Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry for Faster Isomer Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-throughput mass spectrometry technologies lack effective ion separation methods beyond mass-to-charge ratio, limiting the ability to distinguish analytes from isomeric/isobaric interferences and reducing specificity and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize ion mobility separation devices (IMSD) and mass analyzers, controlled by a controller, to correlate mobility data with ion mass for optimized ion separation and mass analysis, setting specific ranges for both devices to enhance separation and analysis speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ion mobility separation device (IMSD) is used to separate ions, then specificity is improved by distinguishing analytes from isomeric/isobaric interferences, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the mass analysis process into two independent dimensions: ion mobility separation (first dimension) and mass-to-charge ratio analysis (second dimension). The IMSD separates ions based on mobility parameters independently from the mass analyzer, allowing complex samples to be decomposed into simpler subsets that can be analyzed more specifically without requiring a single overly complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds ion mobility as an additional separation dimension beyond the traditional mass-to-charge ratio dimension. This creates a two-dimensional separation space where ions are first separated by mobility characteristics in the IMSD, then further separated by mass in the mass analyzer, enabling distinction of isomeric and isobaric interferences that would be indistinguishable in a single dimension.
2Measurement precision
If full mass range scanning is performed, then comprehensive analysis is achieved, but analysis speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The IMSD performs preliminary separation of ions based on mobility parameters before the mass analyzer scans the full mass range. By pre-sorting ions into mobility-based subsets, the system prepares the ion population in advance so that the mass analyzer can focus on specific mass ranges for each subset, avoiding redundant scanning of the entire mass range for every ion type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and isolates specific ion subsets based on mobility characteristics using the IMSD before mass analysis. This extraction of mobility-based ion groups allows the mass analyzer to concentrate on analyzing specific mass ranges for each extracted subset, rather than performing exhaustive full-range scanning, thereby improving analysis speed while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
3Productivity
If mobility parameter ranges are optimized based on correlation with ion mass, then analysis speed improves, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the correlation between mobility parameters and ion mass to dynamically optimize the mass range scanning parameters. The controller monitors mobility data from the IMSD and adjusts the mass analyzer's scanning range based on the observed correlations, creating a feedback loop that speeds up analysis by focusing on relevant mass ranges while maintaining measurement precision through continuous adaptation to the actual ion population.
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
Improves ion separation and analysis speed, allowing for higher specificity and sensitivity in high-throughput mass spectrometry by reducing unnecessary scanning ranges and optimizing operational parameters.
Implementation Method 1
an ion mobility separation device (IMSD) configured to: receive a plurality of ions from an upstream ion source; receive the set of mobility parameter values from the controller; and perform an ejection of a set of target ions of the plurality of ions by adjusting a set of mobility control parameters to the set of mobility parameter values
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for high-throughput mass spectrometry are disclosed. In some embodiments the system comprises a sample introduction device, an ion source, an ion mobility separation device, a mass analyzer and a controller adapted to receive certain parameters from the IMSD and determine a mass range for more efficient operation of the mass analyzer. In some embodiments, the controller is adapted to provide data to, and receive data from other components to make the operation of the IMSD and the mass analyzer more efficient.