Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source. 2. Desorption-ionization for the direct analysis of solid compounds

FAPA mass spectrometry of designer drugs

Application of a flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow ion source for mass spectrometry (FAPA-MS) for the analysis of designer drugs is described. In this paper, we present application of FAPA MS for identification of exemplary psychotropic drugs: JWH-122, 4BMC, Pentedrone, 3,4-DNNC and ETH-CAT. We have utilized two approaches for introducing samples into the plasma stream; first in the form of a methanolic aerosol from the nebulizer, and the second based on a release of vapors from the electrically heated crucible by thermal desorption. The analytes were ionized by FAPA and identified in the mass analyzer. The order of release of the compounds depends on their volatility. These methods offer fast and reliable structural information, without pre-separation, and can be an alternative to the Electron Impact, GC/MS, and ESI for fast analysis of designer-, and other psychoactive drugs.

Plasma-based ambient mass spectrometry techniques: The current status and future prospective

Plasma-based ambient mass spectrometry is emerging as a frontier technology for direct analysis of sample that employs low-energy plasma as the ionization reagent. The versatile sources of ambient mass spectrometry (MS) can be classified according to the plasma formation approaches; namely, corona discharge, glow discharge, dielectric barrier discharge, and microwave-induced discharge. These techniques allow pretreatment-free detection of samples, ranging from biological materials (e.g., flies, bacteria, plants, tissues, peptides, metabolites, and lipids) to pharmaceuticals, food-stuffs, polymers, chemical warfare reagents, and daily-use chemicals. In most cases, plasma-based ambient MS performs well as a qualitative tool and as an analyzer for semi-quantitation. Herein, we provide an overview of the key concepts, mechanisms, and applications of plasma-based ambient MS techniques, and discuss the challenges and outlook.

Schlieren visualization of fluid dynamics effects in direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

The success of ambient analysis using plasma-based ion sources depends heavily on fluid dynamics and mass transport efficiency in the sample region. To help characterize the influence of these determining factors, visualization of the gas flow profile for a Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) ion source at the mass spectrometer atmospheric pressure (AP) interface was performed using the Schlieren technique.

METHODS

The DART helium flow pattern was imaged in model systems incorporating different interface designs, i.e. skimmer or capillary inlet, and for sampling strategies using several types of traditional DART sample probes including a glass capillary, swab, and drug tablet. Notably, Schlieren experiments were conducted on instruments equipped with the gas-ion separator tube (GIST) adapter and Vapur® pump, and on setups featuring the transmission mode (TM) DART module used in standard practice.

RESULTS

DART sources were seen to expel a collimated, highly laminar helium stream across interface distances up to ~8 cm. The helium stream was robust to the influence of gas temperature (50-500 °C) and flow rate (≤3.5 L min(-1) ), but considerable DART gas deflection or full disruption was observed in each sampling scenario. The severity of the flow disturbance depended on probe size and placement, the GIST/Vapur® settings, or counter-current gas movements present at the interface.

CONCLUSIONS

The real-time Schlieren visualizations introduced in this work provide new insight on the fluid dynamics within the DART-MS sample gap while also helping to identify those experimental parameters requiring optimization for improved transmission.

Ambient ionization and direct identification of volatile organic compounds with microwave-induced plasma mass spectrometry

An innovative method of volatile organic compounds analysis by using microwave-induced plasma ionization (MIPI) source in combination with an ambient ion trap mass spectrometer is presented here. Using MIPI for direct sample vapor, analysis was achieved without any sample preparation or subsequent heating. The relative abundance of the target compounds can be obtained almost instantly within a few seconds. The ionization processes of different volatile compounds was optimized, and the limits of detection were identified in the range of 0.15-4.5 pptv or 0.73-8.80 pg ml(-1). The relative standard deviation (RSD) is in the range of 4-14%, while correlation coefficients of the working curves (R(2)) are better than 0.98. The new method possesses advantages of ease operation, time-saving, high sensitivity and inexpensive setup. In addition, the ionization processes of short n-alkane chains were investigated with the MIPI technique, and a unique [M + 13](+) was detected, which has not been reported in detail by any other related ionization techniques. An ionization mechanism was proposed on the basis of the experimental results obtained in this work and available information in literatures, in which the n-alkanes in the plasma environment possibly generate protonated cyclopentadiene [M - 5](+) or alkyl-substituted analogues as well as hydrous ions [M + 13](+) and [M + 13 + 18](+), as shown in Scheme 1 in the main text.

