Automated Sampling Device for Mass Spectrometry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry systems with open-type ion sources face challenges in analyzing bio-macromolecular samples due to high background noise and require manual sampling, which limits high-throughput and reproducibility, especially when dealing with liquid samples that are volatile and prone to evaporation.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometry system featuring an automated sampling device with a hydrophobic bearing member and hydrophilic transport members, allowing for precise control and prolonged wetness of sample regions, enabling accurate and high-throughput analysis by moving the support on a guide rail to align the ion source plasma with sample containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If paper-based sampling is used to eliminate high-energy particles and reduce background noise, then analytical sensitivity is improved, but manual sampling introduces human factors and prevents automatic high-throughput analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service mechanisms where the hydrophilic transport members automatically draw samples via capillary action and the drive module automatically positions samples under the ion source, eliminating the need for manual sampling operations while maintaining the paper-based sampling advantages for reducing background noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling operations with an automated drive module that controls sample positioning, and replaces manual liquid handling with capillary-driven automatic liquid transport, thereby achieving high-throughput automated analysis while preserving the analytical sensitivity benefits of paper-based sampling
2Measurement precision
If liquid sample drops of 3-10 μL are added to paper-based hydrophilic regions, then ionization sensitivity is improved, but the samples are too volatile to maintain wetness during array analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous useful action by having the drive module sequentially position multiple samples under the ion source without interruption, and by using capillary action to continuously supply liquid to the hydrophilic transport members, ensuring that samples remain wet and ionization-sensitive throughout the entire array analysis process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading multiple samples into containers before analysis begins, and by pre-positioning the support with all samples ready to be sequentially presented to the ion source, thereby eliminating delays and ensuring continuous wetness and ionization capability throughout the analysis sequence
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
The system reduces human error, maintains sample wetness for improved ionization sensitivity and reproducibility, and facilitates efficient high-throughput analysis with reduced background noise, making it suitable for analyzing bio-macromolecular samples.
Implementation Method 1
delivering a sample in the container by capillarity to the first portion corresponding to the sample
Implementation Method 2
driving the support to move on the guide rail such that plasma is ejected from the ion source to the first portion to ionize the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometry system and a working method and an application thereof, and a sampling device. The mass spectrometry system includes an ion source, a sampling device and a mass spectrometer. The sampling device includes: a guide rail; a support adapted to move on the guide rail; a bearing member made from a hydrophobic material with two ends being fixed to the support; a plurality of containers for containing samples arranged on the support; a plurality of transport members made from a hydrophilic material and including a first portion provided on the bearing member and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending into each container; adjacent transport members being not in contact; and a drive module configured to drive the support to move on the guide rail such that a central axis of an exit port of the ion source passes through the first portion.