U.S. food imports have been increasing steadily, intensifying the need for rapid screening techniques. A method has been developed that samples the surface of incoming produce for analysis using transmission-mode direct analysis in real time (DART) ambient pressure desorption ionization coupled to a high resolution accurate mass-mass spectrometer (HRAM-MS). In order to provide more certainty in the identification of the pesticides detected, a library of accurate mass fragments and isotopes was developed. The accurate mass information is essential in identifying chemical contaminants on the surface of produce. The fragmentation data was collected using a Q-Exactive MS and was added to a database used to process data collected with an Exactive MS, an instrument that is more readily available in the field. The commodities investigated range from smooth skinned produce (apples) to rougher surfaces (broccoli). Minimal sample preparation and absence of chromatography has shortened the analysis time to about 15 minutes.

Accurate mass fragment library for rapid analysis of produce using ambient pressure desorption ionization with high-resolution mass spectrometry

248th National Meeting (2014)

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