The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent on an innovation to improve the process of paper-spray mass spectrometry. The innovation was created by Nicholas Manicke of IUPUI.

Paper-spray mass spectrometry improves upon traditional mass spectrometry methods to identify the amount and type of chemicals present in a sample. Potential applications include patient compliance in clinics and environmental monitoring. There are drawbacks to paper-spray mass spectrometry, and there is a need for simple, fast and low-cost devices and methods for carrying out the process.

The IU innovation performs all paper-spray mass spectrometry operations with a single, low-cost, optionally disposable device.

The innovation was disclosed to the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office. The mission of the office is to drive innovation to the market for the benefit of the public, the university and innovators for state, national and global commerce. IU personnel can disclose an invention online.