Abstract: The invention generally relates to high-throughput label-free enzymatic bioassays using desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS).

Abstract: The invention generally relates to mass spectrometry via frequency tagging.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems including nanoelectrospray ionization emitters in a movable array format in which the emitters can be loaded, singly or simultaneously, through their narrow ends using a novel dip and go method based on capillary action, taking up sample from an array. The sample solutions in each emitter can be electrophoretically cleaned, singly or simultaneously, by creating an inductive electric field that moves interfering ions away from the narrow end of the capillary. Subsequent to cleaning, the emitters are supplied with an inductive electric field that causes electrospray into a mass spectrometer allowing mass analysis of the contents of the emitter.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for synthesizing a reaction product and increasing yield of the same. In certain aspects, the invention provides a multi-mode reaction system in which in a first mode one or more valves of the system are configured to cause reagents to flow from one or more reagent reservoirs of the system through one or more components of the system to generate a reaction product; and in a second mode the one or more valves are configured to change flow within the system such that the one or more reagent reservoirs are isolated from a remainder of the system and the generated reaction product and any remaining reactants are recycled back through the multi-mode reaction system to increase a yield of the reaction product.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to charged mass label compositions and methods of use thereof for detecting a target analyte in a sample. In certain aspects, the invention provides a charged mass label composition including an affinity reagent, and a mass label precursor bound to the affinity reagent. The mass label precursor includes a label binding unit and a mass label. The label binding unit reversibly binds the mass label to the affinity reagent. The mass label includes a charge unit and a mass label unit having a pre-defined mass-to-charge-value in a mass spectrum.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to logical operations in mass spectrometry. The system comprising a mass spectrometer comprising one or more ion traps; and a central processing unit (CPU), and storage coupled to the CPU for storing instructions that when executed by the CPU cause the system to apply one or more scan functions to the one or more ion traps, the scan functions being combine together.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to ion traps and methods of use thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system that includes a mass spectrometer including an ion trap, and a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU has storage that is coupled to the CPU for storing instructions that when executed by the CPU cause the system to apply a constant radio frequency (RF) signal to the ion trap, and apply a first alternating current (AC) signal to the ion trap the frequency of which varies as a function of time.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to ion generation using modified wetted porous materials. In certain aspects, the invention generally relates to systems and methods for ion generation using a wetted porous substrate that substantially prevents diffusion of sample into the substrate. In other aspects, the invention generally relate to ion generation using a wetted porous material and a drying agent. In other aspects, the invention generally relates to ion generation using a modified wetted porous substrate in which at least a portion of the porous substrate includes a material that modifies an interaction between a sample and the substrate.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for increasing reaction yield. In certain embodiments, the invention provides systems for increasing a yield of a chemical reaction that include a pneumatic sprayer configured to generate a liquid spray discharge from a solvent. The solvent includes a plurality of molecules, a portion of which react with each other within the liquid spray discharge to form a reaction product. The system also includes a collector positioned to receive the liquid spray discharge including the unreacted molecules and the reaction product. The system also includes a recirculation loop connected from the collector to the pneumatic sprayer in order to allow the unreacted molecules and the reaction product to be recycled through the pneumatic sprayer, thereby allowing a plurality of the unreacted molecules to react with each other as the unreacted molecules cycle again through the system.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for separating ions at about or above atmospheric pressure. In certain embodiments, the invention provides systems that include an ionization source that generates ions and an ion trap. The ion trap is maintained at about or above atmospheric pressure and includes a plurality of electrodes and at least one inlet configured to receive a gas flow and at least one outlet. The system is configured such that a combination of a gas flow and one or more electric fields produced by the electrodes separates the ions based on mass-to-charge ratio and sends the separated ions through the at least one outlet of the ion trap.