KOBOLD UWE (DE)
REMPT MARTIN (DE)
ZUTH CHRISTOPH (DE)
ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS GMBH (DE)
ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS INC (US)
WO2020020851A1 | 2020-01-30 | |||
WO2020020850A1 | 2020-01-30 | |||
WO2018141821A1 | 2018-08-09 | |||
WO2020079614A1 | 2020-04-23 |
US20040157344A1 | 2004-08-12 | |||
US20100155595A1 | 2010-06-24 | |||
US20160282371A1 | 2016-09-29 | |||
EP20203220A | 2020-10-22 |
HIGASHI ET AL., J. OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS, vol. 130, 2016, pages 181 - 190
T. HIGASHI, J STEROID BIOCHEM MOL BIOL, vol. 162, September 2016 (2016-09-01), pages 57 - 69
H. BAN ET AL., J. AM. CHEM. SOC., vol. 132, no. 5, 2010, pages 1523 - 1525
Patent C 1. A method of determining the level of an analyte of interest in a pretreated sample comprising the following steps: a) Providing the pretreated sample, in particular the pretreated sample of bodily fluid including the analyte of interest, b) Derivatising the analyte of interest, preferably in the pretreated sample, c) Diluting the pretreated sample, and d) Determining the level of the analyte of interest in the pretreated sample using nanoESI mass spectrometry. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is free of a further step after performing step a) or step b), wherein the further step is selected from the group consisting of extraction step, chromatographic step, lyophilization, centrifuge or combinations thereof. 3. The method of any of the proceeding claims, wherein the method is automated. 4. The method of any of the proceeding claims, wherein the method is an in vitro method. 5. The method of any of the proceeding claims, wherein the pretreated sample is a hemolysed whole-blood sample, particularly a hemolysed human whole- blood sample. 6. The method of any of the proceeding claims, wherein the analyte of interest is derivatized in step b) by a compound, which is capable of forming a covalent binding to the analyte of interest, in particular wherein after step b) the compound is covalently bounded to the analyte of interest for forming a complex with the analyte of interest. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the compound comprises a permanent charge, in particular a permanent net charge, wherein said compound is capable of covalently binding to the analyte of interest, wherein said compound has a mass ml and a net charge z1, wherein the compound is capable of forming at least one daughter ion having a mass m2 < m1 and a net charge z2 < z1 after fragmentation by mass spectrometric determination, wherein m1/z1 < m2/z2. 8. The method of any of the proceeding claims 6 to 7, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of dansylchloride, carbamic acid, N-[2-[[[2- (diethylamino)ethyl]amino]carbonyl]-6-quinolinyl]-, 2,5-dioxo-l-pyrrolidinyl ester (RapiFluor-MS), 4-substituted 1, 2, 4-triazoline-3, 5-diones (Cookson-type reagents), 4-phenyl-l,2,4-triazolin-3,5-dion-derivative (Amplifex Diene), 1- propanaminium, 3-(aminooxy)-N,N,N-trimethyl-compound comprising an appropriate counter ion (Amplifex Keto), acethydrazide trimethylammonium chloride (Girard T), l-(carboxymethyl)pyridinium chloride hydrazide (Girard P) and pyridiyl amine. 9. The method of any of the proceeding claims 6 to 8, comprising the compound of formula A or B: wherein X is a reactive unit, which is in partic with an analyte of interest, L1 and L2 are independently of each other substituted or unsubstituted linker, in particular branched or linear linker, Y is a neutral loss unit, and Z is a charged unit comprising at least one permanently charged moiety, in particular comprising one permanently charged moiety, including any salt thereof, and/or comprising the compound of formula PI: wherein one of the substituents B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 is a coupling group Q, which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the analyte, wherein the other substituents A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, N-acylamino, N,N-dialkylamino, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxythiocarbonyl, acyl, nitro, thioacyl, aryloyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, nitroethyl, acyloxy, aryloyloxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, amino, isotope or derivative thereof, wherein Y1 and Y2 are each indepe ethyl, methoxy, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic, amine or wherein Y1 and Y2 form a ring structure, which is selected from substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic, and/or comprising the compound of formula DI: wherein one of the substituents B1, B2, B4 is a coupling group Q, which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the analyte, wherein the other substituents A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B4 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, N-acylamino, N,N- dialkylamino, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxythiocarbonyl, acyl, nitro, thioacyl, aryloyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, nitroethyl, acyloxy, aryloyloxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, amino, isotope or derivative thereof, wherein B3 is selected from alkyl, acetyl, vinyl, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted benzyl, unsubstituted benzyl, substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, isotope and derivative thereof, wherein Y1 and Y2 are each independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic, amine or wherein Y1 and Y2 form a ring structure, which is selected from substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic, and/or comprising the compound of formula CI: wherein one of the substituents B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 is a coupling group Q, which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the analyte, wherein the other substituents A1, A2, Bl, B2, B3, B4, B5 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, modified alkyl, N- acylamino, N,N-dialkylamino, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxythiocarbonyl, acyl, nitro, thioacyl, aryloyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, nitroethyl, acyloxy, aryloyloxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, amino, sulfur, isotope or derivative thereof, wherein A3 comprises ammonium, pyridinium, phosphonium or derivatives thereof, wherein in case of A3 is ammonium and B1 or B5 is the coupling group Q, the coupling group Q comprises a C atom, which is separated by four single or double bonds from the C atom of the CA1 A2A3 substituent and the coupling group Q comprises a C-atom, which is separated by five single or double bonds from the C atom of the CA1 A2A3 substituent. 10. The method of any of the proceeding claims, wherein the nanoESI mass spectrometry is static. 11. Use of the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 for determining the level of an analyte of interest in a pretreated sample. 12. A diagnostic system for determining the level of an analyte of interest in a pretreated sample, comprising a nanoESI source and a mass spectrometer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10. 13. Use of the diagnostic system of claim 12 in the method of any one of claims 1 to 10. 14. A kit suitable to perform a method of any one of claims 1 to 10 comprising (i) a compound for derivatising the analyte of interest in a pretreated sample, wherein the compound is capable of forming a covalent bond to the analyte of interest, (ii) a solvent or mixtures of solvents for diluting the pretreated sample comprising the dervatized analyte of interest, and (iii) optionally a catalyst. 15. Use of a kit of claim 14 in a method of any one of claims 1 to 10. |
In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the compound comprises a reactive unit K, which is able of reacting with a carbonyl group, phenol group, amine, hydroxyl group or diene group of the analyte of interest. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, K is selected from the group consisting of hydrazide, hydrazine, hydroxylamine, Br, F-aromatic, 4-substituted 1,2,4-triazolin-3,5-dione (TAD), active ester, sulfonylchloride and reactive carbonyl. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the compound comprises a counter ion for forming a salt, wherein the counter ion is preferably selected from the following group: Cl-, Br-, F-, formiate, trifluoroacetate, PF 6 -, sulfonate, phosphate, acetate. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, step b) is performed at a temperature, which is at least 20 °C or more. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, step b) is performed at least at 30 °C, for example 35 °C. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, step b) is performed at least at 40 °C, for example 45 °C. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, step b) is performed at least at 50 °C, for example 55 °C. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, step b) is performed at least at 60 °C, for example 65 °C. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, step b) is performed at least at 70 °C, for example 75 °C. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, step b) is performed at least at 80 °C, for example 85 °C. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, step b) comprises the addition of a further substance or further substances. Theses further substance or further substances are, e.g. additives. The further substance or the further substances are, for example, for protonation and/or for catalysis. In particular the further substance or the further substances for catalysis is or are (a) lewis base(s). In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, a further substance or further substances for protonation are selected from the group consisting of protonating organic acids, e.g. formic acid. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, a further substance or further substances for catalysis are selected from the group consisting of lewis bases, e.g. phenylenediamine. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the method comprises the compound of formula A or B:
(A) (B) wherein X is a reactive unit, which is in particular capable of forming a covalent bond with an analyte of interest, L1 and L2 are independently of each other substituted or unsubstituted linker, in particular branched or linear linker, Y is a neutral loss unit, and Z is a charged unit comprising at least one permanently charged moiety, in particular comprising one permanently charged moiety, including any salt thereof, and/or comprising the compound of formula PI: (PI) wherein one of the substituents B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 is a coupling group Q, which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the analyte, wherein the other substituents A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, N-acylamino, N,N- dialkylamino, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxythiocarbonyl, acyl, nitro, thioacyl, aryloyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, nitroethyl, acyloxy, aryloyloxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, amino, isotope or derivative thereof, wherein Y1 and Y2 are each independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic, amine or wherein Y1 and Y2 form a ring structure, which is selected from substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic, and/or comprising the compound of formula DI: wherein one of the substituents B1, B2, B4 is a coupling group Q, which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the analyte, wherein the other substituents A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B4 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, N-acylamino, N,N- dialkylamino, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxythiocarbonyl, acyl, nitro, thioacyl, aryloyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, nitroethyl, acyloxy, aryloyloxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, amino, isotope or derivative thereof, wherein B3 is selected from alkyl, acetyl, vinyl, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted benzyl, unsubstituted benzyl, substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, isotope and derivative thereof, wherein Y1 and Y2 are each independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic, amine or wherein Y1 and Y2 form a ring structure, which is selected from substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic, and/or comprising the compound of formula CI: wherein one of the substituents B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 is a coupling group Q, which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the analyte, wherein the other substituents A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, modified alkyl, N-acylamino, N,N- dialkylamino, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxythiocarbonyl, acyl, nitro, thioacyl, aryloyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, nitroethyl, acyloxy, aryloyloxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, amino, sulfur, isotope or derivative thereof, wherein A3 comprises ammonium, pyridinium, phosphonium or derivatives thereof, wherein in case of A3 is ammonium and B1 or B5 is the coupling group Q, the coupling group Q comprises a C atom, which is separated by four single or double bonds from the C atom of the CA1A2A3 substituent and the coupling group Q comprises a C-atom, which is separated by five single or double bonds from the C atom of the CA1A2A3 substituent. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the compound comprises formula A or B: wherein X is a reactive unit, which is in particular capable of forming a covalent bond with an analyte of interest, L1 and L2 are independently of each other substituted or unsubstituted linker, in particular branched or linear linker, Y is a neutral loss unit, and Z is a charged unit comprising at least one permanently charged moiety, in particular comprising one permanently charged moiety, including any salt thereof. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the compound of formula A is selected from the group consisting of
or combinations thereof.
