Multilayer gold nanoparticle-assisted thermal desorption ambient mass spectrometry for the analysis of small organics

Abstract

In this study, thermal desorption-based ambient mass spectrometry (TDAMS) for the analysis of small organics was explored. A layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembled multilayer of a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based glass chip (Glass@AuNPs) with the absorption capacity in the near-infrared (NIR) region was used as the energy absorber and as the sample holder for sample deposition at ambient condition. An NIR laser diode (808 nm) was successfully employed as the thermal desorption source to liberate only small molecules from Glass@AuNPs chips. Followed by post-ionization, the resultant ions were monitored by an ion trap mass spectrometer. Post-ionization was assisted by a spray consisting of 50% deionized water-acetonitrile containing 0.1% acetic acid generated from a short tapered capillary by employing a high voltage (4 kV). Analytes with different polarities including small acids, amino acids, insecticides, and biodiesel samples such as ethyl esters can be directly analyzed using this approach. We demonstrated that this ambient mass spectrometric method was suitable for selectively analyzing small target organics directly from complex samples without any sample pretreatment.

Rapid quantification of acetaminophen in plasma using solid‐phase microextraction coupled with thermal desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

“…The techniques in this subgroup include fused droplet electrospray ionization (FD-ESI), 3,4 extractive electrospray ionization (EESI), 5,6 electrospray laser desorption ionization (ELDI), [7][8][9] matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (MALDI/ESI), 10 laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI), 11 atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP), 12 and laser diode thermal desorption (LDTD). 13 In these techniques, desorption of analytes is performed by laser irradiation, 14 thermal heating, [15][16][17][18] or with a shock wave. After the desorption the analytes are ionized via interactions with charged species generated by electrospray ionization (ESI), [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]18 atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), 12,13,15,16 atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI), 17 or low-temperature plasma (LTP).…”

“…13 In these techniques, desorption of analytes is performed by laser irradiation, 14 thermal heating, [15][16][17][18] or with a shock wave. After the desorption the analytes are ionized via interactions with charged species generated by electrospray ionization (ESI), [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]18 atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), 12,13,15,16 atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI), 17 or low-temperature plasma (LTP). 19 All these techniques enable rapid and highly sensitive analysis, even if the desorption and ionization are separate events.…”

Microfluidic Chip Coupled with Thermal Desorption Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometry

“…e result is similar to what we obtained from a thermal desorption MS approach. 24) e ion intensity was a ected slightly by the ow rate because a lower volume of samples was eluted from the sample emitter at a lower ow rate, leading lower ion intensity. at is, the reaction product was readily generated when running through the micro uidic channel, taking ∼10 min.…”

“…We previously demonstrated a thermal desorption ambient MS, 24) which employed a near infrared (NIR) laser (808 nm) to irradiate the backside of a sample loading substrate coated with multilayers gold nanoparticles that are capable of absorbing NIR light and assisting thermal desorption of analytes from the substrate. e desorbed species from the sample was then fused with a stream from electrospray for post-ionization.…”

Using thermal desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to rapidly determine antimicrobial preservatives in cosmetics

“…The ions were subsequently detected by a mass analyzer attached to the TD‐ESI source. Thermal desorption, combined with mass spectrometric analysis, has been demonstrated to selectively characterize thermally stable and volatile compounds from complex samples without sample separation . The usability of TD‐ESI‐MS, without sample pretreatment, for pesticide characterization on fruit and vegetable surfaces and pesticide identification in human oral fluids in emergency management was also demonstrated .…”