Analysis of samples stored as individual plugs in a capillary by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Anal Chem. 2009 Aug 1;81(15):6558-61. doi: 10.1021/ac901172a.

Abstract

Droplets or plugs within multiphase microfluidic systems have rapidly gained interest as a way to manipulate samples and chemical reactions on the femtoliter to microliter scale. Chemical analysis of the plugs remains a challenge. We have discovered that nanoliter plugs of sample separated by air or oil can be analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry when pumped directly into a fused silica nanospray emitter tip. Using leucine-enkephalin in methanol and 1% acetic acid in water (50:50 v:v) as a model sample, we found carry-over between plugs was <0.1% and relative standard deviation of signal for a series of plugs was 3%. Detection limits were 1 nM. Sample analysis rates of 0.8 Hz were achieved by pumping 13 nL samples separated by 3 mm long air gaps in a 75 microm inner diameter tube. Analysis rates were limited by the scan time of the ion trap mass spectrometer. The system provides a robust, rapid, and information-rich method for chemical analysis of sample in segmented flow systems.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Air
  • Electrophoresis, Capillary*
  • Enkephalins / analysis*
  • Enkephalins / chemistry
  • Leucine / analysis*
  • Leucine / chemistry
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques
  • Peptide Fragments / analysis*
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization*
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Enkephalins
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Solvents
  • Water
  • Leucine