Vibrating Disk Discrete Drop Dispenser for LC-MS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-spray systems for LC/MS interfaces face challenges due to inconsistencies in drop volume formation, primarily caused by variations in flow rate and mobile phase composition, leading to charge competition between analytes and mobile phase ions, which affects the accuracy of mass spectrometry analysis.
Innovation Solution
A discrete drop dispensing device with a vibrating disk that forms and dispenses fluid drops of consistent volume, self-correcting for flow rate mismatches and mobile phase composition changes, ensuring a stable drop dispensing rate that matches the fluid flow rate from the LC column, and utilizing a gas-phase ionization method that minimally ionizes the mobile phase to enhance analyte ionization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electro-spray system is used to charge mobile phase, then ionization of analytes is achieved, but charge competition between analytes and mobile phase ions occurs resulting in reduced detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful charging function from the mobile phase by using a charged spray (electrospray) that selectively charges only the analyte molecules while leaving the mobile phase uncharged. This separation of charging function from mobile phase eliminates the charge competition problem while maintaining ionization capability for detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary charged spray as a mediator between the mobile phase and the detector. This spray acts as a charge transfer medium that selectively transfers charges to analytes without charging the mobile phase, thereby eliminating charge competition while enabling mass spectrometry detection
2Measurement precision
If electro-spray system charges mobile phase, then analyte ionization is achieved, but flow rate accuracy becomes difficult to maintain due to mobile phase composition changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging function from the mobile phase flow control system and places it in the charged spray interface. This separation allows the mobile phase to flow at accurate, controlled rates without being affected by composition changes, while the charged spray adapts to composition variations independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ionization process from the mobile phase flow system. The mobile phase delivery system operates independently with precise flow control, while the charged spray interface handles ionization separately, allowing each subsystem to optimize its function without interference from the other
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 device achieves consistent and accurate drop formation and ionization, reducing charge competition and improving the reliability of mass spectrometry analysis by maintaining a stable drop dispensing rate and minimizing mobile phase ionization, thereby enhancing the detection of analytes.
Implementation Method 1
A discrete drop dispensing device with a vibrating disk that forms and dispenses fluid drops of consistent volume
Implementation Method 2
prior attempts to form a gas or vapor phase of the mobile phase and analytes
Data Source
AI summary
A discrete drop dispensing device comprises a substrate comprising an upper surface and a lower surface and orifices extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, adapted to receive a fluid at a flow rate. The discrete drop dispensing device also comprises an oscillator disposed adjacent to the substrate and configured to vibrate the substrate to expel drops having a substantially equal volume of the fluid. The flow rate is substantially identical to a drop dispensing rate. A method and a device for performing liquid chromatography are also described. The method comprises automatically adjusting the drop dispensing rate to a change in the flow rate or a change in a composition of a mobile phase of the fluid.