Final ProgramCPSA 2011
Science and Technology Coming Together to Make a Difference
October 3 - 6, 2011
Bucks County Sheraton Hotel
Langhorne, PA
Poster Abstract #32
Rapid Chemical ID using a Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry using a Heated Sample Screen in the ID-CUBE™
1) IonSense, Inc., 999 Broadway, Saugus, MA, 01906; 2) IonSense, Inc. Visiting Scientist
A strategy for open access direct analysis in real time (DART®-MS) using an electrically heated sample stage to create more rapid and through desorption ionization is discussed. The combination of DART with an ultrahigh resolution Thermo EXACTIVE mass spectrometer (>100,000 resolving power) in combination with a consumable metal screen that can be heated from room temperature to >500C in ten to 15 seconds is shown to provide capability for mass determination of both high and low vapor pressure molecules in under 20 seconds per sample is demonstrated. This new DART technology packaged in the so called, "ID-CUBE" source reduces the time per analysis primarily by replacing the traditional heated carrier gas of the DART with a more direct heater that uses variable electrical current running through the sample laden wire screen to desorb molecules from it. Eliminating the inefficient cartridge heater from the design using this direct current heater decrease the time required for the experiment by minutes.
A disposable paper card with embedded screen is used to reduce the potential for memory effect that sometimes occurs in LC/MS based systems. Rapid vaporization is enabled by directing an electrical current through the sample coated conductive metal screen while unheated ionizing gas flows from the DART source through that screen. By positioning the heated metal screen between the DART source exit and atmospheric pressure inlet (API) of the mass spectrometer molecules enter the ionizing gas as they enter the gas phase. The experiment, characterized as "transmission-mode" DART, decreases the time necessary for analysis by enabling near instantaneous desorption of sample since the metal screen can be heated in seconds to temperatures exceeding 400C. The method also uses less gas since it is no longer necessary to use heated gas to desorb the sample molecules.
Examples of the use of this technology for chemical identification of small molecules and complex mixtures will be described.
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