Detection Of Small Molecules Research Articles

SERS-Based Hydrogen Bonding Induction Strategy for Gaseous Acetic Acid Capture and Detection.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can overcome the existing technological limitations, such as complex processes and harsh conditions in gaseous small-molecule detection, and advance the development of real-time gas sensing at room temperature. In this study, a SERS-based hydrogen bonding induction strategy for capturing and sensing gaseous acetic acid is proposed for the detection demands of gaseous acetic acid. This addresses the challenges of low adsorption of gaseous small molecules on SERS substrates and small Raman scattering cross sections and enables the first SERS-based detection of gaseous acetic acid by a portable Raman spectrometer. To provide abundant hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) was used as a ligand molecule modified on the SERS substrate. Furthermore, a sensing chip with a low relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.15% was constructed, ensuring highly sensitive and reliable detection. The hydrogen bond-induced acetic acid trapping was confirmed by experimental spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT). In addition, to achieve superior accuracy compared to conventional methods, an innovative analytical method based on direct response hydrogen bond formation (IO-H/Iref) was proposed, enabling the detection of gaseous acetic acid at concentrations as low as 60 ppb. The strategy demonstrated a superior anti-interference capability in simulated breath and wine detection systems. Moreover, the high reusability of the chip highlights the significant potential for real-time sensing of gaseous acetic acid.

2D MOF-enhanced SPR detector based on tunable supramolecular probes for direct and sensitive detection of DOX in serum.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of doxorubicin (DOX) is important to studypharmacokinetics in patients undergoing chemotherapy for reduction ofside effects and improve patient survival by rationally controlling the dose of DOX. A fast and ultra-sensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detector without sample pre-handling was developed for DOX monitoring. First, the two-dimensional metal-organic framework was modified on the Au film to enhance SPR, and then, the supramolecular probes with tunable cavity structure were self-assembled at the sensing interface for direct detection of DOX through specific host-guest interactions with a low detection limit of 60.24pM. The precise monitoring of DOX in serum proved the possibility of clinical application with recoveries in the range 102.86-109.47%. The mechanisms of host-guest interactions between supramolecular and small-molecule drugs were explored in depth through first-principles calculations combined with SPR experiments. The study paves the way for designing facile and sensitive detectors and provides theoretical support and a new methodology for the specific detection of small molecules through calixarene cavity modulation.

An aptamer-triggered hybridization chain reaction strategy for ultra-sensitive biological nanopore detection of aflatoxin B1

Biological nanopore refers to a type of pore-forming membrane proteins, providing a unique platform for single molecule detection of DNA, RNA, peptide, etc. The direct detection of small molecules, especially of food chemical contaminants by biological nanopore, remains challenging due to their fast translocation dynamics, trace amount, and the interference from the complex food matrix. The effective recognition and signal conversion methods need to be developed. Herein, we employ an aptamer-triggered hybridization chain reaction (AtHCR) strategy for the detection of a mycotoxin, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) by an α-hemolysin nanopore. In the absence of AFB1, the formed dsDNA polymers in HCR show a low frequency of long-time blockage signals. The presence of AFB1 can inhibit the hybridization chain reaction through the interaction between AFB1 and its aptamer, so the remaining hairpins can easily block the nanopore and induce frequent long-time blockage signals. The results show that the event frequency of long-blockage has a linear relationship with the AFB1 concentration in the range of 6.6 × 10−1–6.6 × 102 pmol/L. The recognition and amplification effect of AtHCR allows nanopore to detect AFB1 at a detection limit of 0.54 pmol/L. Furthermore, the developed AtHCR strategy can help biological nanopore to detect AFB1 in corn sample with satisfactory accuracy. The recognition and amplification effect achieved by coupling AtHCR to biological nanopore offers an enzyme-free single-molecule technology for the rapid detection of food chemical contaminants.

