Improved Methods and Commercialization of a Multimodal Vibrating Sharp-Edge Spray Ionization Source

Abstract / Summary Over the last 20 years, mass spectrometer instruments have developed at a remarkable pace. Improvements in instrument design have led to significant advances in overall performance with regard to sensitivity, mass range, and throughput. Today, many high-end mass spectrometers feature all of these design enhancements trending toward the ability to use a single instrument for highly varied experiments ranging from native mass spectrometry (MS) and untargeted metabolomics. Currently, three spray-based ionization sources dominate the market for high-end mass spectrometers. These sources are: heated electrospray ionization (HESI), nanoelectrospray ionization (nESI), and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI). A problem arises in that each is required for different types of experiments. Thus, the true potential of the mass spectrometer especially with regard to throughput is often hindered. This proposal will result in the development of an all-in- one ionization source that can replace all three sources while at the same time providing superior performance with regard to sensitivity and throughput for a wide variety of experiments. The new ionization source is based on the vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization (VSSI) technology invented in Dr. Li’s research group at West Virginia University (WVU). The Phase I STTR work produced a prototype source for native MS experiments that provided sensitivity enhancements of 10 to >100-fold over HESI and nESI. The Phase II work will create a foolproof (turn-key) ionization source to allow scientists to take advantage of the sensitivity gains. Additionally, novel functionality will be included in this three-in-one ionization source to allow for unique experiments such as turning protein stabilities in droplets and monitoring protein structure flexibility and changes in such. Another example is the introduction of cyclical VSSI/APCI capabilities in a single experimental sequence which will allow broader and deeper metabolomics and lipidomics characterizations. The Invibragen Spanda MultimodalTM ionization source will unlock the full potential of high-end mass spectrometers while providing significant cost savings to the customer.