Mass Spectrometry Cartridge with SPE Sorbent for Biofluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry methods for biofluid analysis, such as paper-spray MS, face challenges with inadequate detection limits, especially for non-ionizable analytes and in complex matrices, and lack efficient on-cartridge sample preparation and plasma fractionation, leading to limitations in selectivity and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A novel mass spectrometry cartridge that performs extraction, pre-concentration, and ionization using solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbents and incorporates an internal standard for quantitative analysis, allowing for automatic sample preparation and plasma fractionation, enhancing detection limits and selectivity through coupling with high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mass spectrometry methods are used for biofluid analysis, then analysis accuracy can be maintained, but sample preparation complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solid phase extraction (SPE), pre-concentration, and ionization functions into a single integrated cartridge system. The SPE sorbent, absorbent material, and electrospray components are merged in one device, allowing all sample preparation steps to occur simultaneously within the cartridge, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge serves multiple functions: it performs solid phase extraction to separate analytes from complex matrices, pre-concentrates the analytes to improve detection limits, and provides ionization through electrospray. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate preparation steps and instruments, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing measurement precision
2Productivity
If paper-spray MS is used for rapid analysis, then analysis speed increases, but detection limits remain inadequate for non-ionizable analytes and complex matrices
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge performs preliminary solid phase extraction and pre-concentration actions before the actual mass spectrometry analysis. By pre-concentrating analytes from complex biofluid matrices onto the SPE sorbent and then transferring them to the absorbent material, the system enhances detection limits while maintaining the rapid analysis speed characteristic of paper-spray MS
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials with specific local properties: hydrophobic SPE sorbent for extracting non-ionizable analytes from aqueous matrices, hydrophilic absorbent material for concentrating the extracted analytes, and conductive material for electrospray ionization. Each material is optimized for its specific function, enabling both rapid analysis and improved detection limits
3Measurement precision
If conventional sample preparation methods are used, then selectivity can be achieved, but the number of steps and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges extraction, pre-concentration, and ionization steps into a single integrated cartridge operation. The SPE sorbent provides selectivity for specific analytes while simultaneously concentrating them, and the electrospray component ionizes the concentrated analytes for MS detection. This merging of functions achieves conventional selectivity in a single step, eliminating multiple sequential operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge performs self-service by automatically executing the extraction and pre-concentration sequence without external intervention. The absorbent material automatically draws the extracted analytes from the SPE sorbent via capillary action, and the system self-prepares the sample for ionization, thereby achieving selective separation without requiring manual操作步骤 or additional time
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 cartridge improves detection limits by up to 70-fold, simplifies sample preparation, and enhances selectivity, enabling more efficient analysis of complex samples without the need for chromatography, making it suitable for portable or resource-limited settings.
Implementation Method 1
a solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbent... configured for use with a mass spectrometer
Implementation Method 2
adding an elution solvent to the cartridge... absorbing the eluate and/or elution solvent onto an absorption unit
Implementation Method 3
a high voltage (3-5 kV) is then applied directly to the paper, inducing an electrospray at the tip of the paper
Implementation Method 4
The solvent evaporates from the charged droplets generated by the electrospray process, leaving gas phase ions of the analyte molecules
Implementation Method 5
enhancing detection limits and selectivity through coupling with high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a mass spectrometry cartridge and methods of use thereof.