Clinical Diagnostic Workflow Using Ion Mobility Without Chromatography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometry systems face challenges with analyte-surface contact issues, mechanical stress leading to equipment deterioration, and the need for frequent maintenance, especially when analyzing complex biological samples, and lack standardized procedures for reliable and reproducible clinical diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
An automated clinical diagnostic system that integrates a sample preparation station for automated sample processing, including magnetic bead handling and ion mobility units, allowing for high-throughput, low-maintenance, and flexible analyte detection without the need for liquid chromatography units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass spectrometry is combined with chromatographic techniques (HPLC/GC), then analyte separation and detection capability is improved, but mechanical stress on moving parts increases leading to equipment deterioration and frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the chromatographic separation component (HPLC/GC) from the mass spectrometry system, eliminating the mechanical moving parts and stationary phases that cause deterioration. The system achieves analyte separation through alternative non-chromatographic methods while maintaining direct coupling with the mass spectrometer for detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical chromatographic separation system with a non-mechanical separation approach. Instead of using pumps, columns, and moving mechanical parts for chromatography, the system employs alternative separation techniques that do not rely on mechanical movement, thereby eliminating wear and tear on mechanical components.
2Measurement precision
If chromatographic techniques are used for analyte separation, then measurement specificity is improved, but stationary phases and liquid solvents are required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the stationary phase and liquid solvent components from the separation system. By removing these essential chromatographic elements, the system reduces complexity while maintaining analyte separation capability through alternative methods such as direct injection or non-chromatographic separation techniques.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual sample preparation procedures are used, then flexibility in handling different sample types is maintained, but productivity and throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated sample preparation systems that perform sample processing tasks autonomously. The system includes automated features for sample intake, preparation, and analysis that reduce or eliminate the need for manual intervention, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining the ability to handle various sample types through programmable flexibility.
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
Enables efficient, fast, and robust detection of analytes from complex biological samples, reducing manual intervention and enhancing reliability for clinical diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
a) an ion mobility unit for separating ions based on their mobility by application of DC and/or RF voltages
Implementation Method 2
a) a first ion fragmentation unit for fragmenting at least a portion of the at least one analyte ion
Implementation Method 3
b) a second ion fragmentation unit for fragmenting at least a portion of the product ion
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a clinical diagnostic system, a method for determining the presence or level of at least one analyte of interest in a biological sample, a kit and the uses thereof for efficiently and/or robust detection of an analyte of interest.