Ambient Mass Spectrometry

Ambient mass spectrometry is a family of techniques which provides a simple way of generating ions for MS. These techniques appear as simplified and efficient alternatives for the detection and quantification of analytes directly from their natural environments or when placed in auxiliary surfaces. Two important ambient MS techniques are Paper Spray Ionization (PSI) and Probe Electrospray Ionization (PESI). In PSI, the sample is deposited on a triangular paper and ions are generated by applying a high voltage on a moistened paper with a solvent. PESI is a recently developed ionization technique which uses a solid needle or wire as sampling probe and ESI emitter instead of capillaries. New approaches in both ionization methods are developed and used in our laboratory for different analyses such as screening of agrochemicals, detection and quantification of drugs and metabolites.