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3D Printer Generates and Manipulates Ions for Mass Spectrometry

Summary: To resolve these issues, researchers at Purdue University developed a technology where ions are generated and manipulated in the ambient environment using polymeric electrodes produced with a consumer-grade 3D printer. This technology can focus, separate, react, and detect ions efficiently within a small device prior to entry into MS. The spatial control and focus of the ions in air allows for a smaller inlet into the mass spectrometer, hence reducing pumping requirements. These are useful for miniature MS and allows for continuous ion introduction, thus making it cost-effective and simple.

Technology Benefits: Ion manipulation Functions in ambient environment Reduced equipment requirements

Technology Application: Mass spectrometry R&D laboratories

Detailed Technology Description: R. Graham CooksPurdue ChemistryAston Labs

Countries: United States

Application No.: None

*Abstract

*Background: Scientific tools such as mass spectrometry (MS) is probably one of the most widely used technologies, ranging from complex mixture analysis, molecular biology, large scale purification, and materials preparation. However, some issues with this include the low pressure environment that is needed for analysis. Atmospheric pressure interfaces (API) alleviated this and allowed ambient ionization methods during sampling, but the transfer, focusing, and analysis of ions must still be done under a vacuum, and vacuum pumps are cumbersome, both physically and electrically. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) was another method commonly used to analyze gas-phase ions and can be coupled to MS platforms. This used higher pressure environments, including atmospheric pressure, but this technology also relies on laminar gas flow along the ion path. From all these examples it is apparent that there is a need for the control of ions at or near atmospheric pressure in a more efficient manner.

*IP Issue Date: None

*IP Type: Provisional

*Stage of Development: Process validation in lab

*Web Links: Purdue Office of Technology CommercializationPurdueInnovation and EntrepreneurshipR. Graham CooksPurdue ChemistryAston Labs

Country/Region: USA

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