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The signal intensity of low-molecular-weight compounds analyzed using surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SALDI-TOF-MS) was significantly enhanced when oxidized graphitized carbon black (GCB) particles were used as the desorption/ionization surface. The surface of oxidized GCB contains more carboxylic acid groups than non-oxidized GCB. Carboxylic acid groups enhance the efficiency of the ionization process and the desorption of more hydrophobic compounds. A common pharmaceutical compound, propranolol, was successfully extracted from Baltic Sea blue mussels and quantified using oxidized GCB as the SALDI surface, whereas deuterated propranolol was used as the internal standard. The calibration curve showed a wide linear dynamic range of response (0.1–20 μg/mL) and good reproducibility (RSD < 10%). It was not possible to detect propranolol in Baltic Sea blue mussels when non-oxidized GCB was used as the SALDI surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]