Parallel Ion Mobility and Mass Spectrometry Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tandem analysis in ion mobility-mass spectrometry are limited by the need for serial data acquisition, which is slow and generates large data volumes, and cannot perform complete parallel analysis, especially when using quadrupole or ion trap mass analyzers, limiting their applicability to known compounds and requiring complex data processing.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for parallel analysis in mass spectrometry and ion mobility spectrometry that separates a chromatography sample into two paths for simultaneous ion mobility and mass spectrometry analysis, using deconvolution algorithms to correlate peaks based on retention time or elution profile, allowing for rapid data processing and reducing data volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If serial connection of chromatograph, ion mobility spectrometer and mass spectrometer is used, then the separation power and peak capacity are improved, but the data volume becomes massive and processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ionized sample into two separate paths: one path goes to the ion mobility spectrometer for mobility spectrum acquisition, and the other path goes to the mass spectrometer for mass spectrum acquisition. This segmentation allows parallel independent analysis of the same sample, reducing the need for massive sequential data collection while maintaining comprehensive separation power.
2Productivity
If time-of-flight mass spectrometer with high repetition rate is used, then the sampling requirement for mobility peaks is met, but the data volume becomes massive and instrument size and price increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis into two parallel independent measurements: ion mobility spectrum and mass spectrum, both acquired simultaneously from the same sample. This eliminates the need for high-speed sequential scanning, allowing the use of lower repetition rate mass spectrometers while maintaining adequate sampling of mobility peaks through the parallel acquisition architecture.
3Productivity
If parallel analysis between ion mobility spectrometry and mass spectrometry is performed, then the acquisition speed requirements are reduced, but the difficulty of correlating peaks between the two spectra increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback-based peak correlation method where the ion mobility spectrum is first acquired and processed to identify peak positions and characteristics. These results then feedback to guide the mass spectrum acquisition and processing, enabling automatic correlation of peaks between the two spectra based on matching retention times and mobility values, thus reducing manual data processing complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If quadrupole or ion trap mass analyzer is used in serial configuration, then only target analysis on known compounds can be performed or mass range must be reduced, but the adaptability for complete parallel analysis is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mass spectrometer perform multiple functions by operating it in parallel with the ion mobility spectrometer. The same mass spectrometer can simultaneously analyze different mass ranges and different compound types without being constrained by sequential timing requirements, thereby achieving complete parallel analysis capability with standard, cost-effective quadrupole or ion trap analyzers.
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 approach reduces the acquisition speed requirements for mass spectrometers, enables the use of various mass analyzers, including quadrupole and ion trap analyzers, and significantly reduces data volume, while maintaining high sensitivity and dynamic range, allowing for multidimensional information integration.
Implementation Method 1
analyzing at least part of the ionized sample through an ion mobility spectrometer to obtain an ion mobility spectrum
Implementation Method 2
analyzing at least other parts of the sample through a mass spectrometer to obtain a mass spectrum
Implementation Method 3
a sample is subjected to a chromatography separation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for parallel analysis in mass spectrometry and ion mobility spectrometry includes enabling a sample to be subjected to a chromatography separation; ionizing the chromatography separated sample and then feeding the sample into a succeeding stage device for analysis, comprising: analyzing at least part of the ionized sample through an ion mobility spectrometer to obtain an ion mobility spectrum, and analyzing at least other parts of the sample through a mass spectrometer to obtain a mass spectrum, wherein the period for obtaining each ion mobility spectrum and each mass spectrum being not longer than 5 s; and performing data post-processing, comprising: correlating the peaks in said ion mobility spectrum and the peaks in said mass spectrum with a deconvolution algorithm according to the consistency in retention time or elution profile for the same analyte in said chromatography.