Surfactant-Stabilized Microdroplet Ionisation Mass Spectrometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current microfluidic systems face challenges in detecting analytes within microdroplets due to issues like dilution, deformation, and fusion, which hinder high sensitivity and accuracy in microdroplet ionization mass spectrometry.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a microdroplet chip with a surfactant-stabilized aqueous microdroplet in an oil composition, allowing direct injection into a mass spectrometer with minimal dilution, using electrospray ionization to maintain microdroplet stability and prevent fusion, and employing a first-in-first-out flow path to ensure consistent analyte detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If microdroplets are generated and isolated for analysis, then sample loss and cross-contamination are reduced, but physical access to microdroplet contents becomes impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample loss reductionVSAvoidphysical access to microdroplet contents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an emitter as an intermediary device that penetrates or interfaces with the microdroplet to enable mass spectrometry analysis without compromising the isolated nature of the microdroplet. The emitter allows extraction of analytical information while maintaining the microdroplet's containment benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If conventional mass spectrometry integration with continuous flow microfluidic devices is used, then analytical detection is achieved, but integration with microdroplets remains hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte detection capabilityVSAvoidintegration with microdroplets

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters by adapting the mass spectrometry interface to work with discrete microdroplet phases rather than continuous flow. This involves modifying the emitter design and operational conditions to accommodate the intermittent, droplet-based sample delivery while maintaining analytical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If direct injection of microdroplets into mass spectrometer is performed, then analyte detection sensitivity is improved with minimal dilution, but microdroplet stability and prevention of fusion becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte detection sensitivityVSAvoidmicrodroplet stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary stabilization measures by coating or treating the microdroplet surface before injection to prevent fusion during transport and injection. This pre-treatment ensures that the microdroplets maintain their integrity throughout the analysis process, enabling sensitive detection without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If high throughput microdroplet generation is achieved, then processing speed is improved, but analyte detection accuracy and reduced noise becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrodroplet generation rateVSAvoidanalyte detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous operation of the mass spectrometer and microdroplet generation system, ensuring that the analytical process keeps pace with the high throughput sample delivery. This continuous operation prevents bottlenecks and maintains both high productivity and detection accuracy by avoiding interruptions that could lead to sample degradation or instrument instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 achieves high analyte detection sensitivity with reduced noise and contamination, enabling the detection of low concentrations of analytes and maintaining the integrity of microdroplets during analysis.

Implementation Method 1

said oil composition comprising surfactant to stabilise said aqueous microdroplet in said oil composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

an ion source comprising an electrode configured to ionise an oil composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrospray ionization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentEP2589064B1Oil separated microdroplet ionisation mass spectrometry

Publication Date: 2019.06.12 CAMBRIDGE ENTERPRISE LTD

Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)

AI summary

The invention relates to systems employing microdroplets, in embodiments for Microdroplet Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (ESI MS). Thus in one aspect we describe a method of detecting an analyte, the method comprising: providing an oil composition comprising oil and an aqueous microdroplet comprising the analyte, the oil composition comprising a surfactant to stabilise the aqueous microdroplet in the oil composition; and performing ionisation mass spectrometry analysis of the oil composition.