Fully automated laser ablation liquid capture surface analysis using nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Surface Science
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Laser ablation offers high spatial resolution surface sampling.
• Coupling laser ablation with liquid capture and nanoelectrospray ionization enables sensitive mass spectrometry analysis.
• This approach allows analysis of surfaces unsuitable for direct liquid extraction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a fully automated laser ablation liquid capture spot sampling system.
• To enhance the spatial resolution of surface analysis compared to existing methods.
• To broaden the range of surfaces amenable to mass spectrometry analysis.

Main Methods:

• An automated reflection geometry laser ablation liquid capture spot sampling system was integrated into a LESA®-ready Advion TriVersa NanoMate.
• Optimized conditions allowed capture of approximately 10% of laser-ablated material in a droplet.
• Two modes of operation were developed: LA/LCSA and laser ablation/LESA®.

Main Results:

• The LA/LCSA mode achieved a sampling spot size of approximately 120 µm × 160 µm, 50 times smaller than direct LESA®.
• The system successfully analyzed ink on glass and paper, and endogenous components in flower petals.
• The laser ablation/LESA® mode enabled sampling of materials beneath solvent-resistant surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Integrating laser ablation liquid capture capabilities into the Advion TriVersa NanoMate significantly enhanced spatial resolution.
• The improved system broadened the types of surfaces that can be analyzed, including absorbent and solvent-resistant materials.
• This advancement expands the utility of mass spectrometry for detailed surface analysis.