MALDI-TOF Sample Plate with Graphene Fixing Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry methods face challenges in analyzing high-volatile materials due to sample volatility and interference from matrix materials, especially when molecular weights of samples and matrices are similar, leading to incorrect measurements and reduced sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A sample plate with a parylene thin film and an organic matrix is used, where graphene is applied as a fixing layer to prevent sample evaporation and ensure correct ionization of the sample without interfering with the detector, allowing for effective MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry of high-volatile materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a typical matrix material is used for MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, then high molecular weight materials can be analyzed with high sensitivity, but compounds with molecular weight of hundreds of Da or less cannot be properly analyzed due to matrix decomposition interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the matrix material from the detection path by using a transparent substrate that allows the laser beam to pass through to ionize the sample, while the matrix is deposited only on the substrate surface and does not interfere with the detector. This separates the ionization function from the detection path, eliminating matrix decomposition interference for low molecular weight compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent substrate as an intermediary between the laser source and the detector. This substrate serves as a mediator that allows laser-induced ionization of the sample while preventing matrix material from reaching and interfering with the detector, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining ionization efficiency and eliminating matrix interference.
2Reliability
If the concentration of high-volatile sample is increased to prevent volatilization before laser illumination, then sample loss is reduced, but the complexity of sample preparation increases and may not be feasible for all samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a thin film layer on the substrate before sample deposition. This preliminary action creates a surface that enhances sample retention and reduces volatilization without requiring high sample concentrations or complex preparation procedures. The thin film is prepared in advance to facilitate subsequent sample analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin film coating on the substrate to prevent sample volatilization. This thin film acts as a flexible barrier that retains high-volatile samples while allowing laser penetration and ionization, thereby improving sample retention without increasing preparation complexity or requiring concentration adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If gas chromatography method is used for high-volatile material analysis, then separation of components is achieved, but the analysis steps become more complicated, cost increases, and correctness decreases compared to MALDI-TOF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ionization and detection functions into a single MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer system, eliminating the need for separate gas chromatography separation steps. By using laser-induced ionization directly on the sample deposited on the substrate, the method simplifies the analysis procedure while maintaining or improving analysis correctness for high-volatile materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical separation process of gas chromatography with a direct laser-induced ionization and mass analysis approach. This substitution eliminates complex chromatographic columns, carrier gases, and separation procedures, thereby reducing device complexity and analysis procedure steps while maintaining analytical correctness.
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 sample plate enables reliable mass spectrometry of high-volatile materials by preventing sample loss and minimizing matrix interference, ensuring accurate detection even at low concentrations and diverse molecular weights.
Implementation Method 1
a parylene thin film formed on the target plate having the organic matrix formed thereon
Implementation Method 2
illuminating the laser to the sample to ionize the sample with the aid of the matrix
Implementation Method 3
the laser is illuminated to ionize the sample
Implementation Method 4
graphene is applied as a fixing layer to prevent sample evaporation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sample plate to be used for a MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight) mass spectrometer, and more particularly, to a sample plate for a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, which is particularly useful for molecular weight measurement of a high-volatile material, a method of manufacturing the sample plate and a mass spectrometry method using the sample plate. Object of the present invention to provide a method capable of performing a mass spectrometry for a high-volatile material by using a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer so as to overcome the limits of the gas chromatography method of the related art. According to the present invention, there is provided a sample plate including a target plate, an organic matrix formed on one surface of the target plate, a parylene thin film formed on the target plate having the organic matrix formed thereon and formed to cover the entire organic matrix, and a sample fixing layer formed on the parylene thin film. The sample fixing layer is made of at least one material selected from a group consisting of graphene and carbon nano tube (CNT).