Surface Desorption Ionization for Rapid Product Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quality control in production facilities, such as those for fatty acids, are laborious and time-consuming, requiring significant sample preparation and large, expensive instrumentation, making them unsuitable for rapid quality control or screening applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of portable, low-cost ambient ionization coupled with a single quadrupole mass spectrometer for direct analysis in real time, eliminating the need for sample preparation and chromatographic separation, allowing for rapid authentication of commercial or consumer products through surface desorption ionization and mass spectrometry detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional quality control methods are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but analysis time increases significantly and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the time-consuming sample preparation steps (hydrolysis, derivatization, chromatographic separation) from the traditional analysis workflow, while retaining the essential function of compound identification and quantification through direct mass spectrometry analysis of the authentic sample
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary action by directly ionizing and analyzing compounds in their native sample matrix without requiring prior separation or preparation steps, enabling immediate analysis while maintaining detection capability through the mass spectrometer's ability to resolve compound masses and patterns
2Measurement precision
If traditional quality control instrumentation is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex chromatographic separation system and large time-of-flight mass spectrometer from the traditional setup, replacing them with a simplified direct-injection mass spectrometry system that achieves sufficient precision for authentication purposes without the unnecessary complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The method employs a more affordable mass spectrometer configuration (single quadrupole or simpler) that may have shorter operational lifespan or lower precision compared to high-end instruments, but provides adequate performance for quality control authentication, reducing both device complexity and cost
3Measurement precision
If traditional sample preparation procedures are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the multi-step sample preparation procedures (hydrolysis, derivatization, chromatographic separation) that consume significant time, while maintaining measurement precision through direct mass spectrometric analysis that can resolve and quantify compounds based on their mass-to-charge ratios and spectral patterns without prior separation
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary action by preparing the sample for analysis in a minimal manner (direct introduction to the ion source) rather than through extensive preparation, enabling immediate analysis while the mass spectrometer's inherent resolution and detection capabilities maintain the necessary measurement precision for compound identification and quantification
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 real-time, rapid authentication of various samples with high accuracy and ease of use, reducing analysis time significantly and eliminating the need for extensive sample preparation, while using cost-effective and portable equipment.
Implementation Method 1
generating sample ions from the sample using surface desorption ionization source
Implementation Method 2
analyzing the sample ions using a mass spectrometer to determine relative amounts of the plurality of compounds
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to rapid authentication methods using surface desorption ionization and mass spectrometry detection. In particular, the disclosure relates to rapid methods of authentication of commercial or consumer products using portable, low cost ambient ionization and a single quadrupole mass spectrometer.