Automated On-Line Isolation and Fractionation System for Nanosized Biomacromolecules from Human Plasma

Anal Chem. 2020 Oct 6;92(19):13058-13065. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c01986. Epub 2020 Sep 17.

Abstract

An automated on-line isolation and fractionation system including controlling software was developed for selected nanosized biomacromolecules from human plasma by on-line coupled immunoaffinity chromatography-asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (IAC-AsFlFFF). The on-line system was versatile, only different monoclonal antibodies, anti-apolipoprotein B-100, anti-CD9, or anti-CD61, were immobilized on monolithic disk columns for isolation of lipoproteins and extracellular vesicles (EVs). The platelet-derived CD61-positive EVs and CD9-positive EVs, isolated by IAC, were further fractionated by AsFlFFF to their size-based subpopulations (e.g., exomeres and exosomes) for further analysis. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy elucidated the morphology of the subpopulations, and 20 free amino acids and glucose in EV subpopulations were identified and quantified in the ng/mL range using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS). The study revealed that there were significant differences between EV origin and size-based subpopulations. The on-line coupled IAC-AsFlFFF system was successfully programmed for reliable execution of 10 sequential isolation and fractionation cycles (37-80 min per cycle) with minimal operator involvement, minimal sample losses, and contamination. The relative standard deviations (RSD) between the cycles for human plasma samples were 0.84-6.6%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / blood*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / blood*
  • Automation*
  • Chromatography, Affinity*
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Fractionation, Field Flow*
  • Glucose / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Immunosorbent Techniques*
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Glucose