Development of sheath-flow probe electrospray ionization (SF-PESI)

A direct analysis method using sheath flow probe electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (sfPESI-MS) to detect drug residues from fingerprint forensic gel lifts

Latent fingerprints at crime scenes are frequently recovered using forensic gel-lifters, which can help to preserve the crime scene and to enhance visualisation of traces such as blood or paint. In addition to providing fingerprint ridge detail, additional chemical information can also be recovered from gel lifts that may prove pertinent to an investigation. However, while DNA and metal ions have been shown to be able to be detected in gel-lifted fingerprints, the determination of other types of chemical information such as the presence of drugs in gel-lifted prints has not been previously shown. This study demonstrates the application of an ambient ionisation method, sheath flow probe electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (sfPESI-MS), to the direct analysis of gel-lifted fingerprints. A model drug compound (zolpidem) is successfully detected from gel-lifted prints from three different surface types: glass, metal, and paper. The surface activity-based separation associated with probe electrospray approaches is shown to resolve zolpidem ions from background phthalate species, significantly enhancing the response obtained from the gel-lifter. A depletion series experiment shows that the drug residue can be detected with up to 100% efficiency after eight consecutive contacts; however, detection efficiency drops to 20% after 30 contacts. The developed approach has potential application to analysis of historical gel-lifters to obtain additional chemical information.

Development of a rapid, in-situ analysis method using sheath-flow probe electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry for the direct identification of cocaine metabolites in dried blood spots

RATIONALE

Small amounts of biofluid samples are frequently found at crime scenes; however, existing gold standard methods such as LC-MS frequently require destructive extraction of the sample before a time-consuming analysis which puts strain on forensic analysis providers and can preclude further sample analysis. This study presents the application of sheath-flow probe electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (sfPESI-MS) to the direct analysis of drug metabolites in dried blood spots (DBS) as a high throughput, minimally destructive alternative.

METHODS

A rapid direct analysis method using a sfPESI ionisation source coupled to an Orbitrap Exactive mass spectrometer was applied to detect cocaine metabolites (benzoylecgonine, BZE, cocaethylene, CE, and ecgonine methyl ester, EME) from DBS. An optimisation study exploring the use of different chemical modifiers (formic acid and sodium acetate) in the sfPESI probe extraction solvent was conducted to enhance the sensitivity and reproducibility of the sfPESI-MS method.

RESULTS

Optimisation of the extraction solvent significantly enhanced the sensitivity and reproducibility of the sfPESI-MS method. A quantitative response over a five-point calibration range 0.5 to 10 μg/ml was obtained for BZE (R²  = 0.9979) and CE (R²  = 0.9948). Limits of detection (LOD) of 1.31, 0.29 and 0.15 μg/ml were achieved for EME, BZE and CE, respectively, from 48 h aged DBSs with % RSD (relative standard deviation) across the calibration range ranging between 19%-28% for [BZE + H]⁺ , 13%-21% for [CE + H]⁺ and 12%-29% for [EME + H]⁺ .

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid (< 20 s) quantitative method for the direct analysis of cocaine metabolites from DBS which requires no prior sample preparation was developed. Although the LOD achieved for BZE (LOD: 0.29 μg/ml) was above the UK threshold limit of exposure for drug driving (0.05 μg/ml), the method may be suitable for use in identifying overdose in forensic analysis.

Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Application and Prospective

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a formidable analytical tool for the analysis of non-polar to polar compounds individually and/or from mixtures, providing information on the molecular weights and chemical structures of the analytes. During the last more than one-decade, ambient ionization mass spectrometry (AIMS) has developed quickly, producing a wide range of platforms and proving scientific improvements in a variety of domains, from biological imaging to quick quality control. These methods have made it possible to detect target analytes in real time without sample preparation in an open environment, and they can be connected to any MS system with an atmospheric pressure interface. They also have the ability to analyze explosives, illicit drugs, disease diagnostics, drugs in biological samples, adulterants in food and agricultural products, reaction progress, and environmental monitoring. The development of novel ambient ionization techniques, such as probe electrospray ionization, paper spray ionization, and fiber spray ionization, employed even at picolitre to femtolitre solution levels to provide femtogram to attogram levels of the target analytes. The special characteristic of this ambient ion source, which has been extensively used, is the noninvasive property of PESI of examination of biological real samples. The results in the current review supports the idea that AIMS has emerged as a pioneer in MS-based approaches and that methods will continue to be developed along with improvements to existing ones in the near future.

Solid-phase microextraction- probe electrospray ionization devices for screening and quantitating drugs of abuse in small amounts of biofluids

Probe electrospray ionization (PESI) is an ambient ionization mass spectrometry technique (AIMS) that is primarily used in qualitative studies, though researchers have recently combined it with sample preparation for the quantitative analysis of various analytes in biological matrices. This study presents a method that integrates solid-phase microextraction with PESI for direct coupling to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, and examines its ability to quantitate drugs of abuse. Intra- and inter-probe reproducibility experiments were conducted to assess the stability and reproducibility of the extraction-phase-coated PESI probes (coating length: 2 mm; coating thickness: 6.5 μm). This research is the first documented instance wherein highly sensitive determinations were successfully attained using these microextraction and micro-desorption techniques in conjunction with small volumes of sample and extraction phase. A mixture consisting of IPA/H₂O (1/1 v/v) + 0.1% FA was determined to be the optimal desorption solvent for SPME-PESI-MS/MS, as it facilitated high analyte enrichment in a picolitre of the solvent, which acted at the same time as efficient electrospray media. Furthermore, a method of quantifying drugs of abuse in 30 μL of plasma without matrix modification was also developed. This method had an intra-day accuracy within the 80-120% range for all eight drugs of abuse at concentrations of 3, 30, and 90 pg μL^-1; the exception to this result was lorazepam at 30 pg μL^-1, which had an intra-day accuracy of 122%. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for fentanyl and nordiazepam was pg μL^-1; the LLOQ for buprenorphine, codeine, diazepam, lorazepam, and propranolol was 5 pg μL^-1; and the LLOQ of oxazepam was 10 pg μL^-1.

Probe Electrospray Ionization (PESI) and Its Modified Versions: Dipping PESI (dPESI), Sheath-Flow PESI (sfPESI) and Adjustable sfPESI (ad-sfPESI)

In 2007, probe electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (PESI/MS) was developed. In this technique, the needle is moved down along a vertical axis and the tip of the needle touched to the sample. After capturing the sample at the needle tip, the needle is then moved up and a high voltage is applied to the needle at the highest position to generate electrospray. Due to the discontinuous sampling followed by the generation of spontaneous electrospray, sequential and exhaustive electrospray takes place depending on the surface activity of the analytes. As modified versions of PESI, dipping PESI (dPESI), sheath-flow PESI (sfPESI) and adjustable sfPESI (ad-sfPESI) have been developed. These methods are complementary to each other and they can be applicable to surface and bulk analysis of various biological samples. In this article, the characteristics of these methods and their applications to real samples will be reviewed.

Point Analysis of Foods by Sheath-Flow Probe Electrospray Ionization/Mass Spectrometry (sfPESI/MS) Coupled with a Touch Sensor

For quick, noninvasive, and high-sensitivity surface analysis of foods and agricultural products, a touch sensor was developed and applied to sheath-flow probe electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (sfPESI/MS). Upon making contact with the sample, the probe stopped by detecting the current flowing through the circuit and analytes on the sample surface were extracted in the solvent preloaded in the plastic capillary. By lifting up the probe to the default position, an electrospray ionization mass spectrum of the sample was obtained. By scanning the sample stage using a programming tool, a point analysis of targeted positions of biological samples with a spot diameter of ≤0.3 mm was achieved. It took less than 10 s for one sample spot. This method was applied to various plants and animal tissues.

