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Method distinguishes chiral α-hydroxy acids in complex samples

Four laboratory professionals working at a bench in a modern analytical chemistry lab, with one person in the center holding a blue pipette near a sample vial, while colleagues review documentation and organize equipment and colored storage containers nearby.
Research area:ChemistryMetabolomics and Mass Spectrometry StudiesAnalytical Chemistry and Chromatography

What the study found

A derivatization-assisted MALDI-TIMS-MS method was developed to distinguish chiral alpha-hydroxy acids, including 2-hydroxyglutarate and lactic acid, in complex samples. The method could also determine enantiomeric ratios, with reported sensitivity down to 5.8%.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors say effective differentiation of chiral metabolites and precise measurement of their enantiomeric ratios are important for biomarker screening and for understanding the causes of metabolic disorders. They also state that the method has potential for research in food safety, pharmaceutical development, and clinical diagnostics.

What the researchers tested

The researchers combined chiral derivatization with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS). They systematically optimized the derivatization reagents N-(p-Toluenesulfonyl)-l-phenylalanyl chloride (TSPC) and diacetyl-l-tartaric anhydride (DATAN), along with alkali metal ion adducts, to separate enantiomers through diastereomeric conversion.

What worked and what didn't

The optimized approach enabled high-resolution enantiomer separation of 2-hydroxyglutarate and lactic acid. The method was used for sensitive identification of 2-hydroxyglutarate in IDH-mutated tumor tissues and for determining lactic acid enantiomers in fermented foods.

What to keep in mind

The abstract does not describe detailed limitations or failures. The reported findings are limited to the compounds and sample types named in the abstract.

Key points

  • The study developed a derivatization-assisted MALDI-TIMS-MS method for chiral alpha-hydroxy acids.
  • The method distinguished 2-hydroxyglutarate and lactic acid enantiomers in complex matrices.
  • The abstract reports enantiomeric ratio determination down to 5.8%.
  • The method was applied to IDH-mutated tumor tissues and fermented foods.
  • The abstract does not state specific limitations.

Disclosure

Research title:
Method distinguishes chiral α-hydroxy acids in complex samples
Authors:
Simin Zhang, Thomas K. Y. Lam, Jianing Wang, Xingxing Liu, Carmen Wong, Xiangfeng Chen, Hongmei Xu, Zongwei Cai
Institutions:
Hong Kong Baptist University, Li Ka Shing Foundation, University of Hong Kong, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Eastern Institute of Technology
Publication date:
2026-02-23
DOI:
10.1021/jasms.5c00411
OpenAlex record:
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AI provenance: This post was generated by OpenAI. The original authors did not write or review this post.

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