Electrospray interface to a microfluidic substrate

摘要

An apparatus for chemical separations includes a microfluidic substrate having an outlet aperture for outputting an eluent of a sample, a spray unit having an inlet to receive the eluent and an outlet to emit a spray of the eluent, and a force-applying unit. The spray unit has a deformable portion defining the inlet and having an elastic modulus that is lower than an elastic modulus of the microfluidic substrate. The force-applying unit, such as a spring, is disposed to urge the deformable portion in contact with the substrate to form a substantially fluid-tight seal.

主权项

1. A microfluidic cartridge for chemical separations, comprising:
a microfluidic substrate having a chromatography channel extending therethrough and a surface with an outlet aperture for outputting an eluent of a sample passing through the channel; an emitter assembly having an emitter including a lumen, an inlet end to receive the eluent into the lumen, and an outlet end with a spray tip to emit a spray of the eluent passing through the lumen; and a force-applying unit applying a force to the emitter that urges the inlet end of the emitter into flush contact with the surface of the microfluidic substrate to produce a substantially leakproof path for the eluent from the outlet aperture of the microfluidic substrate into the lumen.