10.1021/ac3021278
The research focuses on the development and application of a new matrix, 2,3,4,5-tetrakis(3′,4′-dihydroxylphenyl)thiophene (DHPT), for the selective analysis of low molecular weight amines and the direct determination of creatinine in urine using MALDI-TOF MS. The study details the design, synthesis, and application of DHPT, which demonstrates good selectivity and a low limit-of-detection in positive ion mode. Experiments involved the analysis of various amines, including amino acids, peptides, vitamins B, β-agonists, and other compounds, using DHPT as the matrix. The research also includes the direct analysis of metabolites in human urine, with the identity of these metabolites confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry. Additionally, a quantitative determination of urine creatinine using an isotope-labeled internal standard was performed, showcasing the method's simplicity, rapidness, and high-throughput capabilities compared to other analytical methods. The reactants used in the synthesis of DHPT and in the preparation of matrix and sample solutions are detailed in the experimental section, along with the mass spectrometry analysis parameters and procedures.