Microengineered Nanospray Electrode for Mass Spectrometry Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanospray systems are costly due to the complexity of aligning the ion spray with the vacuum system inlet, and they fail to integrate features for fluid drainage, spray heating, and sheath gas flow effectively, limiting their applicability as low-cost solutions.
Innovation Solution
A microengineered nanospray system using microelectromechanical systems technology to form mechanical alignment and conducting electrode features on insulating plastic substrates, allowing for the integration of fluid drainage, spray heating, and sheath gas flow, with a stacked configuration of two chips to create an einzel lens for focusing ions and separating them from neutrals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional nanospray systems are used with separate alignment components, then ion spray alignment can be achieved, but the system becomes large, complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical alignment features and electrode structures into a single integrated chip component. The alignment features are formed directly on the chip substrate, and electrodes are deposited in precise locations on the same chip, eliminating the need for separate alignment components and reducing system complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical alignment features for positioning, contains electrode structures for ion generation and manipulation, and integrates fluidic pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the nanospray system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional nanospray systems are used, then ion spray can be generated, but fluid drainage, spray heating, and sheath gas flow features are not effectively integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates fluid drainage channels, heating elements, and sheath gas flow pathways directly into the chip structure. These features are manufactured using the same micromachining and deposition processes as the alignment and electrode features, enabling effective integration without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
3Manufacturing precision
If expensive positioning devices are used for alignment, then precise alignment is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chip contains self-aligned features that guide the positioning of the nanospray capillary and other components. The alignment features are built into the chip structure itself, allowing components to be positioned accurately without requiring expensive external positioning devices, thereby reducing cost while maintaining precision.
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 system provides a low-cost nanospray solution with improved alignment and ion focusing, enabling efficient ion separation and nebulization, reducing the need for expensive positioning devices and enhancing the applicability of nanospray technology.
Implementation Method 1
The complete electrode system, when assembled, consists of an einzel lens capable of initiating a Taylor cone and separating ions from neutrals by focusing
Implementation Method 2
A voltage is applied between an electrode typically consisting of a diaphram containing an orifice and a capillary needle containing the analyte. Liquid is extracted from the tip and drawn into a Taylor cone, from which large charged droplets are emitted
Implementation Method 3
The droplets are accelerated to supersonic speed, evaporating as they travel
Implementation Method 4
Coulomb repulsion of the charges in the shrinking droplet results in fragmentation to ions when the Rayleigh stability limit is reached
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a method of aligning a nanospray capillary needle, a set of electrodes, and a capillary input to a mass spectrometer. The electrode system is formed using microengineering technologies, as an assembly of two separate chips. Each chip is formed on an insulating plastic substrate. The first chip carries mechanical alignment features for the capillary electrospray needle and the API mass spectrometer input, together with a set of partial electrodes. The second chip carries a set of partial electrodes. The complete electrode system is formed when the chips are assembled in a stacked configuration, and consists of an einzel lens capable of initiating a Taylor cone and separating ions from neutrals by focusing.