Patent ID: 8766177

Claim:
A method for identifying, detecting, analyzing or combinations thereof of one or more analytes from a substrate comprising the steps of: providing the substrate comprising the one or more analytes to be detected, wherein the substrate is fixedly mounted directly or indirectly on an inverted microscopic stage; providing an extraction system for an extraction of the one or more analytes from the substrate followed by a transfer to a detection system, wherein the detection system is coupled to the extraction system, wherein the extraction system comprises: a workstation comprising a plurality of moveable nanopositioners, wherein the nanopositioners are capable of movement in a X direction and in a Y direction and in a Z direction with respect to the fixedly mounted substrate, wherein the nanopositioners hold one or more probes, grippers, capillary tips or any other suitable accessory for an extraction and transfer of a liquid phase and the nanopositioners permit detection of analytes at the cellular or subcellular level; a pressure injector for a delivery of a pressurized extraction solvent through a capillary tip, wherein the capillary tip is placed in close proximity to the substrate wherein the pressurized extraction solvent contains at least one extraction solvent that is specific for an analyte on the substrate that is to be dissolved; a voltage source; a joystick or a digital controller for controlling the movement of the nanopositioners; and a mass spectrometer that is off line or is connected to the extraction system for receiving the one or more dissolved analytes transferred by the extraction system; dissolving the one or more analytes by an injection of the extraction solvent onto the substrate; aspirating the dissolved analytes by the one or more capillary tips; injecting the aspirated analytes into the mass spectrometer to obtain a mass spectrum; and identifying the one or more analytes by a m/z ratio in the mass spectrum.