Wood typification by Venturi easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry: the case of the endangered Mahogany tree

Abstract

Venturi easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry in both its liquid (V(L) -EASI-MS) and solid sample modes (V(S) -EASI-MS) is shown to provide nearly immediate and secure typification of woods, as demonstrated for Mahogany, an endangered and most valuable type of tropical wood. This reddish wood displays unique phytochemical markers (phragmalin-type limonoids) which are rapidly detected from the wood surface by V(S) -EASI-MS or from a simple methanol extract of a tiny wood chip by V(L) -EASI-MS. Unique profiles were obtained for Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) whereas genuine samples of six other similar types of woods, which are commonly falsified by artificial coloring and commercialized as Mahogany, display also typical but dissimilar pythochemical profiles as compared to that of the authentic wood. Variable and atypical chemical profiles were observed for artificially colored woods. Secure chemical characterization via V(S) -EASI-MS or V(s) -EASI-MS fingerprints of Mahogany and other types of woods with similar appearance should help to control the illegal logging and trade of this and other endangered woods and their falsification, and to create certified standards.

Identifying Smart Solutions for Fighting Illegal Logging and Timber Trade

“…DNA fingerprinting: The use of ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry as phytochemical markers [12], and DNA fingerprinting [13][14][15][16][17] has been reported for identifying timber origin, and verifying timber supply chains integrity, especially for high-valued timber. Such forestry forensics tools can be proved effective as a means against illegal logging, however the effects of population substructure and inbreeding [18] need to be taken under account.…”

Mass spectrometry made easy: The quest for simplicity

“…EASI and its sister techniques have been used in a variety of applications; for (1) the direct analysis of drug, pills as exemplified for sildenafil (Figure a), and for the characterization of TLC spots, as exemplified for cocaine (Figure b), for the quality control and certification of geographical origin of olive oils; for direct fingerprinting control of forgery in perfumes; for the nearly instantaneous characterization of the composition of cationic surfactants and quality control of fabric softeners; for the analysis of biodiesel and biodiesel/petrodiesel blends in combination with high performance thin layer chromatography; for fingerprinting analysis of propolis; for the direct analysis of fuels; for the instantaneous characterization of vegetable oils via TAG and FFA profiles, in combination with selective sequesters based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) for the analysis of phenothiazines in urine (Figure d); for the fingerprinting and aging of ink in forensic investigations; as a rapid and secure screening method for street illegal drugs; to characterize noble and endangered woods; for the direct monitoring of known and unknown (or unexpected) drug degradation products as a function of time and manufacturing process, as exemplified for enalapril maleate (Figure c), via thermal imprinting for the analysis of TAG profiles in meat matrices; for petroleomic studies of ‘untouched’ crude oil samples; for the forensic investigation of counterfeit money bills; and, in its Venturi version, for real‐time analysis of brain tissue . These are illustrative of the ‘whole world’ (see cover picture) application of modern ‘simpler’ MS.…”

QA: Fraud Control for Foods and Other Biomaterials by Product Fingerprinting

“…Venturi easy ambient sonic spray ionization (V-EASI)-MS fingerprint of a very simple methanolic extract of wood chips or directly acquired from the freshly scratched wood surface may help to control the illegal logging and trade of the noble Mahogany tropical wood and its falsification [73]. V-EASI-MS is a novel ambient ionization MS technique characterized by sonic spray ionization and a self-pumping system based on the Venturi effect.…”