Technology Overview

Researchers at Northeastern University designed a new nonmatrix-dependent method for desorption. They discovered that the nitrogen emitted when a diazirine compound is photoactivated to a carbene can propel molecules off a surface including a carbene-modified molecule. This gives a new kind of source for MS, and a new way to covalently modify a surface in general (the second surface that receives the carbene) because of the broad reactivity of carbenes. This technique overcomes many of the shortcomings of the MALDI technique for desorption. Nonmatrix desorption increases the scope of desorption and analytes’ detection. Also, it reduces the background signals, thereby increasing resolution and reproducibility of the technique. This sensitive method can be used for screening and quality control in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetic industry as well as clinical diagnoses. Increased sensitivity and rapid test results of the assay allow replacing immunoassays.

Benefits

Nonmatrix desorption
Simple (compared to MALDI)
Increased scope of desorption
Universal detection
Reduced background peak
Detection of more analytes

Applications

Drug screening
Quality control of chemicals in several industries e.g. food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics
Clinical diagnostics
Gene editing

Opportunity

Research collaboration
Licensing
Developmental partner

Nitrogen Enhanced Desorption by a Diazirine

Seeking