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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
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A Microfluidic Chip for ICPMS Sample Introduction
Published on: March 5, 2015
Paper-based microfluidic surface acoustic wave sample delivery and ionization source for rapid and sensitive ambient
Jenny Ho1, Ming K Tan, David B Go
1Center for Microfluidics and Medical Diagnostics, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States.
Analytical Chemistry
|April 5, 2011
Summary
A novel surface acoustic wave (SAW) device enables rapid, real-time analysis of trace compounds in complex samples without extensive pretreatment. This technology efficiently ionizes analytes for mass spectrometry (MS) detection, even in challenging matrices.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
- Surface Acoustic Wave Technology
Background:
- Conventional ionization techniques struggle with complex samples like whole blood or viscous solutions.
- Sample pretreatment often adds time and complexity to analytical workflows.
- Ambient condition analysis is desirable for rapid, on-site testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a new surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based method for sample delivery and ionization.
- To demonstrate its capability for minimal-pretreatment, ambient condition analysis.
- To enable rapid, high-throughput mass spectrometry (MS) of trace compounds in complex mixtures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high order surface acoustic wave (SAW) vibrations for liquid manipulation and analyte transfer.
- Coupled a SAW atomization and ionization device with a paper-based sample delivery system.
- Integrated the system with a mass spectrometer for real-time detection.
Main Results:
- Successfully detected drugs in human whole blood and plasma at nanomolar concentrations.
- Detected heavy metals in tap water at nanomolar concentrations.
- The miniaturized SAW unit operates efficiently with low power (3-4 W).
Conclusions:
- The SAW-based method offers a viable and efficient platform for real-time analysis of diverse compounds.
- It overcomes limitations of conventional techniques for challenging sample types.
- This technology facilitates rapid, high-throughput trace analysis with minimal sample preparation.
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