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A Low Divergence 2940 nm Laser System for Mass Spectrometry Ionization Sources

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 1R43RR032261-01
Agency Tracking Number: R43RR032261
Amount: $149,744.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: NCRR
Solicitation Number: PA10-050
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2233 FARADAY AVE, STE E
CARLSBAD, CA 92008-
United States
DUNS: 809432164
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 ELI MARGALITH
 (760) 929-0770
 elimar@opotek.com
Business Contact
 ELI MARGALITH
Phone: (760) 929-0770
Email: elimar@opotek.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Mass spectrometry has become an important tool for understanding how molecules function in sample systems such as biological tissue. Large RandD investments have been dedicated to the technological progress of mass spectrometers. To add value to these investments, small businesses have developed add-on ionization sources that extend the capabilities of the instrument. These third party ionization sources have enabled researchers to create mass spectrometry images (spatial molecular mass maps) from tissue samples, improve sensitivity and directly analyze samples without sample preparation in real time. Matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization (MALDI) has become the ionization source of choice for many of these third-party ionization sources especially for MS imaging (MSI) because a laser beam can be focused to a very small spot size to increase spatial resolution. Typically, the laser operates in the UV and desorbs/ionizes the sample in the presence of a light absorbing matrix. The need for matrix addition is a limiting factor because the even distribution of the matrix across the sample surface can be time consuming, expensive, irreproducible and require extensive expertise. It has been demonstrated that mid-IR lasers can successfully ionized biomolecules in tissue by using water as an endogenous matrix. Direct mid-IR ionization has successfully been used in atmospheric pressure (AP) MALDI sources as well as an efficient desorber for secondary ionization by Electrospray Ionization (ESI) and Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) sources. Optical parametric oscillators (OPO) have become the laser technology of choice for generating mid-IR light. Focusing the laser light to very small spot sizes has been a problem due to the high divergence of OPO beam. Cost and size of the OPOs prevent the technology from being widely adopted. This grant proposal aims to develop a mid-IR OPO with a divergence close as possible to the diffraction limit in Phase I. The OPO will be tested bycreating highly resolved MS images of biological tissue samples will little to no sample preparation or pretreatment. Phase II will address cost and size issues. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Funding of this grant proposal will provide the resources to develop a better tool for creating a biological image of tissues and cells. The image will show the location of important molecules, such as metabolites and proteins, during different stages of biological development. This information will help scientistsunderstand how life functions in its native form or when a foreign substance such as a drug is introduced into the system.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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