Targeted Compound Detection Mass Spectrometry Workflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional quality control processes in mass analysis, such as mass spectrometry, require multiple assays and are inefficient in processing analytical data, leading to bottlenecks in obtaining regulatory approval and certifying products for patient use.

Innovation Solution

A targeted compound detection process using a multi-attribute monitoring approach that generates cumulative data from raw analytical data, aligns and aggregates it, and determines quantified compound information based on compound specification information, allowing for the identification of both expected and unexpected compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional QC processes use multiple assays (ELISA, liquid chromatography) to evaluate products, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality control accuracyVSAvoidnumber of assays
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple quality control assays into a single mass spectrometry-based multi-attribute monitoring method that can simultaneously measure multiple critical quality attributes (CQAs) including purity, potency, and degradation products, eliminating the need for separate ELISA and liquid chromatography assays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mass spectrometry system is configured to perform multiple functions including identification, quantification, and characterization of various compound types (peptides, proteins, metabolites) using a single analytical platform, thereby replacing multiple specialized assays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If conventional QC processes use multiple assays, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to processing bottlenecks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality control accuracyVSAvoiddata processing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sequential QC assays into a single parallel mass spectrometry workflow that collects and processes all necessary quality data simultaneously, eliminating the sequential processing bottleneck inherent in conventional multi-assay approaches

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual, mechanical sample handling and data processing across multiple assays with an automated mass spectrometry system that uses electronic data processing and algorithm-based analysis to rapidly quantify compounds and generate QC results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If mass analysis uses targeted compound detection with cumulative data, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis efficiencyVSAvoidquantification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary alignment and aggregation of mass spectral data from multiple injections before quantification, creating a cumulative data set that enhances signal-to-noise ratio and improves detection sensitivity without sacrificing quantification accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses computational algorithms and data processing methods to maintain measurement precision in cumulative data analysis, replacing traditional single-injection analysis with sophisticated multi-injection data aggregation that preserves analytical accuracy while improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3924730B1Apparatus and method for targeted compound analysis
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 WATERS TECH IRELAND LIMITED IE
  • EP3924730B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3924730B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3924730B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques and apparatus for performing target compound detection processes are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus may include at least one memory, and logic coupled to the at least one memory. The logic may be configured to implement a targeted compound detection process, for example, by receiving raw data from analysis of a sample via an analytical device, generating cumulative data from the raw data, receiving compound specification information associated with the sample, and determining quantified compound information via performing targeted compound detection based on the cumulative data and the compound specification information to determine. Other embodiments are described.