Combined Optical Mass Spectral Tissue Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing targets, such as biological tissues or food samples, using ambient ionization techniques lack the accuracy and robustness needed to differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues or contaminated and non-contaminated food, particularly in real-time applications.
Innovation Solution
Combining mass spectrometry and ion mobility spectrometry with optical spectroscopy, where a target is ablated to produce an aerosol plume and emit light, allowing for simultaneous analysis of the aerosol and optical signals to determine regions of interest and boundaries with high accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ambient ionization techniques are used for real-time tissue analysis, then analysis speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mass spectrometry with optical spectroscopy (Raman, fluorescence, or absorbance spectroscopy) into a hybrid analytical system. The mass spectrometer provides molecular mass information while the optical spectroscopy component provides structural and compositional information. This merging of two different analytical techniques allows real-time analysis to maintain both speed and high precision in tissue differentiation, as the complementary data from both methods reinforce each other's diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The analytical system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mass spectral analysis, Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and/or absorbance spectroscopy. This multi-functional capability allows the system to gather diverse analytical information from the same aerosol plume, enabling real-time analysis without sacrificing precision. The system can adapt which analytical mode to use based on the specific tissue type being analyzed.
2Measurement precision
If multiple analytical techniques are combined, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the analytical functions into distinct modules: a mass spectrometer module, an optical spectroscopy module (which can be further divided into Raman, fluorescence, and absorbance components), and a control/data processing module. Each module operates independently but contributes to the overall analysis. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance, calibration, and potential selective activation of only the necessary analytical components for each specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerosol plume generated by laser ablation serves as an intermediary that carries both molecular information (for mass spectrometry) and optical information (for spectroscopy). This single intermediate medium enables both analytical techniques to analyze the same sample simultaneously without requiring separate sample preparation or multiple ablation events, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the multiple analytical functions.
3Measurement precision
If laser ablation is used to produce aerosol plume, then analysis capability is improved, but energy consumption worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The laser ablation operates continuously or in rapid pulsed sequences to generate a continuous aerosol plume that feeds both the mass spectrometer and optical spectroscopy detectors simultaneously. This continuous action eliminates the need for repeated ablation events that would be required if separate analytical methods were used sequentially, thereby reducing total energy consumption while maintaining high detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The same laser ablation event serves multiple analytical functions: it generates the aerosol plume for mass spectrometry, creates the plasma for optical emission spectroscopy, and provides material for Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy. This multi-functional use of the laser energy maximizes the information obtained per unit of energy consumed, reducing overall energy requirements compared to using separate analytical techniques.
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 combination provides a more robust and accurate method for identifying cancerous tissues and distinguishing between different types of food, achieving high levels of accuracy and repeatability, and enabling real-time analysis in medical and food testing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a laser surgical device or other ablation device for ablating a portion of a target
Implementation Method 2
Light emitted during this process contains information about the material ablated. Light emitted during the ablation process may be captured by an optical fibre
Implementation Method 3
ionising the aerosol to generate analyte ions for mass spectrometric analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analysing a target is disclosed comprising ablating a portion of a target so as to cause an aerosol plume to be produced and light or other electromagnetic radiation to be emitted. The aerosol plume is analysed using mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry and the emitted light or other electromagnetic radiation is analysed using optical spectroscopy in order to determine one or more regions of interest of the target and/or one or more margins or bounds of a region of interest of the target.