Mass Cytometry Sample Carriers for Quantifying Soluble Analytes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometry techniques are limited in their ability to detect and quantify analytes in solution, particularly proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates, as they require labeling with element-tagged reagents and are primarily focused on cellular samples.
Innovation Solution
Development of mass cytometry sample carriers with surface modifications, such as non-fouling layers and capacity-enhancing polymer brushes, to immobilize soluble analytes, enabling precise quantitation through mass cytometry by binding analytes to capture elements on a solid phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If mass spectrometry is applied to detect analytes in solution, then detection capability is improved, but quantitation precision deteriorates due to lack of immobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by immobilizing analytes to a solid support surface before mass spectrometry analysis. This pre-immobilization step ensures that analytes are properly positioned and concentrated on the analysis surface, enabling both detection and precise quantitation. The solid support serves as a platform that captures and holds analytes in a controlled manner prior to measurement.
2Measurement precision
If soluble analytes are immobilized to solid phase, then quantitation precision is improved, but non-specific adsorption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating functionally distinct regions on the solid support surface. Specific binding regions are engineered with properties that promote selective analyte capture, while non-specific regions are designed to minimize unwanted adsorption. This spatial differentiation of surface properties allows the system to achieve high quantitation precision while reducing background noise from non-specific binding events.
3Adaptability or versatility
If element-tagged reagents are used for labeling, then multiparametric analysis capability is improved, but complexity of sample preparation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by developing a solid support system that can accommodate multiple types of analytes and detection methods through a single platform. The solid support is designed with universal binding characteristics that work across different analyte classes, eliminating the need for separate preparation protocols for each analyte type. This multi-functional approach enables multiparametric analysis while simplifying the overall sample preparation workflow.
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
Enables quantitative detection and multiplexed analysis of analytes in solution, providing a linear response curve and improved sensitivity and specificity, allowing for the analysis of proteins and DNA with increased signal-to-noise ratio and reduced non-specific adsorption.
Implementation Method 1
soluble analytes from solution (e.g. proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates in solution which are immobilised to the solid phase by being bound by an immobilised reagent)
Implementation Method 2
performing mass cytometry on the sample to determine the level of the one or more labelling atoms, wherein the level of the one or more labelling atoms corresponds to the copy number of the one or more analytes
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to reagents and their use for elemental imaging mass spectrometry of biological samples. Embodiments include a method for quantifying one or more analytes within a sample. The method may include providing the sample. One or more analytes may be immobilised to a mass cytometry sample carrier. The sample may have been labelled with one or more mass-tagged SB Ps including one or more labelling atoms. The method may include performing mass cytometry on the sample to determine a level of the one or more labelling atoms, where the level of the one or more labelling atoms corresponds to the copy number of the one or more analytes to quantify the analytes.