Ambient Ion Generation Using Neutral Droplet Impact Spray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ionization techniques require significant sample preparation and are limited by the need for vacuum conditions or proximity to the analytical instrument, which complicates their application and integration with various technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a spray of substantially electrically neutral droplets to produce analyte ions by impacting them on a collision surface, allowing analysis under ambient conditions and enabling the sample to be located at a distance from the analytical instrument, without the need for high voltage or heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a matrix is deposited on the sample using MALDI technique, then ionization efficiency is improved, but sample preparation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the matrix deposition step from the ionization process. By using direct spray of charged droplets onto the sample surface, the method removes the need for matrix preparation while maintaining effective ionization through electrospray mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample surface itself serves as the ionization site without requiring external matrix materials. The charged droplets directly interact with analyte molecules on the sample surface, allowing the sample to 'self-ionize' through the electrospray process without additional preparation layers.
2Reliability
If charged droplets are used in DESI technique, then ion production is enhanced, but transport distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dual-spray system where a neutral solvent spray acts as an intermediary medium. This neutral spray carries analyte molecules from the sample surface to the ionization region, decoupling the ion production step from the transport step and enabling longer transport distances without charge-related limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ionization process is segmented into separate functions: a neutral spray handles transport and analyte extraction, while a charged spray or laser ionization step occurs at the destination. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently, with the neutral spray focusing on long-distance transport.
3Reliability
If high voltage is applied to droplets for ionization, then ion production is improved, but safety risks and engineering complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces high-voltage electrical fields with mechanical spray mechanisms for droplet generation and transport. By using pneumatic or hydraulic spray systems instead of electrospray, the method achieves effective analyte delivery without the safety hazards associated with high voltages, while ionization is achieved through alternative means such as laser or chemical processes.
4Measurement precision
If vacuum conditions are required for analysis, then ion detection precision is improved, but device complexity and operational constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational pressure parameter from vacuum to atmospheric conditions. By developing ionization and detection methods that function effectively at atmospheric pressure, the system eliminates the need for complex vacuum systems while maintaining sufficient ion detection precision through optimized spray parameters and detector design.
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
Facilitates the analysis of samples without sample preparation and allows integration with diverse technologies, enhancing applications such as clinical diagnostics and in vivo or ex vivo analysis by simplifying the process and reducing safety and engineering complexities.
Implementation Method 1
droplets comprising analyte from the sample are caused to impact upon a surface so as to generate analyte ions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A method of producing ions from a sample is disclosed. The method comprises directing a spray of droplets onto a sample, and causing droplets comprising analyte from the sample to impact upon a surface so as to generate analyte ions.