In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the compound of formula
B is selected from the group consisting of
or combinations thereof. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the compound is selected from the group consisting of: dansylchloride, carbamic acid, N-[2-[[[2- (diethylamino)ethyl]amino]carbonyl]-6-quinolinyl]-, 2,5-dioxo-1-pyrrolidinyl ester (RapiFluor-MS), 4-substituted 1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-diones (Cookson-type reagents), 4-Phenyl-1,2,4-triazolin-3,5-dion-derivative (Amplifex Diene), 1-propanaminium, 3-(aminooxy)-N,N,N-trimethyl-compound comprising an appropriate counter ion, e.g. bromide, chloride, iodine, etc. (Amplifex Keto), acethydrazide trimethylammonium chloride (Girard T), 1-(carboxymethyl)pyridinium chloride hydrazide (Girard P) and pyridiyl amine. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, at least one possible chemical structure of the compound is: dansylchloride Amplifex Diene Amplifex Keto Girard T Girard P In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the method comprises the compound of formula PI: wherein one of the substituents B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 is a coupling group Q, which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the analyte, wherein the other substituents A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, N-acylamino, N,N- dialkylamino, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxythiocarbonyl, acyl, nitro, thioacyl, aryloyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, nitroethyl, acyloxy, aryloyloxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, amino, isotope or derivative thereof, wherein Y1 and Y2 are each independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic, amine or wherein Y1 and Y2 form a ring structure, which is selected from substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the compound of formula PI is selected from the following group:
or combinations thereof.
In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the method comprises the compound of formula DI: wherein one of the substituents B1, B2, B4 is a coupling group Q, which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the analyte, wherein the other substituents A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B4 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, N- acylamino, N, N- dialkylamino, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxythiocarbonyl, acyl, nitro, thioacyl, aryloyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, nitroethyl, acyloxy, aryloyloxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, amino, isotope or derivative thereof, wherein B3 is selected from alkyl, acetyl, vinyl, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted benzyl, unsubstituted benzyl, substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, isotope and derivative thereof, wherein Y1 and Y2 are each independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic, amine or wherein Y1 and Y2 form a ring structure, which is selected from substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the compound of formula DI is selected from the following group: or combinations thereof. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprises compound of formula CI: wherein one of the substituents B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 is a coupling group Q, which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the analyte, wherein the other substituents A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, modified alkyl, N-acylamino, N,N- dialkylamino, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxythiocarbonyl, acyl, nitro, thioacyl, aryloyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, nitroethyl, acyloxy, ary heterocycloalkyl, amino, sulfur, isotope or derivative thereof, wherein A3 comprises ammonium, pyridinium, phosphonium or derivatives thereof, wherein in case of A3 is ammonium and B1 or B5 is the coupling group Q, the coupling group Q comprises a C atom, which is separated by four single or double bonds from the C atom of the CA1A2A3 substituent and the coupling group Q comprises a C-atom, which is separated by five single or double bonds from the C atom of the CA1 A2 A3 substituent.
In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the compound of formula CI is selected from the following group:
or combinations thereof.
In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the ratio of the analyte of interest to the compound is in the range of 1:1 to 1:6.000.000 in step (b). In particular, the ratio of the analyte of interest to the compound is in the range of 1 :50000 to 1 : 100000 or 1:5000 to 1:10000 or 1:1 to 1:100 or 1:100 to 1:1000 or 1:1000000 to 1:2000000. The ratio depends on the kind of reaction, compound (derivatisation reagent), reaction kinetics, like reaction velocity, and/or temperature. The compound can be provided in an excess comparted to the analyte.
In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the analyte of interest is selected from the group consisting of nucleic acid, amino acid, peptide, protein, metabolite, hormones, fatty acid, lipid, carbohydrate, steroid, ketosteroid, secosteroid, a molecule characteristic of a certain modification of another molecule, a substance that has been internalized by the organism, a metabolite of such a substance and combination thereof.
In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprises a functional group selected from the group consisting of carbonyl group, diene group, hydroxyl group, amine group, imine group, ketone group, aldehyde group, thiol group, diol group, phenolic group, expoxid group, disulfide group, nucleobase group, carboxylic acid group, terminal cysteine group, terminal serine group and azide group, each of which is capable of forming a covalent bond with reactive unit K of compound. Further, it is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention that a functional group present on an analyte molecule would be first converted into another group that is more readily available for reaction with reactive unit K of compounds. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprises a carbonyl group as functional group which is selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid group, aldehyde group, keto group, a masked aldehyde, masked keto group, ester group, amide group, and anhydride group. Aldoses (aldehyde and keto) exist as acetal and hemiacetals, a sort of masked form of the parent aldehyde/ keto. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the carbonyl group is an amide group, the skilled person is well aware that the amide group as such is a stable group, but that it can be hydrolyzed to convert the amide group into an carboxylic acid group and an amino group. Hydrolysis of the amide group may be achieved via acid/base catalysed reaction or by enzymatic process either of which is well-known to the skilled person. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the carbonyl group is a masked aldehyde group or a masked keto group, the respective group is either a hemiacetal group or acetal group, in particular a cyclic hemiacetal group or acetal group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the acetal group, is converted into an aldehyde or keto group before reaction with the compound. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the carbonyl group is a keto group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the keto group may be transferred into an intermediate imine group before reacting with the reactive unit of compounds. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more keto groups is a ketosteroid. In particular embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the ketosteroid is selected from the group consisting of testosterone, epitestosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), desoxymethyltestosterone (DMT), tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), aldosterone, estrone, 4-hydroxyestrone, 2-methoxyestrone, 2-hydroxyestrone, 16-ketoestradiol, 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone, 2-hydroxyestrone-3-methylether, prednisone, prednisolone, pregnenolone, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17- hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androsterone, epiandrosterone, Δ4-androstenedione, 11-deoxycortisol, corticosterone, 21-deoxycortisol, 11- deoxycorticosterone, allopregnanolone and aldosterone. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the carbonyl group is a carboxyl group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the carboxyl group reacts directly with the compound or it is converted into an activated ester group before reaction with the compound. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more carboxyl groups is selected from the group consisting of ∆8-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid , benzoylecgonin, salicylic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, gabapentin, pregabalin, valproic acid, vancomycin, methotrexate, mycophenolic acid, montelukast, repaglinide, furosemide, telmisartan, gemfibrozil, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, zomepirac, isoxepac and penicillin. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more carboxyl groups is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of arginine, lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine, tryptophan, alanine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenyalanine, valine, proline and glycine. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the carbonyl group is an aldehyde group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the aldehyde group may be transferred into an intermediate imine group before reacting with the reactive unit of compounds. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more aldehyde groups is selected from the group consisting of pyridoxal, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, alcaftadine, streptomycin and josamycin. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the carbonyl group is an carbonyl ester group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more ester groups is selected from the group consisting of cocaine, heroin, Ritalin, aceclofenac, acetylcholine, amcinonide, amiloxate, amylocaine, anileridine, aranidipine artesunate and pethidine. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the carbonyl group is an anhydride group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more anhydride groups is selected from the group consisting of cantharidin, succinic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride and maleic anhydride. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprises one or more diene groups, in particular to conjugated diene groups, as functional group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more diene groups is a secosteroid. In embodiments, the secosteroid is selected from the group consisting of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), calcifediol, calcitriol, tachysterol, lumisterol and tacalcitol. In particular, the secosteroid is vitamin D, in particular vitamin D2 or D3 or derivates thereof. In particular embodiments, the secosteroid is selected from the group consisting of vitamin D2, vitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (calcifediol), 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D2, 3-epi-25- hydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more diene groups is selected from the group consisting of vitamin A, tretinoin, isotretinoin, alitretinoin, natamycin, sirolimus, amphotericin B, nystatin, everolimus, temsirolimus and fidaxomicin. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprises one or more hydroxyl group as functional group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprises a single hydroxyl group or two hydroxyl groups. In embodiments wherein more than one hydroxyl group is present, the two hydroxyl groups may be positioned adjacent to each other (1,2-diol) or may be separated by 1, 2 or 3 C atoms (1,3-diol, 1,4-diol, 1,5-diol, respectively). In particular embodiments of the first aspect, the analyte molecule comprises a 1,2-diol group. In embodiments, wherein only one hydroxyl group is present, said analyte is selected from the group consisting of primary alcohol, secondary alcohol and tertiary alcohol. