Heated Mesh Desorption Ionization for Faster Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desorption ionization methods, such as DART, face inefficiencies in heating the carrier gas, leading to slow analysis times and thermal decomposition of samples, as well as limitations in controlling ion kinetic energy, which affects the resolution and sensitivity of mass spectrometry.
Innovation Solution
A mesh made of conductive material is placed between the ionizing gas source and the spectrometer inlet, allowing for direct heating of samples and control of ion kinetic energy by applying electrical currents, enabling more efficient desorption and ionization of neutral molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the carrier gas is heated to sufficient temperature to enable desorption of analytes, then desorption efficiency is improved, but analysis time increases and thermal decomposition occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh is pre-heated to a high temperature before introducing the carrier gas, so that when the carrier gas passes through, desorption occurs immediately without requiring prolonged heating of the entire gas stream. This preliminary heating of the mesh surface enables rapid desorption while keeping the carrier gas temperature low.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of heating the entire carrier gas volume, only the mesh surface in contact with the sample is heated to high temperature. This localized heating concentrates thermal energy exactly where needed for desorption, improving efficiency while avoiding thermal decomposition of analytes in the cooler carrier gas stream.
2Reliability
If the carrier gas is heated to sufficient temperature to enable desorption of analytes, then desorption efficiency is improved, but thermal decomposition of samples occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh surface is heated to high temperature locally at the sample position to enable efficient desorption, while the carrier gas remains relatively cool throughout most of the system. This spatial separation of high temperature (at mesh) and low temperature (in carrier gas) allows desorption without thermal decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The hot mesh enables analytes to desorb rapidly and be quickly carried away by the flowing carrier gas before significant thermal decomposition can occur. The brief exposure to high temperature at the mesh surface is sufficient for desorption but too short to cause decomposition.
3Measurement precision
If a mesh is placed between the ionizing gas source and spectrometer inlet, then ion kinetic energy control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh acts as an intermediary component between the ionizing gas source and the spectrometer inlet. It provides a physical structure that can be heated independently and serves as a platform for controlling ion formation and kinetic energy without requiring complex additional control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh serves multiple functions: it supports the sample, acts as a heating element for desorption, and functions as a kinetic energy control element for ions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 significantly reduces analysis time, minimizes thermal decomposition, and improves the resolution and sensitivity of mass spectrometry by allowing for rapid and efficient desorption and ionization of samples, even at lower carrier gas temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
A current can be applied to the mesh in order to heat the wire
Implementation Method 2
Sample related molecules can be desorbed from or in close proximity to the mesh
Implementation Method 3
where desorbed molecules interact with the ionizing gas in the region between the mesh and the atmospheric pressure ionization (API)-inlet of a spectrometer to form a plurality of ions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method and device to desorb an analyte using heat to allow desorption of the analyte molecules, where the desorbed analyte molecules are ionized with ambient temperature ionizing species. In various embodiments of the invention a current is passed through a mesh upon which the analyte molecules are present. The current heats the mesh and results in desorption of the analyte molecules which then interact with gas phase metastable neutral molecules or atoms to form analyte ions characteristic of the analyte molecules.