A compact 3D-printed interface for coupling open digital microchips with Venturi easy ambient sonic-spray ionization...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Microfluidics
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Digital microfluidics (DMF) offers convenient handling of microlitre solutions for analysis.
• Integrating DMF with mass spectrometry (MS) presents significant technical challenges, limiting its widespread adoption.
• Existing DMF-MS interfaces are often complex and inaccessible for many analytical labs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile and low-cost method for coupling open DMF microchips to standard mass spectrometers.
• To create an accessible interface that overcomes technical obstacles in DMF-MS integration.
• To enable routine use of DMF coupled with MS in various analytical settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Venturi easy ambient sonic-spray ionization at atmospheric pressure for interface.
• Designed a 3D-printed, clip-on interface body for standard mass spectrometer inlets.
• Incorporated essential features: DMF microchip connections, thermostatting, air purification, pumps, and user-friendly controls.

Main Results:

• A low-cost, easily assembled interface for open DMF microchips and MS was successfully developed.
• The interface facilitates sample and reagent transfer onto the DMF microchip.
• The system features user-friendly operation with a touch-screen panel and remote control.

Conclusions:

• The presented method provides a facile and cost-effective solution for coupling digital microfluidics to mass spectrometry.
• This innovation lowers the barrier for laboratories to implement advanced DMF-MS analyses.
• The user-friendly and accessible design promotes broader application of microfluidic sample preparation with MS detection.