Contactless sample introduction for mass spectrometry
Low-pulsation solvent flow from 200 to 1000 µl/min for the Open Port Interface
Mass spectrometry (MS) is an established analytical technique for the characterization of chemical and biological samples in research, diagnostics, and drug discovery. To achieve high sample throughput, contactless sample introduction methods are increasingly being used.
In Acoustic Droplet Ejection (ADE), nanoliter droplets with volumes ranging from 2.5 to 25 nl are transferred contactlessly from a microtiter plate. The droplets are introduced into an Open Port Interface (OPI), where they are diluted in a continuous solvent flow and transported directly to the mass spectrometer. This approach eliminates the need for time-consuming upstream liquid chromatography (LC) in many applications.
A stable, low-pulsation solvent flow is essential for reproducible analytical results.
What requirements does contactless sample introduction place on fluidic systems?
Direct sample introduction into the Open Port Interface requires a fluidic system capable of providing continuous and precisely controlled flow rates.
Key requirements include:
- stable and highly accurate solvent flow from 200 to 1000 µl