Lee Donggeun, Jeon Seung-Woo, Yi Chang-Hwan, Kim Yanghee, Choi Yeeun, Lee Sang-Hun, Cha Jinwoong, Shim Seung-Bo, Suh Junho, Kim Il-Young, Kang Dongyeon Daniel, Jung Hojoong, Jeong Cherlhyun, Ahn Jae-Pyoung, Park Hee Chul, Han Sang-Wook, Kim Chulki
Center for Quantum Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
Center for Theoretical Physics of Complex Systems, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea.
Nano Lett. 2025 Jul 2;25(26):10497-10503. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c02032. Epub 2025 Jun 18.
The significance of mass spectrometry lies in its unparalleled ability to accurately identify and quantify molecules in complex samples, providing invaluable insights into molecular structures and interactions. Here, we leverage diamond nanostructures as highly sensitive mass sensors by utilizing a self-excitation mechanism under an electron beam in a conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM). The diamond molecular balance (DMB) exhibits a practical mass resolution of 4.07 MDa, based on its notable mechanical quality factor and frequency stability, along with a broad dynamic range from MDa to TDa. This positions the DMB at the forefront of nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS)-based mass spectrometry operating at room temperature. Notably, the DMB demonstrated its ability to measure the mass of a single bacteriophage T4 by precisely locating the analyte on the device. These findings demonstrate the capability and potential of the DMB as a revolutionary tool for mass spectrometry at room temperature.
质谱分析的重要性在于其具有无与伦比的能力，能够准确识别和量化复杂样品中的分子，为分子结构和相互作用提供宝贵的见解。在此，我们通过在传统扫描电子显微镜（SEM）的电子束下利用自激机制，将金刚石纳米结构用作高灵敏度质量传感器。基于其显著的机械品质因数和频率稳定性，以及从MDa到TDa的宽动态范围，金刚石分子天平（DMB）展现出4.07 MDa的实际质量分辨率。这使DMB在室温下运行的基于纳米机电系统（NEMS）的质谱分析中处于前沿地位。值得注意的是，DMB通过在设备上精确定位分析物，展示了其测量单个噬菌体T4质量的能力。这些发现证明了DMB作为室温下质谱分析的革命性工具的能力和潜力。
