Easy Ambient Sonic-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Combined with Thin-Layer Chromatography

Direct Protocol for Ambient Mass Spectrometry Imaging on Agar Culture

Herein we describe a new protocol that allows direct mass spectrometry imaging (IMS) of agar cultures. A simple sample dehydration leads to a thin solid agar, which enables the direct use of spray-based ambient mass spectrometry techniques. To demonstrate its applicability, metal scavengers siderophores were imaged directly from agar culture of S. wadayamensis, and well resolved and intense images were obtained using both desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) and easy ambient sonic-spray ionization (EASI) with well-defined selective spatial distributions for the free and the metal-bound molecules, providing clues for their roles in cellular metabolism.

Zero Volt Paper Spray Ionization and Its Mechanism

The analytical performance and a suggested mechanism for zero volt paper spray using chromatography paper are presented. A spray is generated by the action of the pneumatic force of the mass spectrometer (MS) vacuum at the inlet. Positive and negative ion signals are observed, and comparisons are made with standard kV paper spray (PS) ionization and nanoelectrospray ionization (nESI). While the range of analytes to which zero volt PS is applicable is very similar to kV PS and nESI, differences in the mass spectra of mixtures are interpreted in terms of the more significant effects of analyte surface activity in the gentler zero volt experiment than in the other methods due to the significantly lower charge. The signal intensity of zero volt PS is also lower than in the other methods. A Monte Carlo simulation based on statistical fluctuation of positive and negative ions in solution has been implemented to explain the production of ions from initially uncharged droplets. Uncharged droplets first break up due to aerodynamics forces until they are in the 2-4 μm size range and then undergo Coulombic fission. A model involving statistical charge fluctuations in both phases predicts detection limits similar to those observed experimentally and explains the effects of binary mixture components on relative ionization efficiencies. The proposed mechanism may also play a role in ionization by other voltage-free methods.

Identification of the Genes Involved in the Fruiting Body Production and Cordycepin Formation of Cordyceps militaris Fungus

A mutant library of Cordyceps militaris was constructed by improved Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and screened for degradation features. Six mutants with altered characters in in vitro and in vivo fruiting body production, and cordycepin formation were found to contain a single copy T-DNA. T-DNA flanking sequences of these mutants were identified by thermal asymmetric interlaced-PCR approach. ATP-dependent helicase, cytochrome oxidase subunit I and ubiquitin-like activating enzyme were involved in in vitro fruiting body production, serine/threonine phosphatase involved in in vivo fruiting body production, while glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductase and telomerase reverse transcriptase involved in cordycepin formation. These genes were analyzed by bioinformatics methods, and their molecular function and biology process were speculated by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. The results provided useful information for the control of culture degeneration in commercial production of C. militaris.

Coupling carbon nanotube film microextraction with desorption corona beam ionization for rapid analysis of Sudan dyes (I-IV) and Rhodamine B in chilli oil

A rapid analysis method by coupling carbon nanotube film (CNTF) microextraction with desorption corona beam ionization (DCBI) was developed for the determination of Sudan dyes (I-IV) and Rhodamine B in chilli oil samples. Typically, CNTF was immersed into the diluted solution of chilli oil for extraction, which was then placed directly under the visible plasma beam tip of the DCBI source for desorption and ionization. Under optimized conditions, five dyes were simultaneously determined using this method. Results showed that the analytes were enriched by the CNTF through the π-π interactions, and the proposed method could significantly improve the sensitivities of these compounds, compared to the direct analysis by DCBI-MS/MS. The method with a linear range of 0.08-12.8 μg g(-1) and good linear relationships (R(2) > 0.93) in a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was developed. Satisfactory reproducibility was achieved. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 20.0%. The recoveries ranged from 80.0 to 110.0%, and the limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 1.4-21 ng g(-1). Finally, the feasibility of the method was further exhibited by the determination of five illegal dyes in chilli powder. These results demonstrate that the proposed method consumes less time and solvent than conventional HPLC-based methods and avoids the contamination of chromatographic column and ion source from non-volatile oil. With the help of a 72-well shaker, multiple samples could be treated simultaneously, which ensures high throughput for the entire pretreatment process. In conclusion, it provides a rapid and high-throughput approach for the determination of such illicit additions in chilli products.

