SBIR-STTR Award

Using advanced ion optics that was developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), BaySpec will develop a prototype of portable mass spectrometer (less than 40 lb. and 300W) with continuous atmospheric pressure inlet that is fully capable of uninterrupted on-line sampling from an ambient environment. The continuous nature of the inlet ensures full compatibility with separation techniques such as liquid chromatography. The default modes of ionization will be microelectrospray or nanospray and thermal desorption electrospray, but the atmospheric pressure inlet with externally heated inlet capillary can be easily coupled with many different ambient ionization techniques The design of the prototype will be based on unique proprietary combination of ion optics and 2D ion trap. Complex radio-frequency focusing invented by PNNL and licensed to Bayspec will be used to transport ions from atmospheric pressure through novel set of conductance limits into the mass analyzer. Continuous inlet and differential pumping is the industry standard for large research grade mass spectrometers and its utilization for miniature mass spectrometry maintains the known advantages. In terms of limit of detection and compatibility with separation techniques, the continuous inlet design is superior to other technical solutions such as discontinuous atmospheric pressure inlet.

BaySpec Inc., in collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, proposes to develop a new portable multi-order mass spectrometry system that can sequence peptides derived from biological agents including bacteria, viruses, and toxins. During Phase I stage, a fully functional prototype instrument, based on an innovative design concept, was successfully built and the performance evaluation of the instrument confirmed all the design specifications. The focus of the phase II project will be on the development of pre-production prototype of the new miniature mass spectrometer that can be tested in a relative environment outside of a laboratory setting and meet the weight, size, and power consumption requirements. Improving upon the phase I instrument platform, the critical components of the phase II pre-production prototype instrument will also be redesigned/refined to meet the resolution, sensitivity, and mass range requirements. Instrument control and data acquisition software will be developed and implemented in the embedded computer to allow automated instrument parameter optimization, calibration, and MS and data dependent MS/MS analysis.