Abstract: A fluid processing system that can include a sample container having a sample chamber for containing a fluid and a plurality of magnetic particles and at least one movable magnetic assembly configured to be movably inserted into or out of the sample chamber. The movable magnetic assembly can include a plurality of electromagnets that generate a magnetic field within at least a portion of the sample chamber when the assembly is inserted at least partially into the sample chamber. The fluid processing system can also include a signal generator that applies electrical signals, e.g., AC electrical signals, to the electromagnets of the magnetic assembly and a controller coupled to the signal generator that is configured to control phases of the electrical signals applied to the electromagnets to generate magnetic field gradients within the portion of the sample chamber effective to magnetically influence the plurality of the magnetic particles.

Abstract: Electromagnetic systems and corresponding methods for assembling the electromagnetic systems are described. The electromagnetic systems can be used in fluid processing systems that include a plurality of fluid containers, each configured to define a fluid chamber that receives a fluid and a plurality of magnetic particles, and a plurality of electromagnets configured to generate a magnetic field within at least one of the plurality of the fluid containers. The fluid processing system can also include a PCB board that supplies the electromagnets with electrical current by establishing an electrical connection between electrical contact terminals included on the PCB board and spring loaded connections included on each electromagnet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a liquid sample to an ion source for the generation of ions and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry are provided herein. In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, MS-based systems and methods are provided in which the flow of desorption solvent within a sampling probe fluidly coupled to an ion source can be selectively controlled such that one or more analyte species can be desorbed from a sample substrate inserted within the sampling probe within a decreased volume of desorption solvent for subsequently delivery to the ion source. In various aspects, sensitivity can be increased due to higher desorption efficiency (e.g., due to increased desorption time) and/or decreased dilution of the desorbed analytes.

Abstract: A method for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a sample includes: sampling, from a first sample, a first one or more droplets for mass analysis, wherein the first sample includes the sample; performing mass analysis on the first one or more droplets to determine a first intensity of an analyte in the first one or more droplets; sampling, from a second sample, a second one or more droplets for mass analysis, wherein the sec-ond sample includes the sample and a first spike of the analyte; performing mass analysis on the second one or more droplets to determine a second intensity of the analyte in the second one or more droplets; fitting a curve to the first intensity and the second intensity; and based on the fitted curve, calculating an analyte concentration for the sample.

Abstract: Methods and systems for handling and/or analyzing samples are provided. In one example, a method comprises: introducing (406), with a liquid handler (322), at least one assisting agent into a sample well (310) of a well plate (312), wherein the sample comprises a sample volume; and ejecting (408), with an acoustic droplet ejector, ADE, (306), a mixture comprising the sample mixed with the at least one assisting agent from the sample well, wherein the at least one assisting agent interacts (406) with an analyte of the sample to limit gel formation at a top surface of the sample volume, prior to the mixture ejection.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample plate containing a plurality of samples includes aspirating simultaneously, from the sample plate, a first sample droplet from a first sample of the plurality of samples with a first pipette and a second sample droplet from a second sample of the plurality of samples with a second pipette. The sample plate also includes dispensing sequentially, from the first pipette and the second pipette, the first sample drop and the second sample drop into an open port interface (OPI).

Abstract: A system for analyzing a sample includes a sample preparation sub-system for preparing at least one sample in a sample vessel and a magnetic bead storage sub-system. A sample intake sub-system receives the at least one sample. A mass spectrometer (MS) is communicatively coupled to the sample intake sub-system. A transfer sub-system includes a tool for moving the sample vessel from the sample preparation sub-system to the sample intake sub-system.

