Nano-RDMA Mass Spectrometer Interface for Mobility Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mass spectrometry techniques lack effective integration of nano-RDMA devices with mass spectrometers, particularly in terms of flow rates compatible with general analytical laboratory operations, limiting the ability for efficient mobility separation before mass analysis.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid mass mobility instrument is developed by interfacing a nano-RDMA system as a front-end mobility separation device with an ion trap mass spectrometer, allowing for mobility separation followed by mass analysis, utilizing a simple and robust interface that maintains compatibility with standard laboratory flow rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a nano-RDMA device is integrated with a mass spectrometer for mobility separation, then two-dimensional separation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetwo-dimensional separation capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nano-RDMA device is integrated within the mass spectrometer system by nesting the mobility separation functionality inside the existing MS architecture. The nano-RDMA outlet is positioned in direct communication with the atmospheric pressure inlet of the mass spectrometer, creating a nested configuration where the mobility separator is embedded within the mass analysis system without requiring external complex interfacing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the nano-RDMA mobility separation device with the mass spectrometer into a hybrid mass mobility instrument. By combining these two separation technologies into a single integrated system, the patent achieves two-dimensional separation (mobility × mass) while utilizing shared components and interfaces, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to separate coupled instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If standard laboratory flow rates are used in the mobility separator, then ease of operation is improved, but separation resolution may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate compatibilityVSAvoidmobility separation resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing standard laboratory flow rates (e.g., 1 mL/min to 10 mL/min) instead of extreme flow conditions. This parameter selection optimizes both ease of operation with standard equipment and maintains sufficient separation resolution by matching the flow characteristics to the nano-RDMA device design and mass spectrometer inlet capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If chemical charge stripping is used for pre-separation, then productivity is improved, but loss of substance occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge state separation efficiencyVSAvoidanalyte loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical charge stripping methods with a physical/mobility-based separation approach using the nano-RDMA device. Ions are separated by their mobility characteristics in an electric field without requiring chemical reactions, thereby maintaining analyte integrity and preventing substance loss while achieving effective charge state separation through differential mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 integration enables two-dimensional separation, achieving resolution of approximately 5-7 for organic salts and peptides, with the ability to pre-separate charge states without the need for chemical charge stripping, and is applicable to various mass spectrometer systems, including those with atmospheric pressure inlets.

Implementation Method 1

differential mobility analyzer (DMA) instrument

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential mobility: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 2

electrospray ionization experiments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrospray ionization: Electrohydrodynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9177774B2Continuous flow mobility classifier interface with mass spectrometer

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 CALIFORNIA INST OF TECH

AI summary

A continuous flow mobility classifier provide the ability to perform two-dimensional separation in mass spectrometry. An ionization system is used to ionize a sample. A differential mobility analyzer (DMA) (e.g., a nano-radial DMA) is coupled to the ionization system and to a mass spectrometer. The nano-RDMA is configured to separate the ionized sample by mobility for subsequent mass analysis by the mass spectrometer.