Mass Spectrometry Probe Distance Control via Shear Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry technologies, such as Nano-DESI systems, are limited in their ability to capture detailed three-dimensional information about samples and their compositional variations, lacking the capability to perform accurate and efficient three-dimensional characterization of materials, especially biological samples with varying compositions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mass spectrometer, a moveable sample stage, and probe instrumentation with an agent delivery and analyte collection probe, capable of delivering a fluid agent to extract analytes from uneven sample surfaces, regulating separation distance based on shear force measurements, and transferring the analytes to the mass spectrometer for compositional analysis, providing three-dimensional representation and topographic imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mass spectrometry systems are used, then compositional analysis can be performed, but the ability to capture detailed three-dimensional information about samples is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional mass spectrometry imaging to three-dimensional characterization by incorporating vertical height measurement. The probe assembly measures height above the sample surface while performing mass spectrometry analysis, enabling reconstruction of three-dimensional compositional information including topography, which was previously inaccessible with conventional planar systems.
2Measurement precision
If the probe is positioned close to the sample surface for detailed analysis, then compositional information can be obtained, but the uneven sample surface causes variable separation distances that affect analysis accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through height measurement capabilities that continuously monitor the separation distance between the probe and the uneven sample surface. This height information is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the probe position or compensates for distance variations, maintaining consistent analysis conditions despite surface topography variations.
3Reliability
If extensive sample preparation is performed to achieve uniform surfaces, then analysis consistency can be improved, but the time and complexity of the process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring the actual sample surface topography through height detection and compensating for unevenness during analysis. This eliminates the need for manual sample preparation steps to create uniform surfaces, as the instrument adapts to the sample's natural topography, significantly reducing preparation time while maintaining analysis reliability.
4Measurement precision
If the probe is moved to capture three-dimensional information, then spatial resolution is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is designed as a multi-functional universal instrument that combines mass spectrometry analysis with height measurement capabilities in a single integrated system. This allows the same probe to perform both compositional analysis and topographic measurement, achieving three-dimensional characterization without requiring separate specialized instruments, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
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 the determination of sample composition and topography in three dimensions, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of compositional analysis without the need for extensive sample preparation, allowing for detailed visualization of spatially varying samples.
Implementation Method 1
determining one or more characteristics representative of shear force variation in relation to at least a portion of the instrumentation; regulating the sample separation distance in accordance with one or more sample face characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a mass spectrometer and associated sample interfacing equipment. The sample interfacing equipment includes a platform structured to support a sample thereon, a fluid source, a high voltage source, a dispensing probe electrically coupled to the high voltage source and defining a fluid dispensing passage therethrough, a collection probe defining a collection passage therethrough, a sensing arrangement coupled to the dispensing probe, and control logic responsive to the sensing arrangement to control distance between the dispensing probe and the sample. The dispensing probe facilitates formation of one or more ionized sample analytes when dispensing the fluid through the dispensing passage proximate to the sample on the platform. The collecting probe receives at least some of the one or more ionized sample analytes to pass through the collection passage into the mass spectrometer for analysis.