Identification of Ligands for Ion Channels: TRPM2.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a calcium-permeable, nonselective cation channel with a widespread distribution throughout the body. It is involved in many pathological and physiological processes, making it a potential therapeutic target for various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cancers. New analytical techniques are beneficial for gaining a deeper understanding of its involvement in disease pathogenesis and for advancing the drug discovery for TRPM2-related diseases. In this work, we present the application of collision-induced affinity selection mass spectrometry (CIAS-MS) for the direct identification of ligands binding to TRPM2. CIAS-MS circumvents the need for high mass detection typically associated with mass spectrometry of large membrane proteins. Instead, it focuses on the detection of small molecules dissociated from the ligand-protein-detergent complexes. This affinity selection approach consolidates all affinity selection steps within the mass spectrometer, resulting in a streamlined process. We showed the direct identification of a known TRPM2 ligand dissociated from the protein-ligand complex. We demonstrated that CIAS-MS can identify binding ligands from complex mixtures of compounds and screened a compound library against TRPM2. We investigated the impact of voltage increments and ligand concentrations on the dissociation behavior of the binding ligand, revealing a dose-dependent relationship.

Recent Advances in Real-Time Label-Free Detection of Small Molecules.

The detection and analysis of small molecules, typically defined as molecules under 1000 Da, is of growing interest ranging from the development of small-molecule drugs and inhibitors to the sensing of toxins and biomarkers. However, due to challenges such as their small size and low mass, many biosensing technologies struggle to have the sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of small molecules. Notably, their small size limits the usage of labeled techniques that can change the properties of small-molecule analytes. Furthermore, the capability of real-time detection is highly desired for small-molecule biosensors' application in diagnostics or screening. This review highlights recent advances in label-free real-time biosensing technologies utilizing different types of transducers to meet the growing demand for small-molecule detection.

Metal-organic Frameworks: Emerging Luminescent Sensors

Abstract: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a crystalline material, are a new type of inorganicorganic hybrid material. MOFs are of great interest to researchers in chemistry and material science due to their various chemical and physical properties, and features include their remarkable surface area, high porosity, flexibility, structural variety, flexibility, extreme porosity, a large surface area, augmented adsorption/desorption kinetics, biocompatibility and functional tunability. MOFs are multi-dimensional crystals and have extended net-like frameworks from molecular building units such as inorganic metal nodes and organic linkers. The structurally diverse MOFs have found applications in chemical sensing and several other fields, such as energy applications, biomedicine, and catalysis. Numerous researchers from other fields have been drawn to this topic by the intrinsic potential to absorb gas molecules, which has led to the applications of gas storage and heterogeneous catalysis. Because of their low framework density, open metal sites for interaction, adjustable pore size, fast response with high sensitivity and selectivity, and real-time monitoring, luminescent metalorganic frameworks, or LMOFs, have piqued the interest of a large scientific community as a promising candidate for sensor applications. A number of characteristics, including non-toxicity, biodegradability, and reasonably priced, varied functionality, are important factors in the use of MOFs in chemo- and biosensing. MOFs can be very promising candidates as selective and sensitive chemosensors for the detection of cations, anions, small molecules, gases and explosives. In this manuscript, we address recent research advances in the use of metal-organic-framework-based luminescent sensors for detecting some small molecules and various metal ions in aqueous biological and environmental samples. A wide range of materials may be reached in the emerging field of synthetic and material chemistry, thanks to the capacity to change the pore size and chemically functionalize its nature without changing its architecture.

Modular Approach for Rapid Identification of RNA-Based Sensors.

Detection of metabolites in real time and in whole cells requires effective molecular sensors. In this regard, fluorogenic light-up RNAs have recently become important tools for small-molecule detection in cells. However, the construction of light-up RNA sensors is an arduous task that requires structural knowledge of both the sensor and reporter RNA. De novo strategies for selecting sensors from RNA libraries are limited and are mostly restricted to known aptamers and riboswitches. Here, we provide a solution to this problem by developing a capture-SELEX variant that allows the obtained libraries and aptamers to be linked to fluorogenic RNAs in a modular and allosteric manner. The approach is generally applicable and allows for rapid modular allosteric assembly with green- or red-shifted fluorogenic RNAs.

Rational design of a near-infrared dual-emission fluorescent probe for ratiometric imaging of glutathione in cells.

