DESI-MS Solvent Composition for Tissue Morphology Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry techniques, such as DESI-MS, destroy the native tissue morphology during analysis, preventing their integration into routine histopathology workflows due to the inability to perform subsequent histochemical analyses on the same tissue section.
Innovation Solution
The use of solvent systems like DMF:EtOH and DMF:H2O for DESI-MS imaging that preserve tissue morphology, allowing subsequent histochemical analyses like H&E staining and immunohistochemistry on the same tissue section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional DESI-MS techniques are used for tissue analysis, then molecular information is obtained, but tissue morphology is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the solvent system by incorporating DMF (dimethylformamide) and ethanol in specific ratios, along with formic acid modification. This parameter change allows the solvent to extract molecular information while being less destructive to tissue morphology compared to conventional solvents like acetonitrile or methanol mixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite solvent system combining multiple chemicals (DMF, ethanol, formic acid) rather than a single solvent. This composite approach creates a balanced chemical environment that achieves both molecular extraction and tissue preservation, resolving the contradiction between obtaining molecular information and maintaining tissue morphology.
2Measurement precision
If multiple analyses are performed on the same tissue section, then diagnostic accuracy is enhanced, but tissue integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs DESI-MS analysis with a morphology-preserving solvent system before conducting histochemical staining. The preliminary DESI-MS analysis does not compromise the tissue structure, allowing subsequent staining procedures to be performed on the same section, thereby enabling multiple analyses while maintaining tissue integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the solvent parameters to use DMF-based formulations, the tissue stability is maintained during mass spectrometry analysis. This parameter change allows the tissue to withstand multiple analytical procedures including both DESI-MS and subsequent histochemical staining without degradation.
3Productivity
If standard solvent systems are used for DESI-MS, then analysis speed is maintained, but tissue damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the solvent system parameters by using DMF as the primary solvent instead of conventional acetonitrile or methanol. This parameter change maintains the rapid ionization capability needed for fast analysis while significantly reducing tissue damage, thus preserving both productivity and reducing harmful effects on the tissue.
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 non-destructive mass spectrometry analysis of tissues, maintaining tissue integrity for subsequent histochemical examinations, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy by correlating molecular and histological data.
Implementation Method 1
mass spectrometry technique, in which the technique utilizes a liquid phase that does not destroy native tissue morphology during analysis
Implementation Method 2
desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Implementation Method 3
desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to mass spectral analysis. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve analyzing a lipid containing sample using a mass spectrometry technique, in which the technique utilizes a liquid phase that does not destroy native tissue morphology during analysis.