Differential Mobility Spectrometry Dwell-Time Tuning for Multi-Analyte MS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometer configurations are costly, cumbersome, and inefficient, particularly when analyzing multiple compounds simultaneously, leading to extended cycle times and suboptimal data precision due to complex parameter adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An automated method optimization tool that determines and sets method parameters, such as dwell times, to achieve low variability in mass spectrometer data analysis, independent of the number of transitions or peak widths, using differential mobility spectrometry and acoustic droplet ejection for efficient sample introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional manual parameter configuration methods are used for mass spectrometry, then operators can adjust parameters individually, but the process becomes costly, cumbersome, and inefficient with extended cycle times
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-optimization by automatically determining optimal method parameters (dwell times, pause times) based on peak width measurements from initial scans, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error configuration and enabling autonomous adaptation to different analytical conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts method parameters including dwell time and pause time based on measured peak widths and desired data points per peak, transforming static manual configuration into adaptive automated parameter optimization that reduces cycle times while maintaining data quality
2Measurement precision
If manual trial and error parameter adjustment is performed, then specific parameter values can be obtained, but data precision suffers due to suboptimal configurations and extended analysis times
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of peak widths from initial fast scans before final quantification, using this information to calculate optimal dwell times that ensure sufficient data points across peaks, thereby guaranteeing data precision without requiring complex manual parameter tuning
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from initial scan data (peak width measurements) to automatically determine optimal parameters for subsequent scans, creating a closed-loop optimization process that improves measurement precision by basing parameter selection on actual observed spectral characteristics rather than manual estimation
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 significantly reduces method cycle times and improves data precision by optimizing dwell times and sample introduction, ensuring consistent and accurate analysis of multiple compounds without manual trial and error.
Implementation Method 1
transferring the received sample to an ionization source
Implementation Method 2
ionizing the transferred sample
Implementation Method 3
differential mobility spectrometry separations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for automated method parameter configuration for differential mobility separations. As non-limiting examples, various aspects of this disclosure provide receiving a sample in an open port interface; transferring the sample to an ionization source; ionizing the transferred sample; introducing the ionized sample into a mass spectrometer; mass analyzing the ionized sample to produce an initial mass analysis result; determining a peak width of the initial mass analysis result; and determining a dwell time for subsequent measurements based on the determined peak width, a pre-defined number of data points across subsequent mass analysis peak widths, and a number of different analytes to be assessed for the sample. The sample may be diluted and transferred to the ionization source by a sample introduction apparatus selected from a group including an acoustic droplet ejector (ADE), a pneumatic ejector, a piezoelectric ejector, and a hydraulic ejector.