Mass Spectrometry Imaging Quantification via Extinction Coefficient Normalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry techniques require a separate quantification step after molecular imaging, leading to handling and interpretation errors, and fail to provide direct correlation between molecule presence and distribution in samples.
Innovation Solution
The method integrates an extinction coefficient (TEC) into mass spectrometry imaging to normalize signal intensity, allowing direct quantification of target molecules by accounting for variations in sample type and location, using a standard molecule or reference medium to calculate and apply the TEC for accurate concentration measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If mass spectrometry imaging is used to detect molecule distribution, then spatial visualization capability is improved, but quantification accuracy deteriorates due to signal intensity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the extinction coefficient (TEC) as a correction parameter that accounts for signal intensity variations caused by different sample matrices and locations. By calculating TEC values for each region and applying them to normalize signal intensities, the method transforms the raw mass spectrometry data into quantitatively accurate concentration measurements while preserving spatial distribution information
Solution Approach 2:
The extinction coefficient acts as an intermediary factor that mediates between the raw signal intensity and the actual molecule concentration. By introducing this intermediate correction factor, the patent bridges the gap between qualitative imaging data and quantitative chemical analysis, enabling accurate concentration determination directly from imaging data
2Measurement precision
If separate quantification step is performed after imaging, then quantification capability is improved, but handling and interpretation errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imaging and quantification functions into a single integrated process. By incorporating TEC-based normalization directly into the mass spectrometry imaging workflow, the method eliminates the need for separate quantification steps, thereby reducing handling and interpretation errors while maintaining both spatial visualization and quantitative capabilities
3Loss of information
If direct quantification from imaging data is attempted, then correlation between presence and distribution is improved, but accuracy deteriorates due to signal intensity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter transformation by introducing the extinction coefficient to convert raw signal intensity data into accurate concentration information. This parameter change compensates for matrix effects and location-dependent variations, enabling direct quantification from imaging data with both high correlation and high accuracy
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 precise and accurate direct quantification of target molecules on biological tissues, reducing errors and providing a reliable correlation between signal intensity and concentration, independent of sample nature and location.
Implementation Method 1
mass spectrometry imaging, in particular matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for identifying and quantifying by mass spectrometry at least one target molecule in a sample,comprising the following steps: a) depositing the sample to be analyzed on a support; b) analyzing the sample by mass spectrometry, so as to obtain the mass spectrum of the target molecule in said sample; c) weighting a signal associated with the mass spectrum of the target molecule in said sample by a extinction coefficient (TEC) specific to the target molecule and to the sample; and optionally d) using the weighted signal of the target molecule to determine the quantity of target molecule in the sample.