Related Experiment Videos
Chip-based capillary electrophoresis with an electrodeless nanospray interface.
E X Vrouwe1, J Gysler, U R Tjaden
1Department of Analytical Chemistry, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry : RCM
|August 30, 2000
Summary
A novel sheathless and electrodeless nanospray interface seamlessly integrates a polycarbonate capillary electrophoresis (CE) chip with a mass spectrometer (MS). This innovative design utilizes the existing CE voltage for electrospray generation, simplifying the setup for beta-agonist analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
- Separation Science
Background:
- Conventional capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) often requires complex interfaces.
- Electrospray ionization (ESI) interfaces typically necessitate high voltages and sheath liquids, adding complexity.
- Developing simplified and efficient interfaces is crucial for routine analytical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a sheathless and electrodeless nanospray interface for CE-MS.
- To integrate a polycarbonate CE chip with a mass spectrometer without external electrospray voltage.
- To assess the performance of this novel interface for analyzing beta-agonists.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a polycarbonate CE chip with imprinted channels and a tapered capillary emitter.
- Utilizing the CE voltage applied to the buffer compartment to generate the nanospray.
- Employing a low conductivity buffer (1.25 mmol/L ammonium acetate in 80% methanol) to enhance the electric field.
- Analysis of a mixture of three beta-agonists using the developed CE-MS system.
Main Results:
- Successful interfacing of a polycarbonate CE chip to MS using a sheathless, electrodeless nanospray.
- Demonstrated generation of electrospray using the CE driving voltage.
- Achieved relative standard deviation (RSD) values between 4.8% and 5.0% for beta-agonist analysis.
- Obtained signal-to-noise ratios of 2-5 at a concentration of 40 nmol/L.
- Observed only a minor loss of resolution compared to conventional CE-UV detection.
Conclusions:
- The developed sheathless and electrodeless nanospray interface offers a simplified approach for CE-MS coupling.
- This interface effectively utilizes the CE voltage for spray generation, eliminating the need for external high voltages.
- The system demonstrates good performance for analyzing beta-agonists, with potential for broader applications in chemical analysis.