Automated High-Throughput Infusion ESI-MS with Direct Coupling to a Microtiter Plate

This paper describes the design and application of instrumentation for automated high-throughput infusion ESI-mass spectrometry. The approach, based on a subatmospheric ESI interface, allows sample introduction from a commercially available microtiter plate without the need for a separate fluid deli...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Analytical chemistry (Washington) 2001-04, Vol.73 (7), p.1449-1454
Main Authors: Felten, C, Foret, F, Minarik, M, Goetzinger, W, Karger, B. L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Analytical biochemistry: general aspects, technics, instrumentation
Analytical chemistry
Analytical, structural and metabolic biochemistry
Angiotensin I - analysis
Angiotensin II - analysis
Angiotensin III - analysis
Automation
Biological and medical sciences
Chemistry
Exact sciences and technology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Molecules
Peptides - analysis
Scientific imaging
Spectrometric and optical methods
Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization - instrumentation
Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization - methods
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Summary:This paper describes the design and application of instrumentation for automated high-throughput infusion ESI-mass spectrometry. The approach, based on a subatmospheric ESI interface, allows sample introduction from a commercially available microtiter plate without the need for a separate fluid delivery system. The microtiter plate was placed vertically on a three-dimensional translation stage in front of the sampling ESI interface. A single, 7-cm, 20-μm-i.d. fused-silica capillary (total volume, 70 nL), with a tapered tip, served as a combination of sample delivery and spraying capillary. The tapered tip of the capillary was enclosed in a subatmospheric chamber attached in front of the orifice of the mass spectrometer. The sample aspiration rate (flow rate) was regulated by computer-controlled pneumatic valves, which allowed fast switching of the pressure in the subatmospheric ESI chamber. A flow-through wash device was positioned between the microtiter plate and the ESI interface. This design allowed alternate filling of the capillary with (a) sample from the wells and (b) wash solution from the wash device. Sample turnaround times of 10 s/sample, with a 120-nL sample consumption/analysis, and a duty cycle (percentage of total analysis time spent acquiring data) of 40% were achieved. The infusion system was demonstrated in the analysis of preparative HPLC fractions from a small molecule combinatorial library.
ISSN:0003-2700
1520-6882
DOI:10.1021/ac001074w