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to two-dimensional mass spectrometry using ion micropacket detection. In certain aspects, the invention provides systems including a mass spectrometer having an ion trap and one or more detectors. The system includes a central processing unit (CPU), and storage coupled to the CPU for storing instructions that when executed by the CPU cause the system to: apply one or more scan functions to the ion trap that excite a precursor ion and eject a product ion from the ion trap; and determine a secular frequency of the product ion by detecting micropackets of the product ion as the micropackets are ejected from the ion trap.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for determining whether a peptide includes aspartate or isoaspartate. In certain aspects, methods of the invention involve binding an aspartate/isoaspartate residue in a peptide with a label to produce a labeled peptide. The labeled peptide is then ionized. The ionizing process causes the label to undergo rearrangement in a gas phase at a higher rate if the label is bound to the aspartate residue as compared to if the label is bound to the isoaspartate residue. The methods of the invention then involve performing a mass spectrometry analysis to detect the rearrangement of the label, thereby determining whether the peptide includes aspartate or isoaspartate.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to charged mass label compositions and methods of use thereof for detecting a target analyte in a sample. In certain aspects, the invention provides a charged mass label composition including an affinity reagent, and a mass label precursor bound to the affinity reagent. The mass label precursor includes a label binding unit and a mass label. The label binding unit reversibly binds the mass label to the affinity reagent. The mass label includes a charge unit and a mass label unit having a pre-defined mass-to-charge-value in a mass spectrum.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to mass spectral analysis. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve analyzing a tissue sample using a mass spectrometry technique, in which the technique utilizes a liquid phase that does not destroy native tissue morphology during analysis. Due to the use of a liquid phase that does not destroy native tissue morphology during analysis, a subsequent staining technique can be performed on the tissue sample and an overlaid image can be produced of a mass spectral image and a staining image.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for increasing reaction yield. In certain embodiments, the invention provides systems for increasing a yield of a chemical reaction that include a pneumatic sprayer configured to generate a liquid spray discharge from a solvent. The solvent includes a plurality of molecules, a portion of which react with each other within the liquid spray discharge to form a reaction product. The system also includes a collector positioned to receive the liquid spray discharge including the unreacted molecules and the reaction product. The system also includes a recirculation loop connected from the collector to the pneumatic sprayer in order to allow the unreacted molecules and the reaction product to be recycled through the pneumatic sprayer, thereby allowing a plurality of the unreacted molecules to react with each other as the unreacted molecules cycle again through the system.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for separating ions at about or above atmospheric pressure. In certain embodiments, the invention provides systems that include an ionization source that generates ions and an ion trap. The ion trap is maintained at about or above atmospheric pressure and includes a plurality of electrodes and at least one inlet configured to receive a gas flow and at least one outlet. The system is configured such that a combination of a gas flow and one or more electric fields produced by the electrodes separates the ions based on mass-to-charge ratio and sends the separated ions through the at least one outlet of the ion trap.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for performing multiple precursor, neutral loss and product ion scans in a single ion trap. In certain aspects, the invention provides systems including a mass spectrometer having a single ion trap, and a central processing unit (CPU), and storage coupled to the CPU for storing instructions that when executed by the CPU cause the system to apply at least one of the following ion scans to a single ion population in the single ion trap: multiple precursor ion scans, a plurality of segmented neutral loss scans, or multiple simultaneous neutral loss scans.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for collision induced dissociation of ions in an ion trap. In certain aspects, the invention provides a system that includes a mass spectrometer having an ion trap, and a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU includes storage coupled to the CPU for storing instructions that when executed by the CPU cause the system to generate one or more signals, and apply the one or more signals to the ion trap in a manner that all ions within the ion trap are fragmented at a same Mathieu q value.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for sample analysis using swabs. In certain aspects, the invention provides systems that include a probe having a conductive proximal portion coupled to a porous material at a distal portion of the probe that is configured to retain a portion of a sample that has contacted the porous material, and a mass spectrometer having an inlet. The system is configured such that the porous material at a distal portion of the probe is aligned over the inlet of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to mass spectrometry probes and systems for ionizing a sample. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a mass spectrometry probe including a substrate in which a portion of the substrate is coated with a material, a portion of which protrudes from the substrate.