Ion Mobility Mass Analysis for Fast Isomer Interference Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-throughput mass spectrometry technologies lack the ability to distinguish analytes from their isomeric/isobaric interferences, limiting specificity and sensitivity, and require additional time for ion separation dimensions like IMS or DMS, which reduces analysis speed.
Innovation Solution
Implementing ion mobility separation devices, such as IMS or DMS, with optimized control parameters based on timing and identifiers, allowing for rapid identification of target analytes without additional analysis time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ion mobility separation devices (IMS or DMS) are added to distinguish analytes from isomeric/isobaric interferences, then specificity and sensitivity are improved, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures control parameters for the ion mobility separation device based on expected analytes and their interference patterns. By preparing the separation conditions in advance rather than optimizing them in real-time, the system achieves high specificity without adding significant analysis time
Solution Approach 2:
The control parameters of the ion mobility separation device are dynamically adjusted based on the specific analyte being analyzed. The system optimizes separation conditions for each target analyte, allowing rapid switching between different separation modes to maintain high throughput while achieving the necessary specificity
2Measurement precision
If ion mobility separation devices (IMS or DMS) are added to distinguish analytes from isomeric/isobaric interferences, then sensitivity is improved, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures control parameters for the ion mobility separation device based on expected analytes and their interference patterns. By preparing the separation conditions in advance rather than optimizing them in real-time, the system achieves high sensitivity without adding significant analysis time
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the ion mobility separation device (such as electric field strength, gas composition, or temperature) to optimize separation efficiency for different analytes. These parameter adjustments enable high sensitivity detection while maintaining rapid analysis speeds
3Measurement precision
If control parameters are optimized for each target analyte, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to universally handle multiple analytes by storing and retrieving pre-configured control parameter sets. This multi-functional controller can switch between different analyte-specific parameters without requiring separate control systems, thereby improving identification accuracy while managing device complexity through a unified control architecture
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
Enhances specificity and sensitivity by distinguishing analytes from interferences while maintaining high throughput, enabling fast and accurate mass analysis.
Implementation Method 1
delivering the sample to an ion mobility separation device for separation of a plurality of ions associated with a target analyte, when present in the sample, from other ions
Implementation Method 2
introduction of the sample into an ion source for ionizing the sample to generate a plurality of ions associated with at least one target analyte
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method of operating a high-throughput mass analysis device is disclosed, which includes sampling an unseparated sample from at least one sample holding element during a sampling interval for introduction of the sample into an ion source for ionizing the sample to generate a plurality of ions associated with at least one target analyte (herein also referred to as a target compound), if any, in said sample for delivery to an ion mobility separation device, and activating at least one control parameter of said ion mobility separation device for detection of said ions based on timing of the sampling of the sample and at least one identifier associated with the sample.