Tuning Electrospray Ionization with Low-Frequency Sound

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomolecular Analysis
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is crucial for biomolecular analysis.
• ESI-MS relies on the formation and desolvation of polydisperse microdroplets to generate gas-phase ions.
• Controlling microdroplet properties is key to optimizing ESI-MS performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of low-frequency sound on electrospray microdroplets in ESI-MS.
• To explore sound-induced size segregation of microdroplets for improved biomolecular analysis.
• To enhance signal intensity, signal-to-noise ratio, and selectivity in ESI-MS.

Main Methods:

• Utilized low-frequency sound (50-350 Hz) to modulate electrospray microdroplets.
• Analyzed biomolecules using sound-modulated ESI-MS.
• Supported ESI-MS observations with offline shadowgraph imaging at various sound parameters.

Main Results:

• Low-frequency sound deflects electrospray microdroplets, leading to partial size segregation.
• Sound modulation alters MS signal intensity and signal-to-noise ratio.
• The technique impacts the selectivity of ESI-MS analysis for biomolecules.

Conclusions:

• Low-frequency sound modulation is a viable method to control microdroplet behavior in ESI-MS.
• Sound-induced size segregation offers a novel approach to optimize ESI-MS performance.
• This technique provides enhanced control over biomolecular analysis via ESI-MS.