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the analyte molecule comprises one or more hydroxyl groups, the analyte is selected from the group consisting of benzyl alcohol, menthol, L-carnitine, pyridoxine, metronidazole, isosorbide mononitrate, guaifenesin, clavulanic acid, Miglitol, zalcitabine, isoprenaline, aciclovir, methocarbamol, tramadol, venlafaxine, atropine, clofedanol, alpha-hydroxyalprazolam, alpha- Hydroxytriazolam, lorazepam, oxazepam, Temazepam, ethyl glucuronide, ethylmorphine, morphine, morphine-3-glucuronide, buprenorphine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, p‑hydroxypropoxyphene, O-desmethyltramadol, Desmetramadol, dihydroquinidine and quinidine. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the analyte molecule comprises more than one hydroxyl groups, the analyte is selected from the group consisting of vitamin C, glucosamine, mannitol, tetrahydrobiopterin, cytarabine, azacitidine, ribavirin, floxuridine, Gemcitabine, Streptozotocin, adenosine, Vidarabine, cladribine, estriol, trifluridine, clofarabine, nadolol, zanamivir, lactulose, adenosine monophosphate, idoxuridine, regadenoson, lincomycin, clindamycin, Canagliflozin, tobramycin, netilmicin, kanamycin, ticagrelor, epirubicin, doxorubicin, arbekacin, streptomycin, ouabain, amikacin, neomycin, framycetin, paromomycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, vindesine, digitoxin, digoxin, metrizamide, acetyldigitoxin, deslanoside, Fludarabine, clofarabine, gemcitabine, cytarabine, capecitabine, vidarabine, and plicamycin. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprises one or more thiol group (including but not limited to alkyl thiol and aryl thiol groups) as functional group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more thiol groups is selected from the group consisting of thiomandelic acid, DL-captopril, DL-thiorphan, N- acetylcysteine, D-penicillamine, glutathione, L-cysteine, zofenoprilat, tiopronin, dimercaprol, succimer. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprises one or more disulfide group as functional group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more disulfide groups is selected from the group consisting of glutathione disulfide, dipyrithione, selenium sulfide, disulfiram, lipoic acid, L-cystine, fursultiamine, octreotide, desmopressin, vapreotide, terlipressin, linaclotide and peginesatide. Selenium sulfide can be selenium disulfide, SeS 2 , or selenium hexasulfide, Se 2 S 6 . In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprises one or more epoxide group as functional group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more epoxide groups is selected from the group consisting of Carbamazepine-10,11- epoxide, carfilzomib, furosemide epoxide, fosfomycin, sevelamer hydrochloride, cerulenin, scopolamine, tiotropium, tiotropium bromide, methylscopolamine bromide, eplerenone, mupirocin, natamycin, and troleandomycin. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprises one or more phenol groups as functional group. In particular embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, analyte molecules comprising one or more phenol groups are steroids or steroid-like compounds. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more phenol groups is a steroid or a steroid-like compound having an A-ring which is sp 2 hybridized and an OH group at the 3 -position of the A-ring. In particular embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the steroid or steroid-like analyte molecule is selected from the group consisting of estrogen, estrogen-like compounds, estrone (El), estradiol (E2), 17a-estradiol, 17b-estradiol, estriol (E3), 16-epiestriol, 17-epiestriol, and 16, 17-epiestriol and/or metabolites thereof. In embodiments, the metabolites are selected from the group consisiting of estriol, 16- epiestriol (16-epiE3), 17-epiestriol (17-epiE3), 16,17-epiestriol (16,17-epiE3), 16- ketoestradiol (16-ketoE2), 16a-hydroxyestrone (16a-OHEl), 2-methoxyestrone (2- MeOEl), 4-methoxyestrone (4-MeOEl), 2-hydroxyestrone-3-methyl ether (3- MeOEl), 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeOE2), 4-methoxyestradiol (4-MeOE2), 2- hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1), 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OHE1), 2-hydroxyestradiol (2- OHE2), estrone (El), estrone sulfate (Els), 17a- estradiol (E2a), 17b-estradiol (E2B), estradiol sulfate (E2S), equilin (EQ), 17a-dihydroequilin (EQa), 17b-dihydroequilin (EQb), Equilenin (EN), 17-dihydroequilenin (ENa), 17α-dihydroequilenin, 17β- dihydroequilenin (ENb) , Δ8,9-dehydroestrone (dEl), Δ8,9-dehydroestrone sulfate (dEls), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, mycophenolic acid. β or b can be used interchangeable. α and a can be used interchangeable. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprises an amine group as functional group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the amine group is an alkyl amine or an aryl amine group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte comprising one or more amine groups is selected from the group consisting of proteins and peptides. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising an amine group is selected from the group consisting of 3,4- methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine, 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, N-methyl- 1,3-benzodioxolylbutanamine, 7-aminoclonazepam, 7-aminoflunitrazepam, 3,4- dimethylmethcathinone, 3-fluoromethcathinone, 4-methoxymethcathinone, 4- methylethcathinone, 4-methylmethcathinone, amfepramone, butylone, ethcathinone, elephedrone, methcathinone, methylone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone, benzoylecgonine, dehydronorketamine, ketamine, norketamine, methadone, normethadone, 6-acetylmorphine, diacetylmorphine, morphine, norhydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, phencyclidine, norpropoxyphene, amitriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, trimipramine, fentanyl, glycylxylidide, lidocaine, monoethylglycylxylidide, N- acetylprocainamide, procainamide, pregabalin, 2-Methylamino-1-(3,4- methylendioxyphenyl)butan, N-methyl-1,3-benzodioxolylbutanamine, 2-Amino-1- (3,4-methylendioxyphenyl)butan, 1,3-benzodioxolylbutanamine, normeperidine, O- Destramadol, desmetramadol, tramadol, lamotrigine, Theophylline, amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, vancomycin, Methotrexate, Gabapentin sisomicin and 5- methylcytosine. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule is a carbohydrate or substance having a carbohydrate moiety, e.g. a glycoprotein or a nucleoside. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule is a monosaccharide, in particular selected from the group consisting of ribose, desoxyribose, arabinose, ribulose, glucose, mannose, galactose, fucose, fructose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, neuraminic acid, N- acetylneurominic acid, etc.. In embodiments, the analyte molecule is an oligosaccharide, in particular selected from the group consisting of a disaccharide, trisaccharid, tetrasaccharide, polysaccharide. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the disaccharide is selected from the group consisting of sucrose, maltose and lactose. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule is a substance comprising above described mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, oligo- or polysaccharide moiety. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprises an azide group as functional group which is selected from the group consisting of alkyl or aryl azide. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule comprising one or more azide groups is selected from the group consisting of zidovudine and azidocillin. Such analyte molecules may be present in biological or clinical samples such as body liquids, e.g. blood, serum, plasma, urine, saliva, spinal fluid, etc., tissue or cell extracts, etc. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecule(s) are present in a biological or clinical sample selected from the group consisting of blood, serum, plasma, urine, saliva, spinal fluid, and a dried blood spot. In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the analyte molecules may be present in a sample which is a purified or partially purified sample, e.g. a purified or partially purified protein mixture or extract. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the reactive unit K is selected from the group consisting of a carbonyl reactive unit, a diene reactive unit, a hydroxyl reactive unit, an amino reactive unit, an imine reactive unit, a thiol reactive unit, a diol reactive unit, a phenol reactive unit, an epoxide reactive unit, a disulfide reactive unit, and an azido reactive unit. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the reactive unit K is a carbonyl reactive unit, which is capable of reacting with any type of molecule having a carbonyl group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the carbonyl reactive unit is selected from the group consisting of carboxyl reactive unit, keto reactive unit, aldehyde reactive unit, anhydride reactive unit, carbonyl ester reactive unit, and imide reactive unit. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the carbonyl-reactive unit may have either a super-nucleophilic N atom strengthened by the α-effect through an adjacent O or N atom NH 2 -N/O or a dithiol molecule. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the carbonyl-reactive unit is selected from the group consisting of (i) a hydrazine unit, e.g. a H 2 N-NH-, or H 2 N-NR1- unit, wherein R1 is aryl or C1-4 alkyl, particularly C1 or C2 alkyl, optionally substituted, (ii) a hydrazide unit, in particular a carbo-hydrazide or a sulfohydrazide, in particular a H 2 N-NH-C(O)-, or H 2 N-NR2-C(O)- unit, wherein R2 is aryl or C1-4 alkyl, particularly C1 or C2 alkyl, optionally substituted, (iii) a hydroxylamino unit, e.g. a H 2 N-O- unit, and (iv) a dithiol unit, particularly a 1,2-dithiol or 1,3-dithiol unit. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the carbonyl reactive unit is a carboxyl reactive unit, the carboxyl reactive units reacts with carboxyl groups on an analyte molecule. In embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the carboxyl reactive unit is selected from the group consisting of a diazo unit, an alkylhalide, amine, and hydrazine unit. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, analyte molecule comprises an ketone or aldehyde group and Q is a carbonyl reactive unit, which is selected from the group: (i) a hydrazine unit, (ii) a hydrazide unit, (iii) a hydroxylamino unit, and (iv) a dithiol unit. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the reactive unit K is a diene reactive unit, which is capable of reacting with an analyte comprising a diene group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the diene reactive unit is selected from the group consisting of Cookson-type reagents, e.g. 1,2,4- triazoline-3,5-diones, which are capable to act as a dienophile. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the reactive unit K is a hydroxyl reactive unit, which is capable of reacting with an analyte comprising a hydroxyl group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the hydroxyl reactive units is selected from the group consisting of sulfonylchlorides, activated carboxylic esters (NHS, or imidazolide), and fluoro aromates/ heteroaromates capable for nucleophilic substitution of the fluorine (T. Higashi J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol.2016 Sep;162:57-69). In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the reactive unit K is a diol reactive unit which reacts with an diol group on an analyte molecule. