Micro Droplet Volume Calibration Using Mass Spectrometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current microfluidic dispensing technologies face challenges in accurately and precisely calibrating droplet volumes, especially for biological samples with unpredictable fluid properties, requiring iterative and time-consuming processes that are not suitable for real-time adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing mass spectrometry to measure the mass of calibration compounds in individual droplets, allowing for real-time calibration of droplet dispenser parameters to achieve accurate and precise volumetric delivery, even in samples with varying viscosities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If iterative empirical tuning process is used to calibrate droplet volume, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedroplet volume measurement precisionVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical iterative tuning process with a direct mass measurement system using mass spectrometry. Instead of repeatedly adjusting dispensing parameters and measuring volumes, the system directly measures the mass of dispensed droplets containing calibration compounds, eliminating the iterative mechanical adjustment cycle and significantly reducing calibration time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces calibration compounds as an intermediary substance that enables direct volume measurement. By spiking samples with known concentrations of calibration compounds and measuring their mass via mass spectrometry, the system can calculate droplet volume directly without iterative tuning, serving as a mediator between the dispensing system and the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional calibration methods are used for biological samples, then adaptability to different fluid properties is reduced, but device complexity is minimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying fluid propertiesVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from geometric volume measurement to mass measurement of calibration compounds. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different fluid properties (viscosities, surface tensions) because mass measurement is independent of these properties, enabling universal calibration across diverse biological samples without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 rapid and precise measurement of droplet volumes, facilitating 'calibration on the fly' and improving the accuracy of droplet dispensing for analytical measurements, particularly in biological samples with unpredictable fluid properties.

Implementation Method 1

ionizing the droplet of assumed droplet size; ionizing the captured volume of fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

measuring a calibrant mass of calibrant in the ionized droplet using a mass spectrometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMass spectrometry:

Data Source

PatentUS20250018412A1Volumetric measurement of micro droplets

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 DH TECH DEVMENT PTE

AI summary

Improvements in acoustically dispensed samples that are injected into an open port probe (OPP) are described. Apparatus and method are described that calibrate the volume dispensing determination and mechanisms in the acoustic dispenser to produce accurate and precise volumetric delivery.