Mass Spectrometry Marker Discovery With Microfluidic Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in distinguishing between specific biological states or conditions in organisms, particularly in detecting early stages of disease, predicting treatment responses, and identifying potential adverse effects on individuals, due to limited detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mass spectrometer and a microfluidic device with an electrospray ionization interface is used for sample separation, capable of identifying markers such as polypeptides, nucleic acids, and small molecules, and analyzing mass spectra patterns to detect biological states or conditions, with integrated sample preparation and separation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then the detection capability is limited, but the system complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex detection task into multiple functional modules: microfluidic device for sample preparation and separation, electrospray ionization interface for ion generation, and mass spectrometer for detection. This modular segmentation enables high detection precision while managing system complexity through functional decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by integrating the microfluidic device within the mass spectrometer system, with the electrospray ionization interface serving as the connection point. The microfluidic channels are embedded within the instrument housing, creating a nested configuration where smaller functional units are contained within larger systems, optimizing space and signal transmission
2Measurement precision
If integrated sample preparation and separation techniques are used, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sample preparation, separation, and detection functions into a single integrated system. The microfluidic device combines mixing chambers, separation channels, and injection ports, while the electrospray interface integrates ionization and transfer functions. This merging eliminates multiple discrete steps and interfaces, improving detection sensitivity through continuous sample handling and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mass spectrometer system is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the separation detector and the final analysis instrument. The electrospray ionization interface universally handles both small molecules and peptides, while the microfluidic device performs multiple operations (mixing, separation, injection) within a single platform, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices
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 system provides reliable, reproducible, and sensitive differentiation of biological states or conditions, enabling early disease detection, predicting treatment responses, and monitoring therapeutic efficacy through the identification of unique marker patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The separation is performed by electrophoresis, more preferably, capillary electrophoresis, or more preferably zone capillary electrophoresis.
Implementation Method 2
the microfluidic device has a electrospray ionization interface to said mass spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
A business method for use in classifying patient samples. The method includes steps of collecting case samples representing a clinical phenotypic state and control samples representing patients without said clinical phenotypic state. Preferably the system uses a mass spectrometry platform system to identify patterns of polypeptides in said case samples and in the control samples without regard to the specific identity of at least some of said polypeptides. Based on identified representative patterns of the state, the business method provides for the marketing of diagnostic products using representative patterns. The present invention relates to systems and methods for identifying new markers, diagnosing patients with a biological state of interest, and marketing/commercializing such diagnostics. The present invention relates to systems and methods of greater sensitivity, specificity, and/or cost effectiveness.