Recent advances in forensic drug analysis by DART-MS

Mass spectrometry methods play a major role in many forensic applications. While gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methods are commonly used in crime laboratories and enforcement agencies, a variety of advanced techniques are now available that can improve upon standard methods and address emerging issues in forensic science. New mass spectrometry technologies include more versatile ionization sources, allowing the next generation of instrumentation to be more multipurpose and adaptable to the needs of the discipline. Direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry is an ambient ionization method that allows direct testing of gas, liquid and solid samples without the need for any preparation or extraction, based on thermal desorption and ionization directly from the sample surface. This Review will provide an in-depth description of direct analysis in real-time time-of-flight mass spectrometry as applied to samples relevant to forensic science, with a focus on analysis and characterization related to forensic drug chemistry.

Direct analysis of quaternary alkaloids by in situ reactive desorption corona beam ionization MS

The direct detection of quaternary alkaloids by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-base ambient MS is difficult because of their poor volatility. In this study, a reactive protocol was developed for the in situ determination of quaternary alkaloids using desorption corona beam ionization (DCBI) mass spectrometry (MS). The model compounds of 8 quaternary alkaloids including sanguinarine, chelerythrine, cyclanoline, nitidine, coptisine, jatrorrhizine, berberine, palmatine and 2 tertiary alkaloids including protopine and allocryptopine were investigated in different states such as on a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) plate, in raw herbal materials, and in silica gel. After various reactive reagents were studied, the mixture of saturated aqueous NaOH solution and CH3OH solvent (3 : 7, v/v) was selected as the optimized reactive reagent for the reactive DCBI-MS detection. All the target molecules can be detected with high sensitivity. On a PTFE plate the limits of detection were 0.0795, 0.1060, 0.4860, 0.9665, 0.8879, 0.3987, 0.5557, 0.4591, 0.0889, and 0.1929 mg L(-1) for sanguinarine, chelerythrine, cyclanoline, nitidine, coptisine, jatrorrhizine, berberine, palmatine, protopine, and allocryptopine, respectively. The reactive protocol was also applied to the direct detection of raw herbal materials and thin layer chromatography successfully.

A deeper look into sonic spray ionization

Sonic spray ionization (SSI) has been explored as an ambient ionization method for mass spectrometric analysis of different compounds.

Document authentication at molecular levels using desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry imaging

Molecular images of documents were obtained by sequentially scanning the surface of the document using desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (DAPCI-MS), which was operated in either a gasless, solvent-free or methanol vapor-assisted mode. The decay process of the ink used for handwriting was monitored by following the signal intensities recorded by DAPCI-MS. Handwritings made using four types of inks on four kinds of paper surfaces were tested. By studying the dynamic decay of the inks, DAPCI-MS imaging differentiated a 10-min old from two 4 h old samples. Non-destructive forensic analysis of forged signatures either handwritten or computer-assisted was achieved according to the difference of the contour in DAPCI images, which was attributed to the strength personalized by different writers. Distinction of the order of writing/stamping on documents and detection of illegal printings were accomplished with a spatial resolution of about 140 µm. A Matlab® written program was developed to facilitate the visualization of the similarity between signature images obtained by DAPCI-MS. The experimental results show that DAPCI-MS imaging provides rich information at the molecular level and thus can be used for the reliable document analysis in forensic applications.

Bipolar mass spectrometry of labile coordination complexes, redox active inorganic compounds, and proteins using a glass nebulizer for sonic-spray ionization

