Impact Ionisation Ion Source for Biomolecule Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry methods for analyzing biomolecules are hindered by the formation of common salt adduct ions, such as [M+Na]+ or [M+K]+, which reduce sensitivity and accuracy, particularly for large biomolecules like proteins, and require complex and time-consuming sample preparation techniques like spin desalting or size exclusion chromatography.
Innovation Solution
An ion source comprising a nebuliser and an impact surface made of tarnishable or oxidisable metals like indium, which displaces common salt adducts, allowing for the analysis of biomolecules without excessive adduct formation through a quick and simple process, thereby avoiding the need for complex sample preparation methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sample preparation techniques (spin desalting columns or size exclusion chromatography) are used to reduce salt content, then spectral quality is improved, but device complexity and analysis time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful salt adducts from the sample using a desalting tip with a desalting matrix, separating the salt removal function from complex chromatographic systems. This extraction approach eliminates the need for complex spin desalting columns or size exclusion chromatography while maintaining spectral quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The desalting tip acts as an intermediary component between the sample and the mass spectrometer. It contains a desalting matrix that selectively interacts with salt ions to form adducts, which are then removed in the gas phase, mediating the salt removal process without requiring complex preparation equipment.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sample preparation techniques are used to reduce salt content, then spectral quality is improved, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts salt adducts in a single rapid step using a desalting tip, eliminating the time-consuming multi-step chromatographic separation processes. The desalting matrix quickly binds salt ions, and they are removed in the gas phase, dramatically reducing preparation time while maintaining spectral quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention rushes through the salt removal process by performing it in a single rapid gas-phase extraction step rather than through slow liquid-phase chromatographic separation. The desalting tip enables quick salt adduct formation and removal, skipping the lengthy chromatographic elution process.
3Ease of operation
If salt adducts are not removed, then analysis is simpler, but sensitivity and measurement accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The desalting tip performs self-service by automatically removing salt adducts during the ionization process. The desalting matrix within the tip selectively binds salt ions, and the gas-phase flow automatically carries them away, eliminating salt interference without requiring separate manual desalting steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the salt removal function with the ionization process. The desalting tip combines the roles of ionization source and desalting device, so that salt adduct removal occurs simultaneously with biomolecule ionization, maintaining simplicity while improving sensitivity.
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 enables the effective analysis of biomolecules with improved spectral quality and reduced adduct formation, facilitating the study of protein properties and ion interactions without the need for extensive sample preparation, resulting in simplified and interpretable mass spectra.
Implementation Method 1
the impact surface or target electrode comprises a tarnishable or oxidisable metal or an alloy comprising a tarnishable or oxidisable metal... effective at either displacing common salt adducts
Implementation Method 2
a nebuliser or electrospray probe for nebulising a sample
Implementation Method 3
the impact surface or target electrode comprises a tarnishable or oxidisable metal
Data Source
AI summary
An ion source is provided comprising a nebuliser or electrospray probe (1) for nebulising a sample and an impact surface or target electrode (5). The impact surface or target electrode (5) comprises a tarnishable or oxidisable metal or an alloy comprising a tarnishable or oxidisable metal. Also provided is an ion source comprising a nebuliser or electrospray probe with a central wire comprising a tarnishable or oxidisable metal or an alloy comprising a tarnishable or oxidisable metal or an alloy comprising a tarnishable or oxidisable metal. Adducts with relatively heavy metals result in simplified multiply-charged mass spectra that are easier to interpret.