A minor revolution is occurring in mass spectrometry with the growing recognition that it is possible to simplify sample preparation for complex real-world samples. Key to this development is ambient ionization - performed in air, outside the mass spectrometer. DESI uses a charged spray and it and related methods give qualitative and quantitative information as well as allowing imaging by measuring the spatial distribution of multiple analytes. This can be done using histological sections of biological tissue. Molecular disease diagnostics in human bladder, liver and brain cancer is possible. The combination of ambient ionization techniques with miniature mass spectrometers allows rapid in situ analysis, at home, in the grocery store, on the factory floor. The handheld mass spectrometers used in these experiments can guide surgical decision-making in real time, provide in situ real-time measurements of drug levels in blood and determine agrochemical residues in foods.

Ambient ionization, miniature mass spectrometers, and disease diagnosis

244th National Meeting (2012)

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