SMS Probe Imaging System for Aqueous Cell Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the capability to monitor spatially-resolved biochemical activity of individual biological cells on a physiologically relevant time scale in an aqueous environment with minimal alteration of the cell's biochemical state, hindering insights into biological processes and disease mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of an SMS probe imaging system that enables direct interrogation of cells within a small pool of liquid, allowing for thermal, mechanical, electrical, optical, and chemical manipulation, followed by liquid sampling and soft ionization of biomolecules, using a combination of scanning electron microscopy and mass spectrometry techniques to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution imaging and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging and analysis methods are used, then structural information can be obtained, but biochemical activity monitoring with high spatial and temporal resolution in aqueous environment is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging capability with scanning mass spectrometry (SMS) analysis into a single integrated system. The SEM provides high-resolution spatial imaging while the SMS probe simultaneously performs biochemical analysis with high temporal resolution, enabling both structural and functional monitoring of cells in aqueous environments without compromising either capability
Solution Approach 2:
The SMS probe acts as an intermediary device that bridges the vacuum environment required for mass spectrometry and the aqueous environment where biological processes occur. The probe can penetrate the vacuum barrier while maintaining sample integrity, allowing biochemical activity monitoring in physiologically relevant conditions with minimal alteration to the sample state
2Measurement precision
If high vacuum conditions are used for mass spectrometry, then analytical precision is improved, but biological processes are altered due to non-physiological conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the environment into distinct zones: a vacuum region for mass spectrometry operation and an aqueous chamber for sample maintenance. The SMS probe traverses between these zones, allowing the sample to remain in physiologically relevant aqueous conditions while the analysis occurs in vacuum, thus maintaining biochemical state stability without compromising analytical precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and imaging of the sample using SEM under aqueous conditions before mass spectrometry analysis. This allows the sample to be prepared and located in its native state, and the SMS probe to be positioned accurately, ensuring that the biochemical processes are not disrupted by the vacuum environment during the actual analysis
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
Enables minimally disturbing, quantitative imaging and real-time monitoring of biochemical processes at the sub-cellular level with high spatial and temporal resolution, providing enhanced insights into cellular mechanisms and disease progression.
Implementation Method 1
soft ionization of biomolecules
Implementation Method 2
scanning electron microscopy system for imaging an object to form an object image
Data Source
AI summary
SMS probe imaging systems, methods of use thereof, and the like are disclosed. Embodiments of the present disclosure can use direct interrogation of objects (e.g., cells or tissue) within a small pool/droplet of liquid, optional thermal, mechanical, electrical, optical and chemical manipulation, followed immediately by liquid sampling, optional sample conditioning, and soft ionization of biomolecules.