Sorbent Pen Vacuum-Assisted Extraction for GCMS Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chromatography techniques such as GC, GCMS, LC, and LCMS face limitations in sensitivity and volatility range due to poor headspace analysis methods, which struggle to effectively extract and concentrate trace chemicals from samples, especially those with low volatility compounds.
Innovation Solution
A sample extraction device, referred to as the Sorbent Pen, uses Vacuum-Assisted Sorbent Extraction (VASE) to collect samples by drawing a vacuum through a sorbent configured to absorb or adsorb samples, allowing for improved sensitivity and volatility range by facilitating rapid and thorough collection of headspace gases or liquids, and enabling the use of carrier fluids to desorb samples into chemical analysis devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If headspace analysis is used to capture volatile compounds, then volatility range is improved, but sensitivity deteriorates due to small gas phase sample size limitations and inability to concentrate compounds
Solution Approach 1:
A sorbent material is introduced as an intermediary between the headspace gas phase and the analytical instrument. The sorbent captures and concentrates compounds from the headspace, then transfers them to the analytical system, thereby improving sensitivity while maintaining the ability to analyze volatile compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and concentration parameters of the sample by using the sorbent to concentrate trace compounds from the gas phase into a more concentrated form suitable for sensitive detection, while still preserving the volatility characteristics needed for GC analysis.
2Measurement precision
If solvent extraction is used to concentrate trace chemicals, then sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and sample preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the concentration function from complex liquid-liquid extraction procedures and implements it through a simple sorbent-based system. The sorbent selectively extracts and concentrates target compounds from the headspace or liquid sample, achieving sensitivity improvement without the complexity of traditional solvent extraction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical and chemical complexity of solvent extraction systems with a simpler sorbent-based system that achieves similar or better concentration effects through adsorption/desorption mechanisms, reducing device complexity and preparation time.
3Ease of operation
If traditional headspace analysis is used, then sample preparation is simplified, but sensitivity and concentration capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sorbent acts as an intermediary that maintains the simplicity of headspace analysis while adding concentration capability. The sorbent is exposed to the headspace, captures compounds, and then is directly introduced into the analytical instrument, preserving operational simplicity while dramatically improving sensitivity through concentration.
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
The Sorbent Pen enhances the sensitivity and versatility of sample extraction by allowing for the efficient collection and analysis of low-volatility compounds, improving the detection of trace chemicals and reducing matrix interference, while maintaining the integrity of biological samples at room temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a sorbent configured to absorb or adsorb a sample
Implementation Method 2
a sorbent configured to absorb or adsorb a sample
Implementation Method 3
A vacuum can be drawn through an internal seal of the sample extraction device to facilitate rapid and thorough collection of the sample
Implementation Method 4
A vacuum can be drawn through an internal seal of the sample extraction device to facilitate rapid and thorough collection of the sample
Implementation Method 5
The sample extraction device can allow the flow of a carrier fluid (e.g., a gas or a liquid) through a sorbent containing the sample, and into a pre-column and/or a primary column of a chemical analysis device
Data Source
AI summary
A sample extraction device and a desorption device for use in gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), liquid chromatography (LC), and/or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) are disclosed. In some examples, the sample extraction device includes a lower chamber holding a sorbent. The sample extraction device can extract sample headspace gas from a sample vial by placing the sorbent inside the vial and creating a vacuum to increase recovery of low volatility compounds, for example. Once the sample has been collected, the sample extraction device can be inserted into a desorption device. The desorption device can control the flow of a carrier fluid (e.g., a liquid or a gas) through the sorbent containing the sample and into a pre-column and/or a primary column of a chemical analysis device for performing GC, GCMS, LC, LCMS, and/or some other chemical analysis process.