Researchers from Brown University have developed a revolutionary method for transferring ions for mass spectrometry with nearly no sample loss, a longstanding challenge in the field. By using a tiny capillary with an opening 1,000 times smaller than a human hair, the team was able to transfer ions dissolved in water directly into the vacuum of mass spectrometers, eliminating the need for traditional electrospray ionization and reducing the amount of gas drawn into the mass spectrometer during analysis.
The breakthrough has the potential to simplify the complex hardware of mass spectrometers, making them more efficient and accurate. The team spent the past decade developing and refining their nanopore ion source method, which has been successfully demonstrated to match traditional detection methods but with significantly less sample loss. Their work has the potential to revolutionize proteomic analysis by enabling the sequencing of proteins one amino acid at a time, a long-sought goal in the field.
The researchers envision commercializing their idea for widespread use by protein researchers, offering a more sensitive and efficient way to analyze tiny particles. The team’s persistence and dedication to their work have paid off, paving the way for future advancements in mass spectrometry technology. The study, published in Nature Communications, serves as a proof of concept for the nanopore ion source method and sets the stage for further research to unlock its full potential and improve proteomic analysis workflows.
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