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Wesdemiotis C, Williams-Pavlantos KN, Keating AR, McGee AS, Bochenek C. Mass spectrometry of polymers: A tutorial review. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2024; 43:427-476. [PMID: 37070280 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Ever since the inception of synthetic polymeric materials in the late 19th century, the number of studies on polymers as well as the complexity of their structures have only increased. The development and commercialization of new polymers with properties fine-tuned for specific technological, environmental, consumer, or biomedical applications requires powerful analytical techniques that permit the in-depth characterization of these materials. One such method with the ability to provide chemical composition and structure information with high sensitivity, selectivity, specificity, and speed is mass spectrometry (MS). This tutorial review presents and exemplifies the various MS techniques available for the elucidation of specific structural features in a synthetic polymer, including compositional complexity, primary structure, architecture, topology, and surface properties. Key to every MS analysis is sample conversion to gas-phase ions. This review describes the fundamentals of the most suitable ionization methods for synthetic materials and provides relevant sample preparation protocols. Most importantly, structural characterizations via one-step as well as hyphenated or multidimensional approaches are introduced and demonstrated with specific applications, including surface sensitive and imaging techniques. The aim of this tutorial review is to illustrate the capabilities of MS for the characterization of large, complex polymers and emphasize its potential as a powerful compositional and structural elucidation tool in polymer chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Addie R Keating
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrew S McGee
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Calum Bochenek
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
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2
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Williams-Pavlantos K, Brigham-Stinson NC, Becker ML, Wesdemiotis C. Application of surface-layer matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging to pharmaceutical-loaded poly(ester urea) films. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1283:341963. [PMID: 37977787 PMCID: PMC10657383 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Polymer thin films are often used in transdermal patches as a method of continuous drug administration for patients with chronic illness. Understanding the drug segregation and distribution within these films is important for monitoring proper drug release over time. Surface-layer matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (SL-MALDI-MSI) is a unique analytical technique that provides an optical representation of chemical compositions that exist at the surface of polymeric materials. Solvent-free sublimation is employed for application of matrix to the sample surface, so that only molecules in direct contact with the matrix layer are detected. Here, these methodologies are utilized to visualize variations in drug concentration at both the air and substrate interface in pharmaceutical-loaded polymer films.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew L Becker
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA; Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA; Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Chrys Wesdemiotis
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA.
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3
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Villette C, Maurer L, Zumsteg J, Mutterer J, Wanko A, Heintz D. Mass spectrometry imaging for biosolids characterization to assess ecological or health risks before reuse. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4244. [PMID: 37454165 PMCID: PMC10349827 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Biosolids are byproducts of wastewater treatment. With the increasing global population, the amounts of wastewater to be treated are expanding, along with the amounts of biosolids generated. The reuse of biosolids is now accepted for diversified applications in fields such as agriculture, engineering, agro-forestry. However, biosolids are known to be potential carriers of compounds that can be toxic to living beings or alter the environment. Therefore, biosolid reuse is subject to regulations, mandatory analyses are performed on heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants or pathogens. Conventional methods for the analysis of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants are demanding, lengthy, and sometimes unsafe. Here, we propose mass spectrometry imaging as a faster and safer method using small amounts of material to monitor heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants in different types of biosolids, allowing for ecological and health risk assessment before reuse. Our methodology can be extended to other soil-like matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Villette
- Plant Imaging & Mass Spectrometry (PIMS), Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, 67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Loïc Maurer
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, ENGEES, ICube UMR 7357, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Zumsteg
- Plant Imaging & Mass Spectrometry (PIMS), Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, 67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jérôme Mutterer
- Microscopie et Imagerie Cellulaire, Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, 67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Adrien Wanko
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, ENGEES, ICube UMR 7357, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Dimitri Heintz
- Plant Imaging & Mass Spectrometry (PIMS), Institut de biologie moléculaire des plantes, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du Général Zimmer, 67084, Strasbourg, France.
