Advances in MS-Based Analytical Methods: Innovations and Future Trends

摘要

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a widely used technique for food safety, environmental, pharmaceutical, biological, and forensic investigations where the simultaneous detection of targeted and nontargeted compounds is of pivotal importance. A plethora of analytical MS methods also coupled to different separation techniques such as gas- and liquidchromatography and their multidimensional analogues or capillary electrophoresis have been developed and validated in order to analyze complex matrices. However, despite the rapid evolution from its beginning, the development of online and real-time analytical MS methodologies especially ambient ionization methods is strongly demanded to perform high-throughput analysis and to obtain highly informative spectra. In this context, novel materials and instrumental configurations are under study to enhance the performance of the different instruments, whereas powerful high-resolution mass spectrometers are required to univocally identify targeted compounds. Finally, libraries of compounds, including MS-based information such as accurate mass, isotopic patterns, and collision-induced fragmentation, are strongly demanded together with studies regarding the establishment of recognized analytical performance criteria to assess the occurrence of residues in the environment. Mass spectrometric imaging is another emerging powerful analytical technique that can be applied to perform analyses of multiple molecules in complex samples without labeling, thus providing a distinct advantage over preexisting methods for label-free and simultaneous detection of drugs and metabolites.