SALDI-MS Laser Steering for Automated Analyte Spot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser desorption ionization techniques, such as MALDI and SALDI, face challenges in rapid and automated detection of analytes due to the need for manual laser path selection and prolonged acquisition times, especially for small molecules with molar masses below 1000 Da, which are often suppressed by matrix interference.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using imaging and automated laser steering on a reflective target with a hydrogen comprising, silicon-incorporated amorphous carbon (a-C:H:Si) layer to detect analytes through surface-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS), enabling automated sample recognition and analyte detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual laser path selection is used in laser desorption ionization, then the system can detect analytes, but the acquisition time is prolonged and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses imaging devices to automatically capture images of the sample plate, identifies analyte locations through image processing, and steers the laser to the correct positions without manual intervention. This self-service automation eliminates manual laser path selection while maintaining detection capability, directly resolving the contradiction between automation extent and acquisition time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary imaging and image processing to identify analyte locations before laser irradiation begins. By pre-processing the sample plate visualization and determining laser target positions in advance, the system enables rapid automated laser steering without manual intervention, thereby reducing acquisition time while increasing automation
2Measurement precision
If conventional MALDI approaches are used for small molecules, then analyte detection is possible, but matrix interference suppresses signals for molecules with molar mass below 1000 Da
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the organic matrix component from the analysis system, replacing it with a reflective target surface. This elimination of the matrix completely removes the source of matrix interference that suppresses small molecule signals, while preserving the laser desorption ionization capability for detecting analytes with molar mass below 1000 Da, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection precision and matrix interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective target surface as an intermediary between the laser and the analyte. This intermediary surface enables efficient laser energy transfer and analyte ionization without the presence of organic matrix, allowing precise detection of small molecules while avoiding matrix interference, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and harmful matrix effects
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
Facilitates rapid and automated detection of analytes by optimizing laser irradiation on the analyte spot, reducing acquisition time and improving sample throughput.
Implementation Method 1
at least one imaging step comprising imaging at least one reflective target
Implementation Method 2
laser irradiation is applied to the reflective target such that at least one ion of the at least one analyte is generated
Implementation Method 3
detecting the at least one analyte in the sample using surface assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS)
Implementation Method 4
detected by using at least one of a mass analyzing unit or an ion-mobility spectrometry device
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for detecting at least one analyte in a sample with a laser desorption mass spectrometer (220) is disclosed. The method comprises:a) at least one imaging step comprising imaging at least one reflective target (128) by using at least one imaging device (235), wherein the sample comprising the at least one analyte is applied to the reflective target (128);b) at least one sample recognition step comprising localizing at least one sample region on the reflective target (128); andc) at least one analyte detection step comprising detecting the at least one analyte in the sample using surface assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) with the laser desorption mass spectrometer (220), wherein laser irradiation is applied to the reflective target (128) by using at least one laser source (222) of the laser desorption mass spectrometer (220) such that at least one ion of the at least one analyte is generated which is detected by using at least one of a mass analyzing unit (224) or an ion-mobility spectrometry device of the laser desorption mass spectrometer (220), wherein the laser irradiation is steered on the localized sample region by using at least one control device (237).