Aptapaper─An Aptamer-Functionalized Glass Fiber Paper Platform for Rapid Upconcentration and Detection of Small Molecules

Abstract

We tested a paper-based platform ("Aptapaper") for the upconcentration and analysis of small molecules from complex matrices for two well-characterized aptamers, quinine and serotonin binding aptamers (QBA and SBA, respectively). After incubating the aptapaper under conditions that ensure correct aptamer folding, the aptapaper was used to upconcentrate target analytes from complex matrices. Aptapaper was rinsed, dried, and the target analyte was detected immediately or up to 4 days later by paper spray ionization coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (PS-MS). The minimum concentrations detectable were 81 pg/mL and 1.8 ng/mL for quinine and serotonin, respectively, from 100 mM AmAc or water. Complementary characterization of the QBA aptapaper system was performed using an orthogonal fluorescence microscopy method. Random adsorption was analyte-specific and observed for quinine, but not serotonin. This aptapaper approach is a semiquantitative (10−20% RSD) platform for upconcentration of small metabolites by mass spectrometry.

Applications of ambient ionization mass spectrometry in 2022: An annual review

“…177 The study involved the evaluation of various solvents, conductive plastic materials, and cone geome- substrate for the concentration and detection of small molecules. 182 Similar efforts have been made to improve the performance of other commonly used techniques. CBS ionization has been improved via studies examining the effects of spatial positioning on performance, 183 modifications to the CBS blade design to improve reproducibility, 184 and the development of blades coated with a monoclonal antibody layer to produce an immunoaffinity blade spray technique.…”

“…used carbon fibre as the PS substrate to enhance sensitivity and signal stability, 181 whereas Martínez‐Jarquín et al. introduced an aptamer‐functionalized paper substrate for the concentration and detection of small molecules 182 …”

“…introduced an aptamer‐functionalized paper substrate for the concentration and detection of small molecules. 182 …”

Paper-Based Aptasensors: Working Principles, Detection Modes, and Applications

“…Martínez-Jarquín et al introduced a paper platform (called “aptapaper”) modified with aptamers for the separation, preconcentration, and semi-quantitation of quinine and serotonin [ 71 ] ( Figure 7 ). After preconcentration of the targets on the aptapaper, they were detected by paper spray ionization coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry.…”

A Novel Multiarmed Bifunctional PEG Derivative for the Preparation of Mass Spectrometry Ion Sources with Antifouling Property and High Selectivity

“…Therefore, it is necessary to improve the selectivity of the mass spectrometry ion source to the target. Researchers usually modify materials with adsorption properties (molecularly imprinted polymers, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and aptamers) on the surface of ionization carriers to prepare mass spectrometry ion sources with great selectivity, low cost, and easy operation, which promote the in situ and real-time rapid analysis of multiple targets. − However, the limited selectivity makes the tedious sample pretreatment necessary, which is often makes it difficult to achieve direct, simple, and sensitive analysis of multiple residues in complex matrices. Our group prepared a broad-spectrum antibody-modified graphene oxide-coated ionization substrate for rapid and highly sensitive analysis of fluoroquinolone drugs in complex matrices .…”