Surface Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Real-Time Dermatological Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for analyzing dermatological samples, such as GC-MS and LC-MS, are labor-intensive and time-consuming, making it difficult to provide personalized cosmetic products that effectively address individual anatomy and conditions in real-time.
Innovation Solution
The use of surface desorption ionization-mass spectrometry methods and apparatus for rapid, real-time analysis of dermatological samples, allowing for the identification of specific compounds and conditions, enabling the preparation of personalized cosmetics and treatments without extensive sample preparation or internal standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional analytical tools (GC-MS, LC-MS) are used to obtain chemistry data, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the time-consuming chromatographic separation step from the conventional GC-MS and LC-MS analytical workflow. By using direct mass spectrometry without chromatography, the method retains the ability to identify and quantify chemical compounds while reducing analysis time from hours to minutes, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical chromatographic separation system with a direct mass spectrometry detection system. Instead of using physical separation through columns and mobile phases, the invention directly ionizes and detects molecules in the sample, substituting a complex mechanical separation process with a more efficient spectral analysis approach that maintains precision while dramatically reducing time.
2Measurement precision
If conventional analytical tools (GC-MS, LC-MS) are used to obtain chemistry data, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the chromatographic separation step from the analytical workflow, the patent enables faster chemistry data acquisition that directly accelerates personalized cosmetic product development. The elimination of this time-consuming intermediate step allows for rapid iterative testing and formulation optimization, thereby improving overall productivity while maintaining data precision through direct mass spectrometry detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous and rapid chemistry analysis without the interruptions and time delays inherent in conventional chromatographic methods. The direct mass spectrometry approach allows for seamless, rapid sequential analysis of multiple samples, maintaining continuous productive action in the personalized product development process while preserving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If conventional analytical tools are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex multi-step sample preparation procedures (hydrolysis, derivatization, chromatographic separation) from the conventional analytical workflow. By implementing direct mass spectrometry analysis, the invention simplifies the device and procedure complexity while maintaining measurement precision through direct molecular detection, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct mass spectrometry method allows the analytical system to directly analyze samples with minimal or no preparation. The system essentially serves itself by directly ionizing and detecting molecules without requiring complex external preparation steps, thereby reducing device and procedural complexity while maintaining the precision needed for accurate chemistry data.
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 quick, robust, and in-situ screening of dermatological samples, allowing for real-time monitoring and treatment of skin conditions, reducing the need for extensive lab tests and enabling personalized product formulation in less than an hour.
Implementation Method 1
generating sample ions from the dermatological sample using a surface desorption ionization source
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for determining components and associated conditions in a dermatological sample, and preparing personalized cosmetics or treatments. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the use of surface desorption ionization-mass spectrometry methods and apparatus to assay dermatological samples. The method and apparatus can allow real time analysis of sample molecules, such as in skin and hair, for molecular diagnostics in dermatology, dermatopathology and the preparation of personalized cosmetics.