Vibrating tip spray ionization mass spectrometry for direct sample analysis

In this work, a vibrating tip spray ionization source was developed for direct mass spectrometric analysis of raw samples under voltage-free condition. A solid tip was mounted on a vibrator, and the solid tip was placed on the front of MS inlet. Liquid, viscous, and bulk solid samples could be directly loaded on the tip-end surface, and then a drop of solvent at microliter level was subsequently loaded on the tip for dissolution and extraction of analytes, and a vibrator was then started to atomize and ionize the analytes under ambient condition. We demonstrated vibrating tip spray mass spectrometry in various applications, including food safety, pharmaceutical analysis, and forensic science. Furthermore, in situ analysis of biological tissues and in vivo analysis of living plants were conveniently performed, due to voltage-free. Different vibration frequencies and solvent compositions were investigated. The analytical performances, including sensitivity, reproducibility, and linear range, were investigated. The ionization process and mechanism were also discussed in this work.

Component Profiling in Agricultural Applications Using an Adjustable Acupuncture Needle for Sheath-Flow Probe Electrospray Ionization/Mass Spectrometry

In previous work, probe electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (PESI/MS) and sheath-flow probe electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (sfPESI/MS) were reported for the rapid and minimally invasive analysis of food. In this work, a modified version of sfPESI will be reported. The sample surface was pricked with an acupuncture needle inserted in the sfPESI probe that protruded from the terminus of the tip by 5 mm. The invasion depth of the needle into the sample was ∼1 mm. After sampling, the needle was retracted into the solvent-preloaded capillary with a protrusion length of 0.1-0.2 mm from the tip. A mass spectrum of the sample captured on the needle was obtained by applying a high voltage to the needle. This method could be applicable to profiling analyses of plants with the epicuticular wax covering on the surfaces that are difficult to analyze by sf-PESI. The on-site mass spectrometric analysis for a growing apricot in the field was performed to monitor the developing stage of the fruit.

Visualization of Sampling and Ionization Processes in Scanning Probe Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Ambient sampling and ionization techniques based on direct liquid extraction and electrospray ionization are of great value for rapid analysis and mass spectrometry imaging. Scanning probe electrospray ionization (SPESI) enables the sampling and ionization of analyte molecules in a solid material using a liquid bridge and electrospray, respectively, from a single capillary probe. To further improve SPESI, it is essential to understand the dynamic behavior of nanoliter volumes of liquids during sampling and ionization. In this study, the dynamic formation and breakage of the liquid bridge and the subsequent electrospray ionization were investigated by measuring the displacement of the capillary probe using a new optical technique. Measurements revealed that both the time from the formation of the liquid bridge to its breakage and the time from the breakage of the liquid bridge to the detection of analyte ions were correlated with the physical properties of the solvent. It was also found that both of these times were positively correlated with the flow rate. These results will not only lead to the improvement of sampling and ionization efficiencies but also afford a greater understanding of the physicochemical properties of charged nanoliter volumes of liquids.

Remote sampling mass spectrometry for dry samples: Sheath-flow probe electrospray ionization (PESI) using a gel-loading tip inserted with an acupuncture needle

RATIONALE

Probe electrospray ionization (PESI) is only applicable to liquid or wet samples. In this study, a sheath-flow PESI method for remote sampling mass spectrometry that can be applied to dry samples was developed.

METHODS

An acupuncture needle (0.12 mm outer diameter, 700 nm tip diameter) was inserted into a gel-loading tip with a 0.1 mm protrusion out of the tip. Analytes were extracted by filling the latter tip with solvent and softly touching the sample surface for a short time (<1 s). A high voltage was applied to the acupuncture needle, and mass spectra of analytes were obtained by self-aspirating electrospray.

