Microparticle Paper-Spray Analyte Detection for Matrix Cleanup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biological samples such as serum, plasma, and urine often exhibit low analyte concentrations and contain matrix components that interfere with analysis, requiring effective clean-up procedures to prepare samples for mass spectrometry, while paper-based ionization techniques lack sufficient sample clean-up ability and volume applicability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving microparticles to adsorb analytes, followed by using a fiber sheet material to suck in the analyte-microparticle-complex, apply an extracting solvent, and generate ions for detection with an analytical device, including steps like centrifugation and magnetic separation for sample preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If paper-based ionization techniques are used, then the analysis of biological samples is simplified and transport/storage is easier, but the sample clean-up ability is insufficient and matrix components interfere with detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample preparation process into distinct functional segments: the fiber sheet material performs clean-up and concentration, while the paper substrate performs ionization. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber sheet material acts as an intermediary between the complex biological sample and the paper spray ionization source. It pre-processes the sample by adsorbing analytes and removing matrix components before the sample reaches the ionization interface.
2Device complexity
If traditional paper spray is used, then the device complexity is low and cost is reduced, but the detection sensitivity is insufficient due to low analyte concentrations in biological samples
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber sheet material performs preliminary concentration of analytes from large sample volumes before ionization. This pre-concentration step increases analyte signal intensity without requiring complex post-processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber sheet material utilizes its porous structure to adsorb and concentrate analytes from the sample matrix, enhancing detection sensitivity through physical concentration before the ionization step.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If microparticles are added for clean-up, then the sample purification is improved, but the device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into the fiber sheet material: adsorption of analytes, removal of matrix components, concentration of analytes, and delivery to the ionization source. This consolidation avoids the need for separate processing steps and equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber sheet material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an adsorbent for analyte capture, a filter for matrix removal, a concentrator for signal enhancement, and a transport medium to the ionization interface.
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
This method effectively cleans up and concentrates analytes from complex samples, enhancing the signal intensity and improving the detection sensitivity of analytes in biological samples, while effectively addressing the challenges of low concentration and interference from matrix components.
Implementation Method 1
incubating the sample with microparticles having at least one surface whereby the analyte is adsorbed on the surface of the microparticles
Implementation Method 2
contacting the tip of the fiber sheet material to the sample comprising the analyte-microparticle-complex whereby at least the analyte-microparticle-complex is sucked into the tip of the fiber sheet material
Implementation Method 3
adding an extracting solvent to the fiber sheet material and applying an electrical voltage to the fiber sheet material whereby ions of the analyte are generated
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 1E~1H
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A method for detecting at least one analyte (110) in a sample (112) is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: a) providing at least one sample (112) having at least one analyte (110); b) incubating the sample (112) with microparticles (118) having at least one surface (120) whereby the analyte (110) is adsorbed on the surface (120) of the microparticles (118) and an analyte-microparticle-complex (122) is formed; c) providing at least one fiber sheet material (128) having at least one tip (130) and contacting the tip (130) of the fiber sheet material (128) to the sample (112) comprising the analyte-microparticle-complex (122), whereby at least the analyte-microparticle-complex (122) is sucked into the tip (130) of the fiber sheet material (128); d) contacting the tip (130) of the fiber sheet material (128) to a port of an analytical device; e) adding an extracting solvent (138) to the fiber sheet material (128) and ap¬ plying an electrical voltage to the fiber sheet material (128) whereby ions of the analyte (110) are generated and are expelled from the tip (130) of the fiber sheet material (128); and f) detecting the at least one analyte (110) with the analytical device (134).