Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry Relative Quantitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current relative quantitation methods in mass spectrometry, such as label-free and isotope labeling techniques, face challenges with accuracy due to instrumental fluctuations and high costs, labor intensity, and time-consuming processes, particularly in synthesizing isotope-labeled standards for absolute and relative quantitation.
Innovation Solution
The method employs electrochemical mass spectrometry (EC/MS) for relative quantification of organic and biological compounds without the need for isotope-labeled standards, using electrochemical signals for quantitation and mass spectrometric signals for identification, integrated with liquid chromatography (LC) for sample separation and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If isotope labeling method is used for relative quantitation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the quantitation function from the complex isotope labeling process by using electrochemical detection to measure analyte concentration directly, eliminating the need for time-consuming isotope-labeled standard synthesis while maintaining quantitation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical synthesis mechanism (isotope labeling) with an electrochemical detection mechanism, where electrochemical signals are used to quantify analytes without requiring labeled standards, significantly reducing preparation time
2Measurement precision
If isotope labeling method is used for relative quantitation, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive electrochemical detection instead of expensive isotope-labeled standards, replacing costly synthetic materials with affordable electrochemical reagents and detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the expensive chemical synthesis process with electrochemical detection, eliminating the need for costly isotope-labeled standard preparation while achieving accurate quantitation
3Ease of operation
If label-free MS method is used for relative quantitation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to instrumental fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrochemical detection as an intermediary between sample injection and MS detection, using electrochemical signals to provide a stable reference that compensates for instrumental fluctuations and enables accurate relative quantitation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct MS ion intensity to electrochemical signal, which provides a more stable and fluctuation-resistant measurement basis for relative quantitation
4Measurement precision
If isotope-labeled standards are used for quantitation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the quantitation capability from the complex standard preparation process by using electrochemical detection to directly measure analyte concentration, eliminating the need for isotope-labeled standards and associated preparation complexity
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 provides a cost-effective, fast, and accurate method for quantifying compounds like peptides, proteins, and drugs, overcoming issues of instrumental fluctuations and ion suppression, with the ability to quantify a wide range of samples without the need for calibration curves or standards.
Implementation Method 1
When a sample analyte is passed through the electrochemical cell, the target compound in the sample analyte is converted through oxidation or reduction, thus causing a rise of an electrochemical current signal
Implementation Method 2
When a sample analyte is passed through the electrochemical cell, the target compound in the sample analyte is converted through oxidation or reduction, thus causing a rise of an electrochemical current signal
Implementation Method 3
a mass spectrometer operatively connected to the outlet for detecting the target compound
Data Source
AI summary
A method for relative quantification of organic and biological compounds by electrochemical mass spectrometry is disclosed. The method involves using electrochemistry (EC) in a mass spectrometry (MS)-based relative quantitative analysis. In this method, isotope-labeled standards or running calibration curves are not employed. A quantification method could include the steps of subjecting a sample analyte to liquid chromatography or electrophoresis separation, followed by an electrochemical oxidation or reduction in an electrochemical cell, and then mass spectrometric detection.