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the reactive unit is a 1,2 diol reactive unit, the 1,2 diol reactive unit comprises boronic acid. In further embodiments, diols can be oxidised to the respective ketones or aldehydes and then reacted with ketone/aldehyde- reactive unit(s) K. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the amino reactive unit reacts with amino groups on an analyte molecule. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the amino-reactive unit is selected from the group consisting of active ester group such as N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) ester or sulfo-NHS ester, pentafluoro phenyl ester, cabonylimidazole ester, quadratic acid esters, a hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) ester, 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (HOAt) ester, and a sulfonylchloride unit. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the thiol reactive unit reacts with an thiol group on an analyte molecule. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the thiole reactive unit is selected from the group consisting of haloacetyl group, in particular selected from the group consisting of Br/I-CH 2 - C(=O)- unit, acrylamide/ester unit, unsaturated imide unit such as maleimide, methylsulfonyl phenyloxadiazole and sulfonylchloride unit. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the phenol reactive unit reacts with phenol groups on an analyte molecule. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the phenol-reactive unit is selected from the group consisting of active ester unit such as N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) ester or sulfo- NHS ester, pentafluoro phenyl ester, carbonylimidazole ester, quadratic acid esters, a hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) ester, 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (HOAt) ester, and a sulfonylchloride unit. Phenol groups present on an analyte molecule can be reacted with highly reactive electrophiles like triazolinedione (like TAD) via a reaction (H. Ban et al J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132 (5), pp 1523–1525) or by diazotization or alternatively by ortho nitration followed by reduction to an amine which could then be reacted with an amine reactive reagent. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the phenol-reactive unit is fluoro-1-pyridinium. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the reactive unit K is a epoxide reactive unit, which is capable of reacting with an analyte comprising a epoxide group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the epoxide reactive unit is selected from the group consisting of amino, thiol, super- nucleophilic N atom strengthened by the α-effect through an adjacent O or N atom NH2-N/O molecule. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the epoxide reactive unit is selected from the group: (i) a hydrazine unit, e.g. a H 2 N-NH-, or H 2 N-NR 1 - unit, wherein R 1 is aryl, aryl containing one or more heteroatoms or C 1-4 alkyl, particularly C 1 or C 2 alkyl, optionally substituted e.g. with halo, hydroxyl, and/or C 1-3 alkoxy, (ii) a hydrazide unit, in particular a carbo-hydrazide or sulfo-hydrazide unit, in particular a H 2 N-NH-C(O)-, or H 2 N-NR 2 -C(O)- unit, wherein R 2 is aryl, aryl containing one or more heteroatoms or C 1-4 alkyl, particularly C 1 or C 2 alkyl, optionally substituted e.g. with halo, hydroxyl, and/or C 1-3 alkoxy, and (iii) a hydroxylamino unit, e.g. a H 2 N-O- unit. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the reactive unit K is a disulfide reactive unit, which is capable of reacting with an analyte comprising a disulfide group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the disulfide reactive unit is selected from the group consisting of thiol. In further embodiments, disulfide group can be reduced to the respective thiol group and then reacted with thiol reactive units Q. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the reactive unit K is a thiol-reactive group or is an amino-reactive group such as an active ester group, e.g. N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester or sulpho-NHS ester, a hydroxybenzotrialzole (HOBt) ester or 1-hydroxy-7-acabenzotriazole (HOAt) ester group. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the reactive unit K is selected from 4-substituted 1,2,4-triazolin-3,5-dione (TAD), 4-Phenyl-1,2,4- triazolin-3,5-dion (PTAD) or fluoro-substituted pyridinium. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the reactive unit K is a azido reactive unit which reacts with azido groups on an analyte molecule. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the azido-reactive unit reacts with azido groups through azide-alkyne cycloaddition. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the azido-reactive unit is selected from the group consisting of alkyne (alkyl or aryl), linear alkyne or cyclic alkyne. The reaction between the azido and the alkyne can proceed with or without the use of a catalyst. In further embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention the azido group can be reduced to the respective amino group and then reacted with amino reactive units K. In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the functional group of the analyte is selected from the options mentioned in the left coloumn of the table 1. The reactive group of Q of the corresponding functional group of the analyte is selected from the the group mentioned in the right coloumn of table 1. Table 1: Functional group of the analyte and reactive groups for the specific labels In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the analyte of interest is free of a carbonyl group. The analyte of interest does not comprise a carbonyl group. 5 According to step (c), the pretreated sample is diluted. Step (c) can be performed after step (a) and/or step (b). Alternatively, at least steps (b) and (c) are performed simultaneously. Preferably, step (c) can not be performed before step (b). More preferably, step (c) of the method of determining the level of Testosterone can not be performed before step (b) by said method. The term “simultaneously” can mean in this context that steps (b) and (c) are performed or are done at the same time or time period, in particular exactly at the same time or time period. This can mean that steps (b) and (c) have the same starting point and/or ending point. Alternatively, the starting point and/or ending point of the two steps can differ, e.g. with a tolerance of 40% or 30% or 20% or 10 % or 5% or 3% or 2% or 1% or 0.5%. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, step c) is performed after step b). In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the sample in step c) is diluted by a solvent or a mixture of solvents. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the solvent is an electron spray suitable solvent. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the solvent is selected from the group consisting of water, methanol, acetonitrile or mixtures thereof. The solvent or mixtures of solvents can comprise additional additives for improving the nanoESI process, e.g. formic acid, e.g.0.1% formic acid. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the pretreated sample is diluted in step c) in such a way that the dilution factor of the analyte of interest to the compound is in the range from 1: 0.001 to 1:1000. Preferably, the dilution factor of the analyte of interest to the compound is in the range from 1: 0.1 to 1:1 or 1: 0.1 to 1:10 or 1: 10 to 1:20 or 1: 10 to 1:50 or 1: 30 to 1:70. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the pretreated sample is diluted in step c) in such a way that the dilution factor of the analyte of interest to the compound is in the range from 1:1 to 1:100. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the pretreated sample is diluted in step c) in such a way that the level of the analyte is by factor 1:1000, preferably 1:100 or 1:10 higher than the level of the analyte in step (b). According to step (d), the level of the analyte of interest in the pretreated sample is determined by using nanoESI mass spectrometry. The quantitative analysis according to step (d) of is carried out by mass spectrometry (MS). Preferably, the MS analysis procedure comprises a tandem MS (MS/MS) analysis, particularly a triple quadrupole (Q) MS/MS analysis. Additionally, the MS comproses a nanoESI as an ionization source. A skilled person knows nanoESI as an ionization source. Therefore, it is not further explained at this point. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the nanoESI mass spectrometry is static. Surprisingly, it was found that a combination of a derivatising step and diluting step in a method, the level of the analyte of interest can be determined by using nanoESI MS in a sensitive manner. In the described invention solution, the advantages of nanoESI regarding better ion yields are combined with the possibility to derivatize the target analyte with specific reagents which additionally increase the ion yields. Due to a reduction of ionization competition and the low material input into the ion source, a lower contamination of the whole system can be assumed. Alternative substances can be added to the solvent of the pretreated sample to improve the signal, e.g. a dopand spray like an acid, a base, DMSO or toluene. As an acid an organic acid, e.g. formic acid, can be used. Ammoniumacetate or NH4OH can be used as a base. This method can be used to increase the sensitivity of the entire system so that the patient sample together with the analyte can be diluted in a suitable solvent. This is contrary to the state of the art where the analyte must be further concentrated in the process to enable mass spectrometric detection. By combining derivatisation, dilution and nanoESI it is possible to perform quantitative MS determinations of even very low concentrated analytes such as steroids in serum without the use of HPLC separation columns. Very low concentrated analytes can mean in this context, concentrations in the pg/mL range, i.e. in the range from 1 pg/ml to 999 pg/ml. Surprisingly, the combination of derivatization and static nanoESI leads to signal amplification that is significantly higher than the expected combination of the individual components. Advantages of the solution according to the first aspect of the invention compared to HPLC-MS are: 1. reduced complexity and robustness - Extremely reduced solvent consumption (e.g. factor 3500 in comparison to 700 µl/min flow rate) - Significantly less substance entry into the mass spectrometer (e.g. factor >1000; nL instead of µL sample volume) - Maintenance effort MS reduced due to less contamination - No carryover when using "single use spray nozzles” - For analytes in the higher concentration range (e.g. TDMs) a low end MS can be used and thus the hardware costs can be reduced - No need for fast scanning MS hardware 2. simplified workflow - Simple sample preparation (bead separation or protein precipitation) - Derivatising instead of concentrating - Dilution instead of concentration / depletion - No gradient HPLC necessary - No HPLC separation column necessary - Separation of isobars by ion mobility or immunosorption on beads or similar active surfaces e.g. C18 material capture zone etc. 3. improved performance - Synergistic effects of nano-ESI and derivatization - Specific for functional groups by derivatisation - Variable residence time of the analyte in the ion source - Increase of the available measuring time in the MS - Possibility of multiple MS experiments - Improvement of the S/N ratio (signale to noise ratio) - Improvement of detection limits In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the method of the first aspect of the present invention for determining the level of an analyte of interest in a pretreated sample. All embodiments mentioned for the first aspect of the invention apply for the second aspect of the invention and vice versa. In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a diagnostic system for determining a level of an analyte of interest in a pretreated sample, comprising a