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US 2010/0301199 A1Published application
Ultrasound ionization mass spectrometer
AssigneeAcademia Sinica
InventorsChung-Hsuan Chen, Chen-I Wu
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Abstract
Methods and systems for ultrasound ionization mass spectrometry are provided. Analytes in a sample are ionized by subjecting them to ultrasound, facilitating their analysis by mass spectrometry. With these methods and systems, soft ionization of large analytes, including biological macromolecules and nanoparticles, can be achieved. Ionization efficiency can be improved by addition of chemicals such as, for example, organic solvents or acids to the sample.
Claims49
A method of performing ultrasound ionization mass spectrometry, the method comprising:
- providing a sample comprising at least one analyte or analyte precursor in a dissolved, colloidal, suspended, or liquid state;
- subjecting the sample to ultrasound, wherein the ultrasound causes formation of an amount of ionized analyte detectable by mass spectrometry from the at least one analyte or analyte precursor;
- sorting or selecting the ionized analyte according to its mass to charge (m/z) ratio;
- and
- detecting the ionized analyte.
2 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- an ultrasound source;
- a mass analyzer;
- and
- a detector,
- wherein the apparatus can ionize an analyte by ultrasound ionization to produce ionized analyte in a quantity sufficient for mass spectrometric analysis.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.