Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an analyte of interest using paper spray mass spectrometry includes a spray material; a sample on the spray material including an enzyme of interest; a solvent to hydrate the sample, promote enzymatic activity, and extract analytes of interest from the sample; a substrate specific to the enzyme of interest, wherein any of the spray material and the solvent includes the substrate; a voltage source to apply a voltage to the spray material to create charged droplets of a mixture containing the sample; and a mass spectrometer to perform spectrometry on the droplets to perform any of: identify the analytes of interest in the sample; and measure a level of inhibition in any enzymes contained in the sample.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample collected from a surface, the method comprising placing at least a portion of a substrate having a pressure sensitive adhesive layer containing the sample in a holder, adding a spray solvent to the sample-containing pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and analyzing the sample contained in the pressure sensitive adhesive layer and the spray solvent using paper spray mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample collected from a surface, the method comprising placing at least a portion of a substrate having a pressure sensitive adhesive layer containing the sample in a holder, adding a spray solvent to the sample-containing pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and analyzing the sample contained in the pressure sensitive adhesive layer and the spray solvent using paper spray mass spectrometry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an analyte of interest using paper spray mass spectrometry includes a spray material; a sample on the spray material including an enzyme of interest; a solvent to hydrate the sample, promote enzymatic activity, and extract analytes of interest from the sample; a substrate specific to the enzyme of interest, wherein any of the spray material and the solvent includes the substrate; a voltage source to apply a voltage to the spray material to create charged droplets of a mixture containing the sample; and a mass spectrometer to perform spectrometry on the droplets to perform any of: identify the analytes of interest in the sample; and measure a level of inhibition in any enzymes contained in the sample.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards an Aerodynamic Automated Biological Assay Device (“AABAD”) comprising an aerodynamic substrate having a microfluidic cassette and an electronic module, and a system and a method of deploying the same to detect biological agents and hazards suspended in an atmosphere. The AABAD may be in the form/shape of a maple seed/fruit to induce autorotation. A plurality of AABADs are dispersed into the atmosphere from an aircraft or drone. The AABADs rotate via centrifugal forces without motor or active propulsion system while descending to the ground, wherein during the descent, the AABADs microfluidic cassettes collect and process the air samples via a centrifugal force formed from the autorotation generated by the airborne carrier, and to analyze and transmits the results to a remote location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to capture aerosols and vapors on substrates from a large variety of sources and matrices for analysis using paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) is disclosed. A holder for a PS cartridge has better direct sampling efficiency, direct capture on substrate, and lower limits of detection thereby improving the collection and analysis of aerosols and vapors. An apparatus and method for aerosol and vapor collection, from both anthropogenic and environmental sources, for example, that is compact and compatible with hand held devices and unmanned vehicles is also disclosed.