Onsite Analysis of Complex Samples Using Miniature Mass Spectrometry With Direct Sampling and Ionization

ABSTRACT Rationale Miniature mass spectrometry (mini‐MS) is a powerful method for onsite analysis of complex. The onsite sampling/ionization approach is critical in rapid screening of complex samples by mini‐MS in field environments. Therefore, new development of direct ionization/sampling method coupled with mini‐MS is needed for direct sample analysis. Methods A direct sampling/ionization kit using wooden tip or plant tissue was developed to couple with mini‐MS for onsite analysis of complex samples. Targeted analytes were detected and identified by mini‐MS/MS. Results Various raw samples including powders, liquid, and viscous samples were directly sampled and ionized using wooden tip. Direct pesticide detection in juice was used to further evaluate the analytical performances of the newly developed wooden tip kit, obtaining excellent sensitivity, reproducibility, and quantitation capacity for direct sample analysis. Furthermore, direct tissue analysis was also successful demonstrated by direct ionization, showing a fast, simple, and efficient method for onsite analysis of biological tissue. Conclusions Overall, our data showed that this direct sampling/ionization method using wooden tip or plant tissue coupled with mini‐MS approach is simple, fast, and sensitive method for onsite direct analysis of raw samples in field environments.