Through-Hole Sample Support for High-Resolution MALDI Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) methods for imaging mass spectrometry face limitations in increasing the resolution of images for high molecular weight samples.
Innovation Solution
A sample support body with a substrate having through-holes and a conductive layer, where a matrix crystal layer is formed to include gaps communicating with the outside, allowing sample components to move via capillary action and be ionized while maintaining position information, thereby enhancing image resolution in mass spectrometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous matrix layer is used in MALDI imaging, then ionization efficiency is improved, but position information of sample components is lost and image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix layer is segmented into discrete regions corresponding to individual through-holes in the substrate. Each through-hole creates a localized matrix crystallization zone, dividing the continuous matrix layer into discrete functional units. This segmentation allows ionization to occur efficiently within each zone while preserving the spatial position information of sample components, thereby resolving the contradiction between ionization efficiency and image resolution.
2Reliability
If sample components move through the substrate to reach the matrix, then ionization is achieved, but position information may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is pre-formed with through-holes at specific predetermined positions before sample application. This preliminary structuring ensures that when sample components move through the substrate via capillary action, they emerge at known locations that correspond to their original positions in the sample. The through-holes act as position-preserving conduits, allowing ionization to occur while maintaining spatial information.
3Device complexity
If the substrate has no through-holes, then structure is simple, but sample components cannot efficiently reach the matrix for ionization
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate incorporates through-holes that create a porous structure, enabling efficient transport of sample components from the sample surface to the matrix layer via capillary action. This porous design with controlled pore sizes and distributions facilitates reliable ionization by ensuring adequate sample-matrix contact, while the regular arrangement of through-holes maintains reasonable structural simplicity.
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
The described sample support body improves the resolution of images in ionization and imaging mass spectrometry for high molecular weight samples by ensuring effective ionization and maintaining position information of sample components.
Implementation Method 1
since the matrix crystal layer includes a gap communicating the plurality of through-holes with an outside, the components of the sample move from the second surface side to the first surface side via the plurality of through-holes due to a capillary phenomenon
Implementation Method 2
when the first surface is irradiated with an energy beam while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer, the energy is transferred to the components of the sample and the matrix that have moved to the first surface side, and the components of the sample are ionized together with the matrix
Data Source
AI summary
A sample support body for ionization of a sample, including: a substrate having a first surface, a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of through-holes opening on each of the first surface and the second surface; a conductive layer provided on the first surface; and a matrix crystal layer provided on at least one of the conductive layer and the second surface, in which the matrix crystal layer is formed of a plurality of matrix crystal grains so as to include a gap communicating the plurality of through-holes with an outside.