Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric determination of benzo[a]pyrene using a MIL-101(Fe) matrix

From Nanozymes to Multi-Purpose Nanomaterials: The Potential of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Proteomics Applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have the potential to revolutionize the biotechnological and medical landscapes due to their easily tunable crystalline porous structure. Herein, the study presents MOFs' potential impact on proteomics, unveiling the diverse roles MOFs can play to boost it. Although MOFs are excellent catalysts in other scientific disciplines, their role as catalysts in proteomics applications remains largely underexplored, despite protein cleavage being of crucial importance in proteomics protocols. Additionally, the study discusses evolving MOF materials that are tailored for proteomics, showcasing their structural diversity and functional advantages compared to other types of materials used for similar applications. MOFs can be developed to seamlessly integrate into proteomics workflows due to their tunable features, contributing to protein separation, peptide enrichment, and ionization for mass spectrometry. This review is meant as a guide to help bridge the gap between material scientists, engineers, and MOF chemists and on the other side researchers in biology or bioinformatics working in proteomics.

Recent Advances in Sample Preparation and Chromatographic/Mass Spectrometric Techniques for Detecting Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Edible Oils: 2010 to Present

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are considered to be potentially genotoxic and carcinogenic to humans. For non-smoking populations, food is the main source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure. Due to their lipophilic nature, oils and fats rank among the food items with the highest polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content. Consequently, the detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible oils is critical for the promotion of human health. This paper reviews sample pretreatment methods, such as liquid-phase-based extraction methods, adsorbent-based extraction methods, and the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method, combined with detection techniques like mass spectrometry and chromatography-based techniques for accurate quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible oils since 2010. An overview on the advances of the methods discussed herein, along with a commentary addition of current challenges and prospects, will guide researchers to focus on developing more effective detection methods and control measures to reduce the potential risks and hazards posed by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Confining analyte droplets on visible Si pillars for improving reproducibility and sensitivity of SALDI-TOF MS

We present a universal method to efficiently improve reproducibility and sensitivity of surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SALDI-TOF MS). In this method, the Si pillar array with unique surface wettability is used as substrate for ionizing analyte. The Si pillar is fabricated based on the combination of photolithography and metal-assisted chemical etching, which is of hydrophilic top and hydrophobic bottom and side wall. Based on the surface wettability of the Si pillar, a droplet of an aqueous analyte solution can be confined on the top of the Si pillar. After evaporation of solvent, an analyte deposition spot is formed on the top of Si pillar. The visible size of the Si pillar allows the sample spot to be easily found. Meanwhile, the diameter of the Si pillar is smaller than that of the laser, allowing the observation of all analyte molecules under one laser shot. Therefore, the reproducibility and sensitivity are highly improved with this method, which allows for the quantitative analysis. Furthermore, this method is applicable for different analytes dissolved in water, including amino acids, dye molecules, polypeptides, and polymers. The application of this substrate is demonstrated by analyzing real samples at low concentration. It should be a promising method for sensitive and reproducible detection for SALDI-TOF MS. Graphical abstract ᅟ.