Spray Deposition System with Heated Capillary Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spray deposition systems for chemicals onto biological samples lack control over uniformity, solvent evaporation, and spatial resolution, affecting signal intensity and chemical reactions, particularly in mass spectrometry analysis.
Innovation Solution
A spray deposition system with a capillary nozzle assembly that atomizes chemicals into directional sprays of 0.1-1.0 micron droplets, featuring a heat exchanger, translatable drawer for precise positioning, and atmosphere control, allowing for customizable spray patterns and solvent management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional spray assemblies are used to coat planar surfaces, then chemical deposition can be achieved, but uniformity of chemical deposits and control over solvent evaporation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spray assembly is segmented into multiple independent capillaries (e.g., array of 1-100 capillaries) that can be individually controlled. Each capillary delivers chemical through a separate nozzle, allowing independent optimization of spray parameters for each position. This segmentation enables uniform chemical deposition across the entire planar surface while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic control of spray parameters including adjustable flow rates for each capillary, variable nozzle temperatures (e.g., 20-200°C), and controllable translation speeds of the capillary array. The atmosphere within the enclosure is dynamically controlled with regulated temperature and humidity. These dynamic adjustments allow real-time optimization of deposition uniformity and solvent evaporation rates without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.
2Measurement precision
If spray deposition is performed without controlled atmosphere, then operation is simpler, but signal intensity and spatial resolution in analysis are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an enclosed chamber that creates a controlled atmosphere environment for spray deposition. The enclosure regulates temperature (e.g., 20-200°C) and humidity (e.g., 30-90% RH) to optimize chemical deposition and solvent evaporation. This controlled inert-like atmosphere prevents unwanted environmental interference, ensures reproducible deposition conditions, and enhances spatial resolution by controlling crystal formation, while the modular enclosure design keeps the system manageable.
3Productivity
If fast spray deposition is used to increase productivity, then throughput improves, but control over solvent evaporation and deposition quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the capillaries and nozzles to controlled temperatures (e.g., 40-200°C) before spray deposition begins. The enclosure atmosphere is pre-conditioned with regulated temperature and humidity settings. This preliminary preparation ensures that when fast spray deposition occurs, the thermal conditions are already optimized for controlled solvent evaporation, allowing high productivity without sacrificing deposition quality or crystal size control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts multiple parameters during spray deposition including capillary translation speed, flow rate per capillary, nozzle temperature, and enclosure humidity. By changing these parameters in coordinated fashion, the system can achieve fast deposition rates while maintaining control over solvent evaporation. For example, increasing translation speed can be compensated by adjusting flow rate or temperature to maintain optimal deposition quality and reduce matrix crystal size.
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
Enhances chemical deposition uniformity, reduces matrix crystal size, and enables the use of environmentally friendly solvents, improving signal intensity and spatial resolution in mass spectrometry analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger housed in the nozzle body for heating the capillary and the gas
Implementation Method 2
configured to atomize a fluid into a directional spray that delivers droplets with a diameter of 0.1-1.0 microns onto a medium
Implementation Method 3
a fan venting system for exhausting solvent fumes
Implementation Method 4
the translatable drawer comprises a medium heater and/or medium cooler configured to heat and/or cool the medium to temperatures of about −20° C. to 120° C.
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a system for depositing a chemical of one or more components onto a medium. The system includes a spray assembly for depositing the chemical, a medium for collecting the one or more components forming the chemical, and an enclosure for housing the medium and the spray assembly. The spray assembly includes a capillary for receiving and ejecting a fluid containing the one or more components, a nozzle for receiving and ejecting a gas towards both the medium and the fluid when the fluid is ejected from the capillary, and a spray heater for heating the capillary and the gas. The enclosure includes a translatable drawer for supporting and translating the medium. The system further includes a medium heater for heating the medium.