Absorbance-Coupled Voltage Control of Electrospray Ionization

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a widely used research tool for determining the exact molecular weight of particles within a sample. It separates electrically charged ions within a gas phase that are subsequently transferred into a mass analyzer, sorted in space or time according to their mass-to-charge ratios. Although there have been many advances using multiple columns to increase throughout, they are limited by cost and instrumentation size. Hence, new methods are needed to expand the capabilities of MS for a better understanding of diseases, diagnostics, and drug development.

Researchers at Rowan University are developing a new hardware method for introducing MS samples via electrospray ionization. It controls voltage with an in-line absorbance detector such that spray is only initiated when a compound or molecule is present at the detector. The detector comprises two single-wave ultraviolet detectors in line with the electrospray ionization source. Data from a laboratory-grade prototype show the ability to evaluate multiple analytes simultaneously in one MS machine.

Competitive Advantages

• A novel configuration that only activates the electrospray when an analyte is present in-line, enabling high throughput analysis of multiple compounds simultaneously.
• Expands MS capabilities and improves analysis across biological, chemical, and industrial applications in a single machine.

Opportunity

• The market for MS is expected to exceed $6.3 billion by 2024 at a CAGR of 6.7%.
• Growth is driven by initiatives for pollution control, spending on pharmaceutical R&D, and drug safety.
• The market for MS machines is $920 million annually.

Rowan University is seeking a partner(s) for further development and potential commercialization of this technology. The inventor is available to collaborate with interested companies.