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Trace detection of threat agents using portable instrumentation combined with pressure sensitive adhesive sampling

Robust sample collection and identification of trace amounts of compounds outside of a laboratory environment is a challenge facing military users, first responders, and law enforcement An increasing number of portable instruments are being developed to focus on improving on-site sampling and analysis. A weighty obstacle for these field-focused systems is the ability to detect trace amounts of analytes from complex matrices. Previous work has shown the benefits of utilizing pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coated paper for collection combined with paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS) for the identification of trace amounts of small molecule. In this work, analysis of explosives captured on a PSA substrate via a portable instrument was examined. Positive identification was achieved for TNT, HMX, and RDX when sampling from surfaces containing less than 1 mg of each explosive. It was also determined that mixtures of the explosives and illicit drugs could be identified even with the presence of interferents. Additional experiments were performed to extract and reanalyze substrates, as well as longevity stability studies. The results demonstrate the potential value that PSA substrates combined with PS-MS can provide in a field forward or first responder setting.