An improved thin-layer chromatography/mass spectrometry coupling using a surface sampling probe electrospray ion trap system.
A combined surface sampling probe/electrospray emitter coupled with an ion trap mass spectrometer was used for the direct read out of unmodified reversed-phase C18 thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates. The operation of the surface sampling electrospray ionization interface in positive and negative ionization modes was demonstrated through the direct analysis of TLC plates on which a commercial test mix comprised of four dye compounds viz., rhodamine B, fluorescein, naphthol blue black, and fast green FCF, and an extract of the caffeine-containing plant Ilex vomitoria, were spotted and developed. Acquisition of full-scan mass spectra and automated collection of MS/MS product ion spectra while scanning a development lane along the surface of a TLC plate demonstrated the advantages of using an ion trap in this combination. Details of the sampling system, benefits of analyzing a developed lane in both positive ion and negative ion modes, levels of detection while surface scanning, surface scan speed effects, and the utility of three-dimensional data display, are also discussed.
Ford
Michael J
MJ
Organic and Biological Mass Spectrometry Group, Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6131, USA.
Van Berkel
Gary J
GJ
D000580:Amido Black / Q000032:analysis; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000032:analysis; D019793:Fluorescein / Q000032:analysis; D030020:Ilex vomitoria / Q000737:chemistry; D008086:Lissamine Green Dyes / Q000032:analysis; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D012235:Rhodamines / Q000032:analysis; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods
D004396:Coloring Agents; D008086:Lissamine Green Dyes; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012235:Rhodamines; C007704:Fast Green FCF; C029773:rhodamine B; D000580:Amido Black; D019793:Fluorescein