DART-MS CHALLENGES · Direct Analysis in Real Time mass spectrometry: meeting the challenges in qualitative and quantitative analysis

Direct Analysis in Real Time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) was reported first in 2005 and gained a wide attention due to the possibility for direct mass spectrometric analysis of solids and liquids, often without any sample preparation and chromatographic separation. According to some opinions, it could be nominated for the next Nobel prize in mass spectrometry. However, until now the general methodology is not yet established and a lot of challenges are to be met before DART-MS will really be considered as a full-scale and powerful analytical method. The available publications contain limited and contradictory data. A lot of capabilities and potentially attractive applications of DART-MS have not been studied or even demonstrated yet.The purpose of the project is the development of the analytical methodology of DART-MS and the establishment of new approaches for analysis of complex samples, based on DART-MS and its hyphenations with different sampling techniques and planar chromatography. It will include detailed studies on optimization of DART instrumental and experimental conditions to provide the best achievable analytical characteristics. The special attention will be given to the coupling of planar chromatography with DART-MS. Possibilities for DART-MS Imaging of small molecule distributions on different surfaces and for analysis of the dried spots of biological liquids on a carrier will be investigated for the first time. Also the following new DART-MS application areas will be studied: fast qualitative and quantitative screening of antibiotics in different food and environmental samples; analysis of bee products (honey, propolis); and identification of aroma compounds and undesired components in foods, drinks and commodities.The implementation of the current project will establish DART mass spectrometry as a powerful full-scale analytical method and will expand the areas of its use due to the hyphenation with different planar chromatography approaches.