Capillary Sampling Interface for High-Conductivity MS Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry-based methods face limitations in throughput for analyzing a wide range of analytes, requiring improvements in efficiency and compatibility with high conductivity liquids that are typically incompatible with standard mass spectrometry systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a capillary connected to a sampling device, with a transport liquid supply and removal conduit system, and an electrical contact to ground the transport liquid, allowing for the direct interfacing of capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography systems with mass spectrometry, enabling the use of high conductivity liquids and improving ionization and analysis efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high conductivity liquids are used in capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography systems, then separation performance is improved, but ionization suppression occurs in mass spectrometry systems
Solution Approach 1:
A transport liquid intermediary system is introduced between the high conductivity separation liquid and the mass spectrometry ionization source. The transport liquid supply conduit delivers transport liquid to form a receiving volume that interfaces with the capillary outlet, while the removal conduit extracts the liquid. This intermediary transport system allows high conductivity separation liquids to be used for optimal separation while the transport liquid interface enables compatible ionization in the mass spectrometry system, resolving the ionization suppression problem.
2Reliability
If standard mass spectrometry systems are used, then sensitivity and selectivity are maintained, but compatibility with high conductivity liquids is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid delivery system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a separation zone using high conductivity liquids for optimal chromatography/electrophoresis performance, and an interface zone using transport liquid for mass spectrometry compatibility. The transport liquid supply system creates a receiving volume that separates these two incompatible liquid environments, allowing each to operate at its optimal conditions without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport liquid acts as an intermediary medium that bridges the incompatible high conductivity separation liquid and the mass spectrometry system. This intermediary layer allows the mass spectrometry system to maintain its standard sensitive and selective detection capabilities while being compatible with high conductivity liquids used in the separation stage through the interface created by the transport liquid receiving volume.
3Device complexity
If direct interfacing of capillary systems with mass spectrometry is attempted, then system complexity is reduced, but ionization efficiency decreases due to conductivity mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The transport liquid supply system with its receiving volume interface serves as an intermediary that enables direct physical interfacing of capillary systems with mass spectrometry while maintaining high ionization efficiency. The receiving volume formed by the transport liquid creates an optimal interface environment that resolves conductivity mismatches, allowing direct connection without compromising ionization efficiency despite the added liquid handling components.
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
Enhances the throughput and compatibility of mass spectrometry systems with high conductivity liquids, reducing ionization suppression and enabling direct interfacing of capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography systems, thereby improving analytical performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving volume defined at least in part by a meniscus
Implementation Method 2
a liquid exhaust system in fluidic communication with a removal conduit that removes liquid from the receiving volume
Implementation Method 3
the sampling device performs capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography
Implementation Method 4
the sampling device performs capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a capillary having a first end connected to a sampling device and a second end. The sampling device is configured to separate a sample with a separation solution and deliver the sample and the separation solution to the second end. The second end is coupled to a capillary ground contact. A transport liquid supply system in fluidic communication with a transport liquid supply conduit provides a transport liquid from a transport liquid source through the transport liquid supply conduit. The transport liquid provided from the transport liquid supply conduit includes a receiving volume defined at least in part by a meniscus. The second end of the capillary is in fluidic communication with the receiving volume. A liquid exhaust system in fluidic communication with a removal conduit removes liquid from the receiving volume. An analysis system is in fluidic communication with the removal conduit.