Electrophoretic MS Probe Layout for High-Salt Ion Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometers face challenges in analyzing samples with high ionic strength media due to adduct formation between cations and anions, which complicates data and reduces performance, as existing methods like polymeric gels or chemical modifiers have limited effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Dual-electrode mass spectrometry probes employing electrophoretic forces to rapidly desalt spray solutions by displacing interfering ions, using a hollow conductive conduit and electrodes to create an electrophoretic field that moves ions away from the analytical region, allowing for improved mass spectrometry analysis of peptides, proteins, and pharmaceuticals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If polymeric gels or liquid chromatography are used to remove salts, then ion interference is reduced, but device complexity and analysis time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts interfering ions from the spray solution by applying electrophoretic forces that move ions toward the electrode, separating them from the analyte molecules before mass spectrometry analysis. This direct extraction approach eliminates the need for complex polymeric gels or liquid chromatography systems while achieving effective ion removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrophoretic field as an intermediary mechanism between the sample solution and the mass spectrometer. By using the electric field to manipulate ion movement, the system achieves salt removal without requiring complex physical separation devices, thus reducing overall system complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If chemical modifiers such as acids or bases are added to reduce adduct formation, then adduct formation is reduced, but effectiveness is minimal under high salt conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical modification approaches with a physical electrophoretic separation mechanism. Instead of relying on acids or bases to prevent adduct formation, the system uses electric fields to physically remove interfering ions before they can form adducts with analytes, achieving reliable results even under high salt conditions where chemical modifiers fail.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrophoretic forces are applied to displace ions, then ion removal is achieved, but additional electrodes and power sources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electrospray emitter to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the traditional spray source for ionization and as an electrophoretic separation device. By integrating the separation function into the existing emitter structure, the system achieves ion removal without adding significant complexity, as the same component performs dual roles.
4Ease of operation
If traditional ionization methods are used in high ionic strength media, then analysis is simple, but signal quality and sensitivity are reduced due to adduct formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrophoretic separation as a preliminary action before mass spectrometry analysis. By removing interfering ions from the spray solution in advance, the system prevents adduct formation during ionization, thereby improving signal quality and sensitivity without complicating the overall analysis workflow. The desalting step is integrated into the sample introduction process.
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 method effectively removes interfering ions, enhancing signal quality and sensitivity by primarily generating protonated molecule signals while minimizing cation adducts and salt clusters, allowing for prolonged analysis without permanent ion removal.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow conduit is electrically conductive and may operably coupled to a power source... A voltage is applied to the hollow conduit as it transports the liquid sample... The hollow conduit polarizes the liquid sample as the liquid sample flows through the hollow conduit
Implementation Method 2
Aspects of the invention make use of electrophoretic forces to displace interfering solution-phase ions prior to chemical analysis, i.e., move solution-phase ions to a region of the solution remote from the sprayer... The electrode and the electrically conductive hollow conduit are disposed within the hollow body... When the appropriate electrical potentials (e.g., DC potentials) are applied to the electrode, the ions migrate to the rear of the capillary
Implementation Method 3
ions, such as H+, Na+, K+, Br−, Cl−, Acetate−, Formate−, etc., can be manipulated... These solution phase ions cause deleterious effects during mass spectrometric (MS) analysis by causing a single analyte (M) to have multiple signals (e.g., M+H+, M+Na+, and M+K+)... The electrophoretic probes of the invention remove ions from the region from which the analytical spray occurs
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to electrophoretic mass spectrometry probes and systems and methods of uses thereof. In certain aspects, the invention provides a mass spectrometry probe having a hollow body with a distal tip, an electrically conductive hollow conduit, and an electrode. The electrically conductive hollow conduit may be operably coupled to a reservoir and a power source, and the electrically conductive hollow conduit may be configured to transport a liquid sample into the hollow body and polarize the liquid sample as it flows through the electrically conductive hollow conduit and into in the hollow body. The electrode and the electrically conductive hollow conduit are disposed within the hollow body (e.g., at different heights within the hollow body).