Single-Particle Sample Transport for Low-Loss ICP Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sample introduction apparatuses for mass spectrometry suffer from low transport efficiency of single particles, such as cells, due to high velocity droplets hitting the inner wall of the spray chamber, leading to significant sample loss and the formation of particle clusters that complicate downstream analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for transporting individual particles using a module that forms and merges distributed particle suspensions with a carrier fluid to create individual droplets, which are then ionized and sprayed through a torch for efficient analysis by a mass analyzer, reducing droplet accumulation and stabilizing the plasma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional nebulizer and spray chamber are used for sample introduction, then the system structure is simple, but the transport efficiency of single particles is low due to droplets hitting the inner wall
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the spray chamber component from the traditional nebulizer-spray chamber system. By eliminating the spray chamber with its inner walls that cause droplet accumulation and sample loss, the system directly transports droplets from the nebulizer to the mass spectrometer, achieving transport efficiency of at least 80% while preventing sample loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the sample introduction process into distinct functional components: a nebulizer for droplet generation and a direct transport path to the mass spectrometer. This segmentation removes the intermediate spray chamber that causes droplet accumulation, allowing individual droplets containing single particles to be transported efficiently without hitting inner walls.
2Device complexity
If random nebulization process is used, then the device complexity is low, but particle clusters (doublets, triplets, multiplets) are formed complicating downstream analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a feedback mechanism where the system monitors and controls droplet generation to ensure that each droplet contains at most one particle. This feedback control prevents the formation of particle clusters (doublets, triplets, multiplets) while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, thereby improving single particle transport precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic control of the nebulization process to regulate droplet formation and transport timing. By dynamically adjusting parameters such as gas flow rates and droplet ejection timing, the system ensures that droplets are transported sequentially with controlled intervals, preventing particle clustering while keeping device complexity low.
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 enhances the transport efficiency of single particles to at least 80% and improves the resolution and sensitivity of mass spectrometry by delivering uniform, ionized samples with reduced destabilization of the plasma, suitable for analyzing limited clinical samples.
Implementation Method 1
atomizing and ionizing in plasma the micro-spray of the individual sample droplets to form an ionized sample
Implementation Method 2
atomizing and ionizing in plasma the micro-spray of the individual sample droplets
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for high-efficiency transport of single particles for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Single particles may be delivered to the mass spectrometer for quantification of trace elements. The systems may include droplet generation, conveyance module, capillary tubing, and/or an integrated inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch, which may allow for the sequential transportation of single particles.