(Singapore, 23rd) From 30 minutes down to 30 seconds—Singapore's Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) is testing a new portable mass spectrometer, hoping to greatly reduce the time required to detect contraband and hazardous substances. For instance, it can detect the anesthetic etomidate found in some e-cigarettes, enabling frontline personnel at borders or scenes to confirm the composition of suspicious samples more quickly.
This portable mass spectrometer, about the size of a microwave oven, is currently undergoing a 15-month trial period while a dedicated database is being established to meet the needs of Home Team units. If all goes well, the instrument is expected to be operational by 2027, deployed in HTX laboratories or at border checkpoints to enhance Singapore's detection capabilities.
Dr. Zhuo Yingyi, a scientist at the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Centre of Expertise at HTX, is one of the leaders of the project.
In an interview, she explained that the role of a mass spectrometer is to analyze a sample's chemical composition and distinguish different substances, including drugs such as heroin and fentanyl, explosives, and even nerve agents like sarin gas.
Although there are already portable mass spectrometers on the market, compared to traditional laboratory instruments, they still have gaps in sensitivity and stability.
“To keep portable devices convenient to carry, some internal structures must be simplified. While they can detect substances, there is still room for improvement in precision.”
In 2024, Zhuo and her colleagues noticed during an overseas seminar that Japan’s Shimadzu Corporation had an analytical instrument with the potential to enhance the accuracy of portable mass spectrometers. Shimadzu specializes in manufacturing analytical instruments for the pharmaceutical and environmental sciences fields.
The two parties then began collaborating and, after a year of research and optimization, successfully developed a version that meets HTX's requirements.
Zhuo Yingyi said that the new instrument can deliver near-laboratory-grade analysis results on site, and does not require the gas cylinders and other complicated equipment needed by traditional mass spectrometers, making it more convenient to deploy for on-site screenings.
Currently, the device can already identify hundreds of contraband or hazardous substances, including etomidate. Some e-cigarettes contain the anesthetic etomidate, which can potentially cause severe mental harm to abusers.
Zhuo pointed out that while in the end samples still need to be sent to the laboratory for more detailed testing, the advantage of the portable mass spectrometer is that it can complete a preliminary analysis in just around 30 seconds, saving on transport and waiting time.
“When samples are sent to the lab, it usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete the analysis.”
To facilitate future use by different frontline personnel, the R&D team also specifically simplified the interface and workflow, reducing unnecessary buttons so users can quickly learn to operate the instrument and clearly understand the results.
Currently, the team is still testing the new device in the lab. Next, they will partner with Home Team members for field trials, followed by final adjustments.
Zhuo said: “We hope that by 2027, we will officially have a truly homegrown portable mass spectrometer.”
Dr. Zhuo Yingyi, a scientist at the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Centre of Expertise at HTX, is one of the leaders of the project.
In an interview, she explained that the role of a mass spectrometer is to analyze a sample's chemical composition and distinguish different substances, including drugs such as heroin and fentanyl, explosives, and even nerve agents like sarin gas.
Although there are already portable mass spectrometers on the market, compared to traditional laboratory instruments, they still have gaps in sensitivity and stability.
“To keep portable devices convenient to carry, some internal structures must be simplified. While they can detect substances, there is still room for improvement in precision.”
In 2024, Zhuo and her colleagues noticed during an overseas seminar that Japan’s Shimadzu Corporation had an analytical instrument with the potential to enhance the accuracy of portable mass spectrometers. Shimadzu specializes in manufacturing analytical instruments for the pharmaceutical and environmental sciences fields.
The two parties then began collaborating and, after a year of research and optimization, successfully developed a version that meets HTX's requirements.
Zhuo Yingyi said that the new instrument can deliver near-laboratory-grade analysis results on site, and does not require the gas cylinders and other complicated equipment needed by traditional mass spectrometers, making it more convenient to deploy for on-site screenings.
Currently, the device can already identify hundreds of contraband or hazardous substances, including etomidate. Some e-cigarettes contain the anesthetic etomidate, which can potentially cause severe mental harm to abusers.
Zhuo pointed out that while in the end samples still need to be sent to the laboratory for more detailed testing, the advantage of the portable mass spectrometer is that it can complete a preliminary analysis in just around 30 seconds, saving on transport and waiting time.
“When samples are sent to the lab, it usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete the analysis.”
To facilitate future use by different frontline personnel, the R&D team also specifically simplified the interface and workflow, reducing unnecessary buttons so users can quickly learn to operate the instrument and clearly understand the results.
Currently, the team is still testing the new device in the lab. Next, they will partner with Home Team members for field trials, followed by final adjustments.
Zhuo said: “We hope that by 2027, we will officially have a truly homegrown portable mass spectrometer.”