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4
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Liu S, Zhao H, Liu Z, Zhang W, Lai C, Zhao S, Cai X, Qi Y, Zhao Q, Li R, Wang F. High-performance micro/nanoplastics characterization by MALDI-FTICR mass spectrometry. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135601. [PMID: 35817191 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are widespread environmental pollutants that cause high health risks. However, high heterogeneity in particle sizes and chemical compositions of MNPs make their accurate characterization extremely challenging. Herein, we established a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-FTICR MS) strategy for the unambiguous characterization of different types of MNPs with high performance, including polystyrene, polyethylene glycol terephthalate, polyamide, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer, and polycarbonate. The MNP sample preparation and detection conditions were systematically optimized by using response surface methodology, and the MS detection signal-to-noise ratios were improved 1.5 times on average. The ultrahigh mass resolution of FTICR MS is crucial to the unambiguous elucidation of MNP structures. We demonstrate that this MS strategy is highly efficient in the characterization of polymer constitutions of environmental MNPs derived from foam, bottles, cable ties, and compact discs, providing a promising tool for MNP detection and safety evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Heng Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Zheyi Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Wenxiang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Can Lai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shan Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Xiaoming Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yanxia Qi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Qiancheng Zhao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Ruibin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Fangjun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Pytskii IS, Kuznetsova ES, Buryak AK. Mass Spectrometric Imaging of Surfaces: Effect of the Way of Applying a Marker Substance on the Quality of Obtained Data. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0036024422050259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Schneider P, Verloh F, Dürr M. Cluster-Induced Desorption/Ionization of Polystyrene: Desorption Mechanism and Effect of Polymer Chain Length on Desorption Probability. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2022; 33:832-839. [PMID: 35426303 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.2c00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soft cluster-induced desorption/ionization of polystyrene oligomers was investigated with respect to application in mass spectrometry. Clear peak progressions corresponding to intact polystyrene molecules were observed in the mass spectra, and no fragmentation was detected; efficient desorption was deduced from quartz crystal microbalance measurements. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the process revealed that even in the case of the nonpolar polystyrene molecules cluster-induced desorption proceeds via dissolvation in the polar clusters. Experimentally, a significantly lower desorption efficiency was observed for polystyrene molecules with larger chain length. Taking into account MD simulations and further experiments with mixed samples consisting of long- and short-chain polystyrene oligomers, the reduced desorption efficiency for longer chain polystyrene molecules was attributed to a stronger entanglement of the larger polystyrene molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Schneider
- Institut für Angewandte Physik and Zentrum für Materialforschung, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Felix Verloh
- Institut für Angewandte Physik and Zentrum für Materialforschung, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael Dürr
- Institut für Angewandte Physik and Zentrum für Materialforschung, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
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7
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Zhang D, Zeldes D, Gamez G. Three-Dimensional Mass Spectral Imaging of Polymers Via Laser-Assisted Micro-Pyrolysis Program with Flowing Atmospheric-Pressure Afterglow Ambient Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2022; 94:3335-3342. [PMID: 35138081 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Herein, a novel diode laser-assisted micro-pyrolysis program (LAMP) technique is demonstrated and coupled with flowing atmospheric-pressure afterglow ambient mass spectrometry for instantaneously profiling polymers and polymer additives. Laser power modulation allows thermal separation of additives and different pyrolysis products, as shown through positive- and negative-mode high-resolution mass spectra and Kendrick mass defect plots of homopolymers, copolymers, polymer blends, and complex polymer samples. LAMP allows much faster temperature control through real-time duty cycle changes and gives significantly better spatial confinement compared to typical resistive heating pyrolysis approaches. Finally, MS imaging, with lateral and depth resolution, is demonstrated for a complex polymer pressure-sensitive adhesive tape sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409-1061, United States
| | - David Zeldes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409-1061, United States
| | - Gerardo Gamez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409-1061, United States
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8
