Ambient ionization mass spectrometry for food analysis: Recent progress and applications

In the past decade, ambient ionization mass spectrometry (AIMS) has garnered significant attention in the field of food analysis due to its remarkable ability to analyze solid, liquid, and gas samples with simplicity and high throughput. This review aims to introduce the principles and classifications of AIMS techniques. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the applications of spray-based and plasma-based AIMS methodologies in various areas, including pesticide testing, veterinary drug screening, authentication assays, rapid on-site detection, mass spectrometry imaging, and foodomics analysis. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects of AIMS in food analysis are discussed. Through this review, readers can gain an understanding of the ongoing progress and future developments in AIMS techniques for food analysis, providing valuable references for research and applications in related fields.