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A Microfluidic Chip for ICPMS Sample Introduction
Published on: March 5, 2015
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A new microfluidics-based droplet dispenser for ICPMS.
Pascal E Verboket1, Olga Borovinskaya, Nicole Meyer
1Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, and ‡Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich , 8093 Zurich Switzerland.
Analytical Chemistry
|May 9, 2014
Summary
A new microfluidic system efficiently introduces tiny aqueous droplets into inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This method enables sensitive elemental analysis of ultra-low volume samples, including single cells.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microfluidics
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) requires efficient sample introduction for sensitive elemental analysis.
- Traditional sample introduction methods can be limited by sample volume and complexity.
- Microfluidic devices offer potential for miniaturized and controlled sample handling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel droplet microfluidic system for sample introduction into ICP-MS.
- To enable the analysis of ultra-low volume samples (<1 μL) and single cells.
- To achieve high transport efficiency and signal stability.
Main Methods:
- A disposable microfluidic chip generating aqueous droplets in perfluorohexane (PFH).
- A custom transport system with a membrane desolvator for PFH vapor removal.
- Characterization of droplet size (40-60 μm) and generation frequency (90-300 Hz).
- Analysis of bovine red blood cells for elemental composition.
Main Results:
- High transport efficiency (>50%) of intact aqueous droplets into the ICP.
- Generation of highly monodisperse droplets with stable signals (RSD comparable to commercial systems).
- Successful quantitative elemental analysis of single cells.
- Demonstrated capability for analyzing samples <1 μL.
Conclusions:
- The proposed droplet microfluidic system is a viable and efficient sample introduction method for ICP-MS.
- This technology facilitates sensitive elemental analysis of minimal sample volumes and individual cells.
- Future integration of microfluidic modules could enhance sample pretreatment and parallel analysis capabilities.
