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Updated: May 28, 2026
08:23
Real-time Breath Analysis by Using Secondary Nanoelectrospray Ionization Coupled to High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 9, 2018
Portable Aerosol Mass Spectrometer with Enhanced Resolution.
Vadym Berkout1, Stuart Collymore1, Scott Ecelberger1
1Zeteo Tech, Inc., 6935 Warfield Ave, Sykesville, Maryland 21784, United States.
Summary
A new method spatially separates aerosol particle ionization and mass analysis for faster, more accurate detection of airborne threats. This technique improves mass-resolving power and sensitivity for bioaerosol identification.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Rapid identification of airborne pathogenic agents is critical for public health and security.
- Conventional time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry for bioaerosol detection suffers from particle size bias, low throughput, and limited mass resolution.
- Existing methods require high vacuum and complex instrumentation, hindering field deployment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel analytical strategy for enhanced chemical characterization of airborne particles.
- To improve the mass-resolving power and accuracy of bioaerosol detection systems.
- To achieve sensitive and rapid identification of pathogenic agents in aerosols.
Main Methods:
- Spatially separating aerosol particle ionization and mass analysis.
- Utilizing laser ionization at elevated pressures (1-10 Torr) within an ion funnel.
- Employing a compact orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight (oaTOF) mass spectrometer with an ion-guiding system.
- Implementing selective removal of noninformative low-mass ions.
Main Results:
- Achieved an order of magnitude improvement in mass-resolving power compared to standard instruments.
- Demonstrated high-quality mass spectra collection in under 10 seconds.
- Reached detection sensitivity as low as approximately 1 attomole of biological material.
- Enabled operation with only two small pumps.
Conclusions:
- The novel spatially separated ionization and analysis strategy significantly enhances bioaerosol detection capabilities.
- This compact and sensitive system offers a promising solution for rapid identification of airborne threats.
- The improved performance facilitates more accurate and efficient chemical characterization of airborne particles.
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