The Need

There is a commercial need for an advanced ionization and analysis technology that can effectively and rapidly detect and analyze organic compounds, including both polar and non-polar ones, in various matrices. The current challenges in existing ambient mass spectrometry (MS) methods include the inability to simultaneously generate different ion types, the lack of robustness, and limitations in ionizing microsamples with minimal dilution. To address these shortcomings, a technology is required that offers integrated, versatile, and quantitative ionization of a wide range of organic compounds for various commercial applications.

The Technology

The invention presents novel methods of ionizing and analyzing organic compounds, as well as systems and devices that accomplish the same. It utilizes corona discharge to ionize headspace vapors or electrostatically attracted particles, enabling the detection of analytes at extremely low concentrations. The technology incorporates an ionization chamber with both integrated and separate electrospray ionization (ESI) and corona electrodes. The system's versatility allows for ionizing both polar and non-polar compounds, including large biomolecules, in diverse matrices.

Commercial Applications

1. Biomedical Analysis: The technology finds extensive application in biomedical research and diagnostics. It enables the analysis of biofluids (e.g., urine, blood serum, plasma) for biomarkers, drugs, and other organic compounds, aiding in disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

2. Environmental Monitoring: The technology can be employed for environmental monitoring and analysis of organic pollutants in air, water, and soil. This facilitates the detection and quantification of contaminants and helps in maintaining environmental safety.

3. Pharmaceutical Industry: In the pharmaceutical industry, the technology can be used for drug analysis, including drug discovery, quantification of pharmaceutical compounds in formulations, and quality control of pharmaceutical products.

4. Forensic Investigations: The technology's ability to detect trace amounts of organic compounds is valuable in forensic analysis, aiding in crime scene investigations, toxicology screening, and identifying illicit substances.

5. Chemical Research: The technology offers a valuable tool in chemical research and analysis of complex mixtures, elucidating reaction products, and identifying unknown compounds.

Benefits/Advantages

1. High Sensitivity: The technology enables the detection and quantification of organic compounds at extremely low concentrations, enhancing sensitivity and accuracy in analysis.

2. Versatility: The integrated system's ability to ionize both polar and non-polar compounds, along with large biomolecules, provides unmatched versatility in various applications.

3. Rapid Analysis: The technology allows for rapid analysis of complex mixtures without the need for pre-treatment, saving time and resources in analytical workflows.

4. Robust and Reliable: With an integrated, robust design, the technology offers enhanced reliability, minimizing downtime and maintenance needs.

5. High Throughput Screening: The system's compatibility with automated samplers allows for high-throughput screening of multiple samples, increasing efficiency in large-scale analysis.

Our technology meets the pressing commercial need for advanced ionization and analysis methods, offering a versatile and robust solution for detecting and quantifying a wide range of organic compounds in various applications. Its benefits include high sensitivity, rapid analysis, and suitability for high-throughput screening, making it a valuable tool in biomedical, environmental, pharmaceutical, forensic, and chemical research fields.