Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Microfluidic Chip for ICPMS Sample Introduction
Published on: March 5, 2015
Microfabricated devices: A new sample introduction approach to mass spectrometry
Iulia M Lazar1, Jakub Grym, Frantisek Foret
1Virginia Bioinformatics Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA. lazar@vbi.vt.edu
Microfluidic mass spectrometry offers enhanced sensitivity, speed, and throughput for DNA diagnostics and proteomics. These miniaturized systems reduce sample volume and contamination, enabling high-density, parallel processing for advanced biotechnology applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- Instrument miniaturization addresses challenges in sensitivity, speed, throughput, and cost in DNA diagnostics and proteomics.
- Microfluidics offers advantages in handling minute sample volumes, minimizing sample loss and cross-contamination.
- Small-footprint microfluidic devices enable high-density, parallel sample processing and high-throughput analyses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review technologies and applications of microfluidic mass spectrometry.
- To highlight advancements in miniaturized analytical systems for proteomics.
- To document the integration of microfluidics with mass spectrometry for biological sample analysis.
Main Methods:
- Review of microfluidic devices integrated with mass spectrometry.
- Discussion of miniaturized systems with optical or electrochemical detection.
- Examination of microdevices employing chromatographic or capillary electrophoresis separation techniques.
Main Results:
- Microfluidic mass spectrometry demonstrates potential for improved analytical performance.
- Commercial instruments for automated sample infusion analysis are available.
- Microdevices for chromatographic and capillary electrophoresis separations are under development.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic mass spectrometry is a promising technology for proteomic sample analysis.
- Miniaturization through microfluidics enhances efficiency and reduces costs in analytical processes.
- Further development of microfluidic devices will expand applications in biotechnology and diagnostics.
Related Concept Videos
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spectrometry: Complex Analysis
GC–MS is a powerful hyphenated method commonly used in forensics and environmental...
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spectrometers
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
Mass Analyzers: Overview
