Technology to transform mass spectrometry
Apr 20, 2006 3:01 PM
The Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Fla., has become one of the first universities to obtain a device that is changing mass spectrometry.
The Direct Analysis in Real Time device, or DART, enables direct detection of drugs, chemicals or explosives on surfaces, in liquids and in gases without the need for sample preparation, UPI reports.
Florida Tech scientists say what used to take hours -- analyzing paper money for cocaine, clothing for gunpowder, or urine for drugs, for example -- can now be accomplished nearly instantly.
Florida Tech is one of only 15 installations of the DART. School spokesmen tell UPI that the $210,000 instrument will be used in teaching organic chemistry classes and in research. It might also assist community organizations, such as law enforcement.
The DART allows sample analysis, by atmospheric pressure ionization, in the open air. It requires no radioactive components, solvent sprays or exposed high voltage to alter the sample state, scientists said. The DART is currently in operation primarily in forensics and Homeland security laboratories.
Florida Tech researchers said they will also use the device in a two-year nanotechnology project to develop a molecular photosensor.
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