Universal Mass Spectrometer Sensor | Science & Engineering Services, Inc.

General Description
The Universal Mass Spec Sensor (UMSS) is sized and designed to deliver a next generation portable Mass Spec capability for both biological and chemical (Explosives, Narcotics, CWA and TIC) materials. Sample inlet is via heated probe and/or direct injection. A key attribute of UMSS is rapid sample processing in clutter and the ability to enable (create/transfer) library updates of new hazards and/or unknowns within a few hours. In terms of logistics, the consumables cost per sample is less than one dollar and train-up for non-technical users is two days.

Technical Description
The Universal Mass Spec Sensor (UMSS) uses a hexapole ion-trap mass spectrometer in which MS/MS is conducted either via secondary electro-spray ionization (SESI) of chemical samples or via supplemental AP-MALDI module for biological samples. Sample materials undergo rapid ionization and MS/MS of targeted markers to sift rapidly thru clutter against specialized-onboard and/or commercial internet-accessible databases..

Evaluation Criteria

THROUGHPUT:

Between 2 and 15 minutes for detection
Multiple samples, multiple tests/sample per run
95-32 samples every 2 hours
The system or device is currently semi-automated
Device or system is intended for multiple detection assays
3 solutions, buffer, eluents, and/or reagents
1 component
10-20 minutes is required for set-up
1-2 steps are required for detection

LOGISTICS:

An afternoon of training and some technical skills required
Approximately the size of a carry-on luggage suitcase
Between 25 and 50 kg
Wireless and wired connections are available
System or device has 110V electrical requirement
4-8 hours battery life

OPERATIONS:

Can be used from 4°C to 37°C
Performance is not influenced by relative humidity
Between 1 to 3 years shelf life
Greater than 10 years expected life
Results can be viewed in real-time
The system could easily be adapted into a fully autonomous system
The system software is open and available for modification
The system hardware is open and available for modification

DETECTION:

Possible the system could receive 510K clearance, no current efforts at this time
Possible the system could receive FDA approval, no current efforts at this time
Less than 10 µL
Excellent specificity. System has occasional false alarms under certain conditions (<2%)
1,000-10,000 CFU per mL
1,000-10,000 PFU per mL
10-100 ng per mL
Semi-automated spore lysis
1 ppb-1 ppm
System currently can identify liquid chemical agent