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.

Real-time monitoring of exhaled drugs by mass spectrometry

Future individualized patient treatment will need tools to monitor the dose and effects of administrated drugs. Mass spectrometry may become the method of choice to monitor drugs in real time by analyzing exhaled breath. This review describes the monitoring of exhaled drugs in real time by mass spectrometry. The biological background as well as the relevant physical properties of exhaled drugs are delineated. The feasibility of detecting and monitoring exhaled drugs is discussed in several examples. The mass spectrometric tools that are currently available to analyze breath in real time are reviewed. The technical needs and state of the art for on-site measurements by mass spectrometry are also discussed in detail. Off-line methods, which give support and are an important source of information for real-time measurements, are also discussed. Finally, some examples of drugs that have already been successfully detected in exhaled breath, including propofol, fentanyl, methadone, nicotine, and valproic acid are presented. Real-time monitoring of exhaled drugs by mass spectrometry is a relatively new field, which is still in the early stages of development. New technologies promise substantial benefit for future patient monitoring and treatment.

Determination of hexabromocyclododecane by flowing atmospheric pressure afterglow mass spectrometry

The first application of a flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow ion source for mass spectrometry (FAPA-MS) for the chemical characterization and determination of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is presented. The samples of technical HBCD and expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) containing HBCD as a flame retardant were prepared by dissolving the appropriate solids in dichloromethane. The ionization of HBCD was achieved with a prototype FAPA source. The ions were detected in the negative-ion mode. The ions corresponding to a deprotonated HBCD species (m/z 640.7) as well as chlorine (m/z 676.8), nitrite (m/z 687.8) and nitric (m/z 703.8) adducts were observed in the spectra. The observed isotope pattern is characteristic for a compound containing six bromine atoms. This technique is an effective approach to detect HBCD, which is efficiently ionized in a liquid phase, resulting in high detection efficiency and sensitivity.

Fundamental properties of a touchable high-power pulsed microplasma jet and its application as a desorption/ionization source for ambient mass spectrometry

Plasma-based ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ADI-MS) has attracted considerable attention in many fields because of its capacity for direct sample analyses. In this study, a high-power pulsed microplasma jet (HPPMJ) was developed and investigated as a new plasma desorption/ionization source. In an HPPMJ, a microhollow cathode discharge is generated in a small hole (500 µm in diameter) using a pulsed high-power supply. This system can realize a maximum power density of 5 × 10(8) W/cm(3). The measured electron number density, excitation temperature and afterglow gas temperature of the HPPMJ were 3.7 × 10(15) cm(-3), 7000 K at maximum and less than 60 °C, respectively, which demonstrate that the HPPMJ is a high-energy, high-density plasma source that is comparable with an argon inductively coupled plasma while maintaining a low gas temperature. The HPPMJ causes no observable damage to the target because of its low gas temperature and electrode configuration; thus, we can apply it directly to human skin. To demonstrate the analytical capacity of ADI-MS using an HPPMJ, the plasma was applied to direct solid sample analysis of the active ingredients in pharmaceutical tablets. Caffeine, acetaminophen, ethenzamide, isopropylantipyrine and ibuprofen were successfully detected. Application to living tissue was also demonstrated, and isopropylantipyrine on a finger was successfully analyzed without damaging the skin. The limits of detection (LODs) for caffeine, isopropylantipyrine and ethenzamide were calculated, and LODs at the picogram level were achieved. These results indicate the applicability of the HPPMJ for high-sensitivity analysis of materials on a heat-sensitive surface.

Halo-shaped flowing atmospheric pressure afterglow: a heavenly design for simplified sample introduction and improved ionization in ambient mass spectrometry

The flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA) is a promising new source for atmospheric-pressure, ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. However, problems exist with reproducible sample introduction into the FAPA source. To overcome this limitation, a new FAPA geometry has been developed in which concentric tubular electrodes are utilized to form a halo-shaped discharge; this geometry has been termed the halo-FAPA or h-FAPA. With this new geometry, it is still possible to achieve direct desorption and ionization from a surface; however, sample introduction through the inner capillary is also possible and improves interaction between the sample material (solution, vapor, or aerosol) and the plasma to promote desorption and ionization. The h-FAPA operates with a helium gas flow of 0.60 L/min outer, 0.30 L/min inner, and applied current of 30 mA at 200 V for 6 W of power. In addition, separation of the discharge proper and sample material prevents perturbations to the plasma. Optical-emission characterization and gas rotational temperatures reveal that the temperature of the discharge is not significantly affected (<3% change at 450 K) by water vapor during solution-aerosol sample introduction. The primary mass-spectral background species are protonated water clusters, and the primary analyte ions are protonated molecular ions (M + H(+)). Flexibility of the new ambient sampling source is demonstrated by coupling it with a laser ablation unit, a concentric nebulizer, and a droplet-on-demand system for sample introduction. A novel arrangement is also presented in which the central channel of the h-FAPA is used as the inlet to a mass spectrometer.

The effects of added hydrogen on a helium atmospheric-pressure plasma jet ambient desorption/ionization source

We present mass spectrometric data demonstrating the effect that hydrogen has on a helium-based dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) atmospheric-pressure plasma jet used as an ambient desorption/ionization (ADI) source. The addition of 0.9 % hydrogen to the helium support gas in a 35-W plasma jet increased signals for a range of test analytes, with enhancement factors of up to 68, without proportional increases in background levels. The changes in signal levels result from a combination of changes in the desorption kinetics from the surface and increased ion production in the gas phase. The enhancement in ADI-MS performance despite the quenching of key plasma species reported in earlier studies suggests that ionization with a H2/He plasma jet is the result of an alternate mechanism involving the direct generation of ionized hydrogen.

Chemical aspects of the extractive methods of ambient ionization mass spectrometry

Ambient ionization techniques allow complex chemical samples to be analyzed in their native state with minimal sample preparation. This brings the obvious advantages of simplicity, speed, and versatility to mass spectrometry: Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), for example, is used in chemical imaging for tumor margin diagnosis. This review on the extractive methods of ambient ionization focuses on chemical aspects, mechanistic considerations, and the accelerated chemical reactions occurring in charged liquid droplets generated in the spray process. DESI uses high-velocity solvent droplets to extract analytes from surfaces. Nano-DESI employs liquid microjunctions for analyte dissolution, whereas paper-spray ionization uses DC potentials applied to wet porous material such as paper or biological tissue to field emit charged analyte-containing solvent droplets. These methods also operate in a reactive mode in which added reagents allow derivatization during ionization. The accelerated reaction rates seen in charged microdroplets are useful in small-scale rapid chemical synthesis.

Drop-on-demand sample introduction system coupled with the flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow for direct molecular analysis of complex liquid microvolume samples

One of the fastest developing fields in analytical spectrochemistry in recent years is ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ADI-MS). This burgeoning interest has been due to the demonstrated advantages of the method: simple mass spectra, little or no sample preparation, and applicability to samples in the solid, liquid, or gaseous state. One such ADI-MS source, the flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA), is capable of direct analysis of solids just by aiming the source at the solid surface and sampling the produced ions into a mass spectrometer. However, direct introduction of significant volumes of liquid samples into this source has not been possible, as solvent loads can quench the afterglow and, thus, the formation of reagent ions. As a result, the analysis of liquid samples is preferably carried out by analyzing dried residues or by desorbing small amounts of liquid samples directly from the liquid surface. In the former case, reproducibility of sample introduction is crucial if quantitative results are desired. In the present study, introduction of liquid samples as very small droplets helps overcome the issues of sample positioning and reduced levels of solvent intake. A recently developed "drop-on-demand" (DOD) aerosol generator is capable of reproducibly producing very small volumes of liquid (∼17 pL). In this paper, the coupling of FAPA-MS and DOD is reported and applications are suggested. Analytes representing different classes of substances were tested and limits of detections were determined. Matrix tolerance was investigated for drugs of abuse and their metabolites by analyzing raw urine samples and quantification without the use of internal standards. Limits of detection below 2 μg/mL, without sample pretreatment, were obtained.

