Wooden-tip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for trace analysis of toxic and hazardous compounds in food samples

Abstract

Wooden-tip electrospray ionization (wooden-tip ESI) is applied to the rapid, in situ, direct qualitative and quantitative trace analysis of toxic and hazardous compounds in food samples. To evaluate the potential of wooden-tip ESI mass spectrometry (MS) in food analysis, pesticides, toxicants, date-rape drugs, and illicit additives were detected in various food samples. Wooden-tip ESI-MS experiments were performed using wooden tip sampling and ionization, with examination using MS and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The results proved that wooden-tip ESI allows the detection and confirmation of traces of toxic and hazardous compounds in food. In addition, selected analytes in beverages were obtained at absolute levels as low as ∼10 pg. Quantitation of analytes in liquid and powder samples was also evaluated. Single sample analysis was completed within 2 min. The data obtained shows that the wooden-tip ESI-MS is a promising tool for rapid analysis of food samples.