Abstract: Improvements in acoustically dispensed samples that are injected into an open port probe (OPP) are described. Apparatus and method are described that calibrate the volume dispensing determination and mechanisms in the acoustic dispenser to produce accurate and precise volumetric delivery.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a liquid sample to an ion source for the generation of ions and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry are provided herein. In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, MS-based systems and methods are provided in which an open port of a sampling probe for receiving a specimen may be exposed to washing solvent to wash the sampling probe while fluid within the sampling probe remains continuously flowing.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of extracting a target analyte from a sample for introduction into a mass spectrometer is disclosed, which includes mixing the sample with a paramagnetic medium to form a mixture, subjecting the mixture to a magnetic field gradient to form a non-homogenous distribution of at least one of the analyte and at least one interfering component of the sample, if any, thereby enhancing a concentration of the target analyte within a spatial location of said mixture, extracting at least a portion of the target analyte from that spatial location, and introducing at least a portion of the extracted target analyte into said mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A system includes a capillary having a first end connected to a sampling device and a second end. The sampling device is configured to separate a sample with a separation solution and deliver the sample and the separation solution to the second end. The second end is coupled to a capillary ground contact. A transport liquid supply system in fluidic communication with a transport liquid supply conduit provides a transport liquid from a transport liquid source through the transport liquid supply conduit. The transport liquid provided from the transport liquid supply conduit includes a receiving volume defined at least in part by a meniscus. The second end of the capillary is in fluidic communication with the receiving volume. A liquid exhaust system in fluidic communication with a removal conduit removes liquid from the receiving volume. An analysis system is in fluidic communication with the removal conduit.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of performing mass spectrometric analysis of a sample, e.g. a food-based sample, is disclosed, which comprises ionizing the sample to generate a plurality of ions, introducing the plurality of ions into a mass filter configured to provide a high m/z cutoff greater than a maximum m/z ratio of ions associated with one or more analytes of interest in the sample so as to allow passage of the analyte ions while inhibiting passage of ions having m/z ratios above said high m/z cutoff, and performing a mass analysis of ions passing through said mass filter. In a related aspect, a mass spectrometer is disclosed, which comprises an atmospheric pressure ion source, a first mass filter, a user interface and a controller.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a liquid with a mass analysis device having a bubble generating interface (BGI) and a removal conduit includes aspirating a sample into the removal conduit at an aspira-tion pressure. Concurrently with aspirating the sample at least one operational condition of the BGI is controlled to generate a plurality of bubbles in the sample. Concurrently with aspirating the sample the plurality of bubbles are aspirated into the removal conduit. The sample and the plurality of bubbles are analyzed with the mass analysis device to generate a signal.

Abstract: GT Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling humidity and/or temperature during chemical analysis of a sample material. Specifically, the present application relates to microfluidics systems and methods, e.g. involving ADE, open port interface (OPI) and/or mass spectrometry (MS), for controlling humidity and/or temperature during chemical analysis of a sample material. The present systems and methods allow a user to modify the temperature of a microplate during dispensing. This allows the user to study reactions that occur at temperatures different than room temperature, e.g. at body temperature. Additionally, modifying and/or controlling the temperature of a microplate during dispensing can allow a user to maintain quality of a sample through maintaining a proper temperature, e.g. a cool temperature to prevent degradation of a sample. As part of the present invention, Applicant determined how to avoid phase changes, e.g.

Abstract: A method of evacuating a liquid sample from an open port interface (OPI) via a pressure drop includes applying the pressure drop to a transport liquid. This application generates a plurality of bubbles in the transport liquid during evacuation of the transport liquid from the OPI via a transfer conduit. The liquid sample is separated from a subsequent liquid sample by at least one of the generated bubbles.

Abstract: A method for the repeated analysis of a sample bearing location. The sample bearing location may include, for instance, a sampled point in a tissue slice that is spatially and temporally correlated to the original slice. The slice may be in whole, or in part, a complete item or a portion of a complete item such as, for example, a human organ. The method improves the analysis process, such as mass spectrometry analysis, by providing a much more complete characterization of the target. The method also allows for the splitting of the sample and chemical/physical alteration of the aliquots for enhanced chemical analysis.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a liquid sample to an ion source for the generation of ions and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry are provided herein. In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, MS-based systems and methods are provided in which an open port of a sampling probe for receiving a specimen may be exposed to washing solvent to wash the sampling probe while fluid within the sampling probe remains continuously flowing.

Abstract: A method of sampling an ejection of a sample from a liquid container includes disposing the liquid container adjacent an open port in-terface. The container includes a sampling port. The open port interface en-gages with the sampling port. The sample from the liquid container is eject-ed, through the sampling port, and into the open port interface. The sample is analyzed with a mass spectrometry device.

Abstract: A method of operating a differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) includes providing a heater disposed proximate a ceramic body of a DMS cell. A first control voltage is applied to the heater. A first threshold is detected by a first sensor disposed within a curtain plate that substantially surrounds the DMS cell. A second control voltage is applied to the heater based at least in part on the detected first threshold. During application of the second control voltage, a mass spectrometry analysis of a gas within the DMS cell is performed.

Abstract: A method of delivering transport fluid from an open port interface to an outlet via a transfer conduit includes delivering, to the open port interface, a transport liquid at a first flow rate. The open port interface is disposed in a pressure environment having a first pressure. A second pres-sure is applied at the outlet, wherein the second pressure is less than the first pressure. The pressure applied at the outlet generates a motive flow on the transport liquid, thereby drawing into the transfer conduit (a) the transport fluid, wherein the transport fluid is in contact with a wall of the transport conduit, and (b) a gas present in the pressure environment. The gas forms an air core within the drawn transport fluid. The air core extends substantially an entire length of the transfer conduit.