High-Throughput Screening Using a Synchronized Pulsed Self-aspiration Vacuum Electrospray Ionization Miniature Mass...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Instrumentation Science

Background:

• Mass spectrometry (MS) offers rapid analysis, high sensitivity, and multicomponent identification, making it suitable for high-throughput screening (HTS).
• Miniature mass spectrometers have advanced significantly, focusing on small size, simple operation, and adequate performance for HTS applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel induced self-aspiration vacuum electrospray ionization source (ISA-VESI).
• To couple the ISA-VESI with a miniature ion trap mass spectrometer for enhanced HTS capabilities.
• To achieve simple operation and high-throughput analysis with miniature MS instruments.

Main Methods:

• Development and integration of an induced self-aspiration vacuum electrospray ionization source (ISA-VESI).
• Coupling ISA-VESI with a miniature ion trap mass spectrometer.
• Design of a synchronized timing sequence for automated sample injection, ionization, and MS analysis.
• Implementation of a homemade high-throughput screening (HTS) platform for sample handling.

Main Results:

• The ISA-VESI coupled with a miniature mass spectrometer enabled automatic high-throughput analysis.
• A synchronized timing sequence coordinated sample delivery, introduction, ionization, and ion trap operation.
• Each ISA-VESI-MS analysis was completed in approximately 7 seconds.
• The system demonstrated low sample consumption, requiring less than 100 nL per analysis.

Conclusions:

• The developed ISA-VESI is effective for high-throughput screening with miniature mass spectrometers.
• The system offers rapid analysis, simple operation, and minimal sample consumption.
• This advancement contributes to the practical application of miniature MS in HTS.