Development of cVSSI-APCI for the Improvement of Ion Suppression and Matrix Effects in Complex Mixtures

Abstract

The new ionization technique termed vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization (cVSSI) has been coupled with corona discharge to investigate atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) capabilities. The optimized source was evaluated for its ability to enhance ion signal intensity, overcome matrix effects, and limit ion suppression. The results have been compared with state-of-the-art ESI source performance as well as a new APCI-like source. In methanol, the ion signal intensity increased 10-fold and >10-fold for cocaine and the suppressed analytes, respectively. The ability to overcome ion suppression was improved from 2-fold to 16-fold for theophylline and vitamin D2, respectively. For aqueous samples, ion signal levels increased by two orders of magnitude for all analytes. In both solvent systems, the signal-to-noise ratios also increased for all suppressed analytes. One example of the characterization of low-ionizing (by ESI or cVSSI alone) species in the presence of high-ionizing species by direct analysis from a cotton swab is presented. The work is discussed with respect to the advantages of cVSSI-APCI for direct, in situ, and field analyses.

Portable mass spectrometry system: instrumentation, applications, and path to ‘omics analysis

“…Relatedly, a significantly expanded repertoire of 'omics projects can be undertaken with the increased accessibility to MS instrumentation by new researchers. More recently, cVSSI coupled with APCI has shown a similar utility [224]. This work showed extended capability in the form of enhanced ionization for aqueous samples which are better suited to 'omics type molecules.…”

“…Similarly, nESI coupled with APCI was demonstrated in a similar fashion. More recently, cVSSI coupled with APCI has shown a similar utility [224]. This work showed extended capability in the form of enhanced ionization for aqueous samples which are better suited to ‘omics type molecules.…”

Solvent-Assisted Laser Desorption Flexible Microtube Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Direct Analysis of Dried Samples on Paper

“…It also holds promise for reducing matrix effects compared to ESI-like sources. atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) techniques have been acknowledged for their reduced susceptibility to ion suppression. , However, it is important to recognize that SALD-FμTP-MS may potentially encounter ion suppression effects, although still predicted to be less pronounced than those in PS-MS. Nevertheless, the investigation of these effects falls beyond the scope of the current study; yet, it constitutes an integral component of our planned future research in this field.…”

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

“…developed vibrating sharpedge spray ionization (cVSSI) coupled with APCI to specifically target analytes susceptible to ion suppression and matrix effects. 170 The device consists of a glass emitter through which liquid samples are introduced and a piezoelectric transducer to induce the nebulization of samples. The technique can be used with or without the application of a high voltage depending on the target analytes.…”

“…Compared to PS-MS, EAPSI achieved improved LODs and limits of quantitation for solvent-based analytes, and similar performance for analytes in complex matrices (artificial saliva and urine). Pursell et al developed vibrating sharpedge spray ionization (cVSSI) coupled with APCI to specifically target analytes susceptible to ion suppression and matrix effects 170. The device consists of a glass emitter through which liquid samples are introduced and a piezoelectric transducer to induce the nebulization of samples.…”