Multiphoton Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for the Detection of Bioactive Lignan.

Multiphoton ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MPI-TOFMS) combined with a pulsed laser for sample vaporization was developed for the detection of a low-volatile compound in a solution. A solution containing Taiwanin A ((3E,4E)-3,4-bis(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethylene)dihydro-2(3H)-furanone), which is a lignan that has an anticancer effect, was employed in the present study. Consequently, Taiwanin A could be detected by irradiating a laser pulse for vaporization to an inlet nozzle, rather than by heating. Therefore, the present method could be effective for detecting compounds with lower volatilities in a liquid sample.