Polymer matrices for ambient ionization mass spectrometry

Researchers in Prof. Richard Zare's laboratory have developed a low-cost, thin, flexible, reusable polymer matrix to be utilized as an ionization vehicle for ambient mass spectrometry. These organosiloxane materials contain reactive groups on their surfaces and can be used to directly analyze crude samples in the ambient atmospheric pressure of the laboratory. The properties of the sol-gel-based polymers can be controlled by varying the reaction conditions to customize their porosity, flexibility and transparency for specific applications. Also, they can be modified and functionalized with organic molecules through a low-temperature process to create a “bioactive” surface. The matrices can be used in mass spectrometry for sensitive analyte detection with a range of biological, chemical, diagnostic or environmental sensing applications.