In this study, we report on the development of a novel nebulizer configuration for sonic-spray ionization (SSI) mass spectrometry (MS), more specifically for a version of SSI that is referred to as Venturi easy ambient sonic-spray ionization (V-EASI) MS. The developed nebulizer configuration is based on a commercially available pneumatic glass nebulizer that has been used extensively for aerosol formation in atomic spectrometry. In the present study, the nebulizer was modified in order to achieve efficient V-EASI-MS operation. Upon evaluating this system, it has been demonstrated that V-EASI-MS offers some distinct advantages for the analysis of coordination compounds and redox active inorganic compounds over the predominantly used electrospray ionization (ESI) technique. Such advantages, for this type of compounds, are demonstrated here for the first time. More specifically, a series of labile heptanuclear heterometallic [Cu(II) 6Ln(III)] clusters held together with artificial amino acid ligands, in addition to easily oxidized inorganic oxyanions of selenium and arsenic, were analyzed. The observed advantages pertain to V-EASI appearing to be a "milder" ionization source than ESI, not requiring electrical potentials for gas phase ion formation, thus eliminating the possibility of unwanted redox transformations, allowing for the "simultaneous" detection of negative and positive ions (bipolar analysis) without the need to change source ionization conditions, and also not requiring the use of syringes and delivery pumps. Because of such features, especially because of the absence of ionization potentials, EASI can be operated with minimal requirements for source parameter optimization. We observed that source temperature and accelerating voltage do not seem to affect labile compounds to the extent they do in ESI-MS. In addition, bipolar analysis of proteins was demonstrated here by acquiring both positive and negative ion mass spectra from the same protein solutions, without the need to independently adjust solution and source conditions in each mode. Finally, the simple and efficient operation of a dual-nebulizer configuration was demonstrated for V-EASI-MS for the first time.

Mass spectrometry imaging under ambient conditions

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has emerged as an important tool in the last decade and it is beginning to show potential to provide new information in many fields owing to its unique ability to acquire molecularly specific images and to provide multiplexed information, without the need for labeling or staining. In MSI, the chemical identity of molecules present on a surface is investigated as a function of spatial distribution. In addition to now standard methods involving MSI in vacuum, recently developed ambient ionization techniques allow MSI to be performed under atmospheric pressure on untreated samples outside the mass spectrometer. Here we review recent developments and applications of MSI emphasizing the ambient ionization techniques of desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI), probe electrospray ionization (PESI), desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization (DAPPI), femtosecond laser desorption ionization (fs-LDI), laser electrospray mass spectrometry (LEMS), infrared laser ablation metastable-induced chemical ionization (IR-LAMICI), liquid microjunction surface sampling probe mass spectrometry (LMJ-SSP MS), nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI), and plasma sources such as the low temperature plasma (LTP) probe and laser ablation coupled to flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (LA-FAPA). Included are discussions of some of the features of ambient MSI for example the ability to implement chemical reactions with the goal of providing high abundance ions characteristic of specific compounds of interest and the use of tandem mass spectrometry to either map the distribution of targeted molecules with high specificity or to provide additional MS information on the structural identification of compounds. We also describe the role of bioinformatics in acquiring and interpreting the chemical and spatial information obtained through MSI, especially in biological applications for tissue diagnostic purposes. Finally, we discuss the challenges in ambient MSI and include perspectives on the future of the field.

Laserspray and matrix-assisted ionization inlet coupled to high-field FT-ICR mass spectrometry for peptide and protein analysis

We present the first coupling of laser spray ionization inlet (LSII) and matrix assisted ionization inlet (MAII) to high-field Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) for generation of electrospray-like ions to take advantage of increased sensitivity, mass range, and mass resolving power afforded by multiple charging. We apply the technique to top-down protein analysis and characterization of metalloproteins. We also present a novel method for generation of multiply-charged copper-peptide complexes with varying degrees of copper adduction by LSII. We show an application of the generated copper-peptide complexes for protein charge state and molecular weight determination, particularly useful for an instrument such as a linear ion trap mass analyzer.

Triboelectric spray ionization

Triboelectric spray ionization (TESI) is a variation of electrospray ionization (ESI) using common instrumental components, including gas flow, solvent flow rate and heat, the only difference being the use of a high-voltage power supply for ESI or a static charge for TESI. The ionization of solvent or analyte is due to the electrostatic potential difference formed between the spray electrode and counter electrode. The ion source contains a pneumatic spray operated over a range of flow rates (0.15-1.5 µl/min) and gas pressures (0-100). This new design contains a standalone spray assembly and an optional metal mesh in front of the spray. There are several parameters that affect the performance during ionization of molecules including the flow rate of solvent, gas pressure, temperature, solvent acidity, distance and potential difference between emitter and counter electrode. A variable electrostatic potential can be applied for higher ionization efficiency. The new ionization method was successfully applied to solutions of various proteins under different conditions. The same charge-state distributions compared to other ESI techniques are observed for all the protein samples. The unique feature of TESI is very efficient spraying by using a natural electrostatic potential even at the potential that a human body can produce. This provides very gentle ionization efficiency of peptides and proteins in different solvents.

