Gas Phase Double Emulsion Generation for Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing double emulsions in droplet microfluidics face challenges in generating droplets suitable for analytical instruments like mass spectrometers, particularly due to high dilution factors and contamination issues when handling small-volume samples, such as those from single cells.
Innovation Solution
A device and method are developed to generate double emulsions in a gas phase using a microfluidic device with fluidic channels and a droplet emitter, where an electric field is applied to create discrete partitions of a first liquid surrounded by a second immiscible liquid, which are then introduced into a mass spectrometer for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional droplet microfluidics methods are used to produce double emulsions, then double emulsions can be generated in condensed phase, but the droplets are not suitable for analytical instruments like mass spectrometers due to high dilution factors and contamination issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the double emulsion generation from condensed phase to gas phase. The droplet emitter introduces the double emulsion into a gas phase environment, enabling direct coupling with mass spectrometers and eliminating dilution issues associated with condensed phase handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the double emulsion from the condensed phase environment and introduces it directly into the gas phase for analysis. This extraction eliminates the intermediate handling steps that cause dilution and contamination, directly improving measurement precision.
2Quantity of substance
If small-volume samples like single cell lysates are handled using conventional methods, then samples can be processed, but high dilution factors and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning to gas phase introduction, the invention maintains small sample volumes without the dilution that occurs in condensed phase handling. The direct gas phase introduction preserves sample integrity and prevents contamination from intermediate containers and transfer steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas phase acts as an intermediary medium that allows direct transfer of the double emulsion from the microfluidic device to the mass spectrometer. This intermediary eliminates contact with potential contaminants in condensed phase handling while maintaining sample concentration.
3Productivity
If double emulsions are introduced into mass spectrometers using conventional approaches, then analysis can be performed, but ionization efficiency is limited due to dilution and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The gas phase introduction dramatically improves ionization efficiency by eliminating dilution. Concentrated analytes are directly introduced into the mass spectrometer ionization source, maximizing signal intensity and improving detection limits by several orders of magnitude.
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 allows for controlled generation of double emulsions that can be efficiently introduced into mass spectrometers, achieving attomole limits of detection and demonstrating tolerance to ions and matrices like blood plasma, thereby overcoming previous limitations in sample ionization and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage source in electrical communication with the first electrode, the second electrode, or a combination thereof, wherein the voltage source is sufficient to generate a droplet emitted from the droplet emitter, thereby forming a double emulsion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes devices and methods capable of generating multi¬phase emulsions, including double emulsion droplets in a gas phase. The present disclosure also describes interfaces for coupling a multi-phase emulsion droplet source to an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer. The present disclosure further describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for using the devices and interfaces described to perform analysis, including mass spectrometry. The present disclosure also describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for generating and using multi-phase emulsions to perform analysis.