Flat Disc-Shaped Sampling Probe and Online Re-extraction Apparatus for Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Skin Metabolites: A Proof of Concept.

Sweat analysis provides an alternative and noninvasive way of clinical diagnostics. However, sampling and transferring sweat-derived samples to analytical instruments is challenging. In this report, we demonstrate a method utilizing a flat disc-shaped sampling probe, and a compatible re-extraction apparatus coupled online with extractive electrospray ionization (EESI) mass spectrometry (MS).

Facilitating chemical and biochemical experiments with electronic microcontrollers and single-board computers.

Since the advent of modern science, researchers have had to rely on their technical skills or the support of specialized workshops to construct analytical instruments. The notion of the 'fourth industrial revolution' promotes construction of customized systems by individuals using widely available, inexpensive electronic modules. This protocol shows how chemists and biochemists can utilize a broad range of microcontroller boards (MCBs) and single-board computers (SBCs) to improve experimental designs and address scientific questions.