Automated Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for Target Material Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chromatography and mass spectrometry methods struggle to accurately identify and separate target materials in complex samples without sophisticated databases, requiring manual intervention and resource-intensive protocol selection.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automated chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis that includes an analysis device to determine peaks corresponding to target materials, select protocols based on mass spectra, and adjust measurement conditions, integrated with a robot system for sample preparation and synthesis optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual protocol selection and database-based identification methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated peak assignment and protocol selection by having the analysis device independently identify target material peaks through mass spectrum comparison and automatically select appropriate separation protocols based on the identified peaks, eliminating the need for manual database searching and expert intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-processes mass spectrum data to identify characteristic peaks of target materials before final analysis, and pre-selects appropriate protocols based on preliminary peak identification, thereby accelerating the overall analysis process while maintaining accuracy
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive databases are used for material identification, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates due to resource-intensive infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential mass spectrum characteristics of target materials that are needed for identification, rather than relying on comprehensive databases containing all possible material information. This extraction of key identifying features enables accurate identification with minimal database requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified representations (copies) of target material mass spectrum profiles that can be quickly compared against experimental data, replacing the need for extensive original database searches while maintaining identification accuracy
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separation protocols are tested to optimize separation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time deteriorates due to iterative testing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from peak identification results to automatically select and adjust separation protocols. By monitoring the identified peaks and their characteristics, the system can determine the most appropriate protocol without requiring extensive iterative testing, thereby reducing optimization time while maintaining separation quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key separation parameters (such as mobile phase composition, flow rate, or column temperature) based on the identified target material peaks and their mass spectrum characteristics, enabling rapid protocol optimization tailored to the specific sample composition
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 rapid, automated identification and separation of target materials, reducing time and resource consumption while enabling closed-loop synthesis optimization without reliance on extensive databases.
Implementation Method 1
Chromatography may be configured to measure a sample injected into a measuring device by separating the sample over time through an interaction between a mobile phase and a stationary phase
Implementation Method 2
Mass spectrometry may refer to a method of analyzing a particle based on a mass-to-charge ratio
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample analysis method includes obtaining chromatography data of a plurality of separated materials that are separated from a sample, obtaining mass spectra corresponding to first peaks of the chromatography data, determining, based on the obtained mass spectra, at least one peak corresponding to a target material from the first peaks of the chromatography data, and selecting a protocol for separating the sample based on a result of analyzing the at least one peak corresponding to the target material.