Microchips with integrated multiple electrospray ionization emitters and related methods, systems and devices

摘要

Microchips which are particularly suitable for use with a mass spectrometer include a microchip body with at least one fluid channel formed into the microchip body and at least two flat monolithic closely spaced integrated ESI (electrospray ionization) emitters defined by shaped projections formed to extend from one side of the microchip body, a respective one being in fluid communication with a fluid channel. Related systems and methods are also described.

主权项

1. A mass spectrometer analyzer system, comprising:
a mass spectrometer with an inlet orifice; and a flat microchip comprising a perimeter with four sides and at least a first and second monolithic ESI (electrospray ionization) emitter, wherein the first and second ESI emitters reside on one side of the microchip and, during operation, are aligned proximate the mass spectrometer inlet orifice; and a control circuit configured to control fluid flow in the microchip to substantially synchronize respective ESI emitter spray with data acquisition of the mass spectrometer; and at least one power supply in communication with the microchip, wherein the control circuit is in communication with the at least one power supply and is configured to direct the at least one power supply to deliver power to the microchip to controllably cause the at least first and second ESI emitters to spray, wherein the at least first and second ESI emitters are in communication with a respective EO pump channel held by the microchip, and wherein the at least one power supply comprises a first power supply in communication with the first ESI emitter and a second power supply in communication with the second ESI emitter, and wherein the control circuit is configured to sequentially operate the first and second power supplies and synchronize the mass spectrometer data acquisition of emitter spray with switching of the first and second power supplies.