The PlasMOF project aims to propose novel cutting-edge solutions based on state-of-the-art in mass spectrometry (MS) and design materials. The project aimed to synthesize, characterize, and apply Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as innovative sorbent materials in miniaturized solid-phase extraction (µSPE) techniques.
In its second phase, the project envisioned developing novel devices based on MOFs and integrating them with dielectric barrier discharge (DBD)-based ionization methods for applications of social importance. These devices will incorporate various DBD tool configurations, including two-ring electrode DBDI, flexible microtube plasma (FµTP), active capillary sampling plasma source (ACaPI), and low-temperature plasma (LTP).
To apply these high-throughput MOF-based devices in key societal areas, such as food safety, quality testing, and environmental monitoring. Direct-MS methods will be optimized for authenticating important Mediterranean products and detecting fraud. Additionally, these methods will be applied to screen contaminants of emerging concern in water efficiently. European Commission's Health & Consumer Protection Directorate-General outlines, food contaminants may occur in certain foods due to environmental factors, agricultural practices, or manufacturing processes. To ensure food products' authenticity, quality, and safety, the industry adheres to strict protocols. Those new ionization methods and eco-friendly sample preparation techniques offer significant advantages in addressing critical food quality and safety issues. The implementation of these technologies will expand knowledge on the authentication of food products fraud detection. Both factors are crucial in food monitoring, and even more in high value foodstuff such as virgin olive oil (VOO).
PlasMOF proposes the use of microextraction techniques based on novel sorbent materials, in combination with ambient-MS, to improve challenging MS-based applications related to food quality and safety assessment. This combined approach offers several advantages in terms of throughput and simplicity, while maintaining the unique strengths of MS analysis (sensitivity and selectivity) and aligning with the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC).
• Objective 1: To synthesize, characterize, and validate MOFs as sorbents in green, µSPE. The proposed methodologies should be comparable to reference approaches while providing benefits such as lower detection limits, higher throughput, and environmentally sustainable workflows.
• Objective 2: To design, optimize, and test miniaturized ionization devices that combine fiber-based MOFs with DBD-based ambient ionization methods. Different DBD-based configurations, such as two-ring electrode DBDI, flexible microtube plasma (FµTP), active capillary sampling plasma source (ACaPI), and low-temperature plasma (LTP), will be integrated with the MOF-based devices, focusing on relevant target compounds for food quality and safety applications.
• Objective 3: To implement high-throughput MOF-based devices in socially relevant applications such as food quality and safety testing and environmental monitoring. Direct-MS methods will be optimized for assessing the authenticity of important Mediterranean products and detecting fraud. Additionally, direct methods will be applied for the high-throughput screening of emerging contaminants in water.