Sensitive ionization of non-volatile analytes using protein solutions as spray liquid in desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) is the most popular ambient ionization technique for direct analysis of complex samples without sample pretreatment. However, for many applications, especially for trace analysis, it is of interest to improve the sensitivity of DESI-mass spectrometry (MS).

METHODS

In traditional DESI-MS, a mixture of methanol/water/acetic acid is usually used to generate the primary ions. In this article, dilute protein solutions were electrosprayed in the DESI method to create multiply charged primary ions for the desorption ionization of trace analytes on various surfaces (e.g., filter paper, glass, Al-foil) without any sample pretreatment. The analyte ions were then detected and structurally characterized using a LTQ XL mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

Compared with the methanol/water/acetic acid (49:49:2, v/v/v) solution, protein solutions significantly increased the signal levels of non-volatile compounds such as benzoic acid, TNT, o-toluidine, peptide and insulin in either positive or negative ion detection mode. For all the analytes tested, the limits of detection (LODs) were reduced to about half of the original values which were obtained using traditional DESI. The results showed that the signal enhancement is highly correlated with the molecular weight of the proteins and the selected solid surfaces.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed DESI method is a universal strategy for rapid and sensitive detection of trace amounts of strongly bound and/or non-volatile analytes, including explosives, peptides, and proteins. The results indicate that the sensitivity of DESI can be further improved by selecting larger proteins and appropriate solid surfaces.

More inclusive or selective ionization for mass spectrometry using obstructive sonic spray ionization and voltage polarity switching

RATIONALE

A new variation of sonicspray ionization (SSI) significantly enhances its sensitivity with an advantage of producing selective or more inclusive ionization by changing the polarity of the potential applied to an obstruction in the path of the SSI spray. This technique also provides high sensitivity with water solutions, which is difficult for electrospray ionization (ESI) without added organic solvent.

METHODS

An Orbitrap Exactive mass spectrometer with an IonMax source heated electrospray ionization (ESI) probe operating at its maximum sheath gas setting was used for SSI. Both positive and negative polarities varying from 0.1 to 4 kV were applied to a metal obstruction positioned in the path of the spray using an atmospheric solid analysis probe. All mass spectra for this study were acquired in the positive ion mode.

RESULTS

SSI using a variety of obstructions improved the observed analyte ion abundance of small molecules, peptides, and proteins by approximately two orders of magnitude. The addition of a DC or AC voltage to a metal obstruction further enhanced the abundance of analyte ions by an additional two orders of magnitude. The relative abundances of the detected positive ions were considerably altered by switching the voltage polarity on the obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

SSI with an obstruction improves the sensitivity of various samples compared with SSI. An applied voltage onto the obstruction further enhances the analyte ion abundances to approximately equal that of ESI but has the added advantage that switching the voltage polarity from positive to negative on the obstruction emphasizes different compounds present in the sample.

Brazil nut oil: quality control via triacylglycerol profiles provided by easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry

Brazil nut oil is one of the important Amazonian natural products in the global market. Despite its health benefits and applications in food and cosmetic industries, authentication and quality control of the oil are far from satisfactory. Several samples of Amazonian Brazil nut oil (authentic oils of different geographic origins, commercial oils, and oils adulterated with soybean oil) were evaluated by easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS). The samples were characterized on the basis of triacylglycerol profiles, and their major ions were subjected to chemometric treatment (principal component analysis). The ambient mass spectrometry analysis and the set of major ions allowed the characterization of authentic oils, commercial oils, and adulterated oils (5% soybean oil) in a few minutes and without sample preparation. Therefore, it is shown that quality control of Amazonian vegetable oils can be readily accomplished by EASI-MS.

Ambient mass spectrometry imaging: a comparison of desorption ionization by sonic spray and electrospray

Easy ambient sonic spray ionization (EASI) and desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) were used for imaging of a number of samples, including sections of rat brain and imprints of plant material on porous Teflon. A novel approach termed Displaced Dual-mode Imaging was utilized for the direct comparison of the two methods: Images were recorded with the individual rows alternating between EASI and DESI, yielding a separate image for each technique recorded under perfectly similar conditions on the same sample. EASI works reliably for imaging of all samples, but the choice of spray solvent and flow rate is more critical in tissue imaging with EASI than with DESI. The overall sensitivity of EASI is, in general, slightly lower than that of DESI, and the representation of the dynamic range is different in images of the two techniques for some samples. However, for abundant compounds, EASI works well, resulting in images of similar quality as DESI. EASI can thus be used in imaging experiments where the application of high voltage is impractical or undesirable. The present study is in its nature also a comparison of the characteristics of the two techniques, showing results also applicable for non-imaging work, with regards to sensitivity and experimental conditions.

