Bypass Cell for Ion Mobility Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometers face challenges in efficiently reacting precursor analyte ions with reagent ions due to the fragmentation of labile reagent ions when passing through high-pressure ion mobility separators, and they lack the capability to separate and analyze product ions based on the ion mobility of precursor analyte ions.
Innovation Solution
A method and mass spectrometer design that includes a bypass cell allowing reagent ions to bypass the ion mobility separator, enabling them to reach the reaction region without fragmentation, while precursor ions pass through the separator for mobility-based separation, and allowing for optimized ion reaction conditions and separate optimization of ion mobility and reaction times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reagent ions pass through the ion mobility separator to reach the reaction region, then the ion mobility separator can separate ions by mobility, but the labile reagent ions fragment due to high pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The ion transmission path is segmented into two separate routes: one path through the ion mobility separator for precursor ions, and another bypass path for reagent ions. This segmentation allows each ion type to be treated differently - precursor ions undergo mobility separation while reagent ions are protected from fragmentation by taking a separate route that avoids the high-pressure separator region.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass cell is introduced as an intermediary structure that provides an alternative transmission path for reagent ions. This bypass cell acts as a mediator between the ion source and reaction region, allowing reagent ions to reach the reaction zone without being exposed to the harmful high-pressure conditions of the ion mobility separator, thus preserving their integrity.
2Loss of information
If precursor ions are separated by ion mobility before reaction, then product ions can be analyzed as a function of precursor ion mobility, but the system complexity increases with additional separation components
Solution Approach 1:
The ion mobility separator serves multiple functions: it separates precursor ions by mobility while also providing a reference path for comparing product ion mobilities. The same separator structure is used to analyze both precursor and product ions, allowing the system to retain ion mobility information without requiring additional specialized components for each measurement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement of precursor ion mobility and product ion mobility is merged into a single experimental setup. By using the same ion mobility separator for both precursor and product ions, and by correlating the mobility data through the relationship between precursor and product ion properties, the system achieves comprehensive mobility analysis without duplicating the separator structure.
3Device complexity
If ion reaction and ion mobility separation occur in the same region, then the process is simplified, but the reaction conditions cannot be optimized independently from separation parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional regions: an ion mobility separation region and a reaction region. This spatial segmentation allows independent optimization of parameters in each region - separation parameters (electric field, gas pressure, drift velocity) can be tuned in the mobility separator without affecting reaction conditions (ion density, collision energy, reaction time) in the reaction region.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer region acts as an intermediary between the ion mobility separator and the reaction region. This intermediate zone allows for the controlled introduction of reagent ions into the reaction region and the controlled transfer of separated precursor ions from the mobility separator to the reaction region, enabling independent parameter optimization while maintaining system integration.
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 allows for effective electron transfer dissociation and other reactions between precursor and reagent ions, maintaining the integrity of labile reagent ions and enabling precise analysis of product ions based on their precursor's ion mobility, improving the sensitivity and efficiency of mass spectrometry.
Implementation Method 1
providing an ion mobility separator between said source and said reaction region; guiding said precursor ions from said source, through said ion mobility separator so that said precursor ions separate according to their ion mobility
Implementation Method 2
the reagent ions react with the precursor ions within the reaction region to produce product ions; the reagent ions react with said precursor ions in the reaction region to cause electron transfer dissociation (ETD) of the precursor ions
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed having a mode comprising: providing a source of precursor ions and reagent ions (2) for reacting with said precursor ions; providing a reaction region (12) downstream of said source(2);providing an ion mobility separator (8) between said source (2) and said reaction region(12);providing a bypass cell (14) between said source (2) and said reaction region (12) for guiding ions from said source (2) to said reaction region (12) without the ions passing through said ion mobility separator(8);guiding said precursor ions from said source(2), through said ion mobility separator (8) so that said precursor ions separate according to their ion mobility and into said reaction region(12); and guiding said reagent ions from said source(2), through said bypass cell (12) and into said reaction region(12); wherein the reagent ions react with the precursor ions within the reaction region (12) to produce product ions.