Ion Mobility Data Acquisition for Multi-Analyte MS Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry systems, such as triple quadrupole mass spectrometers, operate in pulse counting mode, which reduces ion mobility data to a single number, failing to differentiate ions with different mobilities but the same mass-to-charge ratio and unable to detect multiple analytes with varying mobilities, resulting in incomplete data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A high bandwidth data acquisition system and ion mobility separation device that separates ions based on mobility, allowing for full resolution ion mobility data capture and multi-analyte targeted data acquisition by switching mass-to-charge ratio detection and performing multi-scan analysis, enabling the detection of ions with different arrival times and mobilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pulse counting mode is used in mass spectrometry, then data acquisition is simplified, but ion mobility data resolution is lost and multiple analytes cannot be differentiated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ion detection process by separating ions based on their mobility characteristics before detection. The ion mobility spectrometer divides the ion stream into distinct mobility groups, allowing the detector to capture detailed mobility information for each group rather than summing all ions into a single count. This segmentation enables both simplified operation and high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a mobility dimension to the traditional mass spectrometry detection. By introducing ion mobility separation as an additional separation dimension before mass detection, the system captures ions in three dimensions (mobility, mass-to-charge ratio, and intensity) rather than just mass and intensity. This dimensional expansion allows differentiation of co-eluting analytes and provides comprehensive data without complicating the detection process.
2Measurement precision
If single mass-to-charge ratio detection is used, then detector sensitivity is maximized, but multiple analytes with different mass-to-charge ratios cannot be detected simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary separation of ions by mobility before detection. By pre-separating the ion stream into distinct mobility groups, the system enables the detector to sequentially monitor multiple mass-to-charge ratios across different mobility groups. This preliminary action allows the detector to maintain high sensitivity for each targeted analyte while the system as a whole achieves multi-analyte detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching of the detector's mass-to-charge ratio monitoring across multiple analytes. The system dynamically adjusts which mass-to-charge ratios are monitored based on the mobility-separated ion groups being detected. This dynamic approach allows the detector to maintain optimized sensitivity for each analyte while sequentially monitoring multiple targets, achieving both high sensitivity and multi-analyte versatility.
3Device complexity
If ions with same mass-to-charge ratio but different mobilities are summed together, then data processing is simplified, but isomer differentiation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments ions by mobility before detection, creating distinct mobility groups that preserve isomer information. Rather than summing all ions with the same mass-to-charge ratio, the system separates them into mobility-based subgroups and processes each group's mobility profile independently. This segmentation maintains the information needed for isomer differentiation while keeping data processing manageable through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing approaches to different ion groups based on their mobility characteristics. Each mobility group is processed with appropriate resolution and detail tailored to its specific properties. This local quality approach allows detailed mobility profiling for isomer differentiation where needed, while maintaining simplified processing for groups where less detail is required, optimizing the balance between information retention and processing complexity.
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 the capture of detailed ion mobility peak positions and shapes, differentiating between isomers and recording multiple analytes, providing comprehensive ion mobility and mass spectrometry data, improving data resolution and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
IMS is a technique for separating and identifying ions in the gaseous phase based on their mobilities. For example, IMS can be employed to separate structural isomers and macromolecules that have different mobilities.
Implementation Method 2
IMS relies on applying a constant or time-varying electric field to a mixture of ions within a static or dynamic background gas.
Implementation Method 3
MS is an analytical technique that can separate a mixture of chemical species based on their mass-to-charge ratio. MS involves ionizing the mixture of chemical species followed by acceleration of the ion mixture in the presence of electric and/or magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 4
Ions with different mass-to-charge ratios can undergo different deflections or time dependent response and can be identified based on the spatial or temporal position of detection by a detector (e.g., electron multiplier).
Data Source
AI summary
A system for capturing full resolution ion mobility data includes an ion mobility separation device that receives ions, guides a portion thereof, and separates the guided ions based on mobility. An ion detector receives the ions, detects ions having a predefined mass-to-charge ratio during a time period, and generates a responsive signal(s). A data acquisition system receives the signal(s) from the detector and generates a time dependent ion signal representing intensity of the signal(s) at different arrival time periods during the time period. A system for performing multi-analyte targeted data acquisition includes an ion mobility separation device that receives a stream of ions, guides a portion of the ions, and separates the ions based on mobility. An ion detector receives the ions and switches from detecting a first mass-to-charge ratio during a first arrival time to detecting a second mass-to-charge ratio during a second arrival time of a first scan.