Quantification and remote detection of nitro explosives by helium plasma ionization mass spectrometry (HePI-MS) on a modified atmospheric pressure source designed for electrospray ionization

Helium Plasma Ionization (HePI) generates gaseous negative ions upon exposure of vapors emanating from organic nitro compounds. A simple adaptation converts any electrospray ionization source to a HePI source by passing helium through the sample delivery metal capillary held at a negative potential. Compared with the demands of other He-requiring ambient pressure ionization sources, the consumption of helium by the HePI source is minimal (20-30 ml/min). Quantification experiments conducted by exposing solid deposits to a HePI source revealed that 1 ng of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) on a filter paper (about 0.01 ng/mm(2)) could be detected by this method. When vapor emanating from a 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) sample was subjected to helium plasma ionization mass spectrometry (HePI-MS), a peak was observed at m/z 268 for (RDX●NO(2))(-). This facile formation of NO(2)(-) adducts was noted without the need of any extra additives as dopants. Quantitative evaluations showed RDX detection by HePI-MS to be linear over at least three orders of magnitude. TNT samples placed even 5 m away from the source were detected when the sample headspace vapor was swept by a stream of argon or nitrogen and delivered to the helium plasma ion source via a metal tube. Among the tubing materials investigated, stainless steel showed the best performance for sample delivery. A system with a copper tube, and air as the carrier gas, for example, failed to deliver any detectable amount of TNT to the source. In fact, passing over hot copper appears to be a practical way of removing TNT or other nitroaromatics from ambient air.

Surface analysis using a new plasma assisted desorption/ionisation source for mass spectrometry in ambient air

The authors report on a modified micro-plasma assisted desorption/ionisation (PADI) device which creates plasma through the breakdown of ambient air rather than utilising an independent noble gas flow. This new micro-PADI device is used as an ion source for ambient mass spectrometry to analyse species released from the surfaces of polytetrafluoroethylene, and generic ibuprofen and paracetamol tablets through remote activation of the surface by the plasma. The mass spectra from these surfaces compare favourably to those produced by a PADI device constructed using an earlier design and confirm that the new ion source is an effective device which can be used to achieve ambient mass spectrometry with improved spatial resolution.

Understanding the flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA) ambient ionization source through optical means

The advent of ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ADI-MS) has led to the development of a large number of atmospheric-pressure ionization sources. The largest group of such sources is based on electrical discharges; yet, the desorption and ionization processes that they employ remain largely uncharacterized. Here, the atmospheric-pressure glow discharge (APGD) and afterglow of a helium flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA) ionization source were examined by optical emission spectroscopy. Spatial emission profiles of species created in the APGD and afterglow were recorded under a variety of operating conditions, including discharge current, electrode polarity, and plasma-gas flow rate. From these studies, it was found that an appreciable amount of atmospheric H(2)O vapor, N(2), and O(2) diffuses through the hole in the plate electrode into the discharge to become a major source of reagent ions in ADI-MS analyses. Spatially resolved plasma parameters, such as OH rotational temperature (T(rot)) and electron number density (n(e)), were also measured in the APGD. Maximum values for T(rot) and n(e) were found to be ~1100 K and ~4×10(19) m(-3), respectively, and were both located at the pin cathode. In the afterglow, rotational temperatures from OH and N(2)(+) yielded drastically different values, with OH temperatures matching those obtained from infrared thermography measurements. The higher N(2)(+) temperature is believed to be caused by charge-transfer ionization of N(2) by He(2)(+). These findings are discussed in the context of previously reported ADI-MS analyses with the FAPA source.

Silica coated paper substrate for paper-spray analysis of therapeutic drugs in dried blood spots

Paper spray is a newly developed ambient ionization method that has been applied for direct qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological samples. The properties of the paper substrate and spray solution have a significant impact on the release of chemical compounds from complex sample matrices, the diffusion of the analytes through the substrate, and the formation of ions for mass spectrometry analysis. In this study, a commercially available silica-coated paper was explored in an attempt to improve the analysis of therapeutic drugs in dried blood spots (DBS). The dichloromethane/isopropanol solvent has been identified as an optimal spray solvent for the analysis. The comparison was made with paper spray using chromatography paper as substrate with methanol/water as solvent for the analysis of verapamil, citalopram, amitriptyline, lidocaine, and sunitinib in dried blood spots. It has been demonstrated that the efficiency of recovery of the analytes was notably improved with the silica coated paper and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) for the drug analysis was 0.1 ng mL(-1) using a commercial triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The use of silica paper substrate also resulted in a sensitivity improvement of 5-50-fold in comparison with chromatography papers, including the Whatman ET31 paper used for blood cards. Analysis using a hand-held miniature mass spectrometer Mini 11 gave LOQs of 10-20 ng mL(-1) for the tested drugs, which is sufficient to cover the therapeutic ranges of these drugs.

