Conventional mass spectrometry (MS) technology has been an effective analytical process for the last century. Now, as demand grows for real-time data analysis, miniaturised MS instruments have significantly broadened the scope for suitable applications in environmental and life sciences industries. By reducing the complexity of analytical processes at the point-of-need, productivity is improved and profitability is increased.

Utilizing a mini-mass spectrometer at the point-of-need for the life sciences industries

Integrating a quadrupole mass spectrometer, such as the Microsaic 4500 MiD®, into your process ensures data is measured, quality is improved, and problems are detected in real-time. As the vacuum system, electronics, and computer are integrated in one unit, it retains the performance of conventional MS systems but allows for installation at the point-of-need. Deployable mini-mass spectrometers are frequently utilized in the life sciences industries, as they are:

• Substantially smaller in size
• Less complex to operate and maintain
• Highly cost-effective
• Suitable for on-line, at-line, and off-line applications
• Essential for increasing process productivity and profitability

Microsaic is already demonstrating how point-of-need MS detectors can be used in bioprocessing. Connecting bioreactors with mini MS technology provides continuous real-time analytics and controls the overall system for quality monitoring and assurance.

Point-of-care diagnostics in the human health industry

Disruption in the human health care industry is driven by the demand for point-of-care diagnostics and real-time monitoring systems. Growth in the healthcare market is projected at a CAGR of 38.05% between 2020-2028, propelled by AI and portable digital health diagnostics.

That’s why Microsaic is collaborating with DeepVerge to accelerate the development of the MicrotoxBT breathalyser. This ground-breaking device combines miniaturised mass spectrometry with DeepVerge’s AI data analytics to detect Spike Proteins of the COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2, on a person’s breath. Resulting in fast, reliable, and efficient test results of the population at the point-of-need.

This combination platform opens up opportunities that would enable GP clinics to refer serious conditions, by using biomarker binding agents capable of detecting up to 40 diseases on the human breath, including:

• Cancer
• Neurodegenerative conditions
• Respiratory illnesses
• Metabolic conditions

Deployable MS instrumentation would eliminate unnecessary doctor-to-hospital referrals and over-prescription of antibiotics, resulting in significantly increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.

Addressing environmental contamination in the global water supply

In the environmental health sector, a combination of mini-MS and chromatography can identify unknown substances in water and sewage, and are deployable in a variety of settings, such as water treatment facilities. Using a deployable LC-MS system eliminates the need to send samples to a laboratory for analysis, which can take days at a time when speed is of the essence. Collaborating with Modern Water to provide real-time detection capabilities, using an LC interface integrated with the 4500 MiD® has allowed the team to:

• Isolate desired component spots from a plate
• Employ mass detection
• Obtain real-time mass spectral data for compound identification

Now, Modern Water has the ability to detect organics such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), and illegal drugs in sewage in real-time, broadening the scope of their monitoring portfolio.

Real-time analysis and quality control in food safety and other sectors

Routine analysis of food and drink quality control is no longer limited to research laboratories during pre-production. Implementing quality control (QC) using MS and chromatography at the point-of-need ensures food safety regulations are met and trace amounts of pesticides are minimal. CBD in Cannabinoid oils can also quickly and efficiently be analysed for product quality, speeding up productivity in this new emerging sector.

Microsaic has already demonstrated the ability to detect counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic drinks using the 4500MiD® and MiDas™ as a fully stand-alone system. During this study, the deployable MS system identified a difference in brands of whiskey from the same distillery, along with detecting different batches of the same blend. From a commercial perspective, this system validates rapid screening both prior to and during production, providing reliable, reproducible processes to increase productivity and lower operating costs. Continuous advancement in point-of-need MS technology for the food and drinks industry leads us to further developments, coming very soon.

Innovative MS technology accelerates productivity across industries

No matter the industry, deployable MS systems are instrumental for growth and increased productivity. From human to environmental health and everything in between, improving your workflow and processes can easily be achieved using chromatography and deployable MS systems.

Instead of relying on bulky, expensive, and conventional MS systems, get in touch to find out how a portable mass spectrometer can transform your production process today.