Direct quantitative analysis of nicotine alkaloids from biofluid samples using paper spray mass spectrometry

The determination of tobacco derived nicotine alkaloids in biofluid samples is of great importance to testing for tobacco use, tobacco cessation treatment, and studies on exposure to secondhand smoke. Paper spray mass spectrometry (MS) has been adapted for direct, quantitative analysis of tobacco alkaloids from biofluid samples, such as blood, urine, and saliva in liquid and dried form. Limits of quantitation as low as several nanograms per milliliter were obtained for nicotine, cotinine, trans-3′-hydroxycotinine, and anabasine. Direct analysis of fresh blood samples has also been achieved with improved sensitivity using print paper substrates of high density. Quantitation of the cotinine in the blood of a rat was performed with both direct analysis using paper spray and a traditional analysis protocol using liquid chromatography MS. Comparable results were obtained and the precision of the two methods was similar. The paper spray MS method is rapid and shows potential for significantly improved analytical efficiency in clinical laboratories as well as for point-of-care tobacco use assessment.