Advanced sample introduction methods for mass spectrometry

质谱仪具有无与伦比的性能，可在极低浓度下识别复杂样品中的化学和生物化学物质。该提案描述了由工业合作伙伴SCIEX商业化的革命性质谱采样接口与拉瓦尔大学的光纤制造技术以及皇后大学开发的先进涂层和加工技术的结合。Queen's和拉瓦尔在基于材料的研究及其用于化学传感方面有着良好的记录，SCIEX在将加拿大大学的知识产权推向质谱应用市场方面有着40年的历史。 超疏水仿生材料通过化学结构和微纳米结构的结合，获得了其独特的亲水/憎水和吸附特性。该提案将开发先进的制造方法来制备这些材料，以帮助质谱样品制备，其中例如可以创建大阵列的样品（例如，唾液，尿液，血液，脊髓液等流体）并将其存储为亚微升（<0.0000001 L）液滴或干点。数千个液滴可以在几秒钟内“排列”。快速样品制备非常适合新型质谱接口（开放端口探针），这是一项由SCIEX授权的大学技术，能够以每秒5个样品的速度注入和分析液滴！该项目在皇后大学和拉瓦尔的大学和政府（联邦和省）投资中利用了超过3000万美元。虽然该项目有一个具体的目标，联合收割机和开发MS样品制备和成像，该组织认为这是SCIEX，拉瓦尔和女王大学之间关于质谱技术开发的更大关系的开始。HQP将通过在SCIEX以及这两个学术机构接受最先进的制造设备和分析仪器的培训而受益匪浅。该培训将使学生成为未来的领导者和创新者，这将继续推动加拿大走在先进制造和分析测量的最前沿。

Mass spectrometers possess unparalleled performance for the identification of chemical and biochemical species, in complex samples, at extremely low concentrations. This proposal describes the combination of a revolutionary mass spectrometric sampling interface commercialized by the industrial partner SCIEX, with fiber fabrication techniques at Université Laval and advanced coatings and machining techniques developed at Queen's University. Queen's and Laval have a strong record of materials-based research and its use for chemical sensing, and SCIEX a 40 year history of bringing Canadian University intellectual property to market for mass spectrometry applications. Superhydrophobic and biomimetic materials obtain their novel water loving/fearing, and sorptive characteristics through a combination of both chemical make-up and micro-nano structure. This proposal will develop advanced manufacturing methods to prepare these materials to aid in mass spectrometric sample preparation where for example large arrays of samples (e.g. fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, spinal fluid) can be created and stored as sub-microliter (<0.00000001 L) droplets or dried spots. Thousands of droplets can be "arrayed" in only a matter of seconds. The rapid sample preparation is well suited to the novel mass spectrometric interface (open port probe), a university technology licensed by SCIEX that is able to inject and analyze droplets at speeds as fast as 5 samples per second! The project leverages > $30 million in University and Governmental (Federal and Provincial) investment at Queen's University and Laval. Although this project has a specific aim to combine and develop MS sample preparation and imaging, the organizations believe this is the beginning of larger relationship between SCIEX, Laval and Queen's University concerning mass spectrometric technology development. HQP will benefit considerably through training at SCIEX, and both academic institutions on state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and analytical instrumentation. The training will position the students as future leaders and innovators which will continue to propel Canada to the forefront of advanced manufacturing and analytical measurement.