Mass spectrometry is commonly used in forensic chemistry laboratories for sensitive, definitive analysis. There have been significant efforts to bring mass spectrometry analysis on-site through the development of ruggedized, fieldable instruments. Testing samples in the field is of particular interest in forensic science, homeland security, and defense applications. In forensic chemistry, testing seized drugs in the field can significantly improve efficiencies in processing of related criminal cases. The screening of passengers and luggage at transportation hubs is a critical need for homeland security for which mass spectrometry is well suited to provide definitive answers with low false positive rates. Mass spectrometry can yield reliable data for military personnel testing sites for potential chemical weapons release. To meet the needs of the forensic and security communities fieldable mass spectrometers based on membrane inlet systems and hybrid gas chromatography systems have been developed and commercialized. More recently developed ambient ionization mass spectrometry methods can eliminate the time, equipment, and expertise associated with sample preparation, and so are especially appealing for on-site analysis. We describe the development of fieldable mass spectrometry systems, with emphasis on commercially available systems that have been deployed for on-site analysis of seized drugs, chemical warfare agents, explosives, and other analytes of interest to the forensic and security communities.
RationaleThe burgeoning concern of N‐nitrosamine (NAM) contamination found in various pharmaceutical compositions has increased the demand for rapid and reliable screening methods to better assess the breadth of the problem. These carcinogenic compounds are also found in food, water, and soil, and they have been used in poison‐related homicides.MethodsA combination of complementary, ambient ionization methods, paper spray ionization (PSI) and filter cone spray ionization (FCSI)‐mass spectrometry (MS), was characterized towards trace‐level residue screening of select NAMs (e.g., N‐nitrosodimethylamine, N‐nitrosodiethylamine, N‐nitrosodibutylamine) directly from complex and problematic matrices of interest, including prescription and over‐the‐counter tablets, drinking water, soil, and consumable goods. Spectral data for analyte confirmation and detection limit studies were collected using a Thermo LCQ Fleet ion trap mass spectrometer.ResultsPSI‐MS and FCSI‐MS readily produced mass spectral data marked by their simplicity (e.g., predominantly protonated molecular ions observed) and congruence with traditional electrospray ionization mass spectra in under 2 min. per sample. Both methods proved robust to the complex matrices tested, yielding ion signatures for target NAMs, as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients for analyzed tablets, flavorants inherent to food products, etc. Low part‐per‐million detection limits were observed but were shown dependent on sample composition.ConclusionsPSI‐MS and FCSI‐MS were successful in detecting trace‐level NAMS in complex liquid‐ and solid‐phase matrices with little to no prior preparation. This work suggests that these methodologies can provide a means for assessing problematic pharmaceutical adulterants/degradants for expedited quality control, as well as enhancing environmental stewardship efforts and forensic investigations.
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