Atmospheric identification of active ingredients in over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse by atmospheric pressure glow discharge mass spectrometry (APGD-MS)

Atmospheric pressure glow discharge mass spectrometry was used to characterize the active ingredients in pharmaceutical over-the-counter (OTC) drug formulations (Tylenol Allergy, Alka-Seltzer Plus Nighttime, Sudafed, Aleve and Mucinex DM) and drugs of abuse (crack cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy) and hydrocodone). Material was desorbed and directly ionized under atmospheric conditions by allowing the substance to come in direct contact with the plasma followed by mass spectrometric detection. With this technique, controlled substances and OTC medications were readily distinguished from one another. Characteristic mass spectra were identified for the active ingredients in the OTC and drugs of abuse. Importantly, all drug compounds studied here, both OTC and illicit, demonstrated signals for either molecular ions or protonated molecules as well as fragmentation patterns that are readily identified in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) electron ionization (EI) mass spectral library. It is believed that this technique holds promise for forensic and law enforcement communities for real-time atmospheric analysis of drugs with database-searchable spectra of controlled substances.

Determination of drugs and drug-like compounds in different samples with direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry

Direct analysis in real time (DART), a relatively new ionization source for mass spectrometry, ionizes small-molecule components from different kinds of samples without any sample preparation and chromatographic separation. The current paper reviews the published data available on the determination of drugs and drug-like compounds in different matrices with DART-MS, including identification and quantitation issues. Parameters that affect ionization efficiency and mass spectra composition are also discussed.

Aliphatic hydrocarbon spectra by helium ionization mass spectrometry (HIMS) on a modified atmospheric-pressure source designed for electrospray ionization

Chemical-ionization techniques that use metastable species to ionize analytes traditionally use a flat pin or a sharp solid needle onto which the high potential needed to generate the discharge plasma is applied. We report here that direct analysis of samples containing volatile and semivolatile compounds, including saturated and unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, can be achieved on any electrospray-ionization mass spectrometer by passing helium though the sample delivery metal capillary held at a high potential. In the helium plasma ionization source (HPIS) described here, the typical helium flow required (about 20-30 mL/min), was significantly lower than that needed for other helium-ionization sources. By this procedure, positive ions were generated by nominal hydride ion removal from molecules emanating from heated saturated hydrocarbons as large as tetratetracontane (C(44)H(90)), at capillary voltages ranging from 2.0 to 4.0 kV. Unsaturated hydrocarbons, on the other hand, underwent facile protonation under much lower capillary voltages (0.9 to 2.0 kV). Although saturated and monounsaturated hydrocarbons bearing the same number of carbon atoms generate ions of the same m/z ratio, a gas-phase deuterium exchange method is described to ascertain the identity of these isomeric ions originating from either protonation or hydride abstraction mechanisms. Moreover, mass spectrometric results obtained by exposing unsaturated hydrocarbons to D(2)O vapor in an HPIS-MS instrument confirmed that the proton donor for ionization of unsaturated hydrocarbons is protonated water.

Direct Determination Methods Without Sample Preparation

The greenest alternatives to the traditional methods of analysis based on sample digestion and/or analyte extraction, are clearly those that permit the direct determination of as many analytes as possible without any sample pretreatment. This chapter deals with the main aspects and applications of remote sensing and teledetection systems, and the use of non-invasive methods of analysis, which permit a direct analysis of samples without any sample damage. In addition, the possibilities offered by several techniques to analyse solids directly without the use of reagents through the direct atomization of small portions of samples, the arc, spark or laser ablation of materials for their analysis by optical emission or mass spectrometry, are evaluated. This chapter attempts to provide a literature survey of all the aforementioned tools which have been evaluated from the perspective of greening analytical practices.

