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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Sample Preparation for Probe Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: February 19, 2020
Nanospray desorption electrospray ionization: an ambient method for liquid-extraction surface sampling in mass
Patrick J Roach1, Julia Laskin, Alexander Laskin
1Chemical and Materials Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, MSIN K8-88, Richland, WA 99352, USA. Patrick.Roach@pnl.gov
Abstract:
Nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI) mass spectrometry is presented as an ambient pressure liquid extraction-ionization technique for analysis of organic and biological molecules on substrates. Analyte is desorbed into a solvent bridge formed between two capillaries and the analysis surface. One capillary supplies solvent to create and maintain the bridge, while the second capillary transports the dissolved analyte from the bridge to the mass spectrometer. A high voltage applied between the inlet of mass spectrometer and the primary capillary creates a self-aspirating nanospray. This approach enables the separation of desorption and ionization events, thus providing independent control of desorption, ionization, and transport of the analyte. We present analytical capabilities of the method and discuss its potential for imaging applications.
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