Abstract: An apparatus for producing analyte ions for detection by a mass spectrometer is described. The apparatus includes an ion source in which the surface of a target substrate for holding an analyte sample includes structured carbon nanotube material. The structured carbon nanotube material is structured in terms of being situated on a selected portion of the target support surface an/or in terms of being aligned in a selected orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing analyte ions for detection by a mass spectrometer is described. The apparatus includes an ion source in which the surface of a target substrate for holding an analyte sample includes structured carbon nanotube material. The structured carbon nanotube material is structured in terms of being situated on a selected portion of the target support surface an/or in terms of being aligned in a selected orientation.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a matrix-based ion source including a gas heating device for providing heated gas at a defined temperature to the ionization region of the ion source. The ion source may also include a temperature sensor. The heating device and temperature sensor may be operably connected to work as a closed feedback loop to provide gas at a constant, pre-determined, temperature to the ionization region. Also disclosed is a mass spectrometer system having the matrix-based ion source. A method of producing ions employing gas that is heated to a pre-determined temperature is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus that produces analyte ions for detection by a detector. The apparatus includes a matrix based ion source having a target substrate including a carbon nanotube material for producing analyte ions, an ion transport system adjacent to the matrix based ion source for transporting analyte ions from the matrix based ion source; and an ion detector downstream from the ion transport system for detecting the analyte ions. The invention also provides a method for producing and detecting the analyte ions.

Abstract: A capillary for a mass spectrometry system is described. The capillary comprises a channel and a tip, and at least one of the channel and the tip comprises a nanowire material.

Abstract: A capillary for a mass spectrometry system is described. The capillary comprises a channel and a tip, and at least one of the channel and the tip comprises a carbon nanotube material that provides a hydrophobic surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus that produces analyte ions for detection by a detector. The apparatus includes a matrix based ion source having a nanowire target substrate for producing analyte ions, an ion transport system adjacent to the matrix based ion source for transporting analyte ions from the matrix based ion source; and an ion detector downstream from the ion transport system for detecting the analyte ions. The invention also provides a method for producing and detecting the analyte ions.

Abstract: An ionization chamber for a mass spectrometry system is described. The ionization chamber comprises a housing defining an ionization region, and the housing comprises a carbon nanotube material.

Abstract: The invention provides a substrate for use in an ion source of a mass spectrometer system. The substrate may be employed independently or in conjunction with an ion source or a mass spectrometry system. A substrate is provided having at least one pattern recognition site and a carbon nanotube adjacent to the pattern recognition site. Methods of making and ionizing samples using the pattern recognition site and carbon nanotube surface are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for therapeutic treatment of humans and other mammals. The present invention may address drug resistance problems in vivo. The therapeutic composition of the present invention comprises an encapsulation vesicle, an activation agent such as a pore forming agent on the surface of the encapsulation vesicle and an optional targeting ligand. The targeting ligand may be attached to either the activation agent or the encapsulation vesicle. The encapsulation vesicle may contain a bioactive agent that may be released to the inside of a diseased cell. The activation agent or pore forming agent is activated by an activation condition.