Non-target analysis of complex environmental and biological samples presents a challenge which could be addressed using mass spectrometry (MS) with a suitable separation technique(s). Several analytical strategies have been proposed and investigated to address this challenge.  We find that high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) has unique advantages when used as a separation tool in this context. In our presentation, we will demonstrate unique capabilities of ESI-FAIMS-MS in non-target analysis, which can't be provided by any other analytical technique.  We will reveal critical abilities of this technique facilitating non-target identification of unknowns based exclusively on MS spectral data. By using extended analysis times to increase sensitivity we can analyze highly diluted biological samples in the linear electrospray response concentration range of metabolites. This has allowed us to develop a unique approach for quantification of unknown species without chemical standards based on the concept of differential ionization efficiency.

Non-target analysis of environmental and biological samples by Electrospray Ionization High Field Asymmetric Waveform Ion Mobility Spectrometry Mass Spectrometry (ESI-FAIMS-MS)

244th National Meeting (2012)

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