Development of a Real World Screening Method for Nutraceuticals Using DSA-TOF

摘要

Direct Sample Analysis coupled with Time of Flight Mass spectrometry allows for the clear detection of nutraceutical molecules in a quick and efficient manner. Conditions on DSA-TOF instrumentation were optimized for each nutraceutical standard and produced spectra with strong peak intensities for the desired m/z ratios and showed little additional noise. The detection of molecular peaks of desired nutraceutical compounds in commercially available products indicates that this is an effective method for analysis. This research will be continued by analyzing the spectra obtained from DSA-TOF analysis and determining the source of all peaks; matching them with the advertised ingredients and seeking specifically to identify any harmful compounds that may be present. Development of a standardized and easily reproducible method for nutraceutical compounds will potentially allow for stricter and more specific regulation of these products as they grow in availability and popularity.