Microfabricated multiplexed devices for sample application and sample delivery to a microelectrospray-mass spectrometer
Introduction The most conclusive and reliable protein identification method is based on correlating collision-induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra of peptides with sequence databases. CID spectra of peptides are most frequently generated by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) on triple quadrupole or ion trap mass spectrometers. This technology has reached a level of sensitivity which permits the identification of essentially any protein which is detectable by conventional protein staining. However, protein sample throughput is orders of magnitude lower than the throughput of DNA-based technologies and some of the most sensitive protein analysis techniques developed to date are difficult to automate. The implementation of steps required for protein identification by ESI-MS/MS on microfabricated devices is a promising approach to enhance sample throughput and the sensitivity of protein analysis. Technology description Researchers at the University of Washington have invented a device to rapidly deliver samples in a continuous manner to a mass spectrometer for protein identification via a micro or nano-electrosprayer. Multiple samples can be loaded on the device and sequentially anlayzed without cross-contamination. The present invention is adaptable to many analytical problems beyond protein analysis that require rapid, unambiguous, automated, and sensitive analysis of complex mixtures of analytes. Business opportunity The overall market for mass spectrometry is estimated at approximately $1.2B. The market for mass spectrometry in protein biomarker discovery and validation applications is estimated to grow from $235M to $598M in 2011, at a CAGR of 16.8%.Patents:
US 6,576,896
Type of Offer: Licensing
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