SICRIT® Plug & Play Soft Ionization

Importance of the topic

The introduction of a flow-through soft plasma ionization method addresses critical limitations in conventional mass spectrometry workflows by decoupling ionization from sample delivery. This innovation enhances sensitivity, broadens the accessible analyte range and enables real-time monitoring of volatile and non-volatile compounds without extensive sample preparation.

Objectives and Overview

This report presents the principles and capabilities of SICRIT® (Soft Ionization by Chemical Reaction in Transfer), a patented cold-plasma ion source designed for seamless integration with existing MS systems. Key aims include demonstrating its operational simplicity, evaluating performance in diverse applications and showcasing rapid, high-sensitivity screening workflows.

Methodology and Instrumentation

SICRIT® generates reagent ions within a capillary‐confined cold plasma, decoupling the ionization event from chromatographic or direct sampling interfaces. Sample molecules drawn into the MS inlet are soft ionized in a continuous flow, minimizing ion losses and neutralization. The core instrument package comprises the SC-20X Ionization Set, a dedicated control unit and modular interfaces for major LC-MS platforms, as well as an optional GC/SPME module for gas-phase analyses.

Key Results and Discussion

• Online VOC screening of coffee bean aroma identified over 300 compounds in under one second, demonstrating real-time monitoring capability.
• GC-MS coupling with SICRIT® achieved detection of 28 pesticides in water at limits down to 30 pg/mL, highlighting sub-ppt sensitivity for target and non-target analysis.
• Direct SPME-MS application enabled detection of illicit drugs with limits as low as 0.3 pg/mL, eliminating the need for chromatographic separation for rapid workflows.

These case studies confirm enhanced sensitivity, broad chemical coverage and easy adaptation to various sampling formats.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Plug-and-play installation on all major LC-MS systems without ionization tuning or sample prep.
• Compatibility with LC, GC and SPME workflows for flexible analytical design.
• Sub-ppt detection limits support trace analysis in environmental monitoring, food safety, security, forensics and breath diagnostics.
• Transformation of MS instruments into sensitive electronic noses for Industry 4.0 and emission monitoring applications.

Future Trends and Opportunities

The modular and soft ionization design of SICRIT® opens prospects for portable MS systems in field analysis, automated process control in manufacturing and integration with advanced sample pretreatment (e.g., microextraction devices). Further development may focus on miniaturized plasma sources, real-time multivariate data analysis and expansion into clinical metabolomics.

Conclusion

SICRIT® represents a paradigm shift in MS ionization, delivering unmatched sensitivity and flexibility. By uncoupling ionization from sample introduction, it facilitates rapid, high-throughput screenings and real-time monitoring across diverse matrices, expanding the analytical potential of existing mass spectrometers.

Used Instrumentation

• SC-20X Ionization Set with integrated control unit
• Interfaces for Thermo, Agilent and Sciex LC-MS platforms
• GC/SPME Module for gas chromatography coupling and automated SPME desorption

Reference

• Pesticide GC-MS analysis, Analyst 2017, 142, 1909
• SPME-MS drug screening, Analytical Chemistry 2016, 88, 7252