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Henderson A, Heaney LM, Rankin-Turner S. Ambient ionisation mass spectrometry for drug and toxin analysis: A review of the recent literature. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38326879 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Ambient ionisation mass spectrometry (AIMS) is a form of mass spectrometry whereby analyte ionisation occurs outside of a vacuum source under ambient conditions. This enables the direct analysis of samples in their native state, with little or no sample preparation and without chromatographic separation. The removal of these steps facilitates a much faster analytical process, enabling the direct analysis of samples within minutes if not seconds. Consequently, AIMS has gained rapid popularity across a diverse range of applications, in particular the analysis of drugs and toxins. Numerous fields rely upon mass spectrometry for the detection and identification of drugs, including clinical diagnostics, forensic chemistry, and food safety. However, all of these fields are hindered by the time-consuming and laboratory-confined nature of traditional techniques. As such, the potential for AIMS to resolve these challenges has resulted in a growing interest in ambient ionisation for drug and toxin analysis. Since the early 2000s, forensic science, diagnostic testing, anti-doping, pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis and food safety have all seen a marked increase in AIMS applications, foreshadowing a new future for drug testing. In this review, some of the most promising AIMS techniques for drug analysis will be discussed, alongside different applications of AIMS published over a 5-year period, to provide a summary of the recent research activity for ambient ionisation for drug and toxin analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Henderson
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Liam M Heaney
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Stephanie Rankin-Turner
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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2
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Nazdrajić E, Rickert DA, Pawliszyn J. Rapid Analysis of Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogues from Whole Blood Using SPME Coupled to the Microfluidic Open Interface. Anal Chem 2024; 96:821-827. [PMID: 38158586 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Fentanyl and its analogues are potent opioids that pose a significant threat to society. Over the last several years, considerable focus has been on the concerning trend of increasing fentanyl usage among drug users. Fentanyl analogues are mainly synthesized to evade analytical detection or increase their potency; thus, very low concentrations are sufficient to achieve a therapeutic effect. In an effort to help combat the synthetic opioid epidemic, developing targeted mass spectrometric methods for quantifying fentanyl and its analogues at ultralow concentrations is incredibly important. Most methods used to analyze fentanyl and its analogues from whole blood require manual sample preparation protocols (solid-phase extraction or liquid-liquid extraction), followed by chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric detection. The main disadvantages of these methods are the tedious sample preparation workflows, resulting in lengthy analysis times. To mitigate these issues, we present a targeted method capable of analyzing 96 samples containing fentanyl, several fentanyl analogues, and a common fentanyl (analogue) precursor simultaneously in 2.4 min per sample. This is possible by using a high-throughput solid phase microextraction workflow on the Concept96 autosampler followed by manual coupling of solid-phase microextraction fibers to the microfluidic open interface for tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Our quantitative method is capable of extremely sensitive analysis, with limits of quantification ranging from 0.002 to 0.031 ng mL-1 and linearity ranging from 0.010 to 25.0 ng mL-1. The method shows very good reproducibility (1-18%), accuracy (81-100%) of calibration and validation points, and good interday reproducibility (6-15%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emir Nazdrajić
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel A Rickert
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada
| | - Janusz Pawliszyn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada
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Deng JF, Metwally H, Theriault RL, Richardson R, Ellis RE, Oleschuk RD. LMJSSP for analysis of prophylactic lubricants, spermicides and residues. Talanta 2024; 266:124959. [PMID: 37516070 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
DNA evidence in sexual assault cases have proven increasingly difficult to obtain and analyse due to increased condom use. With more interest in alternatives to DNA evidence, prophylactic lubricants, spermicides and residues may be interesting prospects. Current interest in the analysis of prophylactic residues focuses on the evaluation and identification of lubricants and constituents, primarily through gas chromatography or Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Though cost-effective methods, extensive sample preparation and destructive modes of analysis remain an area for improvement. As a result, the focus has since shifted to ambient ionization methods that offer adequate sensitivity and reduced sample preparation. The Liquid Microjunction Surface Sampling Probe (LMJSSP) is a versatile ambient ionization source that employs a probe that supports a continuously flushing droplet that extracts analytes when placed in contact with a surface. The analytes are aspirated into the mass spectrometer with a Venturi pressure. In this work we use the LMJSSP to analyse the trace transfer of condom lubricant to different types of fabric (cotton, cotton-spandex, and denim). Furthermore, we examine the sensitivity and storage conditions for the direct analysis method on different swab types (cotton, silicone, and foam). Additionally, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Maximally Collapsing Metric Learning (MCML) are utilized for visualization of differentiability of commercially available condom brands including Durex™ and Trojan™, and product subtypes. The results present an interesting multi-disciplinary approach of using a direct liquid extraction ambient ionization technique and machine learning to improve the overall workflow for the analysis of lubricants, swabs and fabrics. Machine learning algorithms were able to differentiate between inherent differences of Durex™ and Trojan™ condoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie F Deng
