ASK THE EXPERT
ASK THE EXPERT ON MICROSAMPLING CRAIG AURAND (SUPELCO/SIGMA-ALDRICH)
Earlier this year Bioanalysis Zone hosted an ‘Ask the Expert’ feature on Microsampling. In this feature we explored recent developments in microsampling with leading experts in the field. Discussions included the various microsampling techniques, as well as the advantages of these methods and the challenges faced by bioanalysts when applying these methods in their work.
In this instalment, Craig Aurand, Innovation Manager at Supelco/Sigma-Aldrich, a part of MilliporeSigma (Bellefonte, PA, US) shares with us his thoughts on advances in the field and some of the recent developments.
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Microsampling techniques have gained growing interest over the last few years – do you think advances in these techniques will continue to draw interest?
The ability to obtain high-quality data from a minimal amount of sample is a goal for all bioanalytical assays. Simplifying the process to achieve accurate data downstream will greatly improve the ability to rapidly diagnose and treat a subject to improve overall quality of life. One such improvement is reducing impact on the test subject; this is an area where microsampling can greatly improve current practices. Also, as the acceptance of LC–MS-based assays become more widespread, the need for collection of large volume samples becomes unnecessary.
What have been the most exciting developments in microsampling techniques in recent years?
The development of solid-phase microextraction (BioSPME) devices with sorbent materials that enable the capturing of free fraction analytes has been an exciting development. This technique allows for the differentiation of bound analytes versus free circulating components within the test subject. Some of the BioSPME devices are intended for direct insertion into test subjects, eliminating the need to draw samples from these subjects all together. A group at GSK has published studies where solid-phase microextraction devices were inserted directly into mice tails as part of pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluations. This approach is quite exciting in that an entire PK study can be completed on a single mouse, eliminating the need for terminal serial blood draws.
Other exciting areas have been the development of devices to overcome the impact of blood hematocrit; this has been addressed using various techniques such as: fixed volume absorbent materials, membranes over absorbent media to prevent absorption of whole blood cells and capillary collection devices.
Q What are some advantages of the various microsampling techniques currently available? Capillary collection and DBS media are intended to reduce the complexity of the sampling process
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