Development of Miniature Mass Spectrometry Systems for Bioanalysis Outside The Conventional Laboratories

Abstract

Mass spectrometry (MS) is known for highly specific and sensitive analysis. The general applicability of this technique makes it a good candidate for biological applications over a much broader range than is now the case. The limiting factors preventing MS from being applied at the biologist's bench or in a physician's office are identified as the large size of the systems, as well as the complicated analytical procedures required. An approach for developing miniature MS analysis systems with simplified operational procedures is described and the associated technical developments are discussed.

Ambient ionization and miniature mass spectrometry system for chemical and biological analysis

“…The traditional quantitation method used for MS analysis involves internal standards and MRM (multi-reaction monitoring) analysis. In direct analysis of raw samples using ambient ionization, use of external calibration is simple and might work well for some of the applications, but incorporation of internal standards is expected to be and has been demonstrated to be more reliable for providing accurate quantitative results [8]. Accurately adding IS into samples of small amounts while keeping the entire procedure simple can be extremely challenging, since traditional lab techniques may not be used.…”

“…The use of mass spectrometers of high resolution and high mass accuracy would help the analysis of samples of high complexities. Without using traditional sample cleanup or chemical separation, the MS/MS capability would be imperative for distinguishing the isomers or isobars as well as to assure a good sensitivity [8,9]. For extremely complex samples, the use of ion mobility can further improve the resolving power as well as the sensitivity of the MS analysis [10].…”

“…ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) [13], which has gone through a process with not only size reduction but also user-interface improvement. Ideally, a miniature MS system would be designed for the analysis of various real-world samples via simple operations by users with no training in MS or analytical chemistry [8,14]. To enable in situ MS analysis, two technical challenges need to be overcome.…”

Mass spectrometry in the palm of your hand: Future applications of in vivo tissue analysis

“…Conventional MS systems are large pieces of equipment with significant resource requirements. However, miniaturisation is feasible particularly as MS systems for clinical use may be more specialised and not require the same level of resolution and sensitivity as research equipment (Zhou, Liu, Cooks, & Ouyang, ). The only ambient MS approach, which has been tested in vivo during human surgery is rapid evaporative ionisation MS (REIMS or iKnife) which is based on sampling the aerosols generated by electrosurgical cutting or coagulation (Figure ) (Balog et al., ; Schäfer et al., ).…”

Clinical Mass Spectrometry in Heart Disease

“…An interesting point mentioned in the statement is the value that miniaturisation will add to the implementation of MS into a clinical setting. Recent developments of miniature mass spectrometers with direct ambient ionisation 14 show promise to be an exciting addition to clinical MS in the coming decades. It is without doubt in our mind that with continued effort from focussed research groups we can break the mould of more traditional assays, and implement our powerful MS-based analyses into the routine clinical environment.…”