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Updated: Jun 20, 2025

Imaging of Biological Tissues by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: July 12, 2013
Direct ESI-MS of Ionic Liquids Using High-Pressure Electrospray From Large-Bore Emitters Made of Micropipette Tips
Takeshi Matsuda1, Lee Chuin Chen1
1Faculty of Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan.
Abstract:
Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of neat undiluted ionic liquid (IL) and the analysis of protein with the doping of IL were performed using high-pressure electrospray. The use of disposable micropipette tips as emitters eased the handling of viscous and easy-to-clog samples and improved the reproducibility of the measurement. A high-pressure operation enabled the stable electrospray of the highly conductive IL from these relatively large bore emitters. The measurement of the current-voltage relationship of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (Emim BF4) revealed an unusual negative differential resistance that has not been seen in the typical atmospheric or high-pressure electrospray. Mass spectrometric analysis of this IL also showed the characteristic response of various ion species with the emitter voltage. When added to the commonly used protein solution, the mass spectrum also showed protein peaks that correspond to the adduction of fluoroboric acid molecules (HBF4).
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