Building blocks for the development of an interface for high-throughput thin layer chromatography/ambient mass spectrometric analysis: a green methodology

Interfacing thin layer chromatography (TLC) with ambient mass spectrometry (AMS) has been an important area of analytical chemistry because of its capability to rapidly separate and characterize the chemical compounds. In this study, we have developed a high-throughput TLC-AMS system using building blocks to deal, deliver, and collect the TLC plate through an electrospray-assisted laser desorption ionization (ELDI) source. This is the first demonstration of the use of building blocks to construct and test the TLC-MS interfacing system. With the advantages of being readily available, cheap, reusable, and extremely easy to modify without consuming any material or reagent, the use of building blocks to develop the TLC-AMS interface is undoubtedly a green methodology. The TLC plate delivery system consists of a storage box, plate dealing component, conveyer, light sensor, and plate collecting box. During a TLC-AMS analysis, the TLC plate was sent to the conveyer from a stack of TLC plates placed in the storage box. As the TLC plate passed through the ELDI source, the chemical compounds separated on the plate would be desorbed by laser desorption and subsequently postionized by electrospray ionization. The samples, including a mixture of synthetic dyes and extracts of pharmaceutical drugs, were analyzed to demonstrate the capability of this TLC-ELDI/MS system for high-throughput analysis.

Ultra high-mass resolution paper spray by fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Paper Spray Ionization is an atmospheric pressure ionization technique that utilizes an offline electro-osmotic flow to generate ions off a paper medium. This technique can be performed on a Bruker SolariX Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer by modifying the existing nanospray source. High-resolution paper spray spectra were obtained for both organic and biological samples to demonstrate the benefit of linking the technique with a high-resolution mass analyzer. Error values in the range 0.23 to 2.14 ppm were obtained for calf lung surfactant extract with broadband mass resolving power (m/Δm(50%)) above 60,000 utilizing an external calibration standard.

Distinct hepatic lipid profile of hypertriglyceridemic mice determined by easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry

Easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS) was used to interrogate the hepatic lipid profiles of hypertriglyceridemic and control normotriglyceridemic mice. The analyses of ex vivo complex lipid mixtures were made directly with EASI-MS without accompanying separation steps. Intense ions for phosphatidylcholines and triacylglycerols were observed in the positive ion mode whereas the spectra in the negative ion mode provided profiles of phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylinositol. EASI-MS was coupled to high-performance thin-layer chromatography for analysis of free fatty acids. Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometry was also employed to confirm the identity of the detected lipids. We demonstrated higher incorporation of oleic acid in phosphatidylcholine and triacylglycerol composition, higher relative abundance of arachidonic acid containing phosphatidylinositol, and overall distinct free fatty acid profile in the livers of genetic hypertriglyceridemic mice. We propose that these alterations in liver lipid composition are related to the higher tissue and body metabolic rates described in these hypertriglyceridemic mice.

Scanning electron microscopic imaging of surface effects in desorption and nano-desorption electrospray ionization

Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate rivulets that are formed on the analyzed surface during desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) experiment. Ferromagnetic nanoparticles added to the spray solvent in a form of colloid solution functioned as an additional surface probe. The existence of the rivulets was confirmed on glass and newly demonstrated on two different types of porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The results show that in standard DESI set-up the rivulets are arranged into very regular shapes. Same rivulets were obtained in DESI experiments without high voltage on the sprayer. However, no such rivulets or any other regular patterns were found on a surface in nano-DESI (nanospray DESI without the carrier nebulizing gas) experiments. This indicates that symmetrical rivulets are created by the hydrodynamical rather than electrostatic forces. It was also demonstrated that blocking the rivulets by a simple physical barrier did not influence known surface charging effects.

