Direct Coupling of SPME to Mass Spectrometry and Ion Mobility Spectrometry for the Analysis of Prohibited Substances in Biofluids

Code: 22A10JP

There is a high demand for rapid screening methods using mass spectrometry (MS) that can decrease the turnaround time, cost, and limits of quantitation of existing methodologies. It is important to emphasize that appropriate sample preparation is required to perform proper sample cleanup and analyte enrichment. We are focused on using matrix-compatible SPME-based devices for direct immersion extraction of small molecules from biofluids and direct coupling to MS. In this context, matrix-compatible SPME-based devices have extraction phases comprised of high-capacity sorbent embedded in a polyacrylonitrile binder that ensures small molecules can be extracted while minimizing the co-extraction of macromolecules. This provides better performance and more sensitive analysis of a wide range of small molecules including many of those found on the 2022 Prohibited List. Futhermore, we are focused on couple SPME-based devices to MS via the microfluidic open interface (MOI) and coated blade spray (CBS) technology, as well as developing more efficient ways to separate isobaric/isomeric analytes in the gas phase before MS detection using ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). These developments are critical to decrease the detection limits and discern between permitted and prohibited substances while increasing the speed of analysis and the range of screened and quantified molecules. In this proposal, we build on this success and propose applying SPME technologies directly to MS which have been recently developed in our laboratory to further improve the speed of screening directly during sports events. In the long term, the goal of the team's research is to take advantage of ongoing advances to develop powerful new analytical technologies to assist in the ongoing fight against doping in sport, with an emphasis on lowering the detection limits to better distinguish between permitted from prohibited use, as well as improving the detection window of prohibited substances.