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Remote sampling mass spectrometry for dry samples: Sheath‐flow probe electrospray ionization (PESI) using a gel‐loading tip inserted with an acupuncture needle
Author(s) -
Usmanov Dilshadbek T.,
Ashurov Khatam B.,
Ninomiya Satoshi,
Hiraoka Kenzo,
Wada Hiroshi,
Nakano Hiroshi,
Matsumura Masaya,
SanadaMorimura Sachiyo,
ami Hiroshi
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.8045
Subject(s) - chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , electrospray ionization , chromatography , mass spectrometry , electrospray , rhodamine b , analyte , biochemistry , photocatalysis , catalysis
Rationale Probe electrospray ionization (PESI) is only applicable to liquid or wet samples. In this study, a sheath‐flow PESI method for remote sampling mass spectrometry that can be applied to dry samples was developed. Methods An acupuncture needle (0.12 mm outer diameter, 700 nm tip diameter) was inserted into a gel‐loading tip with a 0.1 mm protrusion out of the tip. Analytes were extracted by filling the latter tip with solvent and softly touching the sample surface for a short time (<1 s). A high voltage was applied to the acupuncture needle, and mass spectra of analytes were obtained by self‐aspirating electrospray. Results Dry samples, such as lines of ballpoint pen ink on paper, pharmaceutical tablets, instant coffee, brown rice, and narcotics, gave strong ion signals. The sample carryover was negligible. The sequential electrospray was observed to be similar to conventional PESI. The limits of detection (LODs) for morphine and rhodamine B were found to be of the order of picograms. Conclusions Because of its simplicity and versatility, sheath‐flow PESI is a promising technique for on‐site and nondestructive profile analysis of dry samples with bulky and complicated shapes, with a spatial resolution of ~0.3 mm.