Diamond Molecular Balance: Ultra-Wide Range Nanomechanical Mass Spectrometry from MDa to TDa
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: 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.
Source: Nano Letters
Institutions: Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Institute for Basic Science, Korean Association Of Science and Technology Studies, Korea University, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Pukyong National University
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Funders: National Research Foundation, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Korea University, Pukyong National University, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, National Research Foundation of Korea, Institute for Basic Science, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea, KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Institute for Information and Communications Technology Promotion
OpenAlex ID: W4411459735