Ambient ionisation mass spectrometry for drug and toxin analysis: A review of the recent literature

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.

Assessment of a Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer Combined with an Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe for the On-Site Identification of Amnesty Bin Drugs

“…Furthermore, these techniques are sufficiently sensitive, reproducible, and can be both qualitative and quantitative. , Although GC-MS instruments are not typically portable, some systems have been developed and purpose-built to be used in the field, including for analysis of illicit drugs. − However, when compared to spectroscopic methods, the chromatographic step means longer analysis times (7–15 min) hence low sample throughput, and the initial price and service costs make them potentially less viable for on-site drug analysis . That said, the advances in portable MS (including ambient ionization MS where no chromatographic step is used) have shown potential for identifying illicit compounds in samples without requiring significant knowledge or training in MS. ,− …”

“… 17 − 20 However, when compared to spectroscopic methods, the chromatographic step means longer analysis times (7–15 min) hence low sample throughput, and the initial price and service costs make them potentially less viable for on-site drug analysis. 21 That said, the advances in portable MS (including ambient ionization MS where no chromatographic step is used) have shown potential for identifying illicit compounds in samples without requiring significant knowledge or training in MS. 17 , 22 − 27 …”