Contactless electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for direct detection of analytes in living organisms.

In this study, we developed contactless electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for in vivo analysis of living organisms in different applications. The in vivo sampling and direct analysis processess of living organisms were integrated into an operation that only requires the organism close to MS inlet that was applied to a high voltage. Living plants and animals were directly induced to generate spray ionization. Direct detection and in vivo monitoring of metabolites and chemical residues in various living organisms were successfully demonstrated. Analysis of a single sample could be completed within 30 s. Overall, contactless ESI-MS provides an attractive in vivo method to straightforward investigation of living organisms.