Ionic Liquid Matrix for MALDI of Negatively Charged Compounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

In MALDI mass spectrometry of organic synthetic compounds, particularly negatively charged ones, it is challenging to achieve high S/N ratio and resolution capability due to the need for a suitable matrix, often requiring a trial-and-error process and limited by the use of conventional solid matrices.

Innovation Solution

Employing an ionic liquid matrix comprising an amine ion and an acidic group-containing organic substance ion, such as 3-aminoquinoline and p-coumaric acid, to enhance the S/N ratio and resolution capability in MALDI mass spectrometry of negatively charged organic synthetic compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional solid matrices (2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, sinapinic acid) are used for MALDI mass spectrometry of negatively charged organic synthetic compounds, then the analysis can be performed with standard protocols, but the S/N ratio and resolution capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveS/N ratio and resolution capabilityVSAvoiddata quality for negatively charged compounds
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the matrix from solid to liquid by using ionic liquids. This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction between the matrix and negatively charged organic synthetic compounds, enabling efficient ionization and producing mass spectrometry data with high S/N ratio and resolution capability that was not achievable with conventional solid matrices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs ionic liquids as composite matrix materials that combine the properties of liquid state with ionic characteristics. These ionic liquid matrices provide both the liquid state necessary for good contact with samples and the ionic properties that enhance ionization efficiency for negatively charged compounds, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If a suitable matrix is selected for MALDI mass spectrometry of organic synthetic compounds, then excellent data can be acquired, but the process requires trial and error and significant time investment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata qualityVSAvoidmatrix selection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes ionic liquids as universal matrices that can analyze various types of organic synthetic compounds including negatively charged compounds, polymers, and small molecules. This universality eliminates the need for trial-and-error matrix selection for different compound types, as ionic liquids provide consistent high-quality results across diverse samples, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If ionic liquid matrices are used for MALDI mass spectrometry of negatively charged organic synthetic compounds, then high S/N ratio and resolution capability are achieved, but the matrix complexity increases compared to conventional solid matrices

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveS/N ratio and resolution capabilityVSAvoidmatrix composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent accepts the increased complexity of ionic liquid matrices as a necessary trade-off for achieving high measurement precision. The parameter change from solid to liquid state, combined with the ionic composition, creates a more complex matrix system that delivers superior S/N ratio and resolution capability for negatively charged compounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for the acquisition of excellent mass spectrometry data with high S/N ratio and resolution capability, especially for negatively charged organic synthetic compounds, outperforming conventional solid matrices like 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid.

Implementation Method 1

MALDI mass spectrometry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser desorption/ionization: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

ionic liquid comprising an amine ion and an acidic group-containing organic substance ion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic interaction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS20240096612A1Method for mass spectrometry of organic synthetic compound
Publication Date: 2024.03.21 SHIMADZU CORP
  • US20240096612A1 patent drawing
  • US20240096612A1 patent drawing
  • US20240096612A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for mass spectrometry of a negatively charged organic synthetic compound, and a matrix that can be used in said method. A method for mass spectrometry of a negatively charged organic synthetic compound, the method comprising using, as a liquid matrix, an ionic liquid comprising an amine ion and an acidic group-containing organic substance ion. For example, the amine is 3-aminoquinoline (3-AQ), and the acidic group-containing organic substance is p-coumaric acid (p-CA). The negatively charged organic synthetic compound to be analyzed is, for example, an organic synthetic polymer compound or a complex compound.