Abstract:
The inventor has improved LA-ICP-MS to facilitate its use for imaging of biological samples. Additionally, mass cytometry systems having imaging capability less than 1 micron and high sensitivity are disclosed.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention relate to reagents and their use for elemental imaging mass spectrometry of biological samples. The embodiments comprising methods for quantifying one or more analytes within a sample, comprising the steps of: (a) providing the sample, wherein the one or more analytes are immobilized to a sample carrier, wherein the sample has been labelled with one or more mass tags comprising one or more labelling atoms, (b) performing mass cytometry on the sample to determine the level of the one or more labelling atoms, wherein the level of the one or more labelling atoms corresponds to the copy number of the one or more analytes.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for delivering biological samples to an ICP source of a mass cytometer are disclosed. Biological material is disposed on a plurality of discrete sites on a carrier. The plurality of discrete sites are configured to retain biological material and to release the biological material upon application of energy. The carrier is positioned in proximity to a gas conduit and upon release from the discrete sites, the biological material becomes entrained in a gas flow, which delivers discrete portions of biological material through the conduit to the ICP source for analysis by mass cytometry. The apparatus and methods can provide a continuous stream of discrete portions of biological material to a mass cytometer.
Abstract:
The invention relates to methods and devices for analysis of samples using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The invention provides methods and devices in which individual ablation plumes are distinctively captured and transferred to the ICP, followed by analysis by mass cytometry.
Abstract:
An improved mass cytometer to facilitate its use for the analysis of particles which may include a sampler, an ion source which is an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) from an ICP torch, wherein the ICP torch may comprise an injector that at the end of the injector proximal to the plasma has an internal diameter of less than 2 mm and more than 250 um, a mass spectrometer, an autosampler, an ion deflector, a dead-time corrector and a mass assignment corrector.
Abstract:
Improved mass spectrometry-based apparatus and methods of analysis for analysing samples. A laser sampling system can be adapted to emit pulses of laser radiation at two or more wavelengths, wherein a first wavelength targets a first material and a second wavelength targets a second material. Atoms of the first and second materials removed by laser ablation are ionized by an ionisation system to form elemental ions, which can be detected by a mass spectrometer component. Laser ablation can be performed at multiple locations to form a plurality of plumes, which can be individually subjected to ionisation and spectrometry. Ablating at known locations or recording locational information for each location can permit construction of an image of the sample(s) based on detecting labelling atoms.
Abstract:
The invention relates to methods and devices for analysis of samples using laser ablation imaging mass cytometry and mass spectrometry. The invention provides methods and devices in which individual ablation plumes are distinctively captured and rapidly transferred to the ionization system, followed by analysis by mass spectrometry. A transfer conduit can be used to convey ablation plumes to an ionization system. The transfer conduit can include an asymmetric cone. The transfer conduit can be tapered. A flow sacrificing system can be adapted to divert a part of the sheath flow out a sacrificial outlet while the core of the sheath flow containing ablation plumes enters the ionization system.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for delivering biological samples to an ICP source of a mass cytometer are disclosed. Biological material is disposed on a plurality of discrete sites on a carrier. The plurality of discrete sites are configured to retain biological material and to release the biological material upon application of energy. The carrier is positioned in proximity to a gas conduit and upon release from the discrete sites, the biological material becomes entrained in a gas flow, which delivers discrete portions of biological material through the conduit to the ICP source for analysis by mass cytometry. The apparatus and methods can provide a continuous stream of discrete portions of biological material to a mass cytometer.