3D Printed Coated Blade Spray-Mass Spectrometry Devices

Coated blade spray-mass spectrometry (CBS-MS) has emerged as a powerful tool for the rapid screening of target compounds at trace levels in complex biological matrices. Despite its potential, the broader adoption of CBS-MS technology has been hindered by the lack of commercially available, user-friendly MS interfaces and extraction devices. In this work, we present comprehensive CBS-MS solutions developed using 3D printing, including a versatile MS interface and two extraction devices tailored to different analytical needs: one is compatible with LC vials for large-volume samples, while the other is optimized for single-drop blood analysis. The MS interface features a novel design that separates the immobilization station from the blade holder, significantly simplifying the operational workflow and minimizing the contamination risks and hazards associated with manual blade handling. The first extraction cartridge can process 48 samples simultaneously with an average sample preparation time of less than 20 s, while the second extraction device enables extraction from 8 single-drop blood samples via on-blade extraction. The developed devices were successfully tested for the rapid screening of seven drugs in both urine and single-drop blood samples, demonstrating a promising analytical performance. Additionally, potential contamination issues related to the use of 3D-printed materials as extraction phases were examined, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that 3D-printed materials do not leach contaminants into samples or solvents and contaminate the MS.