A Nature-Inspired Ion Trap for Parallel Manipulation of Ions on a Massive Scale

Abstract

Parallelization has revolutionized computing and DNA sequencing but remains largely unexploited in mass spectrometry (MS), which typically analyzes ions sequentially. We introduce a nature-inspired ion trap (MultiQ-IT) that enables massively parallel MS. The device comprises a cubic array of small quadrupoles forming multiple ion entry and exit ports, allowing >10 ions to be confined and manipulated simultaneously. This architecture enables selective depletion of singly charged ions in real time, greatly improving signal-to-noise ratios and detection sensitivity. The trap also functions as a parallel ion splitter, transmitting ions into multiple m/z-specific beams. We demonstrate scalable ion throughput, real-time charge discrimination, and parallel beam separation, suggesting a path toward truly parallel MS. Our results offer a foundation for next-generation, high-throughput proteomic and metabolomic analyses.