Venturi easy ambient sonic-spray ionization

The development and illustrative applications of an ambient ionization technique termed Venturi easy ambient sonic-spray ionization (V-EASI) is described. Its dual mode of operation with Venturi self-pumping makes V-EASI applicable to the direct mass spectrometric analysis of both liquid (V(L)-EASI) and solid (V(S)-EASI) samples. V-EASI is simple and easy to assemble, operating solely via the assistance of a sonic stream of nitrogen or air. The sonic gas stream causes two beneficial and integrated effects: (a) the self-pumping of solutions via the Venturi effect and (b) sonic-spray ionization (SSI) of analytes either in solution or resting on solid surfaces. In its liquid mode, V(L)-EASI is applicable to analytes in solution, forming negatively and/or positively charged intact molecular species in a soft fashion with little or no fragmentation. In its solid mode, V(S)-EASI relies on Venturi self-pumping of a proper SSI solvent solution in combination with SSI to form a stream of bipolar charged droplets that bombard the sample surface, causing desorption and ionization of the analyte molecules. As for its precursor technique (EASI), V-EASI generates bipolar droplets with considerably lower average charging, which increases selectivity for ionization with high signal-to-noise ratios and clean spectra dominated by single molecular species with minimal solvent ions. V-EASI also operates in a voltage-, heat-, and radiation-free fashion and is therefore free of thermal, electrical, or discharge interferences.

Real-time monitoring of the progress of polymerization reactions directly on surfaces at open atmosphere by ambient mass spectrometry

The progress of an on-surface polymerization process involving alkyl and perfluoroalkyl silanes and siloxanes was monitored in real-time via easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS). When sprayed on surfaces, the organosilicon compounds present in commercially available nanofilm products (NFPs) react by condensation to form a polymeric coating. A NFP for coating of floor materials (NFP-1) and a second NFP for coating tiles and ceramics (NFP-2) were applied to glass, filter paper or cotton surfaces and the progress of the polymerization was monitored by slowly scanning the surface. Via EASI(+)-MS monitoring, significant changes in the composition of hydrolysates and condensates of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl triisopropoxysilane (NFP-1) and hexadecyl triethoxysilane (NFP-2) were observed over time. The abundances of the hydrolyzed species decreased compared with those of the non-hydrolysed species for both NFP-1 and NFP-2 and the heavier oligomers became relatively more abundant over a period of 15-20 min. A similar tendency favouring the heavier oligomers was observed via EASI(-)-MS. This work illustrates the potential of ambient mass spectrometry for the direct monitoring of polymerization reactions on surfaces.

Instantaneous characterization of vegetable oils via TAG and FFA profiles by easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry

A fast and reliable method is presented for the analysis of vegetable oils. Easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS) is shown to efficiently desorb and ionize the main oil constituents from an inert surface under ambient conditions and to provide comprehensive triacylglyceride (TAG) and free fatty acid (FFA) profiles detected mainly as either [TAG + Na](+) or [FFA-H](-) ions. EASI(+/-)-MS analysis is simple, easily implemented, requires just a tiny droplet of the oil and is performed without any pre-separation or chemical manipulation. It also causes no fragmentation of TAG ions hence diacylglyceride (DAG) and monoacylglyceride (MAG) profiles and contents can also be measured. The EASI(+/-)-MS profiles of TAG and FFA permit authentication and quality control and can be used, for instance, to access levels of adulteration, acidity, oxidation or hydrolysis of vegetable oils in general.

Ambient mass spectrometry: bringing MS into the "real world"

Mass spectrometry has recently undergone a second contemporary revolution with the introduction of a new group of desorption/ionization (DI) techniques known collectively as ambient mass spectrometry. Performed in an open atmosphere directly on samples in their natural environments or matrices, or by using auxiliary surfaces, ambient mass spectrometry (MS) has greatly simplified and increased the speed of MS analysis. Since its debut in 2004 there has been explosive growth in the applications and variants of ambient MS, and a very comprehensive set of techniques based on different desorption and ionization mechanisms is now available. Most types of molecules with a large range of masses and polarities can be ionized with great ease and simplicity with the outstanding combination of the speed, selectivity, and sensitivity of MS detection. This review describes and compares the basis of ionization and the concepts of the most promising ambient MS techniques known to date and illustrates, via typical analytical and bioanalytical applications, how ambient MS is helping to bring MS analysis deeper than ever into the "real world" open atmosphere environment--to wherever MS is needed.