Ambient sampling, portable MS systems have the potential to allow field processing of forensic evidence, as well as serve as a flexible investigative tool during law enforcement activities. However, the underlying legal implications require the discretion of practitioners to ensure both lawful and ethical usage.
The complexity of field-borne sample matrices and the
instrumental
constraints of portable mass spectrometers (MS) often necessitate
that preparative steps are added prior to ambient MS methods when
operated on-site, but the corresponding decrease in throughput and
experimental simplicity can make field operation impractical. To this
end, we report a modified ambient MS method, filter cone spray ionization
(FCSI), specifically designed for simple, yet robust, processing of
bulk forensic evidence and environmental samples using a fieldable
MS system. This paper-crafted source utilizes low-cost laboratory
consumables to produce a conical structure that serves as a disposable,
spray-based ionization source. Integrated extraction and filtration
capabilities mitigate sample heterogeneity and carryover concerns
and expedite sample processing, as characterized through the analysis
of a variety of authentic forensic evidence types (e.g., abused pharma
tablets, counterfeit/adulterated tablets, crystal-based drugs, synthetic
marijuana, toxicological specimens) and contaminated soil samples.
The data presented herein suggests that the FCSI-MS design could prove
robust to the rigors of field-borne, bulk sample screening, overcoming
the inefficiencies of other ambient MS methods for these sample classes.
Novel applications of FCSI-MS are also examined, such as the coupling
to trace evidence vacuum filtration media.
Desomorphine is a semisynthetic opioid that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of a dangerous homemade injectable mixture that goes by street name "Krokodil." Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) and paper spray ionization (PSI) are implemented on a portable mass spectrometer for the direct analysis of desomorphine and precursor reagent codeine from multiple substrates of potential relevance to clandestine drug laboratory synthesis and paraphernalia seizure. Minimal sample preparation required for analysis and portability of the instrument suggest the potential for rapid, on-site analysis of evidence, a highly desired benefit for forensic science and law enforcement practitioners. Both DESI-MS and PSI-MS can generate spectra consistent with preceding data obtained using traditional ionization methods, while demonstrating detection limits in the low-to sub-ng levels.
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