Matrix effects: Hurdle for development and validation of bioanalytical LC-MS methods in biological samples analyses

Abstract

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry is a well-established analytical technique and is anticipated that, withonly simple sample preparations, high selectivity and sensitivity of tandem mass spectrometry, coupled to quick separationby Liquid chromatography, allows high-throughput confirmation and detection of trace materials, even in the presence of acomplex background. Despite these advantages, quantitative analysis with atmospheric pressure ionization or electrosprayinterface can be affected by ion (or signal)-suppression or ion-enhancement by interfering substances in the biologicalsample matrix. This phenomenon is called “matrix effect (ME)." Because MEs can affect critical analytical parameters (limitsof detection and quantification, linearity, accuracy, and precision), they should be critically investigated during methoddevelopment and validation processes. This review gives a detailed description of the expected ME phenomena and theirevaluation. It also briefly describes present viewpoint of MEs in the analytical field to promote the knowledge of MEs andtheir handlings.