Silver Ion Assisted Paper Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Bisphenols and Derivatives Analysis

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Bisphenols, including bisphenol A (BPA), are common environmental contaminants.
• Existing analytical methods for bisphenol detection can lack sensitivity or require complex sample preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sensitive and efficient method for detecting bisphenols using paper spray ionization mass spectrometry.
• To investigate the use of silver ions as an ionization enhancer for bisphenols.

Main Methods:

• Paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI MS) was employed.
• Silver ions were utilized to assist the ionization of bisphenols (BPA, BPB, BPA-BAE).
• The developed method was termed silver ion assisted paper spray ionization (SIA PSI).

Main Results:

• SIA PSI significantly improved the ionization intensities of BPA, BPB, and BPA-BAE, particularly in negative mode (up to 23,250-fold increase).
• Linear relationships for BPA detection were established with strong correlation coefficients (0.002-1 mM range).
• A low limit of detection for BPA (7.4 × 10^-5 mM) was achieved.
• Successful detection of BPA in plastic and biological samples was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• Silver ion assisted paper spray ionization is a highly sensitive technique for bisphenol detection.
• SIA PSI offers a promising approach for analyzing bisphenols in various complex matrices.
• This method enhances the capabilities of paper spray ionization mass spectrometry for trace analysis.