LC-MS Reagent Identification Using Chromatographic Enrichment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for identifying reagents in analysis systems, particularly in liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), lack automated direct control, relying on user intervention and manual steps, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The method involves adding a chemical substance to the reagent with a concentration below the detection level of the mass spectrometer, enriching it within the liquid chromatograph to above the detection level, and using the mass spectrometer to identify the reagent based on the detection of a substance detection signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automated direct control of reagents is implemented using mass spectrometer detection, then reliability and efficiency of the analysis process is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of enrichment and detection systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of reagent identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of analysis system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the enrichment system (liquid chromatograph) and detection system (mass spectrometer) into a single integrated analysis system. The enrichment unit concentrates the chemical substance from the reagent, and the mass spectrometer detects the enriched substance, creating a unified automated workflow that improves reliability while managing complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The chemical substance serves as an intermediary marker that is added to the reagent at low concentration, enriched to detectable levels, and then detected by the mass spectrometer. This intermediary approach enables automated reagent identification without requiring direct analysis of the reagent itself, improving reliability through indirect but specific detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If chemical substance is added to reagent at concentration below detection level and then enriched, then automated identification accuracy is improved, but loss of substance increases during the enrichment process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of reagent identificationVSAvoidloss of chemical substance during enrichment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the concentration parameter of the chemical substance during the process. Initially, the substance is added at a concentration below the detection level to avoid interference with the reagent's normal function. During enrichment, the concentration is increased to above the detection level, enabling accurate mass spectrometer detection. This parameter change strategy improves measurement precision while minimizing substance loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If manual reagent verification procedures are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming manual steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of reagent verificationVSAvoidthroughput of analysis process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-verification of reagents through automated detection. The mass spectrometer automatically detects the chemical substance enriched from the reagent, providing automated identification without requiring manual verification steps. This self-service approach maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving productivity by eliminating time-consuming manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification procedures with an automated detection system based on mass spectrometry. Instead of manual inspection or testing, the system uses automated enrichment and mass spectral detection to verify reagent identity, maintaining ease of operation while dramatically increasing throughput and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables automated direct control of reagents, improving the reliability and efficiency of the analysis process, particularly in high-throughput applications, by ensuring accurate identification and quality control of reagents throughout the process.

Implementation Method 1

enriching the chemical substance within the liquid chromatograph to a concentration above the detection level of the mass spectrometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChromatography: Chromatography

Data Source

PatentUS12203905B2Method for identifying a reagent during a process in an analysis system

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A method for identifying a reagent during a process in an analysis system is disclosed. The analysis system comprises a liquid chromatograph and a mass spectrometer. The method comprises providing a reagent, adding at least one chemical substance to the reagent with a concentration being below a detection level of the mass spectrometer, enriching the chemical substance within the liquid chromatograph to a concentration above the detection level of the mass spectrometer, processing the reagent together with the enriched chemical substance by means of the analysis system, and identifying the reagent based on a detection of a substance detection signal of the mass spectrometer representing the chemical substance.