nanoESI source and a mass spectrometer to carry out the method according to the first aspect of the invention. All embodiments mentioned for the first aspect of the invention and/or second aspect of the invention apply for the third aspect of the invention and vice versa. In embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, diagnostic system is a clinical diagnostic system. In embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the nanoESI source can be e.g. a chip-based electrospray ionization technology from company Advion. It combines the benefits of liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, chip-based infusion, fraction collection, and direct surface analysis into one integrated ion source platform. Other known nanoESI sources are also possible. The nanoESI source is known for a skilled person and therefore not explained in detail. In embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the mass spectrometer can be e.g. a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer or a linear ion trap mass spectrometer. A mass spectrometer is known for a skilled person and thus not explained in detail. A “clinical diagnostics system” is a laboratory automated apparatus dedicated to the analysis of samples for in vitro diagnostics. The clinical diagnostics system may have different configurations according to the need and/or according to the desired laboratory workflow. Additional configurations may be obtained by coupling a plurality of apparatuses and/or modules together. A “module” is a work cell, typically smaller in size than the entire clinical diagnostics system, which has a dedicated function. This function can be analytical but can be also pre-analytical or post analytical or it can be an auxiliary function to any of the pre-analytical function, analytical function or post-analytical function. In particular, a module can be configured to cooperate with one or more other modules for carrying out dedicated tasks of a sample processing workflow, e.g. by performing one or more pre-analytical and/or analytical and/or post-analytical steps. In particular, the clinical diagnostics system can comprise one or more analytical apparatuses, designed to execute respective workflows that are optimized for certain types of analysis, e.g. clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, coagulation, hematology, liquid chromatography separation, mass spectrometry, etc. Thus the clinical diagnostic system may comprise one analytical apparatus or a combination of any of such analytical apparatuses with respective workflows, where pre-analytical and/or post analytical modules may be coupled to individual analytical apparatuses or be shared by a plurality of analytical apparatuses. In alternative pre-analytical and/or post-analytical functions may be performed by units integrated in an analytical apparatus. The clinical diagnostics system can comprise functional units such as liquid handling units for pipetting and/or pumping and/or mixing of samples and/or reagents and/or system fluids, and also functional units for sorting, storing, transporting, identifying, separating, detecting. The clinical diagnostic system can comprise a sample preparation station for the automated preparation of samples comprising analytes of interest, optionally a liquid chromatography (LC) separation station comprising a plurality of LC channels and/or a sample preparation/LC interface for inputting prepared samples into any one of the LC channels. In particular, the clinical diagnostic system is free of a separation station, e.g. a LC-HPLC unit or HPLC unit. The clinical diagnostic system can further comprise a controller programmed to assign samples to pre-defined sample preparation workflows each comprising a pre- defined sequence of sample preparation steps and requiring a pre-defined time for completion depending on the analytes of interest. The clinical diagnostic system can further comprise a mass spectrometer (MS) and an LC/MS interface for connecting the LC separation station to the mass spectrometer. A “sample preparation station” can be a pre-analytical module coupled to one or more analytical apparatuses or a unit in an analytical apparatus designed to execute a series of sample processing steps aimed at removing or at least reducing interfering matrix components in a sample and/or enriching analytes of interest in a sample. Such processing steps may include any one or more of the following processing operations carried out on a sample or a plurality of samples, sequentially, in parallel or in a staggered manner: pipetting (aspirating and/or dispensing) fluids, pumping fluids, mixing with reagents, incubating at a certain temperature, heating or cooling, centrifuging, separating, filtering, sieving, drying, washing, resuspending, aliquoting, transferring, storing, etc.). A “liquid chromatography (LC) separation station” is an analytical apparatus or module or a unit in an analytical apparatus designed to subject the prepared samples to chromatographic separation in order for example to separate analytes of interest from matrix components, e.g. remaining matrix components after sample preparation that may still interfere with a subsequent detection, e.g. a mass spectrometry detection, and/or in order to separate analytes of interest from each other in order to enable their individual detection. According to an embodiment, the LC separation station is an intermediate analytical apparatus or module or a unit in an analytical apparatus designed to prepare a sample for mass spectrometry and/or to transfer the prepared sample to a mass spectrometer. In particular, the LC separation station is a multi-channel LC station comprising a plurality of LC channels. Preferably, the clinical diagnostic system is free of the liquid chromatography (LC) separation station. The clinical diagnostic system, e.g. the sample preparation station, may also comprise a buffer unit for receiving a plurality of samples before a new sample preparation start sequence is initiated, where the samples may be individually randomly accessible and the individual preparation of which may be initiated according to the sample preparation start sequence. The clinical diagnostic system makes use of LC coupled to mass spectrometry more convenient and more reliable and therefore suitable for clinical diagnostics. In particular, high-throughput, e.g. up to 100 samples/hour or more with random access sample preparation and LC separation can be obtained while enabling online coupling to mass spectrometry. Moreover the process can be fully automated increasing the walk-away time and decreasing the level of skills required. In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the diagnostic system of the third aspect of the invention in the method of the first aspect of the invention. All embodiments mentioned for the first aspect of the invention and/or second aspect of the invention and/or third aspect of the invention apply for the fourth aspect of the invention and vice versa. In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a kit suitable to perform a method of the first aspect of the invention comprising (i) a compound for derivatising the analyte of interest in a pretreated sample, wherein the compound is capable of forming a covalent bond to the analyte of interest, (ii) a solvent or mixtures of solvents for diluting the pretreated sample comprising the dervatized analyte of interest, and (iii) optionally a catalyst. All embodiments mentioned for the first aspect of the invention and/or second aspect of the invention and/or third aspect of the invention and/or fourth aspect of the invention apply for the fifth aspect of the invention and vice versa. In embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the solvent or mixtures of solvents for diluting the pretreated sample are selected from the group consisting of water, organic solvents e.g methanol, acetonitrile, and mixtures of water and at least one organic solvent. In embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the kit comprises a catalyst. The catalyst makes a chemical reaction happen more quickly without itself being changed. In particular, the catalyst is a chemical substance. The catalyst is, for example, a lewis base.. In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a the use of a kit of the fifth aspect of the invention in a method of the first aspect of the invention. In further embodiments, the present invention relates to the following aspects: 1. A method of determining the level of an analyte of interest in a pretreated sample comprising the following steps: a) Providing the pretreated sample, in particular the pretreated sample of bodily fluid including the analyte of interest, b) Derivatising the analyte of interest, preferably in the pretreated sample, c) Diluting the pretreated sample, and d) Determining the level of the analyte of interest in the pretreated sample using nanoESI mass spectrometry. 2. The method of aspect 1, wherein the method is free of a further step after performing step a) or step b), wherein the further step is selected from the group consisting of extraction step, chromatographic step, lyophilization, centrifuge or combinations thereof. 3. The method of aspect 2, wherein the chromatographic step comprises at least one or more methods selected from the following group: chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography high performance liquid chromatography (LC-HPLC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), flash chromatography, wherein chromatography is, for example, size exclusion chromatography. 4. The method of aspect 2, wherein the extraction step comprises at least one or more methods selected from the following group: liquid-liquid extraction, liquid-solid extraction, liquid-gas extraction, gas-liquid extraction, solid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction (SPE). 5. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the method is automated. 6. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the pretreated sample is obtained from a patient sample, which is selected from a group consisting of serum, plasma and whole blood sample from an individual. 7. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the pretreated sample is a hemolysed whole-blood sample, particularly a hemolysed human whole-blood sample. 8. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the pretreated sample is free of a tissue sample or wherein the pretreated sample is not a tissue sample. 9. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the pretreated sample is obtained by at least one or more pre-treatment steps and/or by at least one or more enrichment steps. 10. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein at least one enrichment step comprises a chemical precipitation or a solid phase, wherein in particular the solid phase is a bead, wherein the bead is magnetic or paramagnetic. 11. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the method is an in vitro method. 12. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein step b) is performed at a temperature, which is at least 20 °C or more. 13. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein step b) is performed at least at 30 °C, for example 35 °C. 14. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein step b) is performed at least at 40 °C, for example 45 °C. 15. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein step b) is performed at least at 50 °C, for example 55 °C. 16. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein step b) is performed at least at 60 °C, for example 65 °C. 17. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein step b) is performed at least at 70 °C, for example 75 °C. 18. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein step b) is performed at least at 80 °C, for example 85 °C. 19. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein step b) comprises the addition of a further substance or further substances, e.g. additives, wherein the further substance or the further substances are e.g. for protonation and/or for catalysis, in particular wherein the further substance for catalysis is a lewis base. 20. