Tandem Mass Analysis System for Differential Component Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tandem type mass analysis systems are inefficient in detecting differential components due to the wasteful process of measuring mass analysis spectra for a large number of parent ions, where most components are included in standard specimens, leading to increased measurement processes without detecting differential components.
Innovation Solution
A tandem mass analysis system that divides the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) region into multiple regions, selectively dissociates and analyzes ions within detected differential components, and repeats mass analysis stages only for necessary parent ions to efficiently identify differential components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a larger number of parent ions is selected for analysis, then the detection accuracy of differential components is improved, but the measurement process time and resource consumption are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) region into multiple segments or regions. For each region, only ions within that specific m/z range are selected as parent ions for subsequent analysis. This segmentation approach reduces the total number of parent ions that need to be analyzed while ensuring that differential components are not missed, as each region is systematically covered. The segmentation transforms a comprehensive but time-consuming full-scan approach into a targeted regional analysis strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by focusing analysis resources on specific m/z regions where differential components are likely to be present. Instead of uniformly analyzing all parent ions across the entire mass spectrum, the system selectively intensifies analysis in particular m/z regions based on preliminary data or expected differential component locations. This allows higher detection accuracy in critical regions while reducing overall measurement time.
2Reliability
If mass analysis spectra are measured for all parent ions, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but most measurements become wasteful since most components are included in standard specimens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the redundant measurement process by identifying and eliminating parent ions that are known to be present in standard specimens. Before performing full mass analysis, the system compares the specimen's mass spectrum with the standard specimen's spectrum and extracts only the differential parent ions that differ between the two. This extraction process eliminates the wasteful measurement of common components while maintaining reliable detection of differential components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary comparison between the specimen mass spectrum and the standard specimen mass spectrum before conducting detailed mass analysis. This preliminary action identifies which parent ions are differential components and which are common to both specimens. By performing this preliminary screening, the system avoids the wasteful measurement of all parent ions and focuses resources only on the differential ones, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive coverage of relevant components.
3Measurement precision
If the number of parent ions is increased to improve detection accuracy, then more differential components can be detected, but the process complexity and measurement steps are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex task of analyzing all parent ions into manageable m/z region-based subtasks. Instead of handling the complexity of comprehensive parent ion analysis in one step, the system divides the mass spectrum into multiple regions and processes each region separately. This segmentation reduces process complexity by breaking down the overwhelming task into smaller, more manageable units while still achieving comprehensive detection of differential components across the entire spectrum.
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 allows for high-efficiency differential analysis by reducing unnecessary measurements and increasing the chances of detecting differential components, even when present in minute amounts, by focusing analysis on specific m/z regions and ions.
Implementation Method 1
The horizontal axis of the mass analysis spectra denotes the ratio of the mass to the charge m/z
Implementation Method 2
The parent ions are dissociated, and each of the dissociated ions is measured for the mass analysis distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a tandem type mass analysis system capable of carrying out the differential analysis with high efficiency by the tandem type mass analysis. A predetermined number of m/z regions are set up for carrying out the mass analysis with the all ions included therein being dissociated collectively for each m/z region so as to obtain measurement MS2 data. By comparing the measurement MS2 data with reference MS2 data stored in a reference data base, a difference thereof is detected. For the m/z region with a differential component detected, the mass analysis is carried out collectively without dissociation for the all ions included therein so as to obtain measurement MS1 data. By comparing the measurement MS1 data with the reference MS1 data, a difference thereof is detected. From the difference thereof, a parent ion considered to be the differential component factor is presumed for carrying out the mass analysis with the same being dissociated.