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A novel nib-like design for microfabricated nanospray tips
Séverine Le Gac1, Cécile Cren-Olivé, Christian Rolando
1Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et Macromoléculaire, UMR CNRS 8009, Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille Cité Scientifique, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
|March 5, 2004
Summary
Novel nib-shaped nanoelectrospray ionization sources were developed for mass spectrometry. These stable, microfabricated emitters offer sensitive detection of biomolecules like Gramicidin S.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nanoelectrospray ionization (ESI-MS) is a crucial technique in mass spectrometry.
- Existing ESI sources can be complex to fabricate and operate.
- There is a need for novel, stable, and easily manufacturable ESI emitters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel nib-like nanoelectrospray ionization sources.
- To evaluate the performance of these sources in mass spectrometry applications.
- To assess the stability and sensitivity of the fabricated emitters.
Main Methods:
- Microfabrication using SU-8 photoresist and photolithography.
- Fabrication of conductive (Ni-coated) and non-conductive (SiO2-coated) nibs.
- Testing on an ion trap mass spectrometer with Gramicidin S samples.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of planar, nib-shaped ESI sources.
- Demonstrated stable electrospray generation at low concentrations (1 microM) and voltages (1.2 kV).
- Observed consistent signal intensity without significant decrease under tested conditions.
Conclusions:
- Nib-like ESI sources are effective for mass spectrometry.
- The microfabricated emitters offer good stability and sensitivity.
- These novel sources present a promising alternative for ESI-MS applications.