Charged Particle Ionization Source for Laser-Free Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface ionization techniques, such as MALDI, face issues with high costs due to pulsed UV lasers and matrix-based sample preparation, while alternatives like DESI require high voltages, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a high-velocity gas flow to generate charged particles that interact with a surface material, producing primary ions which then ionize analytes without the need for lasers or matrix materials, and a porous mesh setup for efficient ion generation and collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MALDI technique is used with pulsed UV laser and matrix material, then analyte ionization is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase due to laser requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the laser component from the ionization system entirely, replacing it with a high-voltage electrode configuration that generates ions through electrical field effects alone, thereby eliminating the complexity and cost associated with laser systems while maintaining ionization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/mechanical laser system with an electrical field-based ionization mechanism, where high voltage applied to a structured electrode surface generates ions through electrical breakdown and field emission, substituting mechanical/optical complexity with electrical control
2Measurement precision
If MALDI technique uses matrix material for sample preparation, then analyte ionization is enhanced, but background noise increases at low mass levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely eliminates the matrix material from the sample preparation process, using direct high-voltage ionization of the analyte or a minimal substrate without any matrix coating, thereby removing the source of background noise while preserving ionization efficiency through electrical field effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, disposable substrate or surface without requiring expensive or complex matrix materials, relying instead on the high-voltage electrode configuration to provide the necessary ionization function, thereby reducing background interference and simplifying sample preparation
3Ease of manufacture
If co-crystallization of matrix and analyte is used, then sample preparation is achieved, but non-uniform crystal distribution requires rastering the laser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the co-crystallization process entirely from the methodology, using direct deposition or simple sample placement on the substrate followed by high-voltage ionization, thereby eliminating the need for uniform crystal formation and the associated laser rastering complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical laser rastering system with a stationary high-voltage electrode configuration that ionizes the sample through electrical field effects, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning or rastering motions while maintaining effective ionization across the sample area
4Object-generated harmful factors
If DESI technique is used without matrix material, then background noise is reduced, but high voltages are required increasing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the voltage parameters by using pulsed or controlled high-voltage applications rather than continuous high voltages, and by structuring the electrode geometry to concentrate the electrical field where needed, thereby achieving effective ionization with reduced overall voltage requirements and simplified power supply systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a structured electrode surface or localized high-voltage regions that concentrate the electrical field precisely where ionization is needed, rather than applying high voltage across the entire system, thereby achieving effective ionization with lower overall voltage requirements and reduced system complexity
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 reduces costs and complexity by eliminating the need for high voltages and matrix materials, providing efficient ionization and detection of analytes with improved uniformity and reduced background noise.
Implementation Method 1
physical interaction between the high velocity gas flow and the material, charged particles are generated
Implementation Method 2
charged particles are generated that interact with the high velocity gas to produce ions within the chamber from the gas
Implementation Method 3
ions generated by impact of the primary ions on the analyte sample
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for generating analyte ions from a sample. An ion generating device is provided having a chamber with an outlet and a surface having a material and means for applying a high velocity gas flow through the chamber toward the outlet such that charged particles are produced by physical interaction between the high velocity gas and the material. The charged particles then induce the generation of primary ions by interaction with molecules of the high velocity gas. The primary ions are emitted from the outlet of the ion generating device toward a sample-bearing surface and analyte ions are generated by impact of the primary ions on the analyte sample on the surface.