Category: Blog

Plate ExpressTM is a device that provides a simple, automated means of obtaining mass spectra directly from TLC plates, creating a technique known as TLC/MS. Combined with Advion’s expression® compact mass spectrometer (CMS) this becomes TLC/CMS. Using this technique chemists can quickly and confidently identify products even in complex mixtures without additional sample preparation.

Natural products, the underlying active components and their use in traditional medicine are of increased interest in the field of pharmaceutical research. The naturally occurring active ingredients are ideal chemical starting structures to improve upon in the  pharmaceutical drug development process and consequently half of all currently approved  drugs in the US are based on natural products. It is therefore not surprising that natural product analysis is a field of major interest world wide. Here, we present a simple example  of the added benefits of mass spectrometry in typical natural product analysis workflows based on an alcoholic extract of nutmeg.

This application note presents an online thin-layer chromatography (TLC)/CMS technique using the Advion expression compact mass spectrometer (CMS) and Plate ExpressTM interface to provide compound structural information without sample preparation after TLC separation. A Suzuki reaction for the synthesis of 4-aminobiphenyl will be demonstrated. The online TLC/CMS technique provides rapid and accurate determination of reaction mixture components without the need for off-line TLC sample preparation procedures.

Analysis of the active components of the cannabis sativa plant is required both for law enforcement where these compounds are illegal and also as a tool for product control and optimization in the increasing number of legal markets for cannabis plant products. Whenever simple, unequivocal and legally defensible  analysis methods for the detection and quantification of plant  metabolites are required, mass spectrometry is the detector of  choice.

Sudan Dyes are synthesized azo-dyes which are widely used to generate color in plastics, leather, fabrics, oil, waxes, etc. They are classified as Group 3 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and are banned as food additives worldwide. However, in some countries these dyes are still occasionally used in order to intensify the color in products. In this note, a TLC/CMS method using expression compact mass spectrometer (CMS) coupled with the Plate ExpressTM Interface (Advion, Ithaca, NY) is introduced for the detection of 7 Sudan dyes in a chili matrix. The primary advantage of TLC/CMS analysis is the ability to sample directly from the TLC plate without further sample preparation after the TLC separation is done. Molecular weight information of sample components can be determined by the mass spectra from the eluted TLC spots.

With over 20 years of mass spectrometry and chemistry expertise, Advion has produced a family of compact mass spectrometers designed for the chemist. The affordability, small size and ease of use make them ideal for use directly at the chemist’s bench, giving immediate answers and informed decisions instead of waiting.

This is an expanded application note with more data regarding direct sample analysis of THC in suspected contraband and on skin. Direct sample analysis is possible via an Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP®) combined with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) on a compact mass spectrometer (CMS). This technique allows for the rapid investigation (<30 sec) of material suspected of containing THC/cannabinoids.

The ability to effectively screen passengers with minimal personal contact is critical. Ion mobility detectors used at many airports can be inaccurate and provide many false-positives and false-negatives. Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) screening techniques are very useful for detecting concealed weapons and explosive devices located on passengers and/or in their belongings, however are unable to detect trace amounts of explosive residues.

Direct sample analysis is possible via an Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP®) combined with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) on a compact mass spectrometer (CMS). This technique allows for the rapid investigation (<30 sec) of material suspected of containing THC/cannabinoids.

Reinaldo Almeida, Zane Berzina, Eva C. Arnspang, Jan Baumgart, Johannes Vogt, Robert Nitsch, and Christer S. Ejsing

Here we describe a novel surface sampling technique termed pressurized liquid extraction surface analysis (PLESA), which in combination with a dedicated high resolution shotgun lipidomics routine enables both quantification and in-depth structural characterization of molecular lipid species extracted directly from tissue sections.