Ultrasensitive ambient mass spectrometric analysis with a pin-to-capillary flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow source

The advent of ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry has resulted in a strong interest in ionization sources that are capable of direct analyte sampling and ionization. One source that has enjoyed increasing interest is the flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow (FAPA). The FAPA has been proven capable of directly desorbing/ionizing samples in any phase (solid, liquid, or gas) and with impressive limits of detection (<100 fmol). The FAPA was also shown to be less affected by competitive-ionization matrix effects than other plasma-based sources. However, the original FAPA design exhibited substantial background levels, cluttered background spectra in the negative-ion mode, and significant oxidation of aromatic analytes, which ultimately compromised analyte identification and quantification. In the present study, a change in the FAPA configuration from a pin-to-plate to a pin-to-capillary geometry was found to vastly improve performance. Background signals in positive- and negative-ionization modes were reduced by 89% and 99%, respectively. Additionally, the capillary anode strongly reduced the amount of atomic oxygen that could cause oxidation of analytes. Temperatures of the gas stream that interacts with the sample, which heavily influences desorption capabilities, were compared between the two sources by means of IR thermography. The performance of the new FAPA configuration is evaluated through the determination of a variety of compounds in positive- and negative-ion mode, including agrochemicals and explosives. A detection limit of 4 amol was found for the direct determination of the agrochemical ametryn and appears to be spectrometer-limited. The ability to quickly screen for analytes in bulk liquid samples with the pin-to-capillary FAPA is also shown.

Facile determination of double bond position in unsaturated fatty acids and esters by low temperature plasma ionization mass spectrometry

Unsaturated fatty acids and esters can be oxidized in situ during ionization using a low temperature plasma (LTP) probe. The discharge generates ozone from air that reacts with and cleaves olefins. The molecular ions of the resulting acid/ester oxidation products are present in the full scan mass spectra and are confirmed by exact mass measurements. The fragmentation information can be used to assign double bond positions. We have successfully applied this strategy to a range of mono-/polyunsaturated fatty acids and fatty acid methyl/ethyl esters to assign their double bond locations. The procedure allows rapid and direct identification of double bond positions in situ at atmospheric pressure without sample preparation prior to mass spectrometric analysis. Microbial fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) mixtures from complex bacterial samples were directly analyzed by this method. Structural confirmation of their diagnostic ions by using exact mass measurements and tandem mass spectrometry confirms double bond positions in unsaturated bacterial FAEEs.

Elucidation of reaction mechanisms responsible for afterglow and reagent-ion formation in the low-temperature plasma probe ambient ionization source

The development of ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry has shown promising applicability for the direct analysis of complex samples in the open, ambient atmosphere. Although numerous plasma-based ambient desorption/ionization sources have been described in the literature, little research has been presented on experimentally validating or determining the desorption and ionization mechanisms that are responsible for their performance. In the present study, established spectrochemical and plasma physics diagnostics in combination with spatially resolved optical emission profiles were applied to reveal a set of reaction mechanisms responsible for afterglow and reagent-ion formation of the Low-Temperature Plasma (LTP) probe, which is a plasma-based ionization source used in the field of ambient mass spectrometry. Within the dielectric-barrier discharge of the LTP probe, He(2)(+) is the dominant positive ion when helium is used as the plasma supporting gas. This helium dimer ion (He(2)(+)) has two important roles: First, it serves to carry energy from the discharge into the afterglow region in the open atmosphere. Second, charge transfer between He(2)(+) and atmospheric nitrogen appears to be the primary mechanism in the sampling region for the formation of N(2)(+), which is an important reagent ion as well as the key reaction intermediate for the formation of other reagent ions, such as protonated water clusters, in plasma-based ambient ionization sources. In the afterglow region of the LTP, where the sample is usually placed, a strong mismatch in the rotational temperatures of N(2)(+) (B (2)Σ(u)(+)) and OH (A (2)Σ(+)) was found; the OH rotational temperature was statistically identical to the ambient gas temperature (~300 K) whereas the N(2)(+) temperature was found to rise to 550 K toward the tail of the afterglow region. This much higher N(2)(+) temperature is due to a charge-transfer reaction between He(2)(+) and N(2), which is known to produce rotationally hot N(2)(+) (B (2)Σ(u)(+)) ions. Furthermore, it was found that one origin of excited atomic helium in the afterglow region of the LTP is from dielectronic recombination of vibrationally excited He(2)(+) ions.

Perspectives in imaging using mass spectrometry

Imaging mass spectrometry (MS) allows a remarkable range of measurements including diagnosis of disease state of tissue based on detailed information on its chemical constituents, especially lipids and proteins. The recent emergence of ambient ionization allows imaging in the open environment without sample preparation. In this review, we briefly describe the history of imaging MS highlighting its main techniques and applications. We also demonstrate how the detailed molecular information obtained by imaging MS makes this technique suitable for a range of forensic and clinical applications with the potential to be successfully developed all the way to intra-surgical practice.