Zero Volt Mass Spectrometry Probe Using Porous Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometry methods often cause unwanted fragmentation of target analytes due to the application of high voltage during ionization, which can lead to inefficient analysis and sample degradation.
Innovation Solution
A zero-volt mass spectrometry system utilizing a porous material, such as paper, where solvent interacts with the sample and flows into a mass spectrometer without applying voltage to the probe, allowing for ion generation and analysis through random charging during droplet breakup, eliminating the need for high voltage and pneumatic assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage is applied to the probe during ionization, then ion formation is achieved, but unwanted fragmentation of target analyte occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the high voltage source from the ionization process entirely. Instead of applying high voltage to generate ions, the system uses ambient ions already present in the environment to ionize analytes on the probe surface, thereby eliminating the harmful fragmentation effect while maintaining ion formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ambient ions as an intermediary medium to transfer charge to the analyte. Rather than directly applying high voltage to the analyte (which causes fragmentation), ambient ions serve as a gentle mediator that facilitates ionization without the harmful effects of high voltage
2Quantity of substance
If high voltage is applied to achieve ionization, then ions are generated, but sample degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high voltage component from the ionization mechanism, replacing it with a low-energy ambient ion transfer process that generates sufficient ions for analysis without degrading the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the energy parameter of the ionization process from high voltage (high energy) to ambient ion transfer (low energy), maintaining ion generation efficiency while preventing sample degradation through reduced energy input
3Productivity
If voltage is applied to the probe, then ionization efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to voltage source requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the voltage source entirely from the system, eliminating the complexity of high voltage generation, stabilization, and control circuits while achieving ionization through simpler ambient ion transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes ambient ions naturally present in the environment to perform the ionization function, eliminating the need for active voltage sources and reducing device complexity while maintaining ionization efficiency
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 enables efficient ionization and analysis of samples without voltage application, reducing fragmentation and enhancing ionization efficiency, allowing for the detection of various analytes, including biological and environmental samples, with improved signal intensity and reduced sample preparation requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Solvent is supplied to the porous material, interacts with a sample on or within the porous material, and flows to a distal end of the porous material
Implementation Method 2
Random charging during the breakup of droplets occurs, generating sample ions, which are analyzed within the mass spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to zero volt mass spectrometry probes and systems. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system including a mass spectrometry probe including a porous material, and a mass spectrometer (bench-top or miniature mass spectrometer). The system operates without an application of voltage to the probe. In certain embodiments, the probe is oriented such that a distal end faces an inlet of the mass spectrometer. In other embodiments, the distal end of the probe is 5 mm or less from an inlet of the mass spectrometer.