Liquid Jet Desorption Ionization for Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desorption ionization methods are limited in analyzing non-volatile compounds and require high vacuum conditions, which restricts sample composition and size, and lack capabilities for in-depth analysis and high-resolution chemical imaging, especially for biological tissues.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a high-velocity, continuous liquid jet as an analytical beam at atmospheric pressure, which dislocates sample components and converts them into gaseous ions for analysis by mass spectrometry or ion mobility spectrometry, enabling in-depth analysis and high-resolution chemical imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mass spectrometric ionization methods are used, then gaseous or volatile materials can be analyzed, but non-volatile compounds cannot be analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the sample from gaseous to condensed phase by introducing a liquid jet that interacts with the sample surface, enabling ionization of non-volatile compounds through liquid-mediated desorption processes
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid jet serves as an intermediary medium between the sample and the ionization process. The liquid droplets facilitate the desorption and transfer of non-volatile compounds from the condensed phase to the gas phase for mass spectrometric analysis
2Reliability
If high vacuum conditions are used for desorption ionization, then ionization can occur, but sample composition and size are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the high vacuum environment with an atmospheric pressure inert gas flow environment. The gas flow carries the liquid jet to the sample surface and transports ionized species to the detector, eliminating vacuum constraints on sample composition and size while maintaining reliable ionization
3Measurement precision
If conventional desorption ionization methods are used, then surface analysis is possible, but in-depth analysis and high-resolution chemical imaging are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid jet is segmented into fine droplets that can be precisely positioned and scanned across the sample surface. This segmentation enables high-resolution spatial mapping of chemical composition while the liquid penetration capability provides access to subsurface information
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the depth dimension to surface analysis by enabling the liquid jet to penetrate and interact with subsurface regions of the sample, while maintaining high lateral resolution through precise jet positioning and scanning
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 method allows for the analysis of arbitrary objects and biological tissues without vacuum constraints, providing high-resolution chemical imaging and in-vivo analysis capabilities, overcoming the limitations of previous desorption ionization techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a high-velocity liquid jet is impacted with the surface of said sample. The liquid droplets formed at the impact of the liquid with the surface of the sample carry away the components of the sample (desorption step)
Implementation Method 2
The sample remaining after the evaporation of the solvent is a gaseous ion itself or it is convertible into gaseous ion by the use of an external effect
Implementation Method 3
The sample remaining after the evaporation of the solvent is a gaseous ion itself or it is convertible into gaseous ion by the use of an external effect - heat, electromagnetic effect etc.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to method and apparatus for production of gaseous ions from components of a condensed phase sample and analysis thereof, wherein one ore more liquid jet(s) is/are directed to the surface of the sample to be investigated, where the impact of the liquid jet on the sample surface produces droplets carrying sample particles which are turned into gaseous ions via the evaporation of liquid or, if desired, by a subsequent ionization after the evaporation and the obtained sample particles are analyzed by a known method.