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the analyte of interest is derivatized in step b) by a compound, which is capable of forming a covalent binding to the analyte of interest, in particular wherein after step b) the compound is covalently bounded to the analyte of interest for forming a complex with the analyte of interest. 21. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20, wherein the compound is simple permanent positively charged or simple permanent negatively charged. 22. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20, wherein the compound is double permanent positively charged or double permanent negatively charged. 23. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20, wherein the compound is free of a permanent charge. 24. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20 to 23, wherein the ratio of the analyte of interest to the compound is in the range of 1:1 to 1:6.000.000 in step b) . 25. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20 to 24, wherein the compound comprises a reactive unit K, which is able of reacting with a carbonyl group, phenol group, amine, hydroxyl group or diene group of the analyte of interest. 26. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20 to 25, wherein K is selected from the group consisting of hydrazide, hydrazine, hydroxylamine, Br, F-aromatic, 4- substituted 1,2,4-triazolin-3,5-dione (TAD), active ester, sulfonylchloride and reactive carbonyl. 27. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20 to 26, wherein the compound comprises a counter ion for forming a salt, wherein the counter ion is preferably selected from the following group: Cl-, Br-, F-, formiate, trifluoroacetate, PF 6 -, sulfonate, phosphate, acetate. 28. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20 to 27, wherein the compound comprises a permanent charge, in particular a permanent net charge, wherein said compound is capable of covalently binding to the analyte of interest, wherein said compound has a mass m1 and a net charge z1, wherein the compound is capable of forming at least one daughter ion having a mass m2 < m1 and a net charge z2 < z1 after fragmentation by mass spectrometric determination, wherein m1/z1 < m2/z2. 29. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20 to 28, wherein the compound comprises formula A or B: (A) (B) wherein X is a reactive unit, which is in particular capable of forming a covalent bond with an analyte of interest, L1 and L2 are independently of each other substituted or unsubstituted linker, in particular branched or linear linker, Y is a neutral loss unit, and Z is a charged unit comprising at least one permanently charged moiety, in particular comprising one permanently charged moiety, including any salt thereof. 30. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20 to 29, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: dansylchloride, carbamic acid, N-[2-[[[2- (diethylamino)ethyl]amino]carbonyl]-6-quinolinyl]-, 2,5-dioxo-1-pyrrolidinyl ester (RapiFluor-MS), 4-substituted 1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-diones (Cookson-type reagents), 4-Phenyl-1,2,4-triazolin-3,5-dion-derivative (Amplifex Diene), 1-propanaminium, 3-(aminooxy)-N,N,N-trimethyl-compound comprising an appropriate counter ion, e.g. bromide, chloride, iodine, etc. (Amplifex Keto), acethydrazide trimethylammonium chloride (Girard T), 1-(carboxymethyl)pyridinium chloride hydrazide (Girard P) and pyridiyl amine. 31. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20 to 30, comprising the compound of formula PI: (PI) wherein one of the substituents B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 is a coupling group Q, which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the analyte, wherein the other substituents A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, N-acylamino, N,N-dialkylamino, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxythiocarbonyl, acyl, nitro, thioacyl, aryloyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, nitroethyl, acyloxy, aryloyloxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, amino, isotope or derivative thereof, wherein Y1 and Y2 are each independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic, amine or wherein Y1 and Y2 form a ring structure, which is selected from substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic. 32. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20 to 31, comprising the compound of formula DI: wherein one of the substituents B1, B2, B4 is a coupling group Q, which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the analyte, wherein the other substituents A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B4 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, N-acylamino, N,N- dialkylamino, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxythiocarbonyl, acyl, nitro, thioacyl, aryloyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, nitroethyl, acyloxy, aryloyloxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, amino, isotope or derivative thereof, wherein B3 is selected from alkyl, acetyl, vinyl, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted benzyl, unsubstituted benzyl, substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, isotope and derivative thereof, wherein Y1 and Y2 are each independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic, amine or wherein Y1 and Y2 form a ring structure, which is selected from substituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted aromatic, unsubstituted aromatic, substituted heteroaromatic, unsubstituted heteroaromatic. 33. The method of any of the proceeding aspects 20 to 32, comprising the compound of formula CI: wherein one of the substituents B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 is a coupling group Q, which is capable of forming a covalent bond with the analyte, wherein the other substituents A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, modified alkyl, N-acylamino, N,N- dialkylamino, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxythiocarbonyl, acyl, nitro, thioacyl, aryloyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethyl, cyanomethyl, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, methoxyethyl, nitroethyl, acyloxy, aryloyloxy, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, amino, sulfur, isotope or derivative thereof, wherein A3 comprises ammonium, pyridinium, phosphonium or derivatives thereof, wherein in case of A3 is ammonium and B1 or B5 is the coupling group Q, the coupling group Q comprises a C atom, which is separated by four single or double bonds from the C atom of the CA1A2A3 substituent and the coupling group Q comprises a C-atom, which is separated by five single or double bonds from the C atom of the CA1A2A3 substituent. 34. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the analyte of interest is selected from the group consisting of nucleic acid, amino acid, peptide, protein, metabolite, hormones, fatty acid, lipid, carbohydrate, steroid, ketosteroid, secosteroid, a molecule characteristic of a certain modification of another molecule, a substance that has been internalized by the organism, a metabolite of such a substance and combination thereof. 35. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the analyte of interest is free of a carbonyl group. 36. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein step c) is performed after step b). 37. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the sample in step c) is diluted by a solvent or a mixture of solvents. 38. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the solvent is an electron spray suitable solvent. 39. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of water, methanol, acetonitrile or mixtures thereof. 40. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the pretreated sample is diluted in step c) in such a way that the dilution factor of the analyte of interest to the compound is in the range from 1: 0.001 to 1:1000. 41. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the pretreated sample is diluted in step c) in such a way that the dilution factor of the analyte of interest to the compound is in the range from 1:1 to 1:10000, preferably 1:10 to 1:10000, more preferably 1:10 to 1:1000. 42. The method of any of the proceeding aspects, wherein the nanoESI mass spectrometry is static. 43. Use of the method of any one of aspects 1 to 42 for determining the level of an analyte of interest in a pretreated sample. 44. A diagnostic system for determining a level of an analyte of interest in a pretreated sample, comprising a nanoESI source and a mass spectrometer to carry out the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 42. 45. Use of the diagnostic system of aspect 44 in the method of any one of aspects 1 to 42. 46. A kit suitable to perform a method of any one of aspects 1to 42 comprising (i) a compound for derivatising the analyte of interest in a pretreated sample, wherein the compound is capable of forming a covalent bond to the analyte of interest, (ii) a solvent or mixtures of solvents for diluting the pretreated sample comprising the dervatized analyte of interest, and (iii) optionally a catalyst. 47. Use of a kit of aspect 46 in a method of any one of aspects 1 to 42. Examples The following examples are provided to illustrate, but not to limit the presently claimed invention. Example 1: Analytes in neat solution 13 C 3 -Testosterone: mass concentration: 1 mg/mL in Methanol Mz2974: mass concentration: 1 mg/mL in Methanol, considering the molar ratio of testosterone relatively to the testosterone derivate Mz2974 (molar mass of testosterone /molar mass of Mz2974 = 0.49) and the purity of Mz2974 of 0.90 detected by qNMR, the actual testosterone-mass concentration in Mz2974 stock solution is calculated 0.442 mg/mL (1 mg/mL * 0.90 * 0.49 = 0.442 mg/mL testosterone ratio). All subsequent dilutions of Mz2974 are corrected accordingly by this factor. The structures of 13 C 3 -Testosterone and Mz2974 are: 1 3 C 3 -Testosterone:
Subsequently, a 10 µg/mL stock solution #2 was prepared for following dilutions (solvent: H2O/acetonitrile 70/30, + 0.1 % formic acid). Testosterone-Girard T: mass concentration: 1 mg/mL in Methanol, considering the molar ratio of testosterone relatively to the testosterone derivate Girard T-testosterone (molar mass of testosterone /molar mass of Testosterone- Girard T= 0.65) and the purity of Testosterone-Girard T of 0.86 detected by qNMR, the actual testosterone-mass concentration in Testosterone-Girard T stock solution is calculated 0.559 mg/mL (1 mg/mL * 0.86 * 0.65 = 0.559 mg/mL testosterone ratio). All subsequent dilutions of Testosterone-Girard T are corrected accordingly by this factor. Subsequently, a 10 µg/mL stock solution #2 was prepared for following dilutions (solvent: H2O/Acetonitrile 70/30, + 0.1 % formic acid). n-Decylbenzamide: mass concentration: 1 mg/mL in Methanol An analyte mixture with analyte concentrations of 1 µg/mL 13 C 3 -Testosteron, 1 µg/mL Mz2974, 1 µg/mL Testosteron-Girard T, and 100 ng/mL n-Decylbenzamide for internal standard use was prepared. The following calibrators were made by alternating dilution with 10 % H2O, + 0.1 % formic acid, + 100 ng/mL n- Decylbenzamide in acetonitrile: A Thermo LTQ mass spectrometer equipped with an Advion Triversa Nanomate ionization source was used for the measurements. The intensity of the signal of each analyte was summed up for the duration of 3 minutes. The relative intensity is defined as the ratio of the intensity of the analyte and the internal standard. Advion Triversa Nanomate ionization source: The parameters of the Advion Triversa Nanomate were optimized as follows: Volume: 5 µL Gas pressure: 0.6 psi Voltage: 1.2 kV Thermo LTQ mass spectrometer:
The Thermo LTQ mass spectrometer was operated in positive ionization mode. The acquisition time was set to 3 minutes. The parameters of the mass spectrometer were optimized as follows: capillary temperature, 250 °C; capillary voltage, 36 V; and tube lens, 70 V.
