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

2026-07-22

Ambient mass spectrometry (AMS) has gained substantial attention in numerous research fields including clinical diagnosis as being a nondestructive, fast and simple approach. Despite of the advances in mass spectrometry (MS) one of its main disadvantages is the simultaneous introduction of the matrix and analyte to MS that results in low sensitivity associated with a high background and ion suppression, and frequent instrumental maintenance. Therefore, there is a need for a ground-breaking sampling tool that is combinable with MS and that does not compromise the above mentioned merits. Here we propose (i) to develop a novel handheld probe, which will have micro extraction mechanism for small molecules/biomarkers from the surface and can be combined with MS for real time targeted and untargeted analyses; (ii) to utilize the probe as a clinical diagnostic tool for noninvasive fast determination of skin cancer. The probe will be designed as a surface touch sampling device suitable for spot analysis and for continuous mode chemical imaging of surface. The device will be integrated with online desorption using a solvent junction and desorbed metabolites will be directed to MS. As proof-of-concept, skin cancer biomarkers and some other typical skin metabolites will be targeted during the probe development. Preliminary analyses with the probe will be conducted on the surface of agarose gel spiked with the selected metabolites mimicking artificial skin surface using MS in targeted mode. Upon development of the probe and prove of the detection of the biomarkers from the synthetic skin media the study will be extended to in vivo mice model with tumor. This novel probe will make a significant impact as rapid and reliable diagnostic tool. This project will open an opportunity for the researcher to develop her future career by implementing the novel probe in emerging research fields (e.g. clinical, forensic, etc.), where fast and reliable analytical tools are in high demand.

Turkey

2026-02-15