Vacuum-Assisted Sorbent Pen for GC-MS Sample Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chromatography techniques face limitations in sensitivity and volatility range due to small gas phase sample sizes and the inability to enrich headspace compounds, particularly for low volatility compounds, in sample extraction methods like headspace analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sample extraction device, referred to as a Sorbent Pen, uses vacuum-assisted sorbent extraction (VASE) to collect samples from vials by drawing a vacuum through an internal seal, allowing for rapid and thorough collection of headspace gases or samples, which can then be analyzed using GC, GCMS, LC, or LCMS devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If headspace analysis is used to capture volatile compounds, then volatility range is improved, but sensitivity deteriorates due to small gas phase sample sizes and inability to concentrate samples
Solution Approach 1:
A sorbent material is introduced as an intermediary between the headspace gas and the analytical instrument. The sorbent captures and concentrates analytes from the headspace, then transfers them to the analytical system, thereby improving sensitivity while maintaining the ability to analyze volatile compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and concentration parameters of the sample by using the sorbent to concentrate analytes from the gas phase onto a solid phase, then subsequently desorbing them into a liquid or gas phase suitable for analysis, thereby enhancing detection sensitivity.
2Productivity
If vacuum is applied to draw headspace gas through the sorbent, then sample collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to vacuum system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is integrated directly into the handheld device, allowing it to self-regulate and control the vacuum application without requiring external vacuum equipment or complex laboratory infrastructure, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining high collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions including vacuum generation, sorbent containment, sample collection, and sample transfer into a single handheld unit, eliminating the need for separate vacuum systems and reducing overall device complexity while improving productivity.
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 Sorbent Pen enhances sensitivity and volatility range by efficiently collecting and concentrating samples under vacuum conditions, improving the recovery of low-volatility compounds and allowing for more complete desorption into chemical analysis devices, thereby improving the detection of trace chemicals in various matrices.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum is drawn through an internal seal of the sample extraction device to facilitate rapid and thorough collection of the sample
Implementation Method 2
drawing a vacuum through an internal seal, allowing for rapid and thorough collection of headspace gases or samples
Implementation Method 3
The sample extraction device contains a sorbent configured to absorb or adsorb a sample
Implementation Method 4
The sample extraction device contains a sorbent configured to absorb or adsorb a sample
Implementation Method 5
allowing for more complete desorption into chemical analysis devices
Implementation Method 6
The sample extraction device allows the flow of a carrier fluid (e.g., a gas or a liquid) through a sorbent containing the sample, and into a pre-column and/or a primary column of a chemical analysis device
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample extraction device (100, 200,210) and a desorption device for use in gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), liquid chromatography (LC), and/or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) are disclosed. The sample extraction device includes a lower chamber (220) holding a sorbent (202). The sample extraction device can extract sample headspace gas from a sample vial by placing the sorbent inside the vial and creating a vacuum to increase recovery of low volatility compounds, for example. Once the sample has been collected, the sample extraction device can be inserted into a desorption device. The desorption device can control the flow of a carrier fluid (e.g.,a liquid or a gas) through the sorbent containing the sample and into a pre-column and/or a primary column of a chemical analysis device for performing GC, GCMS, LC, LCMS, and/or some other chemical analysis process.