Solvent-Assisted Ionization Inlet for High Throughput Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ionization methods for mass spectrometry, such as electrospray ionization and sonic spray ionization, require electric fields or high-velocity gases, increasing system complexity and cost, and involve inefficient ion transfer from atmospheric to lower pressures, limiting throughput.
Innovation Solution
A solvent-assisted ionization inlet system creates a pressure differential across a channel, heating it to ionize analytes without the need for electric fields or high-velocity gases, allowing for rapid multiplexed analysis and mapping of results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrospray ionization or sonic spray ionization is used, then ionization can be achieved, but system complexity and cost increase due to requirement of electric fields or high-velocity gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex components (electric fields, high-velocity gases) from the ionization system, replacing them with a simpler heated capillary approach that uses pressure differential and thermal energy alone to achieve ionization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical systems (electric fields, high-velocity gas flow) with a thermal-mechanical system using a heated capillary and pressure differential to drive solvent and analyte through the ionization interface
2Reliability
If conventional ionization methods are used, then ions can be produced, but ion transfer efficiency from atmospheric to lower pressure is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by heating the capillary before sample introduction and establishing the pressure differential in advance, creating optimal conditions for efficient ion transfer from atmospheric to vacuum pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes critical parameters including capillary temperature (heated to specific ranges), pressure differential (controlled vacuum), and solvent flow rate to optimize ion transfer efficiency across the pressure interface
3Productivity
If rapid multiplexed analysis is implemented, then throughput increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis into discrete steps (sample introduction, solvent evaporation, ionization, ion transfer) that can be rapidly cycled through for multiple samples, enabling multiplexed high-throughput analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the capillary heated and vacuum applied throughout the analysis cycle, allowing rapid sequential processing of multiple samples without system reconfiguration
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 ionization efficiency, reduces system complexity and cost, and enables high-throughput, qualitative, and quantitative analysis of samples with improved fragmentation and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
heating it to ionize analytes
Implementation Method 2
creates a pressure differential across a channel
Implementation Method 3
heating it to ionize analytes
Data Source
AI summary
A multiplex system and method for achieving high throughput analysis of samples using solvent assisted ionization inlet includes an ionizing system with a heated inlet channel and a pressure differential across the inlet channel, pipet tips serially aligned with the inlet to a mass spectrometer, and a system of mapping data generated by mass spectrometry.