Probe Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometer Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
PESI mass spectrometers face challenges in analyzing multiple ion species with high sensitivity due to intermittent ion generation, leading to inaccurate chromatograms and varying sensitivity across different ion species.
Innovation Solution
A PESI mass spectrometer with an ionization control unit, mass spectrometry control unit, and synchronization control unit that synchronizes the timing of mass spectrometry operations with the sample collection and ionization cycles, allowing users to preset specific ion species for synchronized analysis and changing ion species for each cycle to maintain high sensitivity across all species.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PESI ion source repeatedly executes sample collection and ionization operations in cycles, then the probe can analyze multiple ion species, but the ion generation becomes intermittent and ionic strength rapidly decreases within each cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by dividing the measurement process into distinct phases: a sample collection phase where the probe contacts the sample to collect material, followed by an ionization phase where high voltage is applied to generate ions. This periodic cycling allows multiple ion species to be analyzed while managing the intermittent nature of ion generation through structured timing of collection and ionization operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by collecting sample material on the probe tip before applying high voltage for ionization. This pre-collection step ensures that sufficient sample material is available on the probe surface before the ionization phase begins, which helps maintain consistent ionic strength during the measurement cycle and prevents rapid attenuation of signal intensity.
2Productivity
If the probe collects small amounts of sample, then the analysis can be performed quickly with minimal sample, but the ion generation rate rapidly decreases within a short time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to alternate between sample collection and ionization phases. During the collection phase, the probe accumulates sample material; during the ionization phase, high voltage is applied to generate ions from the collected sample. This periodic operation enables rapid analysis cycles while maintaining sufficient ion generation by ensuring fresh sample is collected before each ionization event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action by seamlessly transitioning between sample collection and ionization phases. The probe continuously cycles through collecting sample material and then ionizing it, ensuring that the useful action of ion generation is maintained throughout the measurement period. This continuous cycling prevents long idle periods and maintains productivity despite the small sample amounts involved.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SIM or MRM measurements are repeated for multiple components, then quantitative analysis of multiple components can be performed, but no sufficient data can be obtained due to intermittent ion generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by structuring the measurement process into repeating cycles of sample collection followed by ionization. Each cycle generates a burst of ions that can be used for SIM or MRM measurements of multiple components. By synchronizing the measurement acquisition with these periodic ion generation bursts, sufficient data is obtained for quantitative analysis of multiple components despite the intermittent nature of ion production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback by monitoring the ionic strength and ion generation rate during each measurement cycle. This feedback information is used to optimize the timing and duration of subsequent collection and ionization phases, ensuring that measurements are performed when sufficient ions are available. The system adjusts measurement parameters based on observed ion generation patterns to maintain data quality for quantitative analysis of multiple components.
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 reliable high-sensitivity analysis of specific or multiple ion species, improving quantitative accuracy by synchronizing mass spectrometry with ion generation peaks, reducing fluctuations in ionic strength and maintaining consistent sensitivity across all ion species.
Implementation Method 1
the probe is detached from the sample by the displacement unit, and a high voltage is applied to the probe from the high voltage generation unit. Thereupon, a strong electric field acts on the sample adhered to the probe tip, inducing an electrospray phenomenon and whereby component molecules in the sample are detached from the probe and ionized.
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronization condition setting processing unit receives a user's selection regarding an MRM transition for which the timing of starting voltage application to a probe is to be synchronized with the timing of starting analysis. A mass spectrometry control unit controls a mass spectrometric unit to repeat a cycle of executing MRM measurement of a plurality of preset MRM transitions, while an ionization control unit controls a PESI ion source to alternately repeat an up-and-down movement of the probe and high voltage application to the probe, and at that time, a synchronization control unit controls control operations of a mass spectrometry control unit and an ionization control unit such that timings of start of the MRM measurement for the MRM transition selected by the user and start of application of voltage to the probe match.