A novel handheld probe coupled to mass spectrometer as a non-invasive tool for fast in vivo diagnosis of skin cancer

Ambient mass spectrometry (MS) has recently gained attention in numerous research fields including clinical diagnosis as a non-invasive, fast and simple approach. The EU-funded SKIN-CANCER-PROBE project proposes to develop a novel handheld probe with a microextraction mechanism for small molecules that can be combined with MS for real-time analyses. The probe will be utilised as a diagnostic tool for the non-invasive fast detection of skin cancer. It will be designed as a surface sampling device suitable for spot analysis and continuous-mode chemical imaging of the surface. The device will be able to perform desorption using a solvent junction, and the desorbed metabolites will be directed to MS. Skin cancer biomarkers will be targeted during the probe development process as proof-of-concept.