Extraction of methylmalonic acid from serum using EVOLUTE EXPRESS AX prior to LC-MS/MS analysis

Methylmalonic acid (MMA) in serum is measured to help diagnose a number of disorders, primarily vitamin B12 deficiency. This application note describes a simple, effective protocol for the extraction of MMA from serum using EVOLUTE EXPRESS AX solid phase extraction plates, demonstrating high, reproducible analyte recoveries with low protein and phospholipid content in the extracts. The well-known isobaric interference, succinic acid, is chromatographically separated to allow accurate quantitation of the MMA.

EVOLUTE EXPRESS AX plates contain a polymer-based mixed-mode sorbent with an optimized combination of non-polar (hydrophobic), polar (hydrophilic) and strong anion exchange interactions for extraction of acidic analytes such as MMA from aqueous samples. The mixed-mode retention mechanism allows a rigorous wash protocol to remove co-extracted endogenous interferences.

EVOLUTE EXPRESS solid phase extraction products combine powerful EVOLUTE sorbent chemistry with enhanced ‘EXPRESS’ components. EVOLUTE EXPRESS products dramatically improve flow characteristics, and enhance sample preparation productivity. By truly eliminating the need for conditioning and equilibration, samples can be prepared using a simple, fast load-wash-elute procedure.