Overview
This workshop, recorded during the Current Trends in Seized Drug Analysis Online symposium organized by the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, addresses the challenges forensic labs face with increasing drug samples and new psychoactive substances (NPS). Traditional methods struggle with throughput, but Direct Analysis in Real Time with High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (DART-HRMS) offers a faster, solvent-saving solution. Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (QTOF) mass spectrometers enhance detection. However, adoption is limited by the lack of a comprehensive, automated solution. The workshop introduces a workflow using DART-QTOF-MS for rapid drug analysis, including automatic data processing and report generation.
It demonstrates the workflow with prison samples, identifying synthetic cannabinoids and other drugs. The workshop also covers techniques for identifying unknown compounds and the use of Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry (TIMS) for separating isobaric drugs. Additionally, it highlights the EVOQ DART-TQ+ system for targeted analysis and quantification.
Key learning objectives:
- Understand a complete workflow from sample preparation to analysis for drug screening and confirmation using DART-MS/MS, HPLC-MS/MS with a QTOF mass spectrometer and software tools.
- Gain an introduction to techniques that can be used to identify suspected NPS compounds through a logical sequence of integrated software tools.
- Demonstrate the utility of a TQ-MS system for targeted screening and measurement of NPS compounds using a single platform.
This is a fantastic opportunity to expand your expertise in seized drug analysis.
Speaker
Dr. Ilona Nordhorn, Bruker Applied Mass Spectrometry, Bruker Daltonics GmbH & Co. KG
Ilona Nordhorn is an applications development scientist within the applied markets (BAMS) division at Bruker Daltonics focusing on the development of workflows using chromatography-free Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) as well as a chromatography-based techniques in combination with high resolution mass spectrometry for food, forensic, and environmental research and industries.
Ilona earned a PhD in Analytical Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Food Chemistry both from the University of Münster. Prior to joining Bruker, Ilona has worked in a forensic lab, allowing her to gain insight into the needs and challenges in the forensic community.
Dr. Terry Bates, Bruker Applied Mass Spectrometry, Bruker Daltonics
Terry Bates earned his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Gavin Sacks lab at Cornell University where his work focused on the development of novel extraction geometries and rapid throughput analysis for trace-level analytes (ng/kg-mg/kg) using DART-MS. Before his PhD program, Terry earned his BS in Molecular Biology from the University of Denver and his MS in Analytical Chemistry at Cornell University.
Most recently, Terry began as a senior application specialist in the applied markets (BAMS) division at Bruker Corporation developing high throughput chromatography-free workflows with a specific focus on DART-MS. Terry has extensive experience developing quantitative workflows in the fields of food safety and quality, toxicology, and forensics.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in clinical diagnostic procedures.