MALDI-TOF Shot Sampling for Reproducible Ion Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The non-uniform concentration and structural variations of sample mixtures in MALDI-TOF MS systems lead to poor reproducibility in data measurement, particularly affecting disease diagnosis applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving independent measurement of time of flight and intensity of ionized particles for each laser pulse, combined with data manipulation and calibration using artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms, to optimize data reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If summation or averaging process is used for intensities acquired by laser shots, then more data points are collected, but data reproducibility deteriorates due to non-uniform sample concentration and structural variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by independently measuring time of flight and intensity for each individual laser pulse rather than summing or averaging them. This segmentation allows identification and exclusion of outlier measurements, thereby improving reproducibility while maintaining the quantity of data collected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the independently measured time of flight and intensity data to identify variations in sample concentration and structural formation. This feedback mechanism enables selective inclusion or exclusion of specific laser shot data based on their quality, improving overall data reliability
2Measurement precision
If multiple laser shots are summed or averaged, then measurement precision may improve, but irreproducibility increases making the process ineffective for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the intensity measurement process by recording intensity separately for each laser pulse. This segmentation prevents the propagation of errors from non-uniform samples through summation or averaging, maintaining measurement precision while ensuring reproducibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from summed/averaged intensity to independently recorded intensity per laser shot. This parameter change allows identification of outliers and selective data inclusion, resolving the contradiction between precision and reproducibility
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
Enhances data reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy by compensating for physical variations in the sample, minimizing noise, and improving the reliability of disease diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS)
Implementation Method 2
Electrodes at a first end of a flight tube may be configured to accelerate ionized particles into the flight tube
Implementation Method 3
A detector at a second opposite end of the flight tube may independently measure a time of flight of the ionized particles through the flight tube
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to an apparatus, method, or computer program. A laser may be configured to irradiate a plurality of laser pulses on a target area to ionize a sample placed in the target area into at least one ionized particle. Electrodes at a first end of a flight tube may be configured to accelerate ionized particles into the flight tube. A detector at a second opposite end of the flight tube may independently measure a time of flight of the ionized particles through the flight tube and an intensity of the ionized particles.