Temperature-Tuning Desorption Ionization for Ambient Mass Spectrometry
Ningxi Li, Zhijun Cai, Zhongyao Zhang, Wenpeng Zhang, Xiaoxiao Ma, Xiaoyu Zhou, Zheng Ouyang
Abstract
In the past decade, mass spectrometry (MS) has been widely used for a broad range of on-site applications. This is largely attributed to the rapid advancement of technologies, such as ambient ionization and mass spectrometer miniaturization. Here, we report the development of the temperature-tuning desorption ionization (TTDI) method for versatile on-site applications using a miniature MS system. A unique feature of TTDI is its dynamic temperature range applicable from 30 to 800 °C, which enables optimal desorption ionization applied for chemical and biological compounds through tuning the temperature at the sampling spot. The versatility of TTDI has been demonstrated through on-site MS analysis of a variety of samples, such as explosives on surfaces, drugs of abuse in biofluids, and screening biomarkers in tissues.