For all analytes and the internal standard, multiple reaction monitoring was performed. The collision energies for multiple reaction monitoring were optimized for highest signal intensities. The aquired mass transitions were as follows:
Testosterone-Girard T: m/z 402.3 m/z 343.2 (Collision energy: 30)
Mz 2974: m/z 508.3 m/z 449.3 (Collision energy: 28)
13 C 3 -Testosterone: m/z 292.2 m/z 100.1 (Collision energy: 27) n-Decylbenzamide: m/z 262.2 m/z 105.0 (Collision energy: 35)
Fig. 1A shows two methods of determining the level of analyte of interest in a neat solution. The analyte of interest is in this case testosterone. In one method, the analyte is provided in a derivatised form by a compound Girard T or Mz2974 and then the level of the analyte of interest is determined in the pretreated sample using nanoESI mass spectrometry. In contrast to that, the other method shows the determining of the level of the analyte of interest (testosterone) sample using nanoESI mass spectrometry without a pre-derivatising step.
Result in neat solution:
The defined mass transitions of 13 C 3 -Testosterone, Mz2974, Testosterone-GirardT, and n-Decylbenzamide, for internal standard use, were analyzed over a broad range of analyte concentrations ranging from 0.01 ng/mL to 1000 ng/mL in a neat solution matrix.
Especially, at low analyte concentrations from 0.01 - 1 ng/mL the summed signal area over a time period of 3 min for 13 C 3 -Testosterone was comparably very low. No 13 C 3 -Testosterone-signal was detected at concentrations from 0.01 ng/mL to 0.1 ng/mL. A constant signal of 13 C 3 -Testosterone was detected starting from 5 ng/mL to higher concentrations. In contrast to these findings, a signal for Mz2974 and Girard T-derivatized Testosterone was detected over the full concentration range. Even at very low analyte concentrations where 13 C 3 -Testosterone was not detectable directly, the derivatized testosterone showed clearly a corresponding signal. Comparing the signal-intensity at the concentration of e.g. 1 ng/mL, Mz2974 shows a 4 fold, and Testosterone- Girard T a 1923 fold increase in the area of the signal. Fig. 1B shows the results of these two methods. It is shown the relative intensitiy and areas, respectively, as a function of the concentration of underivatized Testosterone and derivatized Testosterone in neat solution. As a derivatizing reagent Girard T and Mz2974 were used. Underivatized Testosterone is not or marginal detectable, in particular at low concentrations of 5 ng/ml or lower. The derivatised analyte of interest in the pretreated sample leads to an increasing of the sensitivity. Comparing the intensity at the concentration of e.g. 1 ng/mL, Mz2974 shows a 4 fold, and Testosterone-Girard T a 1923 fold increase in the area of the signal. The structure of Mz2974 is: Example 2: Analytes in depleted horse serum matrix Protein precipitation in horse serum: The horse serum matrix (Sigma, H0146) was precipitated by addition of ice-cold methanol (-20 °C) in the ratio 1:5, mixed on a vortex mixer and subsequently centrifuged for 15 min at 5300 rpm (centrifuge Heraeus Megafuge 16R, Thermo Scientific). The supernatant was transferred and stored at -20 °C until usage. For the matrix stock solution an analyte mixture with analyte concentrations of 1 µg/mL 13 C 3 -Testosterone, 1 µg/mL Mz2974, 1 µg/mL Testosteron-Girard T, and 100 ng/mL n-Decylbenzamide was prepared in the MeOH-depleted horse serum matrix. The following calibrators were made by alternating dilution with the MeOH-depleted horse serum matrix: A Thermo LTQ mass spectrometer equipped with an Advion Triversa Nanomate ionization source was used for the measurements of the calibrators. The intensity of the signal of each analyte was summed up for the duration of 3 minutes. The relative intensity is defined as the ratio of the intensity of the analyte and the internal standard. Fig. 2A shows two methods of determining the level of analyte of interest in a MeOH-depleted horse serum matrix solution. The analyte of interest is in this case testosterone. In one method, the analyte is provided in a derivatised form by a compound Girard T or Mz2974 and then the level of the analyte of interest is determined in the pretreated sample using nanoESI mass spectrometry. In contrast to that, the other method shows the determining of the level of the analyte of interest (testosterone) sample using nanoESI mass spectrometry without a pre-derivatising step. Result in MeOH-depleted horse serum: The defined mass transitions of 13 C 3 -Testosterone, Mz2974, Testosterone-GirardT, and n-Decylbenzamide, for internal standard use, were analyzed over a broad range of analyte concentrations ranging from 0.01 ng/mL to 1000 ng/mL in a MeOH- depleted horse serum matrix. The summed signal area over a time period of 3 min for 13 C 3 -Testosterone was not detected at concentrations lower than 500 ng/mL. Additionally, the signal area at higher concentration, e.g. 500 ng/mL and 1000 ng/mL, was very low and hardly detectable. A reason for this behavior in contrast to the analysis in neat solution matrix can be the analyte suppression in the ionization process by matrix molecules. The signals for Mz2974 and Girard T-derivatized Testosterone were detected over the full concentration range. Even at very low analyte concentrations where 13 C 3 - Testosterone was not detectable directly, the derivatized testosterone showed clearly a corresponding signal. Compared to the findings in neat solution matrix, the signal areas in the MeOH-depleted horse serum matrix were generally lower. Especially, Girard T-derivatized testosterone was detectable in MeOH-depleted horse serum matrix at very low concentrations from 0.01 ng/mL – 0.5 ng/mL by static nanoESI injection. In this experiment, the analysis of the results was evaluated by the signal area over a time period of 3 minutes instead of using the internal standard ratio. Unfortunately, the internal standard n-Decylbenzamide at 100 ng/mL was suppressed by matrix molecules. Nevertheless, the successful principle of higher signal intensity by derivatization was shown and future evaluations will use an updated concentration of an internal standard. Fig. 2B shows the results of these two methods. It is shown the relative intensitiy and areas, respectively, as a function of the concentration of underivatized Testosterone and derivatized Testosterone in MeOH-depleted horse serum matrix. As a derivatizing reagent Girard T and Mz2974 were used. Underivatized 13 C 3 - Testosterone is not or marginal detectable in matrix solution. The derivatised analyte of interest in the pretreated sample leads to an increasing of the sensitivity. Data analysis was performed by the summed area of the signals for a time period of 3 min. Due to ion suppression, the internal standard ratio was not used in this case. Example 3: Derivatization, dilution, and analysis of analyte in MeOH-depleted horse serum Protein precipitation in horse serum: The horse serum matrix (Sigma, H0146) was precipitated by addition of ice-cold methanol (-20 °C) in the ratio 1:5, mixed on a vortex mixer and subsequently centrifuged for 15 min at 5300 rpm (centrifuge Heraeus Megafuge 16R, Thermo Scientific). The supernatant was transferred and stored at -20 °C until usage. Derivatization in MeOH-depleted horse serum: 13 C 3 -Testosterone was spiked in MeOH-depleted horse serum matrix, as well as in a Bead Eluat solution in concentrations between 0.04 – 4000 ng/mL separately. A blank sample was prepared without addition of 13 C 3 -Testosterone. Additionally, for each calibrator a blank reaction was performed by pipetting 50 µL of acetonitril/H2O 50/50 instead of the addition of derivatization reagent. Afterwards, 50 µL of the respective 13 C 3 -Testosterone calibrator was spiked with 50 µL citric acid (4M), 50 µL m-phenylendiamine (400mM), and 50 µL of the derivatization reagent. In this derivatization/dilution step, the concentration of 13 C 3 - Testosterone was diluted in the ratio 1:4. Subseqently, the derivatization mixture was shaken for a reaction time of 4 min at 85 °C. Accordingly, each calibrator was diluted with a mixture of acetonitrile/H2O 90/10 +0.1 % formic acid in a ratio of 1:100 and analyzed by Triversa Nanomate nanoESI ionization source and the LTQ mass spectrometer. Fig. 3A shows the schematic description of the analyte derivatization followed by further dilution step. Distinct volumes of 13 C 3 -Testosterone are spiked into MeOH- depleted horse serum matrix to result in concentrations varying between 0 and 4000 ng/mL. The derivatization reaction of the analyte is carried out e.g. for 4 min at 85 °C. After derivatization the mixture is diluted in the ratio 1:100 and measured by nanoESI mass spectrometry. The derivatising step follows before the diluting step. Additionally, citric acid (e.g.50 µl, 4 M), m-phenylendiamine (50 µl, 400 mM), depl. horse serum / 13 C 3 -Testosterone (50 µl) and the derivatization reagent (50 µl) can be added in the derivatising step. No stable and/or detectable signal of pre- derivatization diluted samples can be observed. The diluting step can be e.g. performed in in acetonitrile/H2O (90:10) and 0.1 % formic acid (FA). Results: All blank reactions showed no signals at the corresponding m/z ratios. Non- derivatized 13 C 3 -Testosterone showed no signal and was strongly suppressed by the matrix. Even at higher concentrations of 10 ng/mL, 13 C 3 -Testosterone showed no constant signal. The derivatization product of 13 C 3 -Testosterone and Girard T was constantly detected in low concentrations at 0.1 ng/mL in MeOH-depleted horse serum as well in bead eluat matrix. At initial 13 C 3 -Testosterone concentrations lower 0.1 ng/mL, the signal intensity was not permanently high. Presumably, the limit of detection for this analyte is located in this concentration range. Girard T-derivatized 13 C 3 - Testosterone showed similar results in both matrix systems. The derivate of 13 C 3 -Testosterone and Mz2960 was analyzed in MeOH-depleted horse serum matrix only. In comparison to the Girard T-derivate, the Mz2960- derivate showed a higher intensity at comparable initial 13 C 3 -Testosterone concentrations. Likewise, the Mz2960-Testosterone derivate was detected constantly at low concentrations of 0.1 ng/mL. All calibrators showed a linear dependency in the measured concentration range. The structure of Mz2960 is: Mz2960: Fig. 3B shows the results of the derivatization of 13 C 3 -Testosterone with Girard T in MeOH-depleted horse serum and Bead Eluat as well as the derivatization with Mz2960 in MeOH-depleted horse serum and subsequent dilution of the analyte mixtures. Fig. 4 shows an enrichment step according to the present invention. The serum sample is pipetted into a vessel. Accordingly, the internal standard (ISTD, e.g. a 13 C- labelled analyte solved in 5% methanol) is added to the sample. After an incubation time, MeOH is added to the sample for pretreatment. After another incubation time, the magnetic bead particles are added to the sample solution and the mixture is incubated for a defined time. Afterwards, the bead/sample-mixture is washed two times with water. Analyte elution is performed by adding a distinct volume of MeOH. Finally, water + 0.1 % formic acid is added and the sample mixture is ready for analysis. Fig. 5 shows the area ratio as a function of the concentration in ng/ml of a 13 C 3 - Testosterone and the derivatives DMA098 or Mz2974 in depl. horse serum according to a comparative method by using nanoESI, preferably static nanoESI (Nanomate hs) instead of ESI, preferably static ESI. The spiked 13 C 3 -Testosterone is not detectable in depl. horse serum. In contrast to 13 C 3 -Testosterone, DMA098 (Gir. T derivate) and Mz2974 show a higher area ratioand high linearity at the selected concentration range. Derivatization of the allows a quantification of the analyte at low concentration ranges.
