Low Temperature Plasma Probe for Ambient Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrospray and laser-based ambient ionization sources require solvents and high-velocity auxiliary gas flows, making them less ideal for in-situ applications due to the need for continuous supplies and associated resources, space, and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A low temperature plasma (LTP) probe is used for desorbing and ionizing analytes, which operates without the need for electrospray solvents or auxiliary gases, utilizing a dielectric barrier discharge to generate a non-thermal plasma that can be directed onto samples, allowing for ionization at ambient pressure and in various forms (gaseous, liquid, solid).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrospray or laser-based ambient ionization sources are used, then analytes can be ionized and desorbed from surfaces, but the requirement for continuous supply of solvents, auxiliary gases, and additional devices increases device complexity and resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for solvents and auxiliary gases from the ionization system. The cold plasma source achieves analyte ionization and desorption directly from ambient air or vacuum without requiring electrospray solvents or high-velocity auxiliary gas flows, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing resource consumption requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The cold plasma source serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ionization, desorption, and can operate in both vacuum and ambient pressure conditions. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate electrospray systems, laser devices, and auxiliary gas supply systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable ionization capability
2Reliability
If electrospray based ambient ionization sources are used, then analytes can be ionized, but the need for continuous supply of solvents and gases increases loss of substance and operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The cold plasma source utilizes ambient air or vacuum as the operating medium, eliminating the need for continuous supply of external solvents and gases. The system serves itself by drawing oxygen and nitrogen from the surrounding environment to sustain plasma discharge, thereby eliminating solvent waste and auxiliary gas consumption associated with electrospray and laser-based methods
3Reliability
If electrospray or laser devices are added to the system, then ionization can be achieved, but the weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for heavy electrospray solvents, auxiliary gas cylinders, and laser devices from the system. The cold plasma source achieves ionization using only electrical power and ambient air, eliminating the weight burden of solvent reservoirs, gas supply systems, and optical components while maintaining effective analyte ionization and desorption capability
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
The LTP probe provides a portable, low-power, and cost-effective solution for real-time analytical analysis, capable of ionizing a wide range of compounds without sample preparation, suitable for in-situ applications, including human skin and complex matrices, with adjustable fragmentation and molecular ion retention.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a dielectric barrier discharge to generate a non-thermal plasma
Implementation Method 2
application of voltage from a power supply generates an electric field and a low temperature plasma
Implementation Method 3
application of voltage from a power supply generates an electric field and a low temperature plasma, in which the electric field propel the low temperature plasma out of the probe tip
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 2(c)~3
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to a low temperature plasma probe for desorbing and ionizing at least one analyte in a sample material and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the invention generally relates to a low temperature plasma probe including: a housing having a discharge gas inlet port, a probe tip, two electrodes, and a dielectric barrier, in which the two electrodes are separated by the dielectric barrier, in which application of voltage from a power supply generates a low temperature plasma, and in which the low temperature plasma is propelled out of the discharge region by the electric field and/or the discharge gas flow.