AEMS Data Acquisition Switching for Bad Wells and Overlap Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic ejection mass spectrometry (AEMS) systems face limitations in selectively activating experiments based on varying sample contents in different wells, with issues arising from 'bad wells' and unpredictable ejection times, leading to reduced analytical throughput and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method where the data acquisition is triggered by the acoustic ejection signal, optimizing start times based on calibrated delay times between ejection and mass spectrometry detection, allowing for robust and efficient activation of specific experiments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data acquisition is triggered by acoustic ejection signal with calibrated delay times, then analytical throughput is improved, but system complexity increases due to coordination of multiple ejection events and analysis methods
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calibrates delay times between acoustic ejection and mass spectrometry detection before actual analysis. Ejection events are scheduled in advance with predetermined start times for analysis methods, allowing the system to optimize throughput without real-time decision complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters and switches between different analysis methods based on scheduled ejection events. The data acquisition system adapts its configuration for each ejection event while maintaining overall system coordination through pre-established timing protocols.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple analysis methods are scheduled for overlapping time periods, then sample utilization is maximized, but reliability decreases due to potential conflicts with bad wells and unpredictable ejection times
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors acoustic ejection signals and uses feedback from detected acoustic waves to verify successful ejections. If an ejection is detected as failed (acoustic wave below threshold), the system adjusts subsequent analysis scheduling to avoid wasting resources on bad wells while maintaining overlap for successful ejections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system schedules analysis methods to start at predetermined times that may overlap with previous analyses, accepting some degree of excessive resource allocation as a trade-off for maximizing sample utilization. This approach ensures that valid samples are analyzed without delay even if it means initiating some redundant analysis sequences.
3Ease of operation
If ejection events are scheduled with fixed time intervals, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity is limited by the one-second baseline peak width constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed one-second interval scheduling to dynamic scheduling where ejection events and analysis methods are timed based on calibrated delay measurements. This allows overlapping analysis windows that exceed the baseline one-second constraint while maintaining coordination through predetermined timing relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timing parameters of data acquisition based on empirical calibration of delay times between ejection and detection. By adjusting start times and durations of analysis methods relative to ejection events, the system optimizes throughput beyond the conventional one-second per well limitation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach maximizes sample utilization by reducing uncertainty in acquisition times, overcoming issues with 'bad wells' and improving analytical throughput.
Implementation Method 1
Acoustic Ejection Mass Spectrometry (AEMS) is a high-throughput analytical platform, where nano-liter sized sample droplets, or samples, are ejected acoustically from a sample well plate
Implementation Method 2
The sample is diluted and transferred from the OPI to a mass spectrometer (MS) for analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of data acquisition in an acoustic ejection mass spectrometer including a plurality of reservoirs, each reservoir containing a sample, the method including scheduling a plurality of ejection events for the plurality of reservoirs, setting an analysis method for each ejection event, ejecting a first sample at a first ejection time, starting a first analysis method of the ejected first sample at a first start time, ejecting a second sample at a second ejection time, and starting a second analysis method of the ejected second sample at a second start time, the second start time being or equal to or earlier than the first end time. For example, before starting the first analysis method, it is determined whether an ejection of the first sample has occurred, and if the ejection of the first sample is determined not to have occurred, the second sample is ejected.