IonSense Introduces the ID CUBE™ Source

IonSense, Inc. today introduced the ID CUBE Source with OpenSpot Sample Card to speed the analysis of new materials being created by synthetic and medicinal chemists in universities and in pharmaceutical companies. The easy sample preparation and near-instantaneous analysis of this open-access platform allows chemists to directly analyze their own samples and obtain immediate feedback on the results of their synthesis. The product will be presented at the upcoming ASMS Conference in Denver, CO June 6th through 9th.

The sample is placed onto the metal screen of the OpenSpot Sample Card, which slides into the ID CUBE. The screen is quickly heated by electrical current, and the sample ionized by the flow of ionizing gas from IonSense’s proprietary direct analysis in real time or DART® technology. The ions are detected by a mass spectrometer. In a few seconds the chemist obtains results that can confirm the identity of their synthesis products without waiting for time consuming LC/MS separations. The device requires little training, produces no solvent waste, and yields the easily-interpretable DART mass spectrum.

The ID CUBE is designed to reduce sample backlog and time delays that synthetic chemists face by providing the means to analyze samples in the reaction solvent. “Enabling rapid analysis of samples in solvents that are not LC friendly was one of our goals for this source,” according to Brian Musselman, IonSense President and CEO. “We have improved the utility of our DART technology by enabling a process that vaporizes and ionizes either liquid or solid samples in less than 10 seconds, providing labs managers a unique tool for supporting their clients.” The business card format of the OpenSpot Sample Card simplifies transportation of samples between synthesis and analytical labs, reducing the need for test tubes, vials and other containers while facilitating bar code tracking.

The company will also host its annual DART Forum on Tuesday morning, June 7 at 7AM in the Colorado Convention Center. Industry experts and academic leaders will present results from a diverse range of applications including counterfeit drug screening, metabolomics, homeland security, and adulterated food products. Registration and the agenda can be seen at www.ionsense.eventbrite.com.

Additionally at the Conference, presentations from numerous organizations will demonstrate the application of DART mass spectrometry to problems in many areas such as:

• Rapid screening of drugs adulterated in herbal dietary supplements
• Metabolomic profiling of human serum
• Determination of pesticides on fruits and vegetables
• Unintentional transfer of food contact materials
• Detection of drugs in urine
• Dual use military/civilian wear sensors
• Analysis of switchgrass biomass
• Sugar quantitation for biofuels production
• Determination of ginsenosides in ginseng roots

IonSense will also present the new ID CUBE Source with OpenSpot Sample Card at the Exhibition being held during the conference. The company will be exhibiting at Booth number 133.