Platinum Nanoparticle Matrix for Imaging Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging mass spectrometry methods face challenges with low ionization efficiency, sample fragmentation, and difficulty in achieving high spatial resolution, especially when analyzing salt-containing biological tissues or low molecular weight targets, due to limitations in existing ionization matrices and techniques.
Innovation Solution
Physical vapor deposition of platinum nanoparticles with an average size of 2 to 20 nm on the surface of test samples for imaging mass spectrometry, using magnetron sputtering to create a uniform layer that acts as an ionization-assisting matrix, avoiding liquid matrices and interference peaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional organic matrices for MALDI are used, then ionization efficiency is high, but matrix ability is reduced or lost in the presence of salt and strong ion peaks occur in low molecular weight range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the matrix material from organic compounds to inorganic platinum nanoparticles. This parameter change allows the matrix to maintain ionization efficiency while being insensitive to salt interference and not producing interfering ion peaks in the low molecular weight range, thus resolving the contradiction between ionization efficiency and reliability in salt-containing samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses platinum nanoparticles as an inorganic matrix material, creating a composite approach that combines the benefits of high ionization efficiency with resistance to salt interference. The platinum nanoparticles serve multiple functions: they assist ionization, do not interfere with low molecular weight analytes, and maintain stability in salt-containing biological tissues
2Ease of operation
If liquid matrix is adhered to test sample, then analysis subject is incorporated, but physical movement of target material occurs causing loss of distribution information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the matrix from liquid to solid nanoparticles. The platinum nanoparticles are applied as a solid suspension or dispersion, which dries to form a stable solid layer. This prevents the physical movement and migration of the target material that occurs with liquid matrices, thereby preserving the spatial distribution information while still allowing effective sample incorporation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a nanoparticle suspension that can be applied and then completely dried, leaving only the platinum nanoparticles and embedded analytes. The liquid carrier is completely removed, eliminating any possibility of subsequent migration, thus preserving spatial information while maintaining ease of application
3Use of energy by moving object
If crystal particle of matrix is used, then ionization is assisted, but spatial resolution higher than crystal particle size cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the matrix material into nanoscale platinum particles with sizes of 1-100 nm. This segmentation into extremely fine particles allows the matrix to assist ionization effectively while being small enough to achieve high spatial resolution (50 μm or less) in imaging mass spectrometry, overcoming the limitation of larger crystal particles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a uniform distribution of platinum nanoparticles across the sample surface, ensuring that ionization assistance is provided locally at every measurement point. The nanoscale size of the particles ensures that the matrix effect is localized to the immediate vicinity of each laser spot, enabling high spatial resolution imaging
4Manufacturing precision
If laser beam irradiation diameter is reduced for high spatial resolution, then resolution improves, but analysis of salt-containing biological tissue becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs platinum nanoparticles as an inorganic matrix that can be used with reduced laser beam diameters for high spatial resolution imaging. The platinum nanoparticles provide robust ionization assistance that is not affected by salt interference, enabling reliable analysis of salt-containing biological tissues even at high spatial resolutions of 50 μm or less
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 method enhances ionization efficiency and spatial resolution, reduces sample migration, and allows for accurate analysis of biological and material samples with improved sensitivity and peak detection, enabling precise imaging mass spectrometry in biochemistry, medical science, and nanotechnology applications.
Implementation Method 1
physical vapor depositing platinum nanoparticles as an ionization-assisting matrix on the surface of a test sample
Implementation Method 2
a platinum layer or a platinum nanoparticle layer formed by physical vapor deposition or magnetron sputtering
Implementation Method 3
a test sample is irradiated with a laser to ionize biological molecules, etc., in the test sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an improved method for imaging mass spectrometry using an ionization-assisting matrix of a test sample, wherein the ionization efficiency is high, migration and visual information reduction are inhibited, no interference peaks originating from the matrix occur, and the analysis can be performed at high spatial resolution.Specifically, the present invention provides a method for imaging mass spectrometry using a sample prepared by physical vapor depositing platinum nanoparticles on the surface of a test sample to be subjected to imaging mass spectrometry.