A novel sampling method for identification of endogenous skin surface compounds by use of DART-MS and MALDI-MS

Identification of endogenous skin surface compounds is an intriguing challenge in comparative skin investigations. Notably, this short communication is focused on the analysis of small molecules, e.g. natural moisturizing factor (NMF) components and lipids, using a novel sampling method with DIP-it samplers for non-invasive examination of the human skin surface. As a result, extraction of analytes directly from the skin surface by use of various solvents can be replaced with the mentioned procedure. Screening of measureable compounds is achieved by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) without further sample preparation. Results are supplemented by dissolving analytes from the DIP-it samplers by use of different solvents, and subsequent matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) measurements. An interesting comparison of the mentioned MS techniques for determination of skin surface compounds in the mass range of 50–1000 Da is presented.

► We report a novel sampling method for non-invasive analysis of human skin surface.
► Various skin surface compounds in the mass range of 50–1000 Da were determined.
► Analyses were performed with two versatile MS techniques: DART-MS and MALDI-MS.
► Differentiation of two varying skin areas – forehead and forearm – was enabled.