Pharmaceutical applications of ion mobility spectrometry

The applications of ion mobility methods (e.g., ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), differential mobility spectrometry (DMS), and field asymmetric waveform IMS (FAIMS)) to quality assurance and process monitoring by the pharmaceutical industry have been burgeoning. Specifically, the uses of IMS and FAIMS for cleaning verification of manufacturing equipment, direct analysis of formulations, and maintenance of worker health and safety can help save money and increase overall efficiency of production. We review ion mobility methods currently employed in pharmaceutical companies and research that could further these methods.