A microfabricated silicon platform with 60 microfluidic chips for rapid mass spectrometric analysis

Area of Science:

• Microfabrication
• Mass Spectrometry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional mass spectrometry workflows can be time-consuming and require manual sample handling.
• Integrating multiple sample analysis units onto a single platform is challenging.
• Optimizing sample introduction for mass spectrometry is crucial for throughput.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel wafer-scale platform for automated sample analysis using microfabrication.
• To integrate 60 miniaturized micropillar array electrospray ionization (μPESI) chips onto a single silicon wafer.
• To enhance the throughput and efficiency of mass spectrometry measurements.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing standard silicon microfabrication techniques to create a circular multichip platform.
• Integrating 60 identical μPESI chips around the wafer periphery.
• Employing a computer-controlled rotating table for automated alignment of μPESI chips with a mass spectrometer.
• Implementing automated sample loading and analysis sequencing.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated a wafer-scale platform with 60 μPESI chips using standard microfabrication.
• Demonstrated automated analysis of 60 samples in 8 minutes using the platform and mass spectrometer.
• Showcased the capability to store samples on the platform for subsequent analysis.
• Achieved high throughput sample analysis through automated chip alignment and MS integration.

Conclusions:

• The developed wafer-scale platform offers a significant advancement in high-throughput mass spectrometry analysis.
• Standard microfabrication techniques are suitable for creating complex, multi-sample analytical devices.
• Automated sample handling and analysis via μPESI chips integrated on a rotating platform dramatically reduce measurement times.
• This approach holds potential for various applications requiring rapid and efficient sample analysis.