Analysis of Biofluids by Paper Spray MS: Advances and Challenges

Abstract

Paper spray mass spectrometry (MS) is part of a cohort of ambient ionization or direct analysis methods that seek to analyze complex samples without prior sample preparation. Extraction and electrospray ionization occur directly from the paper substrate upon which a dried matrix spot is stored. Paper spray MS is capable of detecting drugs directly from dried blood, plasma, and urine spots at the low ng/mL to pg/mL levels without sample preparation. No front end separation is performed, so tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) or high resolution MS is required. Here, we discuss paper spray methodology, give a comprehensive literature review of the use of paper spray MS for bioanalysis, discuss technological advancements and variations on this technique, and discuss some of its limitations. _________________________________________________________________________________ AbstractPaper spray mass spectrometry (MS) is part of a cohort of ambient ionization or direct analysis methods that seek to analyze complex samples without prior sample preparation. Extraction and electrospray ionization occur directly from the paper substrate upon which a dried matrix spot is stored. Paper spray MS is capable of detecting drugs directly from dried blood, plasma, and urine spots at the low ng/mL to pg/mL levels without sample preparation. No front end separation is performed, so tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) or high resolution MS is required. Here, we discuss paper spray methodology, give a comprehensive literature review of the use of paper spray MS for bioanalysis, discuss technological advancements and variations on this technique, and discuss some of its limitations.

Analysis of human gliomas by swab touch spray-mass spectrometry: applications to intraoperative assessment of surgical margins and presence of oncometabolites

“…13, 14 Differently from metal probe TS and PESI, swab TS utilizes swabs that are already commercialized as probes for in vivo sampling of deep surgical wounds, body orifices and surfaces, facilitating the translation of this tool into surgical application. Electrospray ionization occurs readily from the porous material of the swab tip, similarly to paper spray 15, 16 and biocompatible solid phase micro-extraction fibers. 17, 18 …”

Analytical Validation of a Portable Mass Spectrometer Featuring Interchangeable, Ambient Ionization Sources for High Throughput Forensic Evidence Screening

“…are known for their accuracy, broad applicability, and court admissibility [8,11,12], throughput is hindered by the required preparative steps and overall duty cycle. Ambient MS techniques [13,14], which increase sample throughput by forgoing extensive sample preparations, have shown proficiency in forensic chemical analysis [15][16][17], with recent reports involving the analysis of biofluids [18,19], explosives [20], adulterated foodstuffs [21], mind-altering plant-based evidence [22], and simultaneous molecular/elemental composition [23]. Specific techniques like desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) [24], direct analysis in real time (DART) [25], and paper spray ionization (PSI) [26,27] have shown utility in both trace and bulk drug evidence analysis, particularly in combatting the rise of Bdesigner drugs^evidence and accommodating associated paraphernalia [28].…”

A statistical approach to optimizing paper spray mass spectrometry parameters

“…Dried sample can be directly analyzed from the paper substrates by simply wetting the paper substrate with an organic spray solvent and applying a high voltage while in close proximity to the mass spectrometer inlet (1–4 mm). Analysis times typically range from 30 s to 1 min . This methodology is particularly beneficial in clinical and forensic applications for the analysis of crude biofluids (i.e.…”