Endogenous Species Lock Mass Library for Mass Spectrometer Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating mass and ion mobility spectrometers face challenges in maintaining accuracy over time due to environmental variations, and are unsuitable for analyzing living tissues as they require introducing potentially toxic compounds or suspending the experiment, which can be risky or disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the sample type and uses endogenous species present in the sample to calibrate the instrument, eliminating the need for external lock masses and allowing continuous analysis without introducing foreign compounds, using techniques like REIMS and DESI for ionization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If internal lock mass compound is introduced for calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but risk of introducing toxic substances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses endogenous species naturally present in the sample to perform calibration, eliminating the need for external lock mass compounds. The sample itself provides the calibration reference through its inherent molecular ions, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding toxic substance introduction.
Solution Approach 2:
Endogenous species act as an intermediary between the sample and the calibration process. Instead of introducing external lock mass compounds directly into the sample, the system identifies and uses naturally occurring molecular ions from the sample matrix to establish calibration references.
2Measurement precision
If external lock mass acquisition is performed for calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but analysis time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process occurs continuously during sample analysis without interruption. Endogenous species are identified and used for calibration updates in real-time as the mass spectrometer analyzes the sample, eliminating the need to suspend analysis for separate lock mass acquisitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-identifies potential endogenous species that can serve as calibration references before they are needed for correction. By having a library of expected endogenous species ready, the system can quickly match and use them for calibration without time-consuming searches during analysis.
3Reliability
If environment variations occur during analysis, then measurement stability deteriorates, but calibration frequency must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors endogenous species throughout the analysis and uses their measured positions to detect and correct drift caused by environmental variations. This real-time feedback mechanism maintains measurement stability by dynamically adjusting calibration based on observed changes in endogenous species positions.
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 reliable, continuous calibration method that maintains accuracy without disrupting the analysis and reduces the risk of introducing toxic substances, enhancing the utility and flexibility of mass and ion mobility spectrometry in various sample types, including living tissues.
Implementation Method 1
The ion source may comprise any suitable ion source, such as a Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry ('REIMS') ion source, or a Desorption ElectroSpray Ionisation ('DESI') ion source.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of calibrating or optimising an analytical instrument is disclosed that comprises analysing analyte from a sample using an analytical instrument, determining a sample type of the sample based on analysis of analyte from the sample, identifying one or more species of the analyte that are known to be endogenous to the determined sample type, and calibrating or optimising the analytical instrument using the one or more identified endogenous species.