Detection of Isomeric PFAS Species at Regulated Levels in Infant Formula Using HRIM

Detection of Isomeric PFAS Species at Regulated Levels in Infant Formula Using HRIM

Mark Jennings II, Miriam Fico, Frederick G. Strathmann and Xanthippe Theurillat

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that can accumulate in the human body, posing increased risks during early development. Accurate assessment of PFAS exposure in infant formula requires differentiation of structurally distinct isomers, which cannot be resolved by conventional LC-MS alone. This study demonstrates a rapid 10-minute LC-MS workflow integrated with high-resolution ion mobility (HRIM) to separate linear and branched PFAS isomers at regulatory-relevant concentrations. Using the MOBIE® platform, HRIM enables gas-phase separation based on molecular structure, providing enhanced confidence in PFAS identification and quantification in complex matrices such as infant formula.