Multi-ion APCI-OT Mass Spectrometer for Breath Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current breath analysis technologies, such as Gas Chromatography and Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometry, are limited in detecting functionalized and less volatile compounds in human breath, hindering their use as universal diagnostic tools due to chemical complexity and poor ionization efficiency, which restricts their ability to provide comprehensive compositional information for medical diagnostics.

Innovation Solution

A multi-ion identification device employing a Multi Ion Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer (MION APCI-OT-MS) that utilizes multiple selective ion chemistries in both negative and positive modes, enabling the detection of a wide range of chemical classes with unprecedented sensitivity and selectivity, along with machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition and data analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If Gas Chromatography or Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometry is used for breath analysis, then the device can detect volatile compounds, but it fails to detect functionalized and less volatile compounds due to poor ionization efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidrange of detectable compounds

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple ionization sources (APCI, APCI-OT, and other ionization chemistries) within a single mass spectrometry system, enabling it to detect a universal range of compounds including volatile, semi-volatile, and non-volatile functionalized compounds that would otherwise require different specialized instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes ionization parameters by switching between different ionization modes (positive and negative ion modes) and chemistries (APCI, APCI-OT) to optimize detection for different compound classes, thereby improving both measurement precision and adaptability across diverse breath analytes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ionization chemistries are used to detect a wide range of compounds, then the detection range is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of detectable compoundsVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple ionization sources and chemistries (APCI, APCI-OT, and other ionization methods) into a single integrated mass spectrometry system, allowing comprehensive compound detection without requiring multiple separate instruments, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If conventional mass spectrometry is used for breath analysis, then the analysis speed is moderate, but the limit of detection is poor due to low ionization efficiency for certain compounds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelimit of detectionVSAvoidionization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization with orbital trapping (APCI-OT) as intermediary ionization processes that enhance the ionization efficiency of difficult-to-ionize compounds before they enter the mass spectrometer, thereby improving the limit of detection without sacrificing analysis speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 unbiased and comprehensive chemical analysis of gaseous samples, including previously undetectable compounds in human breath, providing detailed compositional information for improved diagnostic capabilities and personalized treatments.

Implementation Method 1

A multi-ion identification device employing a Multi Ion Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer (MION APCI-OT-MS) that utilizes multiple selective ion chemistries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical ionization:

Implementation Method 2

Multi Ion Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer (MION APCI-OT-MS)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMass spectrometry:

Data Source

PatentUS11710625B2Unbiased ion identification by multiple ions

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 KARSA OY

AI summary

Disclosed are embodiments directed to a multi-ion identification device, a system and method using the same to utilize chemical ionization in multiple adduct formation from the substances in the sampled gas of a gas sample being addressed to be analyzed in a mass analyzer. The multi-ion identification device includes a buffering region to have the sample flow turbulence decayed before the sample flow entrance to the ionization region)) utilizing chemical ionization by reagents from an ensemble of reagent ion towers.