Structured biological samples for analysis by mass cytometry
AssigneeFluidigm Canada Inc.
InventorAlexander V. Loboda
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for delivering biological samples to an ICP source of a mass cytometer are disclosed. Biological material is disposed on a plurality of discrete sites on a carrier. The plurality of discrete sites are configured to retain biological material and to release the biological material upon application of energy. The carrier is positioned in proximity to a gas conduit and upon release from the discrete sites, the biological material becomes entrained in a gas flow, which delivers discrete portions of biological material through the conduit to the ICP source for analysis by mass cytometry. The apparatus and methods can provide a continuous stream of discrete portions of biological material to a mass cytometer or mass spectrometer.
Claims19
A method of delivering a biological sample into a mass cytometry system, the method comprising:
- heating at least a portion of a film supporting the biological sample to lift at least a portion of the biological sample into a gas phase without complete vaporization of the lifted biological sample, the gas phase configured to deliver the lifted biological sample to the mass cytometry system.
A method of analyzing a biological sample comprising:
- (i) heating a film underneath the biological sample;
- (ii) desorbing a slug of sample material;
- and
- (iii) ionizing the slug of sample material and detecting atoms in the slug by mass spectrometry.
A support comprising:
- a film for delivering a biological sample into a mass cytometry system, wherein the film is configured to support the biological sample and wherein heating of the film lifts the biological sample into a gas phase without complete vaporization of the biological sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.