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Fernández-Vega A, Chicano-Gálvez E, Prentice BM, Anderson D, Priego-Capote F, López-Bascón MA, Calderón-Santiago M, Avendaño MS, Guzmán-Ruiz R, Tena-Sempere M, Fernández JA, Caprioli RM, Malagón MM. Optimization of a MALDI-Imaging protocol for studying adipose tissue-associated disorders. Talanta 2020; 219:121184. [PMID: 32887102 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is increasingly recognized for its potential in the discovery of novel biomarkers directly from tissue sections. However, there are no MALDI IMS studies as yet on the adipose tissue, a lipid-enriched tissue that plays a pivotal role in the development of obesity-associated disorders. Herein, we aimed at developing an optimized method for analyzing adipose tissue lipid composition under both physiological and pathological conditions by MALDI IMS. Our studies showed an exacerbated lipid delocalization from adipose tissue sections when conventional strategies were applied. However, our optimized method using conductive-tape sampling and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) as a matrix, preserved the anatomical organization and minimized lipid diffusion from sample sections. This method enabled the identification of a total of 625 down-regulated and 328 up-regulated m/z values in the adipose tissue from a rat model of extreme obesity as compared to lean animals. Combination of MALDI IMS and liquid chromatography (LC)-MS/MS data identified 44 differentially expressed lipid species between lean and obese animals, including phospholipids and sphingomyelins. Among the lipids identified, SM(d18:0_18:2), PE(P-16:0_20:0), and PC(O-16:0_16:1) showed a differential spatial distribution in the adipose tissue of lean vs. obese animals. In sum, our method provides a valuable new tool for research on adipose tissue that may pave the way for the identification of novel biomarkers of obesity and metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fernández-Vega
- Dept. Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, IMIBIC/University of Cordoba (UCO)/Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), ISCIII, Spain
| | | | - B M Prentice
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - D Anderson
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - F Priego-Capote
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, IMIBIC/UCO/HURS, Cordoba, Spain
| | - M A López-Bascón
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, IMIBIC/UCO/HURS, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - M S Avendaño
- Dept. Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, IMIBIC/University of Cordoba (UCO)/Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), ISCIII, Spain
| | - R Guzmán-Ruiz
- Dept. Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, IMIBIC/University of Cordoba (UCO)/Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), ISCIII, Spain
| | - M Tena-Sempere
- Dept. Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, IMIBIC/University of Cordoba (UCO)/Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), ISCIII, Spain
| | - J A Fernández
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - R M Caprioli
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - M M Malagón
- Dept. Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, IMIBIC/University of Cordoba (UCO)/Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), ISCIII, Spain.
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Wu P, Tang Y, Cao G, Li J, Wang S, Chang X, Dang M, Jin H, Zheng C, Cai Z. Determination of Environmental Micro(Nano)Plastics by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization–Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2020; 92:14346-14356. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c01928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
| | - Guodong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jiangpeng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
| | - Siqing Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Chang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
| | - Miao Dang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P. R. China
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
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De Bruycker K, Welle A, Hirth S, Blanksby SJ, Barner-Kowollik C. Mass spectrometry as a tool to advance polymer science. Nat Rev Chem 2020; 4:257-268. [PMID: 37127980 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-020-0168-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to natural polymers, which have existed for billions of years, the first well-understood synthetic polymers date back to just over one century ago. Nevertheless, this relatively short period has seen vast progress in synthetic polymer chemistry, which can now afford diverse macromolecules with varying structural complexities. To keep pace with this synthetic progress, there have been commensurate developments in analytical chemistry, where mass spectrometry has emerged as the pre-eminent technique for polymer analysis. This Perspective describes present challenges associated with the mass-spectrometric analysis of synthetic polymers, in particular the desorption, ionization and structural interrogation of high-molar-mass macromolecules, as well as strategies to lower spectral complexity. We critically evaluate recent advances in technology in the context of these challenges and suggest how to push the field beyond its current limitations. In this context, the increasingly important role of high-resolution mass spectrometry is emphasized because of its unrivalled ability to describe unique species within polymer ensembles, rather than to report the average properties of the ensemble.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gila E. Stein
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Travis S. Laws
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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