Chromatograph Mass Spectrometry Correction Using Reference Mediators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for correcting measurement values in chromatograph mass spectrometry are inadequate when new components are added to samples after standard samples are prepared, leading to increased costs and potential inaccuracies due to the need for new standard samples.
Innovation Solution
A data processing method that uses a standard sample including first and second reference components to correct measurement values of target components by analyzing feature amounts and measurement values under different analysis conditions, employing a chromatograph mass spectrometer and a control unit to adjust measurement values based on reference component variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard sample is prepared in advance containing specific reference components, then measurement values of those components can be corrected based on the standard sample analysis results, but when new components are added to samples after standard sample preparation, those new components cannot be corrected because they are not included in the standard sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator substance with known measurement values that is included in both the standard sample and new test samples. This mediator serves as a reference bridge, allowing correction of measurement values for new components even when they were not present in the original standard sample preparation. The mediator's known values enable calculation of correction coefficients that can be applied to correct measurements of previously unknown components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of using multiple different mediators with different known measurement values across multiple standard samples. By analyzing multiple mediators with varying characteristics, the system can establish correction relationships for a broader range of components. This approach transforms a single-reference-point system into a multi-reference-point system, expanding the correctable component space.
2Measurement precision
If measurement values are corrected based on standard sample analysis, then accuracy improves, but when new components appear that were not in the standard sample, new standard samples must be prepared increasing cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The mediator substance remains constant across multiple standard samples and test samples, serving as a persistent reference. This eliminates the need to prepare new standard samples when new components appear, as the existing mediator-based correction system can be applied to any new component that appears in test samples analyzed under the same conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard sample containing the mediator is designed to serve multiple functions: it can correct measurements for original components and also serve as a reference for correcting measurements of any new components that may appear in future test samples. This universal reference system replaces the need for component-specific standard samples.
3Measurement precision
If multiple standard samples are prepared to cover all possible components, then all components can be corrected accurately, but the complexity and cost of sample preparation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of including all possible components in standard samples, the patent uses a mediator substance as an intermediary reference. This single mediator can facilitate correction for multiple different components across multiple standard samples, dramatically reducing the complexity of standard sample preparation while maintaining comprehensive correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mediator serves as a reusable template or copyable reference across multiple standard samples and test scenarios. Rather than creating unique standard samples for each component, the same mediator-based standard sample structure can be replicated and applied to correct measurements of various different components.
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 accurate correction of measurement values for new components without requiring new standard samples, reducing measurement errors caused by timing differences and improving data accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a chromatograph unit that separates, over time, a target component included in a target sample and a first reference component and a second reference component included in a standard sample
Implementation Method 2
a mass spectrometry unit that measures an ion having a mass-to-charge ratio derived from the target component, the first reference component and the second reference component separated by the chromatograph unit
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing method includes: obtaining a feature amount of a target component and a measurement value of the target component from a first chromatogram, the first chromatogram being obtained by analyzing a target sample; obtaining feature amounts and measurement values of reference components from second and third chromatograms, the second and third chromatograms being obtained by analyzing a standard sample; and correcting the measurement value of the target component based on the feature amount of the target component, the feature amounts of the reference components and the measurement values of the reference components.