The burgeoning concern of
A combination of complementary, ambient ionization methods, paper spray ionization (PSI) and filter cone spray ionization (FCSI)‐mass spectrometry (MS), was characterized towards trace‐level residue screening of select NAMs (e.g.,
PSI‐MS and FCSI‐MS readily produced mass spectral data marked by their simplicity (e.g., predominantly protonated molecular ions observed) and congruence with traditional electrospray ionization mass spectra in under 2 min. per sample. Both methods proved robust to the complex matrices tested, yielding ion signatures for target NAMs, as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients for analyzed tablets, flavorants inherent to food products, etc. Low part‐per‐million detection limits were observed but were shown dependent on sample composition.
PSI‐MS and FCSI‐MS were successful in detecting trace‐level NAMS in complex liquid‐ and solid‐phase matrices with little to no prior preparation. This work suggests that these methodologies can provide a means for assessing problematic pharmaceutical adulterants/degradants for expedited quality control, as well as enhancing environmental stewardship efforts and forensic investigations.