Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for generating ionized molecules of interest for analysis in a mass spectrometer. The molecules of interest are desorbed from the device into a desorption solvent. The device includes: a solid substrate having a spray-ionization end and a holding end, the substrate being sized and configured to hold the solvent at the spray-ionization end; and a fluid barrier configured to reduce movement of at least some of the solvent from the spray-ionization end towards the holding end. Methods for analyzing molecules in or from a sample are also provided.

Abstract: A micro-syringe for inserting into a sample matrix. The micro-syringe includes a micro-syringe body having an orifice at an insertion end; and a plunger at least partially coated with a solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) coating. The plunger is longitudinally movable between an internal position and an extended position. When the syringe is inserted into the sample matrix, the extraction phase is shielded from the sample matrix by the micro-syringe body when the plunger is in the internal position, and at least a portion of the extraction phase extends past the orifice and is exposed to the sample matrix when the plunger is in the extended position. The plunger is sized to fit the internal diameter of the micro-syringe body to draw a liquid into the micro-syringe body when the plunger is moved from the extended position to the internal position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flow-through aerosol capture device that includes a chamber defining an airflow path, and at least one heat-stable aerogel filter, for example a heat-stable polymer aerogel filter, disposed in the airflow path for capturing aerosol particles when an aerosol-containing gas passes through the filter. The flow-through aerosol capture device may be a needle-trap device or a thermal desorption liner with a heat-stable aerogel filter in the lumen of the needle or the liner. The disclosure also provides heat-stable polymer aerogels and methods of making such aerogels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an extraction coating for an SPME sampling instrument, where the extraction coating includes a sorptive material immobilized in a fluorocarbon polymer that is compatible with thermal-assisted desorption techniques, solvent-assisted desorption techniques, or both. The disclosure also provides SPME sampling instruments, methods of making an SPME sampling instrument, and methods of extracting an analyte from a sample matrix using the SPME coating.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a solid phase microextraction sampling instrument for inserting into or through a solid or semisolid material to extract a component of interest from a sample, comprising a support structure at least partially coated with an extraction phase for extracting the component of interest, a protrusion that shields the coating during insertion, where the distances within a cross-sectional plane of the sampling instrument are greater than or equal to the corresponding distances in all of the cross-sectional planes located between the cross-sectional plane of interest and the insertion end of the sampling instrument. The present disclosure also discusses methods of making the instrument, desorption chambers, and methods for desorbing a component of interest from the instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an extraction coating for an SPME sampling instrument, where the extraction coating includes a sorptive material immobilized in a fluorocarbon polymer that is compatible with thermal-assisted desorption techniques, solvent-assisted desorption techniques, or both. The disclosure also provides SPME sampling instruments, methods of making an SPME sampling instrument, and methods of extracting an analyte from a sample matrix using the SPME coating.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a solid phase microextraction sampling instrument for inserting into or through a solid or semisolid material to extract a component of interest from a sample, comprising a support structure at least partially coated with an extraction phase for extracting the component of interest, a protrusion that shields the coating during insertion, where the distances within a cross-sectional plane of the sampling instrument are greater than or equal to the corresponding distances in all of the cross-sectional planes located between the cross-sectional plane of interest and the insertion end of the sampling instrument. The present disclosure also discusses methods of making the instrument, desorption chambers, and methods for desorbing a component of interest from the instrument.

Abstract: The invention describes the process by which a standard mixture of organic compounds are spiked and retained onto a composite sorbent matrix for the controlled generation of a standard in fluid above the spiked matrix either in a gaseous or aqueous phase. The novelty of the aforementioned composite matrix stems from the combination of an immobilizing liquid phase such as silicone oil or a polyacrylonitrile solution, and solid, porous particles such as polystyrene-co-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) or hydrophilic/Lipophilic Balance (HLB) particles to strongly retain the spiked standards. These novel composite mixtures exhibit sorptive capabilities greater than the sum of their individual components. In addition swelling of the particles with the liquid phase facilitates immobilization of the composite sorbent matrix in the vial.

Abstract: The invention describes the process by which a standard mixture of organic compounds are spiked and retained onto a composite sorbent matrix for the controlled generation of a standard in fluid above the spiked matrix either in gas (headspace) or aqueous phase which is contained in portable vials. The novelty of the aforementioned composite matrix stems from the combination of an immobilizing liquid phase such as silicone oil or a polyacrylonitrile solution, and solid, porous particles such as polystyrene-co-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) or Hydrophilic/Lipophilic Balance (HLB) particles to strongly retain the spiked standards facilitating high capacity which translates into prolonged use as a source of calibrant. These novel composite mixtures exhibit sorptive capabilities greater than the sum of their individual components producing a standard analyte generator far superior to those described in the prior art.