Sandpaper spray mass spectrometry (SPS-MS) : uma nova técnica de ionização ambiente para análise de amostras sólidas

Abstract

Ambient ionization techniques in mass spectrometry have aroused significant interest due to their immense potential for application in several areas. Among these, paper Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (PS-MS) stands out for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. In the present work, we propose a modification to the PS-MS technique, introducing sandpaper as a support to replace paper. This innovative approach, termed Sandpaper Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (SPS-MS), can revolutionize the direct analysis of diverse solid matrices, including drugs, roots, seeds, and grains. The key advantage of the SPS-MS technique is its ability to bypass additional preparation steps, thereby reducing analysis time and minimizing result distortions. Initially, the performance of the SPS-MS, PS-MS, and TS MS techniques was compared using green coffee beans as samples. The mass spectra obtained by the three approaches were very similar, indicating that the SPS-MS technique can be used to analyze solid samples that can be sanded. In drug analysis, the ions corresponding to the active ingredients and other ions probably originating from the excipients could be readily visualized. To verify the versatility and efficiency of the SPS-MS technique, analyses of the drugs Viagra® and Ciallis® were carried out, in which the active principles of both medicines, sildenafil, and tadalafil, respectively, were promptly identified. These results indicate that the SPS-MS technique can detect a common fraud in Brazil: selling the cheaper Viagra® as if it were Cialis®. The analysis of other types of solid samples, such as saffron and Brazilian ginseng roots, coriander seeds, black pepper, garlic, onion, peppers, and carrots, allowed the identification of typical compounds in each sample. Finally, it was also possible to analyze commercial samples of gum and candies to identify which were normal, with added sugar, and dietetic, with the addition of artificial sweeteners. In conclusion, the results proved that the SPS-MS technique has immense potential for screening analyses when results need to be disseminated quickly, such as in airports and forensic laboratories.