On Demand microPAD Mass Spectrometry

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In order to realise the full potential of Mass Spectrometry (MS), conventional approaches require extensive, expensive and careful sampling and associated preparation. For clinical samples, quantitative analysis usually requires extraction followed by 'hyphenated' separation (e.g., chromatography) and finally mass spectrometric detection. In the pursuit of highly sensitive, specific and precise quantitation, such analytical methods involve extensive sample preparation, resulting in increased cost and time of analysis. This proposal seeks a radical solution to how we perform such analyses. The outcomes of this work will lead to a new type of paper-based sensor for in-situ sample collection, separation, extraction and ionisation all achieved from a single paper substrate for coupling with MS. To that end, this new approach will be demonstrated for the analysis of steroid hormones of clinical significance.