VeriSpray PaperSpray Ion Source

Importance of the topic

The growing demand for rapid, cost-effective and environmentally friendly analytical workflows has placed pressure on routine laboratories to reduce sample turnaround times, minimize solvent use and automate processes. Traditional liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) or gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods involve time-consuming sample preparation and instrument downtime, which can limit throughput and increase per-test expenses. Direct mass spectrometry techniques, such as paper spray ionization, offer a streamlined alternative that addresses these challenges and expands access to high-confidence MS analyses for a broad user base.

Aims and overview of the article

This application note presents the Thermo Scientific VeriSpray PaperSpray ion source as a solution for direct MS analysis of complex samples on paper substrates. It reviews the design features, workflow integration and performance metrics achieved when coupling VeriSpray with next-generation Thermo Scientific triple quadrupole mass spectrometers. Key objectives include demonstrating simplified “dilute and shoot” sample handling, high-throughput capability, reduced solvent consumption and comparable sensitivity to chromatographic methods.

Methodology and instrumentation

The core workflow involves spotting biological or environmental liquid samples onto disposable paper cartridges, allowing them to air-dry, then applying a defined spray solvent and high voltage to generate electrospray directly into the mass spectrometer.

• Sample plates: 24-spot disposable paper cartridges with barcodes for tracking and compatibility with robotic spotting systems.
• Automated loading: Ten-plate magazine enabling up to 240 unattended analyses per run.
• Spray parameters: Optimized solvent composition, flow rate and 3 kV spray voltage to induce ionization.
• Data acquisition: Controlled by Thermo Scientific Xcalibur (≥ 4.3 SP1) and TraceFinder (≥ 4.1 SP5) software.

Main results and discussion

Key performance highlights include:

• Sample throughput: Individual analyses completed in under two minutes with no chromatography or downtime between injections.
• Quantitative figures of merit: Linearity (R2 > 0.99) for cocaine in urine (5 ng/mL to 2000 ng/mL) and antifungal drugs in plasma (0.1–10 µg/mL); limits of detection and quantification comparable to LC-MS methods.
• Robustness: Over 240 injections of EDDP in whole blood showed consistent concentration accuracy within ±20% and a coefficient of variation of 1.7% across an eight-hour run.
• Green metrics: Significant reduction in solvent use and waste generation by eliminating LC/GC separations and derivatization steps.

Benefits and practical applications of the method

By removing chromatographic separation and extensive wet-lab preparation, the VeriSpray workflow:

• Enables rapid screening of drugs of abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring and environmental contaminants.
• Reduces per-sample costs through lower solvent consumption and minimal maintenance requirements.
• Allows non-expert operators to perform MS quantification with confidence.
• Integrates seamlessly into existing laboratory information systems for sample tracking and data management.

Used instrumentation

The VeriSpray ion source has been validated on multiple Thermo Scientific triple quadrupole platforms:

• TSQ Altis
• TSQ Quantis
• TSQ Fortis
• TSQ Quantiva
• TSQ Endura

Automation is facilitated by robotic plate handlers, barcode readers and plate magazines.

Future trends and potential applications

Advancements may include further miniaturization of paper substrates, expansion to alternative ionization chemistries and integration with cloud-based analytics. High-throughput direct MS has the potential to support large-scale biomonitoring, on-site environmental testing and automated clinical screening. Remote instrument monitoring and connected-lab solutions will enhance uptime and data accessibility.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific VeriSpray PaperSpray ion source offers a simplified, high-throughput alternative to chromatography-based MS workflows. It significantly decreases analysis time, cuts solvent usage, lowers costs and delivers robust quantitative performance. By enabling direct, unattended MS analysis on paper substrates, VeriSpray expands the accessibility of mass spectrometry to diverse laboratory environments and sets the stage for future innovations in rapid, green analytical testing.

References

• No external literature references were cited in the original document.