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Haidy Metwally
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Rachel L Theriault
- School of Computing, Queen's University, Kingston Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Rebecca Richardson
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Randy E Ellis
- School of Computing, Queen's University, Kingston Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Richard D Oleschuk
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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Beloborodov SS, Schneider BB, Oleschuk RD, Yves Le Blanc JC. Open Port Interface for Coupling Capillary Electrophoresis and Mass Spectrometry: Performance Evaluation for Capillary Isoelectric Focusing. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2023; 34:2107-2116. [PMID: 37650584 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) combined with mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique that utilizes the resolving power of CE and the mass-detection capabilities of MS. In many cases, CE is coupled to MS via a sheath-flow interface (SFI). This interface has a simple design and can be easily constructed; however, it often suffers from issues such as MS signal suppression, interference of MS and CE electrical circuits, and the inability to set an optical point of detection close to the capillary end due to the specific design of the coupling union. In this paper, we describe a novel coupling of CE and MS based upon the open port interface (OPI). The OPI differs from classical sheath flow interfaces by operating at flow rates at least 1 order of magnitude higher. In addition to the flow rate difference, the OPI provides more efficient mixing of the capillary eluates with the transport fluid and thus minimizes MS signal suppression. In this work, we compared the performance of OPI and SFI in a series of capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) experiments with 5 pI markers, carbonic anhydrase II and NIST antibody. The evaluation criteria for the comparison of the OPI and SFI were analytical sensitivity, reproducibility, and pI marker linearity. Given the extent of sample dilution in the OPI, we also compared the peak resolution determined using an upstream UV detector to those determined by the downstream mass spectrometer. The results suggested that the OPI configuration reduced signal suppression, with no adverse effect on peak resolution. In addition, the OPI provided better decoupling of the CE and MS potentials as well as reduced signal dependence upon the sheath liquid composition. While these results are preliminary, they suggest that the OPI is a viable approach for CE-MS coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard D Oleschuk
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, 90 Bader Lane, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
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Hermann M, Metwally H, Yu J, Smith R, Tomm H, Kaufmann M, Ren KYM, Liu C, LeBlanc Y, Covey TR, Ross AC, Oleschuk RD. 3D printer platform and conductance feedback loop for automated imaging of uneven surfaces by liquid microjunction-surface sampling probe mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2023:e9492. [PMID: 36756683 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Molecular imaging of samples using mass spectrometric techniques, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization or desorption electrospray ionization, requires the sample surface to be even/flat and sliced into thin sections (c. 10 μm). Furthermore, sample preparation steps can alter the analyte composition of the sample. The liquid microjunction-surface sampling probe (LMJ-SSP) is a robust sampling interface that enables surface profiling with minimal sample preparation. In conjunction with a conductance feedback system, the LMJ-SSP can be used to automatically sample uneven specimens. METHODS A sampling stage was built with a modified 3D printer where the LMJ-SSP is attached to the printing head. This setup can scan across flat and even surfaces in a predefined pattern ("static sampling mode"). Uneven samples are automatically probed in "conductance sampling mode" where an electric potential is applied and measured at the probe. When the probe contacts the electrically grounded sample, the potential at the probe drops, which is used as a feedback signal to determine the optimal position of the probe for sampling each location. RESULTS The applicability of the probe/sensing system was demonstrated by first examining the strawberry tissue using the "static sampling mode." Second, porcine tissue samples were profiled using the "conductance sampling mode." With minimal sample preparation, an area of 11 × 15 mm was profiled in less than 2 h. From the obtained results, adipose areas could be distinguished from non-adipose parts. The versatility of the approach was further demonstrated by directly sampling the bacteria colonies on agar and resected human kidney (intratumoral hemorrhage) specimens with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 4 mm. CONCLUSION The LMJ-SSP in conjunction with a conductive feedback system is a powerful tool that allows for fast, reproducible, and automated assessment of uneven surfaces with minimal sample preparation. This setup could be used for perioperative assessment of tissue samples, food screening, and natural product discovery, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hermann
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Haidy Metwally
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jian Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachael Smith
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hailey Tomm
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Kaufmann
- Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Y M Ren
- Department of Pathology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Avena C Ross
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Affiliation(s)
- David Love
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
| | - Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA,70113th Street, N.W., Suite 750, Washington, DC, 20005-3967, USA,Corresponding author. RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA.
