vanadium (V), which could improve the reduction efficiency of vanadium (V) as increased. The influence of each parameter on the reduction process followed the order: A (Concentration of H2SO4) > C (mass ratio of biochar to vanadium) > B (mass ratio of biochar to vanadium). Especially, the mass ratio of biochar to vanadium and concentration of H2SO4 had the greatest influence on the reduction process. This paper provides a versatile strategy for the treatment of wastewater containing vanadium (V) and shows a bright tomorrow for wastewater treatment.

Metabolite identification and quantitation of RBD1016 siRNA: a direct comparison of hybridization-based LC-FD and LC-HRAM assays.

Aim: RBD1016 is an N-acetylgalactosamine-conjugated siRNA drug currently in a phase II trial for treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus. To evaluate its absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) properties, two LC-based bioanalytical methods, LC-high-resolution/accuracy MS and LC-fluorescence detection, were developed and qualified. Materials & methods: The LC-high-resolution/accuracy MS method was used for metabolite identification and simultaneous quantitation of the antisense and sense strands as well as their respective metabolites. The LC-fluorescence detection assay was primarily used for analyzing the antisense strand and its metabolites in low-concentration plasma samples. The two methods were successfully bridged by analyzing the same sets of study samples. Results & conclusion: Both methods were found to have excellent accuracy/precision, specificity and reproducibility to support ADME and PK/PD studies of RBD1016 siRNA.

Regulated bioanalysis of liposomal amphotericin B to support pharmacokinetic studies of liposomal drugs.

Background: Because of the delicate nature of liposomes, bioanalysis of free and liposomal-encapsulated drugs is among the most challenging assays to perform. Current regulatory guidance for bioanalysis is not sufficient to address the complexity of this particular formulation. Method & results: Three individual LC-MS/MS methods to quantify free amphotericin B (10-3000 ng/ml) and encapsulated amphotericin B (100-50,000 ng/ml) in pretreated human plasma and total amphotericin B (100-50,000 ng/ml) in human plasma were fully validated and applied to a bioequivalence study. The acceptance criteria and experimental design of additional validation tests using cross quality control were carefully deliberated a priori and included in the sample analysis as well. Discussion: Additional validation tests are necessary to demonstrate that the measured concentration of the intended component is accurate and free of interference from other coexisting components in the sample. These practices can be used as guidance for future liposomal drug method validation.

Direct quantitation of free, encapsulated, total doxorubicin and doxorubicinol in stabilized frozen human plasma to support a BE study of liposomal doxorubicin.

Regulatory guidance requires the quantification of encapsulated and free doxorubicin for a liposomal doxorubicin injection bioequivalence study. Due to the instability of liposome formulations in plasma samples, the release of free drug from the liposomal encapsulated doxorubicin during sample handling would result in elevation of measured free doxorubicin concentration. To prevent the potential release of free drug, stabilizer reagents and procedures were successfully developed and validated to adequately stabilize liposomal drugs in plasma samples during sample collection, storage and extraction. Three LC-MS/MS methods were developed and fully validated for direct quantitation of free, encapsulated and total doxorubicin concentrations in human plasma according to relevant regulatory guidance: Method 1: Quantitation of free doxorubicin and doxorubicinol at a linear range of 1-400 ng/mL and 0.5-10 ng/mL, respectively, from stabilizer treated plasma samples using solid phase extraction (SPE); Method 2: Quantitation of encapsulated doxorubicin at a linear range of 50-50,000 ng/mL from the stabilizer treated plasma sample using SPE followed by PPE extraction method; Method 3: Quantitation of total concentration of doxorubicin from untreated plasma samples at a linear range of 50-50,000 ng/mL using PPE. All three methods were successfully used to support a bioequivalence study between Caelyx® and Duomeisu® (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposomal injection, generic doxorubicin formulation produced by CSPC). Incurred sample reanalysis (ISR) passing rate for total doxorubicin, free doxorubicin/doxorubicinol, and encapsulated doxorubicin methods were 100 %, 84.7 %/100 %, and 98.5 %, respectively. The measured total doxorubicin concentrations matched the sum of free and encapsulated doxorubicin concentrations.

Importance of probe design for bioanalysis of oligonucleotides using hybridization-based LC-fluorescence assays.

Aim: The importance of the length and/or structure of fluorescently labeled PNA (peptide nucleic acid) probes for quantitative determination of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) is demonstrated in human plasma using hybridization-based LC-fluorescence assays. The length of the PNA probes impacts the peak shape and chromatographic separation of the resulting PNA/ODN hybridization complexes and affects assay sensitivity, dynamic range and carryover. Methods: For quantitative determination of an 18-mer phosphodiester ODN (DNL1818) in human plasma, an assay utilizing an Atto dye-labeled 12-mer PNA probe provided a linear quantitation range of 0.1-50 ng/ml with excellent accuracy and precision (within -5.3-7.73%). Conclusion: This method provides a convenient method for sensitive and specific quantification of ODNs in biological matrix with limited sample volume and no special extraction.

