Open Access UHPSFC/MS - an additional analytical resource for an academic mass spectrometry facility.

Abstract

Many compounds submitted for analysis in Chemistry at the University of Southampton do not retain, elute or ionize using open access reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (RP-UHPLC/MS) and require analysis via infusion. An ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography mass spectrometry approach was implemented to afford high-throughput analysis of these compounds with chromatographic separation. A UPC(2) -TQD MS system has been incorporated into the open access MS provision within Chemistry at the University of Southampton, using an ESCi source (electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization) and an atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) source. Access to instrumentation is enabled via a web-based interface (RemoteAnalyzer™). Compounds such as fluorosugars, fullerenes, phosphoramidites, porphyrins, and rotaxanes exhibiting properties incompatible with RP-UHPLC/MS have been analyzed using automated chromatography and mass spectrometry methods. The speedy return of data enables research in these areas to progress unhindered by sample type. The provision of an electronic web format enables easy incorporation of chromatograms and mass spectra into electronic files and reports. The implementation of UHPSFC/MS increases access to a wide range of chemistries incompatible with reversed-phase chromatography and polar solvents, enabling more than 90% of submitted samples to be analyzed using an open access approach. Further, chromatographic separation is provided where previously flow injection or infusion analyses were the only options. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.