Sensors for which the output signal is an intensity change for a single-emission peak are easily disturbed by many factors, such as the stability of the instrument, intensity of the excitation light, and biological background. However, for ratiometric fluorescence sensors, the output signal is a change in the intensity ratio of two or more emission peaks. The fluorescence intensity of these emission peaks is similarly affected by external factors; thus, these sensors have the ability to self-correct, which can greatly improve the accuracy and reliability of the detection results. To accurately image glutathione (GSH) in cells, gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) with intrinsic double emission at wavelengths of 606nm and 794nm were synthesized from chloroauric acid. With the emission peak at 606nm as the recognition signal and the emission peak at 794nm as the reference signal, a near-infrared dual-emission ratio fluorescence sensing platform was constructed to accurately detect changes in the GSH concentration in cells. In vitro and in vivo analyses showed that the ratiometric fluorescent probe specifically detects GSH and enables ultrasensitive imaging, providing a new platform for the accurate detection of active small molecules.

ZIF-67 Anchored on MoS2/rGO Heterostructure for Non-Enzymatic and Visible-Light-Sensitive Photoelectrochemical Biosensing.

Graphene and graphene-like two-dimensional layered nanomaterials-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensors have recently grown rapidly in popularity thanks to their advantages of high sensitivity and low background signal, which have attracted tremendous attention in ultrahigh sensitive small molecule detection. This work proposes a non-enzymatic and visible-light-sensitive PEC biosensing platform based on ZIF-67@MoS2/rGO composite which is synthesized through a facile and one-step microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The combination of MoS2 and rGO could construct van der Waals heterostructures, which not only act as visible-light-active nanomaterials, but facilitate charge carriers transfer between the photoelectrode and glassy carbon electrode (GCE). ZIF-67 anchored on MoS2/rGO heterostructures provides large specific surface areas and a high proportion of catalytic sites, which cooperate with MoS2 nanosheets, realizing rapid and efficient enzyme-free electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose. The ZIF-67@MoS2/rGO-modified GCE can realize the rapid and sensitive detection of glucose at low detection voltage, which exhibits a high sensitivity of 12.62 μAmM-1cm-2. Finally, the ZIF-67@MoS2/rGO PEC biosensor is developed by integrating the ZIF-67@MoS2/rGO with a screen-printed electrode (SPE), which exhibits a high sensitivity of 3.479 μAmM-1cm-2 and a low detection limit of 1.39 μM. The biosensor's selectivity, stability, and repeatability are systematically investigated, and its practicability is evaluated by detecting clinical serum samples.

A novel biosensor based on antibody-controlled strand displacement amplification (SDA) and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) for tetracycline detection

The specificity of antibodies and efficient amplification of nucleic acid molecules play an important role in developing biosensors for monitoring human and environmental health. Herein, integrating their capabilities by site-selective modification of small molecules on DNA, a biosensor based on antibody-controlled strand displacement amplification (SDA) and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) was developed. The SDA–HCR reaction was activated by the competitive binding of antibodies to free small molecules and small molecule-conjugated DNA. As a proof-to-concept, we developed a biosensor capable of detecting tetracycline (TC) with high sensitivity and specificity. First, TC was labeled with azide group through chemical modification, and TC–DNA was prepared by copper-free click chemistry. Further, the antibody-controlled SDA–HCR reaction was developed through serial optimization. By this method, TC could be detected in a linear range of 0.01–100 µM with a detection limit of 0.006 µM, and the recovery of actual samples was 96.62–100.31 % with 1.70–4.00 % RSD, suggesting satisfactory performance by the biosensor. Using this method, TC or any other small molecules can be detected without washing, immobilization, and multiple additional steps, which would simplify detection to a great degree. Consequently, the distinctive strategy proposed in this work may find more applications in the detection of other small molecules.

