Autonomous DESI Ion Source for Portable Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desorption electrospray ionization methods for mass spectrometry require laboratory settings due to the need for external compressed gas and precise solvent flow, limiting their use for on-site analysis of various sample surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact ion generation device with a desorption electrospray ionization source, movable sample table, and integrated solvent and gas supply system, allowing for autonomous operation and alignment with any atmospheric pressure inlet mass spectrometer, featuring a sprayer with adjustable positioning and a self-sufficient power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external gas cylinders and syringe pumps are used to provide compressed gas and solvent flow, then precise solvent flow and gas supply are achieved, but device complexity and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple external components (gas cylinder, syringe pump, solvent delivery system) into a single integrated handheld device. The syringe pump mechanism is miniaturized and integrated directly with the sprayer assembly, eliminating the need for separate external equipment while maintaining precise solvent flow control and gas supply for DESI ionization.
2Productivity
If the sprayer is positioned close to the sample surface, then ionization efficiency is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional sprayer orientation by positioning the sprayer to approach the sample from below rather than from above. This allows the sprayer tip to be positioned very close to the sample surface for efficient ionization while the sample rests on a support structure that prevents direct contact, thereby reducing contamination risk.
3Productivity
If sample preparation is minimized for non-destructive ionization, then analysis speed is improved, but measurement precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables direct analysis of samples in their native state without requiring preparation steps such as sectioning, mounting, or coating. The integrated positioning system automatically aligns the sprayer with the sample surface, and the device adapts to various sample types and sizes, allowing non-expert users to obtain precise measurements with minimal preparation.
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
Enables on-site analysis of sample surfaces with minimal sample preparation, reducing contamination risks and allowing for rapid, comparable measurements, even by non-experts, while maintaining precision and accuracy comparable to laboratory setups.
Implementation Method 1
highly charged solvent droplets are accelerated onto the sample surface in the form of a spray
Implementation Method 2
Desorption refers to the process in which uncharged or already charged atoms or molecules leave the surface of a solid
Implementation Method 3
The supply unit comprises at least one compressor 10 with dampers 11 and an air filter 12
Implementation Method 4
The compressed air flows through a hose into a drying tube 13 which is filled with a desiccant. In the drying tube, the humidity is adsorbed
Implementation Method 5
A small volume of gas is used to generate the solvent flow, based on the principle of a pressure pump. The air is fed via a pressure reducer 15 into a pressure-resistant vessel 16
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an ion generation device (100) for the analysis of solid samples using DESI-MS. This device comprises at least one desorption electrospray ionization source (200) with at least one sprayer (3) and a sprayer tip (2), as well as a sample stage (1) for receiving a sample. The sample stage (1) has at least one contact area (5) through which spray from the desorption electrospray ionization source can reach a sample (4). The sprayer (3) of the desorption electrospray ionization source (200) and the sample stage (1) are arranged relative to each other such that the sprayer (3) can spray a sample (4) through the contact area (5) of the sample stage. The working fluids for generating the DESI spray are supplied by a compressor (10) powered by a battery (21) and a pressure pump. In this way, the ion generation device (100) operates autonomously.It is compact, portable, and therefore suitable for mobile use with both mobile and stationary mass spectrometers. The novel arrangement of the individual components increases reproducibility, simplifies measurements, and thus enables high-throughput analysis on-site.