Coated Mesh Probe for Rapid Trace Analysis in Complex Matrices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ambient mass spectrometry techniques face challenges in performing accurate and fast quantitative analysis of complex samples without extensive sample preparation, particularly in achieving low detection limits and efficient analysis times, especially in complex matrices like food, blood, and urine samples.
Innovation Solution
A coated mesh substrate with biocompatible polymers and solid phase microextraction (SPME) particles is used, which can be coupled with thermal or solvent-based desorption sources like DART, allowing for the extraction and enrichment of analytes directly from samples, reducing contamination and ion suppression, and enabling quick analysis of complex matrices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If ambient mass spectrometry techniques are used for direct analysis, then analysis time is reduced and sample preparation is minimized, but detection limits and quantitative accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by coating the mesh substrate with extraction phase particles before sample analysis. This pre-prepared extraction layer enables direct immersion into the sample, performing extraction, enrichment, and purification in a single step before mass spectrometry detection, thus maintaining fast analysis while improving quantitative accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary extraction phase coating on the mesh substrate that mediates between the complex sample matrix and the mass spectrometer. This coating selectively extracts analytes while excluding matrix components, thereby improving detection limits and quantitative accuracy without sacrificing analysis speed
2Ease of manufacture
If ambient ionization methods are used, then extensive sample preparation is eliminated, but trace analysis capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized extraction phase coating on the mesh substrate with specific chemical properties tailored for trace analyte extraction. This localized functional layer provides high extraction efficiency for trace substances while maintaining the simplicity of direct immersion analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining mesh substrate with extraction phase particles to create a hybrid structure that integrates the mechanical stability of the mesh with the selective extraction capability of the coating, enabling trace analysis without complex sample preparation
3Reliability
If sophisticated equipment is used for ambient mass spectrometry, then analysis capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a mesh substrate device that performs extraction, enrichment, and purification functions autonomously through direct immersion in the sample. The extraction phase coating automatically selects and concentrates analytes without requiring additional sophisticated equipment or complex operational procedures
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 enables rapid and sensitive analysis of analytes in complex samples with reduced sample preparation, achieving low detection limits and efficient extraction and ionization, suitable for biofluids and food matrices, while minimizing contamination and ion suppression.
Implementation Method 1
solid phase microextraction (SPME) particles having pores dimensioned to adsorb a molecule of interest from a matrix
Implementation Method 2
The polymer covers the SPME particles, but still allows at least some of the analytes of interest present in the matrix to be adsorbed by the SPME particles
Implementation Method 3
coupled with thermal or solvent-based desorption sources like DART, allowing for the extraction and enrichment of analytes directly from samples
Implementation Method 4
a thermal or solvent based desorption source of a mass spectrometer. The thermal or solvent based desorption source may use a heated gas with electronic excited-state species to desorb a molecule sorbed on the surface of the SPME device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure describes a device for generating ionized molecules for analysis in a mass spectrometer. The device includes: a mesh substrate coated with an extraction phase, the extraction phase comprising a polymer that absorbs a molecule of interest from a matrix, or a polymer and solid phase microextraction (SPME) particles having pores dimensioned to absorb a molecule of interest from a matrix, where the mesh substrate has a sufficiently open structure to allow fluid to flow through the mesh substrate; and a solid substrate connected to the mesh substrate to provide stability to the coated mesh substrate. Mass spectrometry systems that include such a device are also described. Methods of analyzing an analyte previously extracted from a matrix onto the device are also described.