High throughput method and apparatus for introducing biological samples into analytical instruments

摘要

Provided is a system for delivering a liquid sample to an inlet of an analytical instrument. Included is an acoustic ejector driven by a drive system that generates drive signals provided to the ejector. The drive signals are generated with a pulse width sufficient to eject at least a portion of the liquid sample. A reservoir provided for holding the liquid sample is in operational arrangement with the acoustic ejector. A liquid sample voltage source is located within the reservoir, and the liquid sample voltage source is designed to provide a charge to the liquid sample. An analytical instrument voltage source is in operational arrangement with the analytical instrument and is designed to provide a voltage bias between the reservoir and the analytical instrument.In another aspect of the invention, provided is a method for delivering a liquid sample to an inlet of an analytical instrument. The method includes generating an acoustic drive signal, with a pulse width sufficient to eject at least a portion of the liquid sample below a short pulse limit. The drive signal is delivered to an acoustic ejector whereby the acoustic ejector generates an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave is directed into a reservoir holding the liquid sample, wherein the acoustic wave is focused substantially at a surface of the liquid sample. This design results in the emitting of at least a portion of the liquid sample.