RESULTS

Dry samples, such as lines of ballpoint pen ink on paper, pharmaceutical tablets, instant coffee, brown rice, and narcotics, gave strong ion signals. The sample carryover was negligible. The sequential electrospray was observed to be similar to conventional PESI. The limits of detection (LODs) for morphine and rhodamine B were found to be of the order of picograms.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of its simplicity and versatility, sheath-flow PESI is a promising technique for on-site and nondestructive profile analysis of dry samples with bulky and complicated shapes, with a spatial resolution of ~0.3 mm.

Application of porous metal enrichment probe sampling to single cell analysis using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS)

There is an increasing need for analyzing metabolism in a single cell, which is important to understand the nature of cellular heterogeneity, disease, growth and specialization, etc. However, single cell analysis is often challenging for the traces of samples. In the present study, porous metal enrichment probe sampling combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has been applied for in situ analysis of live onion epidemic cell. Porous probe, treated by corroding copper wire with HCl, was directly inserted into a single cell to get cell solution. A self-made linear actuator was enough to control the penetration of probe into the target cell accurately. Then samples on the tip of probe were eluted and detected by a commercial MALDI-TOF-MS directly. The formation of porous microstructure on the probe surface increased the adsorptive capacity of cell solution. The sensitivity of porous probe sampling was 6 times higher than uncorroded probes generally. This method provides a sensitive and convenient way for the sampling and detection of single cell solution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Imaging mass spectrometry of a mouse brain by tapping-mode scanning probe electrospray ionization

Methods for ambient sampling and ionization enable chemical information to be obtained with minimal sample preparation. Also, imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) enables the spatial distribution of multiple components to be determined by a single measurement. Here, we report an improved method of tapping-mode scanning probe electrospray ionization (t-SPESI) for ambient sampling and ionization in which probe oscillation is stabilized by using a piezo actuator. We demonstrate negative-mode IMS of a mouse coronal brain section and show that, compared with desorption electrospray ionization, t-SPESI provides unique features in the mass spectra: signal enhancement of fatty acid and lipids, and formation of multivalent ions tentatively assigned to gangliosides. These results would indicate the capability for the generation of multiple types of ions with t-SPESI.

Electrospray Ionization on Solid Substrates

Development of electrospray ionization on solid substrates (solid-substrate ESI) avoids the clogging problem encountered in conventional capillary-based ESI, allows more convenient sampling and permits new applications. So far, solid-substrate ESI with various materials, e.g., metals, paper, wood, fibers and biological tissue, has been developed, and applications ranging from analysis of pure compounds to complex mixtures as well as in vivo study were demonstrated. Particularly, the capability of solid-substrate ESI in direct analysis of complex samples, e.g., biological fluids and foods, has significantly facilitated mass spectrometric analysis in real-life applications and led to increasingly important roles of these techniques nowadays. In this review, various solid-substrate ESI techniques and their applications are summarized and the prospects in this field are discussed.

Controlled-resonant surface tapping-mode scanning probe electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging

This paper reports on the advancement of a controlled-resonant surface tapping-mode single capillary liquid junction extraction/ESI emitter for mass spectrometry imaging. The basic instrumental setup and the general operation of the system were discussed, and optimized performance metrics were presented. The ability to spot sample, lane scan, and chemically image in an automated and controlled fashion were demonstrated. Rapid, automated spot sampling was demonstrated for a variety of compound types, including the cationic dye basic blue 7, the oligosaccharide cellopentaose, and the protein equine heart cytochrome c. The system was used for lane scanning and chemical imaging of the cationic dye crystal violet in inked lines on glass and for lipid distributions in mouse brain thin tissue sections. Imaging of the lipids in mouse brain tissue under optimized conditions provided a spatial resolution of approximately 35 μm based on the ability to distinguish between features observed both in the optical and mass spectral chemical images. The sampling spatial resolution of this system was comparable to the best resolution that has been reported for other types of atmospheric pressure liquid extraction-based surface sampling/ionization techniques used for mass spectrometry imaging.