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Updated: Dec 14, 2025
07:53
Analysis of Complex Molecules and Their Reactions on Surfaces by Means of Cluster-Induced Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 1, 2020
7.7K
Direct analysis of surface chemicals using vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization mass spectrometry.
Nandhini Ranganathan1, Austin M Lozier1, Michael C Rawson1
1C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry : RCM
|July 22, 2020
Summary
A new vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization (VSSI) system enables direct surface analysis using mass spectrometry (MS) without high voltage. This voltage-free method offers high sensitivity for detecting chemicals on various surfaces, crucial for forensics and safety applications.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Surface Science
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Direct surface analysis via mass spectrometry (MS) is vital for forensics, food safety, and environmental monitoring.
- Current solvent extraction methods for MS often require a separate electrospray process.
- A need exists for simpler, more integrated surface analysis techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a stand-alone, voltage-free ionization system for solvent extraction-based surface analysis.
- To integrate surface sampling and ionization into a single, compact device.
- To demonstrate the utility of vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization (VSSI) for direct surface MS analysis.
Main Methods:
- Modified the vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization (VSSI) device to create an integrated system.
- Incorporated a micropipette-based solvent dispenser for simultaneous extraction and ionization.
- Utilized the system for direct ambient ionization MS analysis of surface-bound analytes.
Main Results:
- Achieved a four-order-of-magnitude linear response for glucose with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 pg/mm².
- Demonstrated comparable LODs to desorption electrospray ionization for various compounds.
- Quantitatively measured pesticide ametryn on spinach surfaces with good linearity (R²=0.99) and an LOD of 9 pg/mm².
Conclusions:
- Developed a simple, sensitive, and effective direct ambient ionization method for surface analysis.
- The voltage-free VSSI system is highly sensitive and applicable to diverse surfaces.
- Its flexibility, small footprint, and low cost make it an attractive MS technique for surface sampling.
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