Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry Substrate for Aerosol Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and analyzing aerosols and vapors, particularly chemical warfare agents and environmental biomarkers, face limitations in direct chemical composition identification and quantification, with existing technologies being prone to false alarms, sensitivity issues, and requiring extensive sample handling and processing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) with a substrate-based apparatus for capturing aerosols and vapors, allowing for direct sampling and analysis without extensive preparation, using a holder and cartridge design that directs air through a substrate for efficient collection and subsequent analysis by PS-MS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter or sorbent based capture methods are used, then aerosols and vapors can be captured for later analysis, but the handling process introduces delays and requires extensive multi-step processing including extraction and chromatographic separations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of aerosol capture by using a simple substrate that directly collects analytes without requiring complex filter or sorbent materials. The substrate captures aerosols and vapors directly, eliminating the need for subsequent extraction steps using heat or solvents, thereby reducing analysis time while maintaining capture effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the analysis process by separating the capture function from the analysis function. The substrate is designed to capture aerosols and vapors in a simplified manner, then the captured analytes are directly analyzed by mass spectrometry without requiring chromatographic separations, thus eliminating time-consuming intermediate steps
2Productivity
If IMS sensor devices or colorimetric papers are used for onsite detection, then portability and fast analysis are achieved, but these systems lack the ability to specifically identify chemical composition and have high false alarm rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both rapid detection methods and precise identification methods by combining the portability and speed of onsite detection with the chemical composition identification capability of mass spectrometry. The substrate captures aerosols for direct MS analysis, achieving both fast analysis and precise chemical identification in a portable system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach by combining a simple substrate material with mass spectrometry analysis. The substrate serves as a universal capture medium that works with various analytes, while the mass spectrometry provides specific chemical identification, creating a system that achieves both speed and precision
3Ease of operation
If IMS sensor devices are used, then onsite detection is achieved, but the systems have sensitivity to temperature and humidity and experience detector saturation from high concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing aerosols and vapors on the substrate before analysis. This pre-capture step concentrates the analytes and removes them from the environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) that affect IMS sensors, thereby improving detection stability while maintaining onsite detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves as an intermediary between the aerosol sample and the mass spectrometry detector. It captures the analytes and presents them in a controlled manner to the MS system, protecting the detector from saturation by high concentrations while maintaining the ability to detect trace analytes, thus improving reliability
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 high-efficiency sampling and rapid analysis of aerosols and vapors with reduced handling and processing, providing improved detection limits and compatibility with handheld devices and unmanned vehicles, while maintaining accuracy and reducing delays in identification.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate for capturing the airborne substance; sample atmosphere or air is directed through or at the substrate for collection or exposure
Implementation Method 2
a second fitting operatively coupling the second opening to a pump for drawing the airborne substance through the holder so that the substrate absorbs the airborne substance
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method to capture aerosols and vapors on substrates from a large variety of sources and matrices for analysis using paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) is disclosed. A holder for a PS cartridge has better direct sampling efficiency, direct capture on substrate, and lower limits of detection thereby improving the collection and analysis of aerosols and vapors. An apparatus and method for aerosol and vapor collection, from both anthropogenic and environmental sources, for example, that is compact and compatible with hand held devices and unmanned vehicles is also disclosed.