Porous Adsorbent Capillary Extraction for Rapid Direct MS Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing analytes in biomedical samples require separate sample preparation and chromatography, which are time-consuming and costly, and do not effectively suppress matrix effects, limiting the efficiency of direct MS analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a capillary with an adsorbent material comprising micropores, mesopores, and larger pores, where a sample is interacted with the adsorbent material and an extraction solvent to elute analytes, allowing for combined sample preparation, pre-treatment, and ionization within the capillary, reducing the need for separate chromatography and enhancing analyte extraction and ionization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate chromatographic techniques are used for sample separation prior to MS analysis, then matrix effects are minimized and analyte pre-concentration is achieved, but analysis time is increased and operational complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sample preparation, separation, and MS analysis into a single integrated device. The capillary electrophoresis separation channel and MS ionization source are physically coupled, allowing analytes to be separated and ionized in one continuous process without intermediate transfer steps, thereby reducing analysis time while maintaining matrix effect suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: sample introduction, capillary electrophoresis separation, and electrospray ionization for MS analysis. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate chromatographic equipment and operations, reducing both time and operational complexity while maintaining analytical reliability
2Quantity of substance
If traditional chromatographic separation is performed, then analyte pre-concentration is achieved, but device complexity and operational complexity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separation and concentration functions into a single capillary electrophoresis module that is directly coupled to the MS ionization source. This integration achieves analyte pre-concentration through the capillary's inherent focusing effects while eliminating the need for separate chromatographic systems, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a porous emitter tip at the capillary outlet that facilitates efficient analyte concentration and ionization. The porous structure provides large surface area for analyte accumulation while maintaining simple device architecture, achieving pre-concentration without complex chromatographic columns
3Productivity
If direct MS analysis of complex biomedical samples is performed without separation, then analysis speed is increased, but matrix effects are not effectively suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary separation of analytes from matrix components through capillary electrophoresis before MS detection. This preliminary action removes interfering matrix effects while maintaining rapid analysis speed, as the separation occurs in a single continuous flow without requiring post-separation handling
4Loss of time
If simple extraction protocols are used, then sample consumption is reduced and time is shortened, but extraction efficiency and analyte recovery may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes extraction parameters including capillary voltage, buffer composition, and flow rate to achieve high analyte recovery in reduced time. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maintains extraction efficiency while minimizing extraction time and sample consumption
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 enables rapid, quantitative analysis of analytes with reduced matrix effects, allowing for point-of-care analysis and efficient extraction and ionization of target analytes from small sample volumes without the need for separate chromatography, improving the efficiency and accuracy of MS analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the desired protein or biomolecule is extracted from the sample by adsorbing onto the chemical groups of the extraction material
Implementation Method 2
interacting the extraction solvent with the adsorbent material in order to elute the at least one analyte from the adsorbent material
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for analyzing an analyte extracted from a sample using an adsorbent material.