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McEwen RAH, Hermann M, Metwally H, Donovan K, Liu C, Le Blanc JCY, Covey TR, Oleschuk R. Discontinuously Dewetting Solvent Arrays: Droplet Formation and Poly-Synchronous Surface Extraction for Mass Spectrometry Imaging Applications. Anal Chem 2022; 94:7219-7228. [PMID: 35537093 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We describe a new liquid tissue stamping method called poly-synchronous surface extraction (PSSE) that utilizes an omniphobic substrate patterned with hydrophilic surface energy traps (SETs), which when wet with a solvent form a dense microdroplet array. When contacted with a tissue sample, each droplet locally extracts analytes from the tissue surface, which subsequentially can be analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) or ambient ionization-MS techniques. Optimization of the patterned surface with six different solvents was carried out to increase the droplet density, height, and reproducibility of volume deposition. Once optimized, sister slices of a strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) were spatially extracted using the PSSE technique and the chemical distribution of selected compounds was analyzed with both MALDI-IMS and a lower resolution but faster ambient liquid microjunction surface sampling probe (LMJ-SSP) approach. Heat maps for target analytes for the PSSE approach are compared to those produced using traditional MALDI-IMS analysis. The PSSE method aligned well with direct analysis and demonstrated the potential to increase the speed of ambient MS tissue imaging techniques by decreasing the number of steps required for sample preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory A H McEwen
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Matthias Hermann
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Haidy Metwally
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Katherine Donovan
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Chang Liu
- SCIEX, Concord, Ontario L4K 4V8, Canada
| | | | | | - Richard Oleschuk
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
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Hermann M, Agrawal P, Liu C, LeBlanc JCY, Covey TR, Oleschuk RD. Rapid Mass Spectrometric Calibration and Standard Addition Using Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Patterned Surfaces and Discontinuous Dewetting. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2022; 33:660-670. [PMID: 35231172 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.1c00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The rapid calibration chip (RCC) is a device that uses the fast and reproducible wetting behavior of hydrophilic/hydrophobic patterned surfaces to confine a series of differently sized droplets on a substrate to obtain a calibration curve. Multiple series of droplets can be formed within seconds by dipping an RCC into a calibration solution. No pipetting, sequential droplet deposition, or advanced equipment is required. The performance and reproducibility of RCCs were evaluated with an electrospray ionization triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with a liquid microjunction-surface sampling probe (LMJ-SSP) that allows for fast sampling of surfaces. Using circular hydrophilic areas with diameters ranging from 0.25 to 2.00 mm, liquid volumes of 4.6-70.6 nL could be deposited. Furthermore, the use of a second hydrophobic/hydrophilic patterned transfer chip can be used to add internal standard solutions to each calibration spot of the RCC, allowing to transfer a liquid volume of 22.5 nL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hermann
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Prashant Agrawal
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Chang Liu
- SCIEX, 71 Four Valley Drive, Concord, Ontario L4K 4V8, Canada
| | | | - Thomas R Covey
- SCIEX, 71 Four Valley Drive, Concord, Ontario L4K 4V8, Canada
| | - Richard D Oleschuk
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
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Simon D, Oleschuk R. The liquid micro junction-surface sampling probe (LMJ-SSP); a versatile ambient mass spectrometry interface. Analyst 2021; 146:6365-6378. [PMID: 34553725 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00725d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ambient ionization methods have become important tools in mass spectrometry. The LMJ-SSP can significantly simplify/reduce lengthy sample preparation requirements associated with mass spectrometry analysis. Samples may be introduced through direct contact, insertion and droplet injection, enabling applications from drug discovery and surface analysis to tissue profiling and metabolic mapping. This review examines the underlying principles associated with the LMJ-SSP interface and highlights modifications of the original design that have extended its capability. We summarize different application areas that have exploited the method and describe potential future directions for the adaptable ambient ionization source.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Simon
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Richard Oleschuk
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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Forbes TP, Lawrence J, Hao C, Gillen G. Open port sampling interface mass spectrometry of wipe-based explosives, oxidizers, and narcotics for trace contraband detection. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2021; 13:3453-3460. [PMID: 34291248 PMCID: PMC9972214 DOI: 10.1039/d1ay01038g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rapid screening for chemical traces of explosives and narcotics is widely used to support homeland security and law enforcement. These target compounds span a range of physicochemical properties from organic to inorganic, with preferential ionization pathways in both negative and positive mode operation. Nonvolatile inorganic oxidizers present in homemade fuel-oxidizer mixtures, pyrotechnics, and propellants create a unique challenge to traditional thermal desorption-based technologies. Developments in solid-liquid extraction techniques, specifically, open port sampling interface mass spectrometry (OPSI-MS) provide compelling capabilities to address these hurdles. In this proof of concept study, we investigated the trace detection of wipe-based (i.e., common swipe sampling collection method) explosives, oxidizers, and narcotics using an OPSI source and compact single quadrupole mass analyzer. The liquid dissolution and extraction capabilities of OPSI enabled detection of both traditional military-grade explosives and homemade explosive oxidizers. OPSI-MS sensitivities to a series of seven target compounds from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated fiberglass sampling wipes were on the order of several nanograms to sub-nanogram levels. Comparisons with direct solution-based sample analysis enabled quantification of wipe-based sample extraction effects. The system demonstrated quick temporal responses, polarity switching capabilities, and rapid signal decay with minimal carryover, all critical to high throughput screening applications. Coupling traditional swipe sampling with OPSI-MS offers a promising tool for contraband screening applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P Forbes
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
| | - Jeffrey Lawrence
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
| | | | - Greg Gillen
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
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