HIGH THROUGHPUT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PARALLEL SAMPLE ANALYSIS

摘要

Systems and methods for analyzing multiple samples in parallel using mass spectrometry preferably coupled with fluid phase separation techniques are provided. A modular mass spectrometer includes a vacuum enclosure, multiple sample inlets, multiple common vacuum pumping elements, and multiple mass analysis modules disposed substantially within the enclosure, with each module preferably including a mass analyzer and a transducer. In one embodiment, the modules mate with the vacuum enclosure to define multiple sequential vacuum regions, with each vacuum region having an associated common vacuum pumping element. At least one multi-pole ion transfer optic element is preferably associated with each module. Fluid phase separation devices for use with a multi-analyzer spectrometer may include microfluidic devices utilizing chromatographic, electrophoretic, or other separation methods to process raw samples into prepared samples to be ionized and injected into a multi-channel mass spectrometer.