Technology Opportunity: Rapid Droplet Sampling Interface (RDSI)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a commercialization partner for a technical business opportunity entitled Rapid Droplet Sampling Interface (RDSI). Chemical characterization of liquid samples is a common need across a variety of research industries, including the pharmaceutical, biochemical, clinical, and environmental sectors. However, with current technologies, liquid samples often require vigorous sample processing procedures, which extends the total analysis time and costs.

Methods to improve cost efficiency and sensitivity while retaining high sampling throughput are highly desired in the biochemical, pharmaceutical, and medical research communities. Solution The Rapid Droplet Sampling Interface (RDSI) technology is a versatile, ultrahigh-throughput, and ultralow-volume chemical analysis method.

This novel methodology enables chemical analysis of samples at speeds up to 5 samples/s through droplet ejection and capture in a continuously flowing open solvent stream coupled with mass spectrometry analysis. By using droplets of the sample, measuring chemical composition requires as little as a few nanoliters. The continuously flowing solvent stream ensures the minimal sample-to-sample carryover and stable ion generation necessary to achieve quantitative analysis at high frequency.

Impact The RDSI technology addresses the sensitivity, speed, and material cost shortcomings of competitive rapid analysis technologies by providing ultrahigh-throughput chemical analysis while drastically reducing associated costs. The RDSI will allow quicker turnaround in both pharmaceutical and clinical laboratories that in turn can yield faster drug discovery and disease diagnosis. The RDSI can be coupled with any droplet dispensing system, enabling varied sampling capabilities and application areas.

These collective features of the RDSI make it primed to affect society by transforming high-throughput sampling and analysis in multiple areas of the analytical branch of the health sector. Intellectual Property “Rapid Droplet Introduction Interface (RDII) for Mass Spectrometry,” Invention Ref. No. 202004712; US Patent Applic.

No. 17/480,094, filed September 20, 2021, which issued on May 16, 2023 as US Patent 11,651,945 About Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Technology Innovation Program Oak Ridge National Laboratory is helping to speed new technologies to market while also building supportive and resilient ecosystems to the benefit of our local, state, and national communities. The depth and breadth of our wide-ranging, world-leading expertise and facilities are unparalleled and provide a competitive advantage to our partners.

The Technology Transfer team is driven by a shared mission to connect the lab’s unique strengths in scientific discovery, clean energy technology, and national security to the world’s biggest challenges. ORNL’s Technology Innovation Program accelerates commercial adoption of promising lab-developed technologies by making targeted investments that enhance commercial readiness and raise a technology’s visibility in the region.

Since 2012, ORNL has invested more than $11 million in 49 projects, resulting in 37 commercial licenses and options with partners ranging from Fortune 100 companies to early-stage startups.