Abstract: A fibrous mat is provided for use in taking a metabolome sample and for use in desorption of the metabolome sample. The fibrous mat includes an open network of at least one polymer-based nanofiber. The diameter of the at least one nanofiber ranges between 50 nm and 1500 nm, and a cover layer is provided at a top and/or at a bottom of the open network of at least one nanofiber to exclude particles with a size larger than 2000 Da from interacting with the open network of at least one nanofiber by blocking and/or excluding access to these particles.

Abstract: A method for identifying a target component of interest in a specimen by probe electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, including: (1) adsorbing the target component of interest onto an extraction phase for adsorbing the target component of interest from the specimen by immersing a probe into the specimen, wherein the probe is at least partially coated with the extraction phase; (2) removing the probe from the specimen and optionally quick rising it by dipping in or spraying water or acetone/water mixtures; (3) adhering solvent to the extraction phase; (4) desorbing the target component of interest into the solvent from the extraction phase; (5) electrospraying the target component of interest desorbed in the solvent adhered to the probe on the ionization source at atmospheric pressure by applying a voltage to the probe to spray aerosolized ionized droplets out of the probe; and (6) identifying the target component of interest present in the aerosolized ionized droplets.

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating ionized molecules for analysis in a mass spectrometer are provided. A device comprises a solid substrate having one or more edges for spray ionization, the substrate adapted for receiving extraction phase comprising molecules of interest. The solid substrate may comprise one or more indentations for receiving the extraction phase and desorption solvent. The indentation may extend to one of the edges of the substrate to channel the desorption solution to the edge for spray ionization. The solid substrate may comprise a magnetic portion for retaining magnetic extraction phase deposited thereon. The solid substrate itself may be free of any extraction phase prior to an extraction phase containing the molecules of interest being deposited thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for desorbing and detecting an analyte sorbed on a solid phase microextraction (SPME) device. This SPME device The system includes a desorption chamber containing solvent required for desorption of analytes from SPME device; a flow injector in fluid connection with the desorption chamber, the desorption chamber and the flow injector being fluidly connected by at least a flow-insulating fluid connector; a solvent source in fluid connection with the flow injector; and a fluid switch that: in a desorption position, allows the solvent to be sprayed from the flow injector while flow-insulating any desorption solution in the desorption chamber, and in an detecting position, turns off the solvent source while maintaining the fluid connection between the flow injector and the desorption chamber, transferring the desorption solution through the flow-insulating fluid connector to the flow injector as a substantially undiluted plug of liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for desorbing and detecting an analyte sorbed on a solid phase microextraction (SPME) device. This SPME device The system includes a desorption chamber containing solvent required for desorption of analytes from SPME device; a flow injector in fluid connection with the desorption chamber, the desorption chamber and the flow injector being fluidly connected by at least a flow-insulating fluid connector; a solvent source in fluid connection with the flow injector; and a fluid switch that: in a desorption position, allows the solvent to be sprayed from the flow injector while flow-insulating any desorption solution in the desorption chamber, and in an detecting position, turns off the solvent source while maintaining the fluid connection between the flow injector and the desorption chamber, transferring the desorption solution through the flow-insulating fluid connector to the flow injector as a substantially undiluted plug of liquid.