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Topic

Advances in Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry and Application to Multiclass Cyanotoxin Analysis

Department of Chemistry

Date & location

• Friday, March 13, 2026
• 10:00 A.M.
• Virtual Defence

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Christopher Gill, Department of Chemistry, ̽��ϵ�� (Supervisor)
• Dr. Erik Krogh, Department of Chemistry, UVic (Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Sébastien Sauvé, Département de chimie, Université de Montréal

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Terri Lacourse, Department of Biology, UVic

Abstract

Paper spray mass spectrometry is an ambient ionization technique that offers less-complicated workflows and shorter analysis times over conventional chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry techniques, facilitating high-throughput analyses in a variety of fields where widespread sensitive chemical analysis would otherwise be cost restrictive. This thesis presents fundamental PSMS developments for high-throughput applications and optimizes PS-MS for the analysis of toxins produced during harmful cyanobacteria blooms, a field that requires high sample throughput and fast turnaround times with limited options for simple, rapid, and quantitative techniques. Chapter 1 investigates internal standard utilization strategies for PS-MS with the goal of simplifying workflows and minimizing liquid sample handling in resource-limited settings, while simultaneously reducing the consumption of valuable internal standards. Chapter 2 applies and evaluates PS-MS for the simultaneous analysis of multiple classes of cyanotoxins, utilizing both low- and high-resolution mass spectrometers, and demonstrates the method as a screening tool for toxin production in cyanobacteria culture samples. Chapter 3 briefly summarizes the findings of the previous chapters and outlines future research directions.