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Ion concentration in micro and nanoscale electrospray emitters
Elizabeth M Yuill1, Lane A Baker2
1Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405, USA.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|April 29, 2018
Summary
This study visualizes ion transport in nanoscale pipettes during electrospray ionization (ESI). Understanding ion migration in ESI is key for controlling analyte behavior and improving sample cleanup.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Electrospray ionization (ESI) is a crucial technique for analyzing biomolecules.
- Understanding ion transport phenomena in ESI is essential for optimizing analyte delivery and detection.
- Nanoscale emitters, like nanopipettes, offer unique characteristics for ESI applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize solution-phase ion transport during electrospray using nanopipettes and micron-sized emitters.
- To investigate the influence of emitter size, ionic strength, analyte size, and flow rate on ion migration.
- To elucidate the discrepancy in solution-driven transport of charged analytes.
Main Methods:
- Direct visualization of charged fluorophores during electrospray.
- Utilizing nanopipettes and micron-sized electrospray ionization emitters.
- Performing mass spectrometric measurements of proteins under varying conditions.
Main Results:
- Heterogeneous ion transport was observed and influenced by emitter dimensions and solution properties.
- A notable discrepancy in solution-driven transport of charged analytes was identified.
- The study provides direct visualization of ion migration within nanoscale pipettes during electrospray.
Conclusions:
- Fundamental understanding of analyte electromigration in ESI is critical.
- Controlling ion transport can enable selective analyte depletion and enrichment.
- This research can be applied to develop advanced sample cleanup strategies.
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