Transitioning a technical method from the laboratory bench to the field is a challenge. Initially, the method needs to fill a technical gap to a degree that a warfighter or first responder would find additional hardware and training worth the logistical burden. Second, the method should be robust to minor deviations and interferents. Finally, the resultant end point must be easily read, understood, and provide actionable information to the user. Accomplishing all these steps is key to demonstrating the value of scientific research to the warfighter and delivering a valuable tool. Recent efforts have been focused on developing methods for easy and robust trace analyte collection and portable sample identification. The analytes of interest include explosives, pharmaceutical based agents, and drugs of abuse. The collection method involves paper modified with pressure-sensitive adhesives, i.e. yellow sticky notes, to sample various types of solid, porous, and environmental surfaces. Threat identification is performed directly from the collection substrates by mass spectrometric instrumentation with tandem capabilities to identify TNT, RDX, and HMX. The surface limits of detection (LODs) of the method ranged from sub to low microgram range. An analysis mode was created that would display a green light/red light if a sample was negative/positive, respectively, for a threat. This provides an easy-to-read, actionable result while saving the analytical spectra for future review. Finally, this methodology was combined with portable Raman analysis to provide both primary and confirmatory identification of fentanyl in simulated samples and TNT in samples both collected and analyzed in an austere location.
Robust sample collection and identification of trace amounts of compounds outside of a laboratory environment is a challenge facing military users, first responders, and law enforcement An increasing number of portable instruments are being developed to focus on improving on-site sampling and analysis. A weighty obstacle for these field-focused systems is the ability to detect trace amounts of analytes from complex matrices. Previous work has shown the benefits of utilizing pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coated paper for collection combined with paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS) for the identification of trace amounts of small molecule. In this work, analysis of explosives captured on a PSA substrate via a portable instrument was examined. Positive identification was achieved for TNT, HMX, and RDX when sampling from surfaces containing less than 1 mg of each explosive. It was also determined that mixtures of the explosives and illicit drugs could be identified even with the presence of interferents. Additional experiments were performed to extract and reanalyze substrates, as well as longevity stability studies. The results demonstrate the potential value that PSA substrates combined with PS-MS can provide in a field forward or first responder setting.
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