Recent Advances in Real-time Mass Spectrometry Detection of Bacteria

Abstract

The analysis of bio-aerosols poses a technology challenge, particularly when sampling and analysis are done in situ. Mass spectrometry laboratory technology has been modified to achieve quick bacteria typing of aerosols in the field. Initially, aerosol material was collected and subjected off-line to minimum sample treatment and mass spectrometry analysis. More recently, sampling and analysis were combined in a single process for the real-time analysis of bio-aerosols in the field. This chapter discusses the development of technology for the mass spectrometry of bio-aerosols, with a focus on bacteria aerosols. Merits and drawbacks of the various technologies and their typing signatures are discussed. The chapter concludes with a brief view of future developments in bio-aerosol mass spectrometry.

Enterobacterial Common Antigen: Synthesis and Function of an Enigmatic Molecule

“…The Gram-negative OM is coated in highly variable molecules that can cause immune activation, known as antigens. Bacteria are divided into serotypes based on different antigen combinations ( 16 ). The three major types of antigens present on the cell surface are O (somatic), K (capsular), and H (flagellar) ( 17 , 18 ).…”

A ToF-MS with a Highly Efficient Electrostatic Ion Guide for Characterization of Ionic Liquid Electrospray Sources

“…For example, investigation of kinetics and mechanisms of thermal decomposition and production of intermediate radicals in pyrolysis poses an essential criterion of real-time monitoring of the mass-spectrum [19,20]. Monitoring time evolution of growing bacteria [21,22] and their temporal characteristics, especially for bioterror agents, require mass spectra within minutes [23] for clinical and environmental applications. For high-speed ion-imaging applications, an entire mass spectrum is required from each pixel, and imaging an entire object requires very fast acquirement of the entire spectra [24].…”

“…Angleresolved ToF spectrometry, in which the relative angle between the emitter and the detector [37] or the distance between the emitter and the detector is changed [38], has also been reported; however, capturing a wider fraction of emission is beneficial because this gives real time mass spectra over the entire emission cross-section at once. One way to collect a large fraction of the emission is using a large detector [34,38,39]; alternatively, Einzel lenses focus charges over a certain angle and energy range on the detector by electrostatic deflection [12][13][14][15][16], which allows for a reduced compromise between sizing [21] and detectability [10].…”