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Two-Photon Direct Laser Writing of Capillary-Coupled Nanosprayer Arrays for ESI-MS
Likai Xing1, Daoxue Liu1, Haohan Yu1
1Institute for Molecular Medical Technology, State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|February 5, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel 3D-printed nanosprayer array for electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). This innovative emitter enhances sensitivity by 2.7-fold, offering a versatile solution for ESI-MS applications.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Electrospray is crucial for mass spectrometry (MS), particularly electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).
- High-performance ESI-MS relies heavily on the design and fabrication of effective electrospray emitters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel method for fabricating advanced electrospray emitters using two-photon direct laser writing.
- To develop a multinozzle nanosprayer array for enhanced ESI-MS sensitivity and versatility.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of nanosprayer arrays directly onto capillary tips using two-photon direct laser writing.
- Utilization of a novel acrylic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane photoresist for 3D printing.
- Design of micrometer-scale channels for compatibility with liquid chromatography and MS inlets.
Main Results:
- The 3D-printed emitters exhibit high resistance to organic solvents and elevated temperatures.
- Increasing the number of nozzles in nanosprayer arrays boosted total electrospray current at constant flow rate and voltage.
- Eight-nozzle sprayers demonstrated a 2.7-fold increase in sensitivity compared to single-nozzle emitters.
Conclusions:
- This novel 3D printing approach provides a versatile and highly sensitive nanoelectrospray solution for ESI-MS.
- The developed nanosprayer arrays offer improved performance characteristics for advanced analytical applications.
