Porous Sample Support Surface for Higher DESI-MS Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample supports for desorption electrospray ionization methods face challenges in improving the detection sensitivity of sample components in mass spectrometry.
Innovation Solution
A sample support with a substrate having a first surface and an irregular porous structure formed by interconnected particles, where outermost particles have a rough surface on one side and a non-rough surface on the other, allowing efficient retention and ionization of samples while excess liquid components are permeated, and optionally incorporating smaller particles and a conductive layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a porous structure is formed by particles to retain samples, then detection sensitivity is improved, but excess liquid components may overflow and hinder ionization
Solution Approach 1:
The particle surfaces are selectively modified to have different properties: the first surface (sample contact side) has high roughness for sample retention, while the second surface (opposite side) has low roughness for liquid permeation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by enabling both sample retention and excess liquid removal functions in different locations of the same particle.
2Measurement precision
If particle surfaces are made rough to retain samples, then sample retention is improved, but liquid permeation may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the particle surface are given different roughness characteristics: the first surface is made rough with protrusions to enhance sample retention through physical anchoring, while the second surface is kept smooth to facilitate rapid liquid permeation. This spatial differentiation of surface properties simultaneously achieves both sample retention and efficient liquid removal.
3Measurement precision
If a rough surface is formed on particles, then ionization efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface roughness parameter is changed selectively for different particle surfaces through controlled modification processes. The first surface is treated to create protrusions with specific roughness parameters that enhance ionization efficiency, while the second surface maintains original smooth parameters. This parameter differentiation achieves improved ionization without requiring completely new manufacturing approaches.
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
Enhances detection sensitivity by effectively retaining samples on the rough surface and preventing overflow, improving ionization efficiency and visibility, while allowing excess liquid to permeate, thus enhancing the detection sensitivity of sample components.
Implementation Method 1
a sample to be measured is suitably retained on the rough surface
Implementation Method 2
excess liquid components contained in the sample to be suitably permeated from the first surface side to the second surface side
Implementation Method 3
a sample transferred onto the first surface is irradiated with charged micro-droplets, whereby desorption and ionization of the sample are performed
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample support of an embodiment is a sample support for ionization of a sample. The sample support includes a substrate having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an irregular porous structure opening to at least the first surface. The porous structure is formed by a plurality of particles connected to each other. Particles of the plurality of particles that constitute the first surface have a rough surface on which an uneven structure is formed on a first surface side, and a non-rough surface on which the uneven structure is not formed on a second surface side.