Electrokinetic Manipulations Combined With Direct and Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry
• Electrokinetics

Background:

• Mass spectrometry (MS) is a vital analytical tool hindered by time-consuming sample preparation and separation steps.
• Traditional MS workflows often present bottlenecks, limiting overall analytical throughput and increasing operational costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review novel methods integrating electrokinetic manipulations directly with MS ionization.
• To explore techniques that minimize or eliminate conventional sample preparation and separation.
• To assess the potential for enhanced MS performance, reduced costs, and increased throughput.

Main Methods:

• Focus on electrokinetic techniques coupled directly to the ionization source of MS.
• Highlight methods like paper spray, electrophoresis in nanoelectrospray ionization (nESI) emitters, induced nESI, counterflow gradient electrofocusing, and in-syringe electrokinetics.
• Discuss the application of electric fields for extraction, separation, desalting, and sensitivity enhancement.

Main Results:

• These integrated methods combine extraction and ionization into a single step, significantly improving sample throughput.
• Electrophoretic techniques demonstrate efficiency in driving sample processing, including crude separations and desalting.
• Direct integration with MS ionization enhances analytical capabilities while reducing complexity.

Conclusions:

• Integrating electrokinetic manipulations with MS ionization offers a powerful strategy to overcome traditional bottlenecks.
• These approaches promise to enhance analytical capabilities, reduce costs, and dramatically increase throughput in mass spectrometry.
• The reviewed techniques represent a significant advancement in making MS more accessible and efficient.