Multi-channel microfluidic chip coupling with mass spectrometry for simultaneous electro-sprays and extraction

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Microfluidic chips offer advantages for coupling with mass spectrometry (MS).
• Current methods often require extensive sample pretreatment.
• Developing integrated systems for direct analysis is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a microfluidic chip-based multi-channel ionization (MCMCI) system.
• To enable direct extraction and analysis of untreated compounds in complex matrices.
• To improve the performance of microfluidic chip-MS coupling.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a microfluidic chip with multi-channel ionization capabilities.
• Direct quantitative analysis of rhodamine B in human urine.
• Comparison of MCMCI performance with conventional macro ionization devices.
• Evaluation of different gas channel configurations (two and three channels).

Main Results:

• The MCMCI system achieved good linearity in quantitative analysis of rhodamine B.
• MCMCI significantly improved integration and simplified operation compared to macro devices.
• Higher signal intensity was achieved with MCMCI at lower gas pressures.
• Simultaneous dual sprays in the three-channel MCMCI minimized interference and ion suppression.
• Liquid-liquid extraction before and after spraying yielded similar MS results.

Conclusions:

• MCMCI offers enhanced signal intensity, simplified operation, and reduced ion suppression for mass spectrometry.
• The technology facilitates internal calibration for accurate mass measurements.
• Dual extraction capabilities improve sensitivity and signal intensity.
• This microfluidic chip-MS coupling opens new avenues for complex sample analysis.