Internal Sampling Probe Geometry for Faster MS Desorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mass spectrometry (MS) techniques require extensive pre-treatment steps for complex sample matrices, leading to increased time, cost, and potential errors, with existing sampling interfaces suffering from high detection limits and poor mass transfer.

Innovation Solution

The development of a substrate sampling probe with an inner tube having a sampling volume that increases interaction between desorption solvent and the sample substrate, optimizing geometry to reduce fluid volume dead space and enhance mass transfer, allowing direct coupling to an ion source without liquid chromatography.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If extensive pre-treatment steps are used for sample preparation, then detection accuracy is improved, but analysis time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines sampling, extraction, and desorption functions into a single integrated probe device. The probe integrates the sampling needle, extraction chamber with adsorbent material, and desorption mechanism into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate sample collection, preparation, and extraction steps while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a sampling device, an extraction device with adsorbent material, and a desorption device. This multi-functional design allows the same device to perform sample collection, analyte extraction, and solvent-free desorption, significantly reducing the number of steps required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple sample preparation and separation steps are used, then analyte purity is improved, but sensitivity decreases due to dilution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte purityVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary analyte portion directly at the sampling site using adsorbent material within the probe. By performing extraction in situ and eliminating transfer steps to laboratory equipment, the method avoids dilution that occurs during conventional sample preparation while maintaining analyte purity through selective adsorption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The adsorbent material within the probe acts as an intermediary that selectively binds analytes from the sample matrix. This intermediary mechanism enables direct extraction and concentration of target analytes without requiring multiple purification steps, thereby maintaining sensitivity while ensuring purity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If conventional sampling interfaces are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but mass transfer efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidmass transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe incorporates porous adsorbent material within its extraction chamber that provides high surface area for analyte adsorption. This porous structure enables efficient mass transfer between the sample and adsorbent while maintaining a relatively simple probe design, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from surface-based extraction to volumetric extraction by incorporating adsorbent material throughout the probe's internal chamber. This three-dimensional adsorbent structure increases the interaction surface area between sample and extraction medium, dramatically improving mass transfer efficiency without significantly increasing external device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 fast and efficient desorption of analytes, improving sensitivity and throughput by reducing dilution and sample loss, while maintaining sensitivity and simplicity, and allowing for automated workflows.

Implementation Method 1

a desorption solvent desorbs one or more analyte species from a sample substrate (e.g., an SPME device) within a sampling interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Implementation Method 2

subsequent ionization by an ion source and mass spectrometric detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentUS12209989B2Sampling probe with internal sampling for use in mass spectrometry systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 DH TECH DEVMENT PTE

AI summary

MS-based methods and systems are provided herein in which a desorption solvent desorbs one or more analyte species from an SPME device within a sampling interface that is fluidly coupled to an ion source for subsequent mass spectrometric analysis. In accordance with various aspects of the applicants teachings, the sampling interface includes an internal sampling conduit that provides increased interaction between the desorption solvent and the sampling substrate, thereby improving mass transfer (e.g., increased extraction or desorption speed).