Labcyte Granted Patent for Acoustically Depositing Droplets on a Surface Prior to High Resolution Analysis
Labcyte Inc. that it has been granted its 17th patent describing the deposition of droplets of low volatility fluids onto surfaces as a precursor to analyses. This technology facilitates higher-resolution imaging by delivering reagents in small droplets of fluids less prone to evaporation.
One problem associated with moving small droplets is that the highly volatile solvents traditionally used to dissolve reagents can evaporate in transit from source to destination. With very small drops or highly volatile solvents, droplets become solid particles that may not bind to the surface and may not react as desired, thus leaving the surface unprepared for subsequent analysis. Even when the droplet reaches the surface, rapid evaporation may reduce the amount of time available for a reaction to take place between the droplet and the surface. This can limit the reaction time of enzymes or the solubilization of surface materials.
One example application is matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry, which is used to measure the mass of compounds suspended in a crystalline matrix. The matrix is typically dissolved in extremely volatile acetonitrile and, in one format called MALDI imaging, the droplets are arrayed on tissue samples. Smaller droplets improve spatial resolution but if they evaporate in flight, there will be insufficient interaction of the matrix with the tissue sample and decreased signal. Specially formulated droplets, as described in the patent, overcome these limitations and provide dramatically improve results, providing better spatial resolution and sensitivity at the same time.
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Topic World Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry enables us to detect and identify molecules and reveal their structure. Whether in chemistry, biochemistry or forensics - mass spectrometry opens up unexpected insights into the composition of our world. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mass spectrometry!
Topic World Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry enables us to detect and identify molecules and reveal their structure. Whether in chemistry, biochemistry or forensics - mass spectrometry opens up unexpected insights into the composition of our world. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mass spectrometry!