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Direct Analysis in Real‐time Mass Spectrometry for Rapid Identification of Traditional Chinese Medicines with Coumarins as Primary Characteristics
Author(s) -
Chen Zhiyong,
Yang Yuanyuan,
Tao Hongxun,
Liao Liping,
Li Ye,
Zhang Zijia
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
phytochemical analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1099-1565
pISSN - 0958-0344
DOI - 10.1002/pca.2650
Subject(s) - dart ion source , dart , chemistry , mass spectrometry , furocoumarins , mass spectrum , mass , chromatography , analytical chemistry (journal) , radix (gastropod) , ionization , electron ionization , ion , organic chemistry , botany , photochemistry , computer science , programming language , biology
The increasing popularity of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) necessitates rapid and reliable methods for controlling their quality. Direct analysis in real‐time mass spectrometry (DART‐MS) represents a novel approach to analysing TCMs. Objective To develop a quick and reliable method of identifying TCMs with coumarins as primary characteristics. Methodology DART‐MS coupled with ion trap mass spectrometry was employed to rapidly identify TCMs with coumarins as primary characteristics and to explore the ionisation mechanisms of simple coumarins, furocoumarins and pyranocoumarins in detail. With minimal sample pretreatment, mass spectra of Fraxini Cortex, Angelicae Pubescentis Radix, Peucedani Radix and Psoraleae Fructus samples were obtained within seconds. The operating parameters of the DART ion source (e.g. grid electrode voltage and ionisation gas temperature) were carefully investigated to obtain high‐quality mass spectra. The mass spectra of samples and DART‐MS/MS spectra of marker compounds were used to identify sample materials. Results Successful authentication was achieved by analysing the same materials of different origins. Some simple coumarins, furocoumarins and pyranocoumarins can be directly detected by DART‐MS as marker compounds. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that DART‐MS can provide a rapid and reliable method for the identification of TCMs containing different configurations of coumarins; the method may also be applicable to other plants. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.