Direct Mass Spectrometry Innovations for Trace Level Measurements in Complex Samples

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The identification and measurement of trace levels of molecules in real world samples is the ultimate goal of analytical chemistry. Unfortunately, trace level measurements made in complicated, real-world samples (illicit street drugs, municipal waste water, foodstuffs, blood, urine, tissue fluids, etc.) can be confounded by the other, major components of the samples (interferents), adversely affecting successful results. Further, conventional methods to make these determinations can be both costly and time consuming. Direct determinations are desirable because they are simple and fast, and can reduce the risk of altering the results through contamination or dilution. The successful measurement of key determinants of environmental and human health in real samples (pesticides, hormones, drugs, metabolites, etc.) is challenging because many current analysis methods require sample cleanup, concentration and other preparation steps, adding time and cost, as well as the risk of potential contamination or dilution of the samples. My research program is aimed at developing new approaches for the direct, online, `real-time' measurement of trace level molecules (analytes) in complex, real samples, with important environmental, bioanalytical (clinical, pharmaceutical), enforcement, forensic, harm reduction drug testing and food security applications. The basis for my research is to use direct sampling interfaces as a bridge between complex samples and mass spectrometers, which are used for the subsequent identification and measurement of trace level analytes. The direct mass spectrometry techniques of membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) and paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) being explored and developed in our research group are simple to use and eliminate sample pretreatment steps: rapid, quantitative, molecularly specific measurements are possible with both. These methods are ideally suited for use with compact mass spectrometers at the point-of-care or on-site in the field. Potential applications will span from medical diagnostics to environmental emergency responses, and we are currently developing effective, next generation harm reduction drug testing strategies for use in the opioid overdose crisis. In the long term our research outcomes will enable the development of direct measurement technologies that produce real-time measurements when and where they are needed, providing high precision results out-of- the-lab, crucial in events such as critical incidents (environmental spills) as well as in providing timely medical diagnostics, enabling better quality health care, improving the quality of life for all Canadians.