A {P6Mo18}-type heteropolyblue modified NiO-based carbon nanofibers for bifunctional biosensors

Non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensors have great application value in the identification and detection of organic biological small molecules, especially in biomedical detection. In this paper, a carbon-based sensing material consisting of basket-type polyoxometallates (POMs) modified with synergistic multicomponent active centers was prepared. A novel POMs with heteropolyblue properties, {Co(phen)3}3[{Co(H2O)2}{Co(H2O)3}4}{Sr ⊂ P6MoVI16MoV2O73}2]·8H2O (CoP6Mo18), was modified on NiO-loaded carbon nanofibers (NiO-CNFs) to construct novel nanocomposites CoP6Mo18@NiO-CNFs. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) tests show that the nanocomposite electrode had a strong response to L-tryptophan (L-Trp) and dopamine (DA) with lower detection limit of 22.2 nM and 27.8 nM (S/N = 3) in the linear range of 66.7 nM-478 μM and 83.3 nM-437 μM, respectively. The results demonstrated that the modified electrode can quickly and efficiently detect DA and L-Trp alone or together due to catalytic synergy between CoP6Mo18 and NiO-CNFs. The combination of the two materials not only enhances the current response signals of the electrodes to the analytes DA and L-Trp, but also effectively improves the selectivity and stability of the sensor. Importantly, the prepared sensor can be used for trace detection of DA and L-Trp in pre-treated human serum samples in practical applications, and the recovery rate is as high as 98.9 %, which suggests that the CoP6Mo18@NiO-CNFs/GCE sensor has potential application value in biology and medical fields.

Preparation of carbon quantum dot fluorescent probe from waste fruit peel and its use for the detection of dopamine.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), as a new type of fluorescent nanomaterial, are widely used in the detection of small molecules. Abnormal dopamine secretion can lead to diseases such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. Therefore, it is highly significant to detect dopamine levels in the human body. Using discarded fruit peels to prepare carbon quantum dots can achieve the reuse of kitchen waste, reduce pollution, and create value. Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) were prepared using the hydrothermal method, with orange peel as the raw material. The fluorescence quantum yield of N-CQDs reached a high value of 35.37% after optimizing the temperature, reaction time, and ethylenediamine dosage. N-CQDs were characterized using various techniques, including ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectrophotometer (PL), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). These analyses confirmed the successful doping of nitrogen in the CQDs. The DA concentration ranged from 0 to 300 μmol L-1, and the linear equation for fluorescence quenching of N-CQDs was F/F0 = -0.0056c + 0.98647, with an R2 value of 0.99071. The detection limit was 0.168 μmol L-1. The recovery and precision of dopamine in rabbit serum were 98% to 103% and 2% to 6%, respectively. The prepared N-CQDs could be used as a fluorescent probe to effectively detect DA.

The construction of dual-emissive ratiometric fluorescent probes based on fluorescent nanoparticles for the detection of metal ions and small molecules.

With the rapid development of fluorescent nanoparticles (FNPs), such as CDs, QDs, and MOFs, the construction of FNP-based probes has played a key role in improving chemical sensors. Ratiometric fluorescent probes exhibit distinct advantages, such as resistance to environmental interference and achieving visualization. Thus, FNP-based dual-emission ratiometric fluorescent probes (DRFPs) have rapidly developed in the field of metal ion and small molecule detection in the past few years. In this review, firstly we introduce the fluorescence sensing mechanisms; then, we focus on the strategies for the fabrication of DRFPs, including hybrid FNPs, single FNPs with intrinsic dual emission and target-induced new emission, and DRFPs based on auxiliary nanoparticles. In the section on hybrid FNPs, methods to assemble two types of FNPs, such as chemical bonding, electrostatic interaction, core satellite or core-shell structures, coordination, and encapsulation, are introduced. In the section on single FNPs with intrinsic dual emission, methods for the design of dual-emission CDs, QDs, and MOFs are discussed. Regarding target-induced new emission, sensitization, coordination, hydrogen bonding, and chemical reaction induced new emissions are discussed. Furthermore, in the section on DRFPs based on auxiliary nanoparticles, auxiliary nanomaterials with the inner filter effect and enzyme mimicking activity are discussed. Finally, the existing challenges and an outlook on the future of DRFP are presented. We sincerely hope that this review will contribute to the quick understanding and exploration of DRFPs by researchers.

Recent advances of aggregation-induced emission luminogens for point-of-care biosensing systems.

