Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PlasMOF (Mass spectrometry assisted sustainable green approaches for food safety and authenticity)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2022-10-01 al 2024-09-30
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.
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.
Novel approaches through the synergistic use of advanced materials and ambient MS to tackle challenges in the agri-food sector related to quality, authenticity, and safety. Two main strategies have been developed:
• Design, synthesis, and characterization of MOFs for their application in µSPE schemes.
• Use of MOF-based devices and DBDI for desorption and ionization, enabling streamlined analysis of key food quality and safety parameters, as well as for environmental monitoring.
In addition to expected publications and dissemination efforts, the project aims from a sustainable perspective to introduce alternative approaches to conventional agri-food testing.
As outlined in the Description of the Action (DoA), the adaptation of the researcher to the laboratory environment was swift. She had already integrated into the research group before the project started. It is important to note that some knowledge transfer had occurred before the commencement of the MSCA program, which greatly facilitated the project’s initiation. Before the contract transition, she had already completed essential courses on laboratory safety and handling.
Within the working packages (WP) included in DoA there are:
WP1. Design, synthesis and characterization of MOFs for their implementation in µSPE schemes
WP2. Implementation of MOFs-based materials for novel direct ionization devices for both direct MS and 3D-printed IMS
WP3. Use of MOF-based devices and DBDI desorption and ionization for streamlined analysis of relevant food quality and safety parameters and environmental monitoring purposes
WP4. Project management and knowledge of transferred paperwork with the human resources office at the University of Jaén. The institutional staff managed the administrative and financial aspects of the fellowship.
WP1 has been completed. MOFs were synthesized and thoroughly characterized for their subsequent use in microextraction strategies throughout the project. The results of this work have been published in several high-impact journals listed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) in the field of Analytical Chemistry. Regarding WP2, it was partially accomplished. Various experiments were conducted using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD)-based ambient ionization techniques for food analysis. Despite significant efforts, the outcomes did not align with those reported in the literature. As a result, additional tests were performed by combining these techniques with liquid chromatography (LC) instrumentation. This approach provided a better understanding of their behavior, although the results did not fully meet the objectives of the PlasMOF project. In the final WP3, an ACaPI-type device was successfully developed. However, its configuration could not be applied to complex samples. A major part of this objective involved coating paper-based devices to develop a simple, rapid, and accessible experimental method for the broader scientific community. However, using MOF-based coatings did not yield significantly different results compared to using the paper device alone (PS). The final WP4 has been the most significant throughout the PlasMOF project. It represented a continuous learning experience for the researcher. Organizing, leading, and executing a pioneering project has been a crucial step in shaping and completing her research profile. All proposals outlined in the management plan have been implemented to the extent possible. Regular meetings with the supervisor, dissemination efforts, and various collaborations have been key factors in the successful development of this project.
• Design, synthesis, and characterization of MOFs for their application in µSPE schemes.
• Use of MOF-based devices and DBDI for desorption and ionization, enabling streamlined analysis of key food quality and safety parameters, as well as for environmental monitoring.
In addition to expected publications and dissemination efforts, the project aims from a sustainable perspective to introduce alternative approaches to conventional agri-food testing.
As outlined in the Description of the Action (DoA), the adaptation of the researcher to the laboratory environment was swift. She had already integrated into the research group before the project started. It is important to note that some knowledge transfer had occurred before the commencement of the MSCA program, which greatly facilitated the project’s initiation. Before the contract transition, she had already completed essential courses on laboratory safety and handling.
Within the working packages (WP) included in DoA there are:
WP1. Design, synthesis and characterization of MOFs for their implementation in µSPE schemes
WP2. Implementation of MOFs-based materials for novel direct ionization devices for both direct MS and 3D-printed IMS
WP3. Use of MOF-based devices and DBDI desorption and ionization for streamlined analysis of relevant food quality and safety parameters and environmental monitoring purposes
WP4. Project management and knowledge of transferred paperwork with the human resources office at the University of Jaén. The institutional staff managed the administrative and financial aspects of the fellowship.
WP1 has been completed. MOFs were synthesized and thoroughly characterized for their subsequent use in microextraction strategies throughout the project. The results of this work have been published in several high-impact journals listed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) in the field of Analytical Chemistry. Regarding WP2, it was partially accomplished. Various experiments were conducted using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD)-based ambient ionization techniques for food analysis. Despite significant efforts, the outcomes did not align with those reported in the literature. As a result, additional tests were performed by combining these techniques with liquid chromatography (LC) instrumentation. This approach provided a better understanding of their behavior, although the results did not fully meet the objectives of the PlasMOF project. In the final WP3, an ACaPI-type device was successfully developed. However, its configuration could not be applied to complex samples. A major part of this objective involved coating paper-based devices to develop a simple, rapid, and accessible experimental method for the broader scientific community. However, using MOF-based coatings did not yield significantly different results compared to using the paper device alone (PS). The final WP4 has been the most significant throughout the PlasMOF project. It represented a continuous learning experience for the researcher. Organizing, leading, and executing a pioneering project has been a crucial step in shaping and completing her research profile. All proposals outlined in the management plan have been implemented to the extent possible. Regular meetings with the supervisor, dissemination efforts, and various collaborations have been key factors in the successful development of this project.
PlasMOF encountered several challenges throughout its development, particularly with some of the main deliverables outlined in the DoA. The primary objective was to create SPME fibers coated with MOFs that could function as electrodes for direct ionization/desorption of analytes. Unfortunately, this goal was not achieved. However, the project led to the identification of several alternative approaches that could potentially accomplish this task. These alternatives are detailed more comprehensively in the final report. One promising direction is the use of non-conductive metallic supports, which could serve as a solid foundation for future research.
Additionally, the project provided an opportunity to explore other techniques, such as paper spray ionization. The collaborations established during PlasMOF remain active and are expected to continue contributing to this field. The next collaborative effort will focus on coating paper with different types of conductive materials, opening new avenues for research and potential applications.
Additionally, the project provided an opportunity to explore other techniques, such as paper spray ionization. The collaborations established during PlasMOF remain active and are expected to continue contributing to this field. The next collaborative effort will focus on coating paper with different types of conductive materials, opening new avenues for research and potential applications.