DBS Card Wire Mesh Wick for Continuous Electrospray

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper spray electrospray technologies are limited by the need for precise alignment, contamination risks, and labor-intensive processes, making them unsuitable for large-scale drug and proteomic analysis, and they cannot provide continuous electrosprays necessary for detailed protein and enzyme studies.

Innovation Solution

A DBS Card system using a wire screen mesh to support and electrically contact a paper substrate, eliminating the need for clips and allowing for continuous electrospray without an external counter electrode, with a compact, cost-effective design that enables optical interrogation and automated analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional clip-based paper spray electrospray is used, then electrospray can be achieved, but the process is labor-intensive and requires precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The paper substrate itself serves as the support structure through its rigidity and dimensional stability, eliminating the need for external clips or support devices. The paper's own properties are utilized to maintain its position and orientation during electrospray operation, making the system self-sufficient and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The paper substrate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the analyte deposit, provides the electrospray surface, maintains structural integrity, and eliminates the need for separate support components. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system while maintaining electrospray capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If traditional electrospray systems are used, then analyte detection is possible, but contamination risks increase and automation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextent of automationVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The paper substrate is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates cross-contamination between samples, reduces cleaning requirements, and enables automated handling since each paper is pre-prepared and single-use. The low cost of paper makes this disposable approach economically viable for high-throughput applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Duration of action of moving object

If paper spray electrospray is used, then analysis can be performed, but continuous spray is not achieved limiting protein and enzyme studies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespray durationVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous electrospray operation by ensuring constant analyte availability on the paper surface and sustained solvent delivery. The paper's capillary action continuously draws solvent through the analyte deposit, maintaining the electrospray process without interruption or drying out, enabling prolonged analysis necessary for protein and enzyme studies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If manual paper handling is used, then electrospray operation is possible, but processing time increases and scalability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system processes multiple samples in parallel by using multiple paper substrates simultaneously, each containing a different analyte deposit. This segmented approach to sample handling enables high-throughput analysis without increasing the complexity of individual sample processing, significantly improving productivity while maintaining simple operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 DBS Card system simplifies and automates the electrospray process, reducing contamination risks and processing steps, enabling continuous and efficient analysis of multiple samples with improved precision and scalability for clinical applications.

Implementation Method 1

a wire mesh screen which provides support and electrical contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The capillary action of the wick material regulated the flow of paraffin to the flame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS9892898B2Method of improved paper based mass spectrometry and novel wick support structures

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 CONNECTICUT ANALYTICAL CORP

AI summary

The disclosed invention relates to electrospray and more specifically to wick based electrospray of analytes. The disclosed invention provides a means for improved electrospray extraction of analytes using a capillarity based fluid delivery system. The disclosed invention employs a wire screen mesh sandwiching the substrate media, without impeding capillarity of a wetting solvent spray fluid applied to the substrate. A further benefit is that electrical contact can be made to the substrate. Yet another benefit is that the substrate and wire mesh can be further enclosed in a polymer or other insulating sleeve that is flat and very thin, the preferred form factor is very similar to that of a credit card.