Simultaneous quantitation of polymyxin B1, polymyxin B2 and polymyxin B1-1 in human plasma and treated human urine using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Two liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) methods have been developed and validated for the quantitative determination of polymyxin B1, polymyxin B2 and polymyxin B1-1 concentrations in human plasma and treated urine. During method development, technical challenges such as the separation of structural isomers polymyxin B1and polymyxin B1-1 and nonspecific binding in urine samples were encountered and overcome. Two automated solid phase extraction methods were used to extract plasma samples (100µL) and urine samples (200µL) and the resulting extracts were analyzed using reversed phase LC-MS/MS with an electrospray (ESI) interface and selected reaction monitoring (SRM) in the positive ionization mode. Both methods were validated over a calibration curve range of 5.00-2000ng/mL with a linear regression and 1/x(2) weighting. The between-run relative standard deviation (%RSD) ranged from 4.5 to 9.5% for the plasma assay and from 1.1 to 7.1% for the urine assay. For the plasma assay, the between-run accuracy ranged from 100.5 to 115.2% of nominal at all QC concentrations including the LLOQ. For the urine assay, the between-run accuracy ranged from 92.0 to 106% of nominal at all QC concentrations including the LLOQ. The extraction recoveries for all polymyxins in both assays were between 54.0 and 64.2%. Long term matrix storage stability for all polymyxins was established at both -20°C and -70°C for up to 85 days in human plasma and for up to 55 days in treated human urine. Both assays were used for the measurement of polymyxin B1, polymyxin B2 and polymyxin B1-1 concentrations in human plasma and treated urine for the determination of bioequivalence and toxicokinetic parameters in clinical studies.

Advances in quantitative bioanalysis of oligonucleotide biomarkers and therapeutics.

Technical advances and demands for high-throughput accurate quantification of oligonucleotide therapeutics and biomarkers in pharmaceutical research and clinical diagnosis have aided evolution in quantitative bioanalysis of oligonucleotides. Many bioanalytical methods are available for absolute quantification of oligonucleotides in biological matrices. They can be broadly classified into two categories: hybridization-based assays commonly used by molecular biologists and chromatographic assays routinely used by chemists. Each category has its own advantages and disadvantages for specific applications. This review summarizes the mechanisms and applications of some of the current most commonly used techniques in each category.

A systematic approach for developing a robust LC-MS/MS method for bioanalysis.

In order to meet the drug discovery and development needs of pharmaceutical companies, CROs are constantly challenged by the requirements for rapid LC-MS/MS method development prior to method validation and sample analysis. In order to meet this challenge, a comprehensive method development program, nicknamed 'Amoeba™', which uses a series of written protocols for standardized and efficient method development was developed. In this paper, the genesis of the Amoeba method development program is elucidated in detail and a number of case studies are presented to showcase the execution of the Amoeba method development program. Using this program, the majority of the most critical information regarding the assay can be captured. While the Amoeba program has been proven to be effective, we recognize that the development of a robust bioanalytical method for use in pharmaceutical industry also requires the careful consideration of many critical parameters and the ability to identify and resolve potential issues. The refinement of the assay relies on further evaluation of several critical factors including, but not limited to, internal standard response, matrix effects (phospholipid or nonphospholipid related) and carryover.

2012 white paper on recent issues in bioanalysis and alignment of multiple guidelines.

Over 400 professionals representing pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and multiple regulatory agencies participated in the 6th Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (WRIB). Like the previous sessions, this event was in the format of a practical, focused, highly interactive and informative workshop aiming for high-quality, improved regulatory compliance and scientific excellence. Numerous 'hot' topics in bioanalysis of both small and large molecules were shared and discussed, leading to consensus and recommendations among panelists and attendees representing the bioanalytical community. The major outcome of this year's workshop was the noticeable alignment of multiple bioanalytical guidance/guidelines from different regulatory agencies. This represents a concrete step forward in the global harmonization of bioanalytical activities. The present 2012 White Paper acts as a practical and useful reference document that provides key information and solutions on several topics and issues in the constantly evolving world of bioanalysis.

Determination of unbound vismodegib (GDC-0449) concentration in human plasma using rapid equilibrium dialysis followed by solid phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

A rapid equilibrium dialysis (RED) assay followed by a solid phase extraction (SPE) high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay for the quantitative determination of unbound vismodegib in human plasma was developed and validated. The equilibrium dialysis was carried out using 0.3 mL plasma samples in the single-use plate RED system at 37°C for 6h. The dialysis samples (0.1 mL) were extracted using a Strata-X-C 33u Polymeric Strong Cation SPE plate and the resulting extracts were analyzed using reverse-phase chromatography and positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The standard curve, which ranged from 0.100 to 100 ng/mL for vismodegib, was fitted to a 1/x(2) weighted linear regression model. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ, 0.100 ng/mL) was sufficient to quantify unbound concentrations of vismodegib after dialysis. The intra-assay precision of the LC-MS/MS assay, based on the four analytical QC levels (LLOQ, low, medium and high), was within 7.7% CV and inter-assay precision was within 5.5% CV. The assay accuracy, expressed as %Bias, was within ±4.0% of the nominal concentration values. Extraction recovery of vismodegib was between 77.9 and 84.0%. The assay provides a means for accurate assessment of unbound vismodegib plasma concentrations in clinical studies.

Progress in the delivery of therapeutic oligonucleotides: organ/cellular distribution and targeted delivery of oligonucleotides in vivo.

Oligonucleotide (ODN) therapy is a powerful tool for modulation of gene expression in vivo. With advances in ODN chemistry and progress in formulation development, ODNs are becoming widely acceptable drugs. This review summarizes the current status and future trend of the in vivo application of ODN therapeutics, especially antisense ODNs. Here, we review the current understanding of the tissue/organ distribution and cellular uptake of ODN drugs administered parenterally or nonparenterally to intact animals. The problems and advantages inherent in the use of different delivery methods for the treatment of particular diseases are discussed in detail. Emphasis is placed on the most widely studied ODN analogs, the phosphorothioates (PS). Lessons learned from antisense PS studies have broad implications for ODN therapeutics in general.