ASAP® Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe

For Direct Mass Analysis of Liquid & Solid Samples with the expression® CMS

The direct atmospheric solids analysis probe, otherwise known as ASAP®, permits chemists fast and reliable sample analysis of liquid and solid samples such as reaction mixtures, food samples, natural products and tablets.

Chemists simply dip the closed end of a glass capillary into the sample of interest (even complex mixtures) or scrape the surface of a solid, and then place the capillary into the CMS for analysis.

Clean-up and analysis is a single step. Involatile buffers and salts remain on the capillary ensuring they do not suppress ionization or interfere with the measurement, while the compounds of interest are identified by the CMS.

In addition, users benefit from solvent-free APCI, which ionizes a wider range of compounds.

Fast Identification of Artificial Vanilla Flavor in Vanilla Extract by ASAP® Compact Mass Spectrometry

Vanilla extract is a baking staple for cookies, cupcakes and more – but not all vanilla extract is created equal. Pure vanilla extract is made from the vanilla bean pod of the Vanilla planifolia plant. Imitation vanilla is derived from ethyl vanillin, which can be synthesized without the use of any vanilla beans at all. While pure vanilla extract may seem like the obvious choice, it does come at a price, making the imitation product a viable option in supermarkets across the world. But it begs the question: what is the chemical difference, and are products marketed as “pure” truly authentic?

In this screening assay, the expression® CMS coupled with the Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP®) is used to quickly identify the presence of artificial vanilla, as well as confirm the purity of products marketed as such. This technique provides a fast and easy method for purity analysis.

Peak Express™: Software for the Synthetic Organic Chemist

Introducing a new type of mass spectrum, available exclusively in the Advion Peak Express™ software suite: the Delta Spectrum (ΔS). The ΔS is available with the expression® compact mass spectrometer (CMS) to look beyond chemical noise and automatically detect even the smallest peaks without knowing the m/z in advance.

With the Peak Express™ software featuring ΔS, you can:

  • Obtain clear detection of peaks without knowing their mass
  • Find adducts, dimers, fragments, side-reactions and other unexpected compounds at the click of a button, in real-time or with post-processing
  • Highlight minor components in complex mixtures and dirty matrices
  • Control mass-directed purification without providing the compound mass
  • Acquire XIC-quality data while scanning the entire mass range, allowing Peak Express™ to tell you the m/z

Screening of Dietary Supplements by ASAP® Compact Mass Spectrometry

In this application note, we demonstrate the use of the Advion expressionL CMS with an atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP) ion source to analyze two supplements (figure 1) that contain DMBA, a synthetic stimulant that has not been tested on humans. The substance is the chemical cousin to drug DBAA, which is currently banned by the US FDA. The efficacy and safety of DMBA is entirely unknown, yet it is present in many supplements.

 

CheMS Simplified Mass Spec Software

The CheMS user interface simplifies the mass spectrometry experience and makes it more accessible in chemistry and biochemistry laboratories. This allows the chemist to obtain optimal data without needing to be an expert in mass spectrometry.

Advion compact mass spectrometer

Available with the Advion expression® compact mass spectrometer (CMS) is a fast and easy tool that is ideal for the teaching environment — Students simply select an ionization method for effortless instrument setup at the click of a button.

Fill out the form to download the full CheMS product note now.

Dyestuff Analysis of Cultural Heritage Objects by Direct Analysis Probe on a Compact Mass Spectrometer

The scientific investigation of cultural heritage objects is the only access to knowledge about long-gone, ancient societies and their cultural, technological as well as their social  stage of development. In addition, the materials used by our ancestors, e.g. their textiles and the organic dyestuff to colorize these materials, allow researchers to draw some conclusions about cultural exchanges and trading routes. But in-depth knowledge about materials and dyestuff is also of highest importance for proper conservation and restauration of these materials. Specimens, however, are rare and available only in minute amounts. For their investigation preferentially non-destructive or at least minimal invasive methods have to be used.

A direct analysis using the Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP®) on the expression® compact mass spectrometry (CMS) technique offers a minimally invasive method allowing for a rapid and direct sampling without any sample preparation prior to analysis.

Screening of explosive residues without sample preparation using a direct sample analysis probe on the expression® CMS

The ability to effectively screen passengers with minimal personal contact is critical. Ion mobility detectors used at many airports can be inaccurate and provide many false-positives and false-negatives. Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) screening techniques are very useful for detecting concealed weapons and explosive devices located on passengers and/or in their belongings, however are unable to detect trace amounts of explosive residues.

The expression® Compact Mass Spectrometer (CMS) with an Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP®) is a high performance instrument with a small footprint that allows airports to better screen for explosive residues on passengers and their belongings.

The expression® CMS provides rapid and accurate detection with significantly reduced false-positives and false-negatives than ion mobility instruments.