Direct Biofluid Analysis Using Hydrophobic Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry

Anal Chem. 2016 Feb 2;88(3):1878-84. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b04278. Epub 2016 Jan 19.

Abstract

Ambient electrostatic paper spray ionization from a hydrophobic paper occurs when a DC potential is applied to the dry paper triangle. Online liquid/liquid extraction of small organic compounds from a drop of biological fluid present on the dry hydrophobic paper is achieved with an organic spray solvent in under 1 min and utilizes in situ electrostatic-spray ionization for more efficient detection of extracted molecules. Direct analysis of small volumes of biofluids with no sample pretreatment is possible, which is applicable in point-of-care analyses. High sensitivity and quantitative accuracy was achieved for the direct analysis of illicit drugs in 4 μL of raw blood, serum, and whole urine. The study was extended to monitor the activity of alanine transaminase enzyme, a key biomarker for the detection of liver injury in patients (with HIV and tuberculosis) who typically take several medications at once.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Body Fluids / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions*
  • Illicit Drugs / blood*
  • Illicit Drugs / urine*
  • Paper*
  • Point-of-Care Testing
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / methods*

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs