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An enhanced droplet-based liquid microjunction surface sampling system coupled with HPLC-ESI-MS/MS for spatially
Vilmos Kertesz1, Taylor M Weiskittel, Gary J Van Berkel
1Organic and Biological Mass Spectrometry Group, Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831-6131, USA, kerteszv@ornl.gov.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|November 8, 2014
Summary
This study enhances droplet-based liquid microjunction surface sampling for detailed chemical analysis of complex samples. The improved system offers greater spatial resolution and efficiency for analyzing pharmaceuticals and metabolites in tissue sections.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomedical Analysis
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Spatially resolved analysis of complex matrices is challenging.
- Direct surface sampling offers limited chemical information compared to extracts.
- Existing methods lack precision in sample handling and spatial resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the setup and enhanced capabilities of a droplet-based liquid microjunction surface sampling system.
- To improve spatial resolution and automation for analyzing biological samples.
- To demonstrate the system's effectiveness for pharmaceutical and metabolite analysis in tissue.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a commercially available CTC PAL autosampler with system enhancements.
- Incorporated a laser distance sensor for unattended analysis of varied sample heights.
- Modified software for improved spatial resolution (0.1 mm) and reduced solvent dispensing (0.5 μL).
- Employed an open bed tray and custom holders for rapid sampling (approx. 1 min/sample).
Main Results:
- Demonstrated effective spatially resolved sampling of pharmaceuticals and metabolites.
- Successfully analyzed whole-body rat thin tissue sections and crude mouse tissue samples.
- Achieved high chemical information yield from single spot samples.
- Validated the system's capability for precise liquid junction formation and extraction.
Conclusions:
- The enhanced droplet-based liquid microjunction surface sampling system provides superior spatial resolution and efficiency.
- The system enables detailed chemical analysis of complex biological samples, including pharmaceuticals and metabolites in tissue.
- This technology advances the potential for in-depth chemical characterization of biological samples with improved automation and precision.
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