The rapid and sensitive detection of chemical compounds in body fluids and tissues is important for diagnosis of diseases and assessment of the effectiveness of treatment programs. Point-of-care (POC) sensors based on fluorescence signals have been widely used in the rapid detection of various infectious diseases. However, the aggregation-caused quenching phenomenon of conventional fluorescent probes limits the sensitivity and accuracy of fluorescent POC sensors. In this review, we first focus on aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based POC detection for early diagnosis of diseases and then describe how to use mechanisms of AIE to improve the sensitivity of POC testing. This review gives a summary of the design mechanisms of AIE probes in AIE-based biosensors. Subsequently, it summarizes the design strategies of AIE-based POC sensors in the detection of ions, small molecules, nucleic acids, proteins, and whole entity (cells, bacteria, viruses, and exosomes), placing an emphasis on signal amplification. Finally, it gives an overview of AIE-based POC biosensors, including probes, instruments, and applications. We hope that this review will provide valuable guidance for further expanding the application of AIE luminogens in POC biosensors.

Development of a highly sensitive ampicillin sensor utilizing functionalized aptamers.

To develop a sensitive and simple ampicillin (AMP) sensor for trace antibiotic residue detection, the influencing factors of the modification effect of nanogold-functionalized nucleic acid sequences (Adenine: A, Thymine: T) were comprehensively analyzed in this study, including the modification method, base length and type. It was found that under the same base concentration, longer chains are more likely to reach saturation than shorter chains; and when the base concentration and length are both the same, A exhibits a higher saturation modification level compared to T. Based on these research findings, a highly sensitive fluorescence aptamer sensor for detecting ampicillin was constructed using the optimized functionalized sequence (ployA6-aptamer) and experimental conditions (6 hours binding time between nucleic acid aptamer and complementary strand, pH 7 working solution, 20 minutes detection time) based on the principle of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The sensor has a detection range of 0.18 ng ml-1 to 3.11 ng ml-1 for ampicillin, with a detection limit of 0.04 ng ml-1. It exhibits significant selectivity and achieves an average recovery rate of 98.71% in tap water and 91.83% in milk. This method can be used not only for residual ampicillin detection, but also for highly sensitive detection of various antibiotics and small biological molecules by replacing the aptamer type. It provides a research basis for the design of highly sensitive fluorescence aptamer sensors and further applications of nanogold@DNA composite structures.

Ni(II)-MOF based hypersensitive dual-function luminescent sensor towards 3-nitrotyrosine biomarker and 6-Propyl-2-thiouracil antithyroid drug in Urine

Trace detection of bioactive small molecules (BSMs) in body fluids is of great importance for disease diagnosis, drug discovery, and health monitoring. Based on the chiral ligand of 4,4′-(1,2-dihydroxyethane-1,2-diyl)dibenzoic acid...

A simplified molecularly imprinted ECL sensor based on Mn2SnO4 nanocubes for sensitive detection of ribavirin.

Conventional single-signal or emerging sandwich-type double-signal electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensors/aptasensors have offered accurate detection of small molecules, yet suffer from complicated setup, long processing time, and non-reusability. Here, we demonstrate a simplified molecularly imprinted ECL sensor based on Mn2SnO4 nanocubes. As an n-type semiconductor, Mn2SnO4 has numerous active sites that can capture electrons to accelerate chemical reactions, resulting in enhanced ECL activity and stability. For the first time, we verify a robust cathodic ECL emission of Mn2SnO4 luminophores in the presence of K2S2O8 coreactants. The proposed ECL sensor applies to the sensitive detection of ribavirin (RBV), endowing a wide linear range (1-2000 ng mL-1), low detection limit (0.85 ng mL-1, S/N = 3), high stability, specificity, and reproducibility, and the detection capability in real milk and chicken samples. This work highlights single semiconductor luminophore-driven molecularly imprinted ECL sensors, meeting the original aspiration of uncomplicated but high-performance sensing in food safety inspection.

Polymeric integration of structure-switching aptamers on transistors for histamine sensing.

