Background:

Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique characterized by its excellent sensitivity, robust selectivity, and rapid response. The four stages of mass spectrometry are ionization, acceleration, separation, and detection. Among these, the ionization step is crucial for analyzing complex mixtures as it modulates the metabolic coverage and limit of detection. Existing ionization techniques, such as Electrospray Ionization (ESI) and Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI), are limited in their ability to ionize samples with diverse physicochemical properties using a single ionization source. This limitation necessitates the development of a more versatile ionization method. The new dynamic power supply addresses this challenge by enabling sequential ionization of various molecules under ambient conditions without sample pretreatments, thus expanding the detection range for polarity and mass.

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Technology Overview:

Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a groundbreaking dynamic power supply for mass spectrometry that supports three unique ion sources: single nano electrospray ionization (nESI), plasma-in-droplet ionization (PIDI), and flow-through induced paper spray ionization (FIPSI). This technology allows for the detection of both polar and nonpolar compounds, as well as small and large molecules, in a single experiment. The dynamic power supply automatically adjusts the ionization voltage, eliminating the need for laborious manual optimizations. This innovation enhances ionization efficiency, sensitivity, and signal stability, making it suitable for applications in liquid chromatography MS systems and portable mass spectrometry devices. The versatility and cost-effectiveness of this setup make it a valuable tool for comprehensive molecular analysis.

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Benefits:

• Enhanced Performance: Improved ionization efficiency and sensitivity for a wide range of compounds.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the need for multiple ionization sources and manual optimizations.
• Versatility: Capable of analyzing both polar and nonpolar compounds, as well as small and large molecules.
• Ease of Use: Simplifies the ionization process with automatic voltage adjustments.
• Adaptability: Suitable for various applications, including liquid chromatography MS systems and portable devices.