The structure of DMA098 is: Fig. 6 shows the area ratio as a function of the concentration in ng/ml of DMA128, 25-OH Vitamin D3, DMA137 and DMA152 in depletion (depl.) horse serum according to a comparative method by using nanoESI (Nanomate hs), preferably static nanoESI instead of ESI, preferably static ESI. The spiked 25-OH Vitamin D3 is not detectable in depl. horse serum. In contrast, DMA128 (E2 derivate), DMA137 and DMA152 (25-OH Vit.D3 derivates) show a higher area ratio and high linearity at the selected concentration range. Derivatization of the analyte and measurement by nanoESI allows a quantification of the analyte at low concentration ranges.
The structures of DMA128, DMA137, DMA152 and 25-OH Vitamin D3 are:
25 -OH Vitamin D3:
Fig. 7 shows the area ratio as a function of the concentration in ng/ml of 13 C 3 - Testosterone and the derivatives DMA098 or Mz2974 in depletion horse serum according to a method by using ESI, preferably static ESI (direct injection, 100 μL/min). The spiked 13 C 3 -Testosterone is not detectable in depl. horse serum. High matrix background and less ionization efficiency of 13 C 3 -Testosterone leads to depressed signal compared to labeled versions of Testosterone. DMA098 (Gir. T derivate) and Mz2974 show higher signal intensities and linearity allowing a quantification at the low concentration range.
Fig. 8 A and 8B show the comparison of nanoESI (Nanomate, ~0.5 μL/min), preferably static nanoESI, and ESI (direct injection, 100 μL/min), preferably static ESI, of Mz2974 in depl. horse serum. It is shown the area ratio as a function of the concentration in ng/ml. Fig. 8 A shows high matrix background and signal depression in direct injection. The limit of detection (LOD) of 0.21 ng/ml is estimated according to DIN 32645 as first approximation. Compared to that Fig. 8B shows higher linearity and sensitivity at same concentrations. The limit of detection (LOD) of 0.05 ng/ml is estimated according to DIN 32645 as first approximation. This means a LOD factor of 0.21/0.05 = 4.2. Nanospray ionization of the derivatized analyte roughly shows a 4 times higher sensitivity than Electrospray Ionization at higher flowrates (e.g. 100 μL/min). Fig. 9 A and 9B show the comparison preferably static nanoESI, and ESI (direct injection, 100 μL/min), preferably static ESI, of DMA098 in depl. horse serum. It is shown the area ratio as a function of the concentration in ng/ml. Fig. 9A shows high matrix background and signal depression in direct injection. The limit of detection (LOD) of 0.10 ng/ml is estimated according to DIN 32645 as first approximation. Compared to that Fig. 9B shows higher linearity and sensitivity at same concentrations. The limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 ng/ml is estimated according to DIN 32645 as first approximation. This means a LOD factor of 0.10/0.03 = 3.3. Nanospray ionization of the derivatized analyte roughly shows a 3 times higher sensitivity than Electrospray Ionization at higher flowrates (e.g. 100 μL/min).
Fig. 10 shows the area ratio as a function of the concentration in ng/ml of DMA128, 25-OH Vitamin D3, DMA137 and DMA152 in depletion horse serum according to a method by using ESI (direct injection, 100 μL/min), preferably static ESI. The spiked 25-OH Vitamin D3 is not detectable in depl. horse serum. High matrix background and less ionization efficiency of 25-OH Vitamin D3 leads to depressed signal compared to labelled versions of 25-OH Vitamin D3. D MAI 28 (E2 derivate), DMA137 and DMA152 (Vit.D3 derivates) show higher signal intensities and linearity at the concentration range than the non-derivatized analytes.
Fig. 11A and 11B show the comparison of nanoESI (Nanomate, -0.5 μL/min), preferably static nanoESI, and ESI (direct injection, 100 μL/min), preferably static ESI, of DMA137 in depl. horse serum. It is shown the area ratio as a function of the concentration in ng/ml. Fig. 11A shows high matrix background and signal depression in direct injection. The limit of detection (LOD) of 0.08 ng/ml is estimated according to DIN 32645 as first approximation. Compared to that Fig. 1 IB shows higher linearity and sensitivity at same concentrations. The limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 ng/ml is estimated according to DIN 32645 as first approximation. This means a LOD factor of 0.08/0.03 = 2.6. Nanospray ionization of the derivatized analyte roughly shows a 3 times higher sensitivity than Electrospray Ionization at higher flowrates (e.g. 100 μL/min). Fig. 12A and 12B show the comparison preferably static nanoESI, and ESI (direct injection, 100 μL/min), preferably static ESI, of DMA152 in depl. horse serum. It is shown the area ratio as a function of the concentration in ng/ml. Fig. 12A shows high matrix background and signal depression in direct injection. The limit of detection (LOD) of 0.079 ng/ml is estimated according to DIN 32645 as first approximation. Compared to that Fig. 12B shows higher linearity and sensitivity at same concentrations. The limit of detection (LOD) of 0.04 ng/ml is estimated according to DIN 32645 as first approximation. This means a LOD factor of 0.79/0.04 = 19.7. Nanospray ionization of the derivatized analyte roughly shows a 20 times higher sensitivity than Electrospray Ionization at higher flowrates (e.g. 100 μL/min).
Fig. 13A and 13B show the comparison of nanoESI (Nanomate, -0.5 μL/min), preferably static nanoESI, and ESI (direct injection, 100 μL/min), preferably static ESI, of DMA128 in depl. horse serum. It is shown the area ratio as a function of the concentration in ng/ml. Fig. 13A shows high matrix background and signal depression in direct injection. The limit of detection (LOD) of 0.070 ng/ml is estimated according to DIN 32645 as first approximation. Compared to that Fig. 13B shows higher linearity and sensitivity at same concentrations. The limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 ng/ml is estimated according to DIN 32645 as first approximation. This means a LOD factor of 0.70/0.01 = 70. Nanospray ionization of the derivatized analyte roughly shows a 70 times higher sensitivity than Electrospray Ionization at higher flowrates (e.g. 100 μL/min).
Fig. 14 shows the area ratio as a function of the concentration in ng/ml of different concentrated 13 C 3 -Testosterone (dilution steps: 1 : 10, 1 : 100, 1 : 1000) in depletion horse serum according to a method by using nanoESI. 13 C 3 -Testosterone calibration curve shows high linearity over all dilution steps.
Fig. 15 shows the area ratio as a function of the concentration in ng/ml of different concentrated 13 C 3 -Testosterone-DMA098 (dilution steps: 1 : 10, 1 :100, 1 :1000) in depletion horse serum according to a method by using nanoESI (calibration curve). It is shown, that the highest dilution factor of 1 : 1000 results in the the highest slope of the respective calibration curves. High factors 1 :10 and 1 : 100 lead to a signal depression in form of a flattened slope.
Fig. 16A to 16C show calibration curves of the area ratio as a function of the concentration in ng/ml, of 13 C 3 -Testosterone and derivatized 13 C 3 -Testosterone (DMA098), respectively. At all dilution factor of 1 : 10, 1 :100, and 1 :1000, the derivatized form of 13 C 3 -Testosterone-DMA098 shows a higher slope and signal intensity compared to non-derivatized 13 C 3 -Testosterone.
This patent application claims the priority of the European patent application 20203220.7, wherein the content of this European patent application is hereby incorporated by references.
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