Electrospray Emitter Capillary Layout for Lower Ion Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analytical techniques, particularly mass spectrometry, face challenges due to ion suppression effects caused by endogenous or exogenous matrices, limiting their effectiveness in quantitative analysis.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrospray emitter devices that include a sample capillary and a reagent capillary, with a voltage source applied to the reagent capillary, along with conduits for carrier gas, to enhance ionization and reduce matrix effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mass spectrometry is used for quantitative analysis, then analytical capability is provided, but ion suppression effects occur due to matrix presence reducing sensitivity and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sample introduction process into two separate capillaries: a sample capillary for introducing the analyte and a reagent capillary for introducing the ionization reagent. This segmentation allows the reagent to be delivered separately and mixed with the sample at the electrospray tip, enabling control over the matrix composition that reaches the mass spectrometer and reducing ion suppression effects while maintaining quantitative analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A reagent substance is introduced through the reagent capillary to act as an intermediary in the ionization process. This reagent facilitates the ionization of analyte molecules at the electrospray tip, enabling more efficient ion formation and reducing the suppressive effects of endogenous or exogenous matrices on ion detection and quantitative accuracy.
2Reliability
If standard electrospray ionization is used, then ionization capability is provided, but matrix effects from endogenous or exogenous substances reduce detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the fluid delivery system into separate sample and reagent capillaries that converge at the electrospray tip. This allows the reagent to be introduced separately and mixed with the sample in a controlled manner, creating an optimized spray composition that enhances ionization efficiency while minimizing the negative impact of matrix substances from endogenous or exogenous sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables control over the composition and flow rates of both sample and reagent streams. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes the electrospray conditions to enhance ionization efficiency for the analyte while reducing the suppressive effects of matrices, thereby improving reliability of detection in complex samples.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex samples are analyzed by mass spectrometry, then analytical coverage is provided, but ion suppression from sample matrices limits detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sample analysis process by introducing a reagent through a separate capillary system. This segmentation allows the reagent to modify the ionization environment for complex samples, enhancing the detection sensitivity of analytes even in the presence of complex endogenous or exogenous matrices, thereby maintaining both analytical coverage and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent introduced through the reagent capillary acts as an intermediary that facilitates ionization of analytes in complex samples. This intermediary substance helps overcome ion suppression from diverse matrix components, enabling the system to maintain high detection sensitivity and broad adaptability for analyzing various complex sample types.
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
These devices improve the sensitivity and accuracy of mass spectrometry by minimizing ion suppression and allowing for in-source derivatization, resulting in enhanced detection of analytes in complex samples.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage source conductively coupled to the reagent capillary and configured to apply a voltage to the reagent capillary
Implementation Method 2
a first conduit disposed around a first portion of the sample capillary and a first portion of the reagent capillary... a carrier gas inlet fluidly connected to the lumen, the carrier gas inlet being configured to receive a carrier gas
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are electrospray emitter devices for delivering a fluid sample to a mass spectrometer, the emitter devices comprising a sample capillary extending from a sample inlet to a sample outlet said sample capillary defining a path for fluid flow from the sample inlet to the sample outlet. The sample Inlet is configured to receive a fluid sample, the fluid sample being an eluent from a liquid chromatograph. A reagent capillary extending from a reagent inlet to a reagent outlet, the reagent capillary defining a path for fluid flow from the reagent inlet to the reagent outlet. A first conduit disposed around a first portion of the sample capillary and a first portion of the reagent capillary; the first conduit comprises a wall defining a lumen, the first conduit extends from a first end to a second end opposite and axially spaced apart from the first end.