Development of efficient SALDI substrate based on Au–TiO2 nanohybrids for environmental and forensic detection of dyes and NSAIDs

Herein, a matrix-free approach is presented for comprehensive environmental and forensic analysis of dyes and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) using Au–TiO2 nanohybrids coupled with surface-assisted pulsed laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS). The Au–TiO2 nanohybrids was prepared and characterized using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area measurements, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS). Initially, the optimal Au content was assessed using the survival yield (SY) method, confirming that 7.5% Au content on the TiO2 surface offered the highest ionization efficiency. Subsequently, environmental analyses of dyes and NSAIDs in water samples were performed, and sensitive detection of all analytes was achieved with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 10.0 ng mL−1 to 10.0 fg mL−1 and good spot-to-spot reproducibility. Additionally, the effect of potential contaminants commonly found in environmental samples, such as salts, surfactants and pesticides was also considered. Despite signal intensity reduction at high concentrations of some salts, the target analytes were detected, while the presence of surfactants and pesticides did not cause significant signal intensity reduction. Additionally, dyed and undyed Tetoron fibers and the effect of adhesive tape were evaluated. Direct analysis of the dyed Tetoron fibers on the target plate, using the nanohybrids, enabled higher detection sensitivity of the dyes, in addition to adducts of polystyrene and cellulose, the main components of the fiber. Finally, NSAIDs in oral fluid were analyzed and sensitive detection of the analytes was observed using the nanohybrids with LODs and LOQs in the range of 0.1–10 ng mL−1 and 1–20 ng mL−1, respectively. The trueness of the exact mass was in the range of 0.64–6.2 ppm while the recovery of the spiked samples was in the range of 82.90–107.54%% indicating the efficiency of the Au–TiO2 nanohybrids as SALDI substrate. Thus, the Au–TiO2 nanohybrids hold considerable promise in terms of sensitivity, reproducibility, and LOD, and may significantly contribute to environmental and forensic identification. [Display omitted] •Synthesis and optimization of Au–TiO2 nanohybrid for forensic and environmental applications.•SALDI-MS the