The present disclosure relates to a method and system of preconcentrating analytes in a solution within an emitter for ionization mass spectrometry and analysis.

An evaporation closed chamber for detecting hazardous substance, having a closed chamber, an orifice plate, a pressure plate, a drive device and an elastic film, the orifice plate is mounted on any surface(s) of the closed chamber, the elastic film is arranged on the outer side of the orifice plate, the pressure plate is arranged on the outer side of the elastic film, and the drive device is in transmission connection with the pressure plate to drive the pressure plate to move forwards and backwards to press the elastic film against the orifice plate. The elastic film expands with the increase of internal temperature of the closed chamber and shrinks with the temperature decrease of the closed chamber such that the gas in the closed chamber can be timely compensated; the orifice plate prevents hazardous substance from leaving on the gas compensation device to influence test accuracy.

The invention provides a sample preparation method (100) comprising: providing a sample (10) comprising an organic molecule (20), wherein the organic molecule (20) comprises a target group (21), wherein the target group (21) is a nucleophilic group and/or an acidic group; a derivatization stage (110) comprising: derivatizing the target group (21) of the organic molecule (20) with a moiety (31) comprising one or more of (i) a hydrocarbon comprising group and (ii) a 3rd period atom comprising group, wherein the 3rd period atom is selected from the group consisting of Si, P, and S, thereby providing a derivatized organic molecule (30); a separation stage (120) comprising: subjecting the sample (10) to a separation process to provide a fraction (35) comprising the derivatized organic molecule (30); and a preparation stage (130) comprising: introducing the derivatized organic molecule (30) into a porous single crystal (40), to provide a derivatized organic molecule doped porous single crystal (50).

Methods for preparing a biological sample for testing by Maldi where such methods are selected based on sample parameters. Maldi scores are obtained for a range of sample parameters (e.g. McFarland, dispense volume and number of dispenses). From the data, sample preparation parameters can be selected for a biological sample being prepared for Maldi testing. One sample preparation strategy uses multiple dispenses of sample with an intervening drying step, which yields more accurate Maldi scores, particularly for samples at the low range of McFarland values (e.g. below about 2).

A method for concentrating at least one analyte including the following steps: preparing a first phase including at least one analyte; depositing a drop of the first phase on a substrate; depositing on the drop of first phase a drop of a second liquid phase including at least one surfactant, the second phase being non-miscible with the first phase; evaporating the drop of the second phase; and evaporating the drop of the first phase. Also relates to a method for detecting at least one analyte using the concentration method; and a system using the detection method.

Systems and methods for automatic preparation of samples through evaporative sampling for subsequent analysis are described. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample source configured to supply a sample; an evaporation container fluidically coupled with the sample source to receive the sample; a temperature control element operably coupled with the evaporation container to vaporize a liquid portion of the sample within the evaporation container, the evaporation container fluidically coupled with a gas input to receive a gas to transport vapor from the evaporation container; and a cooling system configured to receive the vapor from the evaporation container and to condense the vapor for collection.

Devices and methods for automated liquid handling and reagent processing to provide labelling and detection of bacteria and viruses are provided. Labelling reactions are performed rapidly and with essentially no generation of hazardous waste or use of consumables. Highly sensitive detection is performed by measuring fluorescence on a rotating sample plate.

Methods and devices for continuous flow monitoring of a liquid sample for presence of an airborne microbial pathogen are provided. The liquid sample can be derived from environmental air. The methods and devices provide for continuous labeling of a targeted pathogen in the liquid sample with a fluorescent probe. A customized fluorescence detector is provided that can detect labeled pathogens during continuous flow.

A sensor cartridge contains a porous matrix for passing analyte molecules of a liquid sample. A porous collection disk supports the matrix and closes a lower end of a wall of the cartridge. The collection disk being sandwiched between the lower end and a base cap. An air channel extends between a first air opening at a top end of the cartridge and a second air opening positioned above the collection disk and opposite a base cap air opening. The collection disk is between the second air opening and the base cap air opening. At least one of the first air openings and the base cap air opening comprises a connection to a supra-atmospheric or subatmospheric pressure air source. The second air opening and the base cap air opening guide an air flow to provide evaporation and analyze concentration at specific locations of the collection disk, thereby improving detection limits.

An evaporation closed chamber for detecting hazardous substance, having a closed chamber, an orifice plate, a pressure plate, a drive device and an elastic film, the orifice plate is mounted on any surface(s) of the closed chamber, the elastic film is arranged on the outer side of the orifice plate, the pressure plate is arranged on the outer side of the elastic film, and the drive device is in transmission connection with the pressure plate to drive the pressure plate to move forwards and backwards to press the elastic film against the orifice plate. The elastic film expands with the increase of internal temperature of the closed chamber and shrinks with the temperature decrease of the closed chamber such that the gas in the closed chamber can be timely compensated; the orifice plate prevents hazardous substance from leaving on the gas compensation device to influence test accuracy.