Aptamers that undergo large conformational rearrangements at the surface of electrolyte-gated field-effect transistor (EG-FETs)-based biosensors can overcome the Debye length limitation in physiological high ionic strength environments. For the sensitive detection of small molecules, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that approach the dimensions of analytes of interest are promising channel materials for EG-FETs. However, functionalization of CNTs with bioreceptors using frequently reported surface modification strategies (e.g., π-π stacking), requires highly pristine CNTs deposited through methods that are incompatible with low-cost fabrication methods and flexible substrates. In this work, we explore alternative non-covalent surface chemistry to functionalize CNTs with aptamers. We harnessed the adhesive properties of poly-D-lysine (PDL), to coat the surface of CNTs and then grafted histamine-specific DNA aptamers electrostatically in close proximity to the CNT semiconducting channel. The layer-by-layer assembly was monitored by complementary techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. Surface characterization confirmed histamine aptamer integration into PDL-coated CNTs and revealed ∼5-fold higher aptamer surface coverage when using CNT networks with high surface areas. Specific aptamers assembled on EG-CNTFETs enabled histamine detection in undiluted high ionic strength solutions in the concentration range of 10 nM to 100 μM. Sequence specificity was demonstrated via parallel measurements with control EG-CNTFETs functionalized with scrambled DNA. Histamine aptamer-modified EG-CNTFETs showed high selectivity vs. histidine, the closest structural analog and precursor to histamine. Taken together, these results implied that target-specific aptamer conformational changes on CNTs facilitate signal transduction, which was corroborated by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Our work suggests that layer-by-layer polymer chemistry enables integration of structure-switching aptamers into flexible EG-CNTFETs for small-molecule biosensing.

Aptamer-aided plasmonic nano-urchins for reporter-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy analysis of cortisol.

Cortisol is a vital glucocorticoid hormone reflecting stress levels and related disease processes. In this study, we report an aptamer-functionalized plasmonic nano-urchin (α-FeOOH@Au-aptamer)-aided cortisol-capturing and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) analysis approach. The designed α-FeOOH@Au-aptamer exhibits a well-patterned plasma structure, which combines the good SERS enhancement ability of reduced nanogaps between the Au plasma and the hot spot-favored structure of anisotropic tips from α-FeOOH urchins, with the high affinity of the aptamer towards cortisol molecules. The α-FeOOH@Au-aptamer achieved reporter-free SERS quantification for cortisol with good sensitivity (limit of detection <0.28 μmol L-1), robust salt (1.0 mol per L NaCl) and protein (5.0 mg per mL bovine serum protein) tolerance, favorable reproducibility, as well as good reusability. We further demonstrated the good cortisol-capturing ability and SERS efficacy of the α-FeOOH@Au-aptamer profiling in the serum and urine samples. Our approach provides an alternative tool for cortisol analysis and a reference strategy for report-free SERS detection of small molecules.

Multidimensional mass profiles increase confidence in bacterial identification when using low-resolution mass spectrometers.

Field-forward analytical technologies, such as portable mass spectrometry (MS), enable essential capabilities for real-time monitoring and point-of-care diagnostic applications. Significant and recent investments improving the features of miniaturized mass spectrometers enable various new applications outside of small molecule detection. Most notably, the addition of tandem mass spectrometry scans (MS/MS) allows the instrument to isolate and fragment ions and increase the analytical specificity by measuring unique chemical signatures for ions of interest. Notwithstanding these technological advancements, low-cost, portable systems still struggle to confidently identify clinically significant organisms of interest, such as bacteria, viruses, and proteinaceous toxins, due to the limitations in resolving power. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel multidimensional mass fingerprinting technique that uses tandem mass spectrometry to increase the chemical specificity for low-resolution mass spectral profiles. We demonstrated the method's capabilities for differentiating four different bacteria, including attentuated strains of Yersinia pestis. This approach allowed for the accurate (>92%) identification of each organism at the strain level using de-resolved matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) data to mimic the performance characteristics of miniaturized mass spectrometers. This work demonstrates that low-resolution mass spectrometers, equipped with tandem MS acquisition modes, can accurately identify clinically relevant bacteria. These findings support the future application of these technologies for field-forward and point-of-care applications where high-performance mass spectrometers would be cost-prohibitive or otherwise impractical.