The Need

Traditional Mass Spectrometry (MS) methods require solid and liquid samples to be vaporized and charged before analysis, which can be limiting. Existing ion sources are often specialized for specific types of analytes, leading to inefficiencies and the need for multiple devices. There is a pressing need for a versatile ion source that can handle a wide range of analytes and streamline the MS process.

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The Technology

The panoptic ion source is an advanced ionization device designed for mass spectrometry analysis of solid, liquid, and gaseous analytes. It operates through a non-contact charging mechanism initiated by electrostatic induction, allowing it to charge analytes via electrospray ionization and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. This dual mechanism enables the analysis of polar, non-polar, small organic, and large biomolecular compounds from a single source. The device supports both solution-phase and gas-phase reactions, including isomer differentiation, which is typically challenging for mass spectrometry. It facilitates high-throughput experimentation for gas-phase chemical reaction screening, enabling the differentiation of closely related compounds such as amines and hydrazines. The ion source has demonstrated capabilities in detecting solid compounds with low vapor pressure, analyzing vapor phase samples, and screening various chemical reactions in real-time. Additionally, it supports in-capillary micro-extraction for ultrasensitive analysis of biofluids without prior sample preparation, using only microliter volumes.

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Benefits

• Performance improvements: Enhanced sensitivity and versatility in analyzing a wide range of compounds.
• Cost-effectiveness: Reduces the need for multiple specialized ion sources, streamlining the MS process.
• Versatility: Applicable to solids, liquids, and gases, supporting various biomedical applications.
• Ease of use: Non-contact charging mechanism simplifies sample preparation and analysis

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Patent

US Utility Patent Application Filed, Application Number US20230395364A1