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Ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry using a liquid sampling-atmospheric glow discharge (LS-APGD)
R Kenneth Marcus1, Carolyn Q Burdette, Benjamin T Manard
1Biosystems Research Complex, Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA, marcusr@clemson.edu.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|July 24, 2013
Summary
A new liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) source enables ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ADI-MS). This versatile method can analyze molecular species from various samples, including complex solids and liquids, with high sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ADI-MS) offers direct sample analysis with minimal preparation.
- Existing ADI-MS techniques often require specialized instrumentation or complex interfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) ionization source for ADI-MS.
- To assess the performance and versatility of the LS-APGD source for analyzing diverse sample types.
Main Methods:
- A modified LS-APGD source was coupled to a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer without instrument modifications.
- The source utilized a low-power plasma generated from an electrolytic liquid cathode.
- Parameters such as electrolytic solution composition and plasma current were optimized.
Main Results:
- The LS-APGD source successfully desorbed and ionized analytes from neat solution residues and complex solid samples.
- Preliminary limits of detection for caffeine residues were determined to be in the 10-pg range.
- Demonstrative spectra were obtained for various samples, including plant extracts, pharmaceutical tablets, and cigarette smoke.
Conclusions:
- The developed LS-APGD source provides a versatile and sensitive platform for ADI-MS.
- This approach uniquely combines capabilities for both elemental and molecular analysis using a single source.
- The method shows potential for broad applications in direct analysis of complex samples.
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