Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators

Abstract

Ambient ionization mass spectrometry (AMS) enables sample analysis in its native state with minimal preparation. This study explores the use of a commercial Sicrit® ion source, based on dielectric barrier discharge ionization, for detecting selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM) in dietary supplements, commonly abused for muscle mass enhancement. Tablets and capsules were dissolved in methanol and analyzed directly using the Sicrit® source coupled to an Orbitrap Exploris 120 mass spectrometer in positive mode. For confirmation, samples were also analyzed by LC-UV-MS. While LC-UV-MS provided superior quantitative analysis, AMS demonstrated strong qualitative agreement, indicating its potential for rapid screening of illegal anabolic substances in dietary supplements.