The invention generally relates to mass spectral analysis. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve a probe for nano spray desorption electro spray ionization (nano-DESI) with fixed positioning of the channels therein for consistent and stable formation of a liquid bridge for nano-DESI and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Probes may incorporate a shear force probe for sensing and maintaining a desired distance between the probe and the sample surface being analyzed.

The present invention relates to a method for detecting and mapping the spatial distribution of organic compounds aiming to understand how such organic compounds are distributed on the surfaces of reservoir rocks subjected to injection fluids for oil recovery purposes. The DESI and LAESI techniques may be used in the analysis of rocks from trials of oil recovery in small or large scale. Furthermore, both techniques may be applied in the analysis of compounds present on the surfaces of minerals from aquatic environments.

A mass spectrometry imaging system includes an ionization source located at a first location configured to produce ions from a surface of a sample at the first location; a mass spectrometer located at a second location configured to perform mass spectrometry analysis by analyzing the produced ions based on mass to charge ratio of the ions; and an ion transfer device configured to transfer the ions from the first location to the second location such that the ion transfer device includes a plurality of electrodes, the plurality of electrodes configured to be flexible or flexibly connected to each other, and the ion transfer device is configured to be flexible or re-configurable while transferring the ions.

The present invention relates to a method for identifying and/or authenticating a sample, comprising adding at least one chemical compound to the sample, determining a level of the at least one compound after addition to the sample; comparing the level of the at least one compound to a reference level and identifying the sample based on the comparison with the reference sample and the effect of the sample on the level of the at least one compound. The invention further relates to the use of the at least one compound in the method for identifying and/or authenticating a sample. Further, the invention relates to the use of a kit comprising the at least one compound in the inventive method. In addition, the invention relates to a composition comprising the at least one compound. Further, the invention relates to a kit comprising the compositions provided herein, e.g. for calibrating the methods provided herein and/or the instruments employed in the methods provided herein.

A device for providing analyte to an analyzer is described. In some examples, the device comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of wells formed therein at predetermined locations. Each of the wells can be capable of containing an analyte without mixing with analytes in other of the wells. Each of the wells can also have a well exit to allow analyte to exit therefrom. A channel can be in flow communication with at least one of the well exits, and can guide analyte ions exiting therefrom to the mass analyzer. The wells may be filled prior to use in association with the mass analyzer. The substrate may be used as part of a fraction collector if desired.

A mass spectrometer adopting a configuration of a multi-stage differential evacuation system appropriately performs optimization of a direct-current voltage applied to a plurality of ion optical elements for transporting ions. An auto-tuning controller acquires intensity data of ions derived from a predetermined component while changing a direct-current voltage applied to ion guides and the like, and searches for a direct-current voltage at which the intensity is maximized. When the direct-current voltage applied to a certain ion optical element is changed at the time of automatic adjustment, the direct-current voltage applied to all the ion optical elements thereafter is also changed by the same amount. Since the direct-current voltage difference between two adjacent ion optical elements always changes at only one point, the direct-current potential difference can be determined so as to optimize the ion passage efficiency.

Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus useful for the collection, preservation, and analysis of biological fluids. In some embodiments, a hydrophobic thread is contacted with a biological sample. The hydrophobic thread stabilizes the biological sample over prolonged periods of time. Compounds, including small molecules and/or biopolymers, can be ionized by applying a suitable voltage to the tread. These ionized compounds can then be analyzed, for instance using mass spectrometry.

An ionization method includes: a first process of preparing a sample support body including an electrically insulating substrate having a first surface, a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of through-holes opening on each of the first surface and the second surface and an electrically insulating frame attached to the substrate; a second process of mounting a sample on a mount surface of a mount portion and mounting the sample support body on the mount surface so that the second surface is in contact with the sample; and a third process of ionizing components of the sample that have moved to the first surface side via the plurality of through-holes by irradiating the first surface with charged-droplets and sucking the ionized components.

A sample support body is a sample support body for ionization of a sample, including: a substrate having a first surface, a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of through-holes opening on each of the first surface and the second surface; and a frame attached to the substrate, in which a thermal conductivity of the frame is 1.0 W/m.Math.K or less.

The invention generally relates to systems and methods for conducting reactions and screening for reaction products.