Forensic Chemistry and Ambient Mass Spectrometry: A Perfect Couple Destined for a Happy Marriage?

Abstract

Ambient mass spectrometry has been demonstrated, via various proof-of-concept studies, to offer a powerful, rather universal, simple, fast, nondestructive, and robust tool in forensic chemistry, producing reliable evidence at the molecular level. Its nearly nondestructive nature also preserves the sample for further inquiries. This feature article demonstrates the applicability of ambient mass spectrometry in forensic chemistry and explains the challenges that need to be overcome for this technique to make the ultimate step from the academic world into forensic institutes worldwide. We anticipate that the many beneficial and matching figures of merit will bring forensic chemistry and ambient mass spectrometry to a long-term relationship, which is likely to get strongly consolidated over the years.

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].…”

Trace-Level Screening of Chemicals Related to Clandestine Desomorphine Production with Ambient Sampling, Portable Mass Spectrometry

“…Ambient ionization mass spectrometric techniques such as desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) [14] and paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI-MS) [15] have been shown to allow rapid screening of forensically relevant samples, while permitting trace-level detection with little to no sample preparation, as recently reviewed [16,17]. Analysis via DESI-MS is achieved by directing a pneumatically assisted spray of charged solvent droplets towards a sample surface, promoting the extraction of analytes as secondary ions which are then sampled by atmospheric inlet MS systems [18][19][20].…”

Rapid analysis of forensic‐related samples using two ambient ionization techniques coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometers

“…Within the past decade, there has been an escalation in the development of ambient ionization techniques, which are easily adaptable for small molecules, and in some cases have considerably reduced sample preparation time. Ambient ionization techniques can be grouped into two major categories: ESI‐based techniques, which include desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), electrospray laser desorption ionization (ELDI), matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (MALDESI), and paper spray ionization (PSI), and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)‐based ambient ionization techniques, which include atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP), desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (DAPCI), direct analysis in real time (DART), and laser diode thermal desorption (LDTD), among others …”

“…Ambient ionization techniques can be grouped into two major categories: ESI-based techniques, which include desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), [2][3][4][5][6][7] electrospray laser desorption ionization (ELDI), [8][9][10] matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (MALDESI), [11][12][13] and paper spray ionization (PSI), [7,14,15] and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-based ambient ionization techniques, which include atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP), [16][17][18][19] desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (DAPCI), [20][21][22] direct analysis in real time (DART), [23][24][25][26] and laser diode thermal desorption (LDTD), [27][28][29][30] among others. [31] Ambient techniques offer several advantages over more traditional ionization techniques such as ESI. These advantages include ultrafast analysis (as little as 8 seconds per sample) due to the elimination of chromatographic separation.…”