Mass spectrometric detectors for samples separated by planar electrophoresis

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Separation Science
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Mass spectrometric detection has become increasingly integrated with planar chromatography techniques over the last decade.
• This includes advancements in high-performance thin-layer chromatography and planar electrophoresis.
• The interface between planar electrophoresis and mass spectrometry is a key area of development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution and current state of mass spectrometric detection for planar chromatography, with a focus on planar electrophoresis.
• To highlight the transition from conceptualization to commercial availability of these hyphenated techniques.
• To identify emerging areas for future research and application.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature and technological advancements in the interface between planar electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
• Analysis of hardware development and refinement in coupling techniques.
• Exploration of new methodologies in sample preparation, storage, and reaction prior to or during separation.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in the hardware for interfacing planar electrophoresis with mass spectrometry.
• Demonstrations of feasibility for these coupled techniques are impressive and widely available commercially.
• The potential for novel applications in sample handling and data analysis is beginning to be realized.

Conclusions:

• The coupling of planar electrophoresis with mass spectrometry has matured into a feasible and commercially available analytical approach.
• Current efforts are focused on refining the interface hardware and exploring its full capabilities.
• Future directions involve innovative sample manipulation strategies and the exploitation of complex multi-dimensional imaging data.