Solid Phase Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) and speciated isotope dilution mass spectrometry (SIDMS) face challenges in achieving efficient and rapid equilibration of enriched isotope species with natural isotopes, which limits their automation and application in field-deployable, high-throughput analysis systems, especially in handling reactive and toxic materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of solid phase isotope ratio equilibration and measurement methods, involving immobilized enriched isotope reagents and algorithms for mathematical concentration determination, allows for simultaneous equilibration and extraction, reducing analysis time and improving stability and safety of handling toxic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional liquid/thermal equilibration and separation protocols are used, then equilibration can be achieved, but the time required to equilibrate and separate the analyte is significantly long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transition by transferring the equilibration process from liquid phase to solid phase. Immobilized isotopically enriched reagents on solid phase carriers enable rapid equilibration with analytes, reducing equilibration time from hours/days to minutes while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional thermal/mechanical equilibration methods with a solid phase-based system where immobilized reagents provide catalytic surfaces for rapid isotope exchange, eliminating the need for prolonged thermal incubation and manual separation steps.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If enriched isotope reagents are handled in bulk liquid form, then isotope dilution analysis can be performed, but safety issues arise from handling reactive and toxic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses solid phase carriers that act as containment structures, immobilizing toxic and reactive enriched isotope reagents on solid surfaces. This eliminates the need to handle bulk liquid reagents, reducing safety hazards while maintaining analytical performance through surface-based equilibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the hazardous liquid reagent phase and replaces it with solid phase immobilized reagents. The enriched isotopes are bound to solid carriers, removing the toxic liquid component while preserving the isotopic exchange functionality needed for analysis.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional liquid phase equilibration methods are used, then isotope exchange can occur, but reagents and samples degrade during storage and shipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions reagents from liquid phase to solid phase immobilization. Solid phase carriers provide a stable matrix that prevents degradation of both reagents and samples during storage and shipment, maintaining compositional integrity for extended periods while enabling field deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs solid phase cartridges that can be pre-prepared, stored stably, and used on-demand. These disposable or reusable solid phase carriers eliminate the need for complex storage conditions required by liquid reagents, enabling stable long-term storage and field use.
4Extent of automation
If manual sample preparation and manipulation steps are used, then isotope dilution analysis can be performed, but automation and high-throughput capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sample preparation process into discrete solid phase cartridge steps (spiking, equilibration, separation). Each cartridge performs a specific function, enabling modular assembly and automated handling through standard fluidic interfaces, thereby facilitating high-throughput automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid phase cartridges serve multiple functions: they contain immobilized reagents, provide equilibration surfaces, enable separation, and facilitate automated handling. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system for automation while maintaining capability.
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 significantly accelerates the equilibration and separation process, enabling cost-effective, high-throughput, and portable analytical systems suitable for environmental forensics, homeland security, and clinical research, with improved accuracy and reduced false positives.
Implementation Method 1
immobilizing by absorption or chemical attachment said isotopically tagged analyte
Implementation Method 2
immobilizing by absorption or chemical attachment said isotopically tagged analyte
Implementation Method 3
conducting an equilibration step with said solid phase carrier by incubating the solid phase carrier and said sample
Implementation Method 4
subjecting said equilibrated sample containing said isotopically tagged analyte analogue to direct ionization and transport into a mass spectrometer
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for the equilibration of enriched isotope species and natural isotope species prior to mass spectrometric analysis using solid phase and/or microwave isotope ratio equilibration and measurement.