Multi-track single- and dual-channel plastic microchips for electrospray mass spectrometry.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Disposable plastic electrospray chips offer advantages for automated analysis.
• Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is a powerful analytical technique.
• Chip-based platforms enhance sample throughput and reduce solvent consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present automated multi-track chip-based infusion electrospray mass spectrometry for low molecular weight compounds.
• To demonstrate lock-mass accurate mass measurements using a dual-channel plastic microchip.
• To explore the potential of plastic chips for studying organometallic complex formation and supramolecular chemistry.

Main Methods:

• Modification of a commercial triple quadrupole linear ion trap interface.
• Utilizing an eight-channel plastic chip for automated multi-track analysis.
• Employing a dual-channel plastic microchip with a quadrupole-time-of-flight instrument for lock-mass measurements.

Main Results:

• Successful automated multi-track chip-based infusion electrospray mass spectrometry of low molecular weight compounds.
• Demonstration of lock-mass accurate mass measurements using a dual-channel plastic chip.
• Evidence of organometallic complex formation in solution on the chip tip.

Conclusions:

• Disposable plastic electrospray chips are suitable for automated analysis of organic and organometallic compounds.
• Chip-based ESI-MS with plastic microchips enables accurate mass measurements and in-situ reaction monitoring.
• Individual flow rate control offers new avenues for studying supramolecular complexes.