3D Printed Coated Blade Spray–Mass Spectrometry Devices

Coated blade spray–mass spectrometry (CBS-MS)
has emerged
as a powerful tool for the rapid screening of target compounds at
trace levels in complex biological matrices. Despite its potential,
the broader adoption of CBS-MS technology has been hindered by the
lack of commercially available, user-friendly MS interfaces and extraction
devices. In this work, we present comprehensive CBS-MS solutions developed
using 3D printing, including a versatile MS interface and two extraction
devices tailored to different analytical needs: one is compatible
with LC vials for large-volume samples, while the other is optimized
for single-drop blood analysis. The MS interface features a novel
design that separates the immobilization station from the blade holder,
significantly simplifying the operational workflow and minimizing
the contamination risks and hazards associated with manual blade handling.
The first extraction cartridge can process 48 samples simultaneously
with an average sample preparation time of less than 20 s, while the
second extraction device enables extraction from 8 single-drop blood
samples via on-blade extraction. The developed devices were successfully
tested for the rapid screening of seven drugs in both urine and single-drop
blood samples, demonstrating a promising analytical performance. Additionally,
potential contamination issues related to the use of 3D-printed materials
as extraction phases were examined, emphasizing the importance of
ensuring that 3D-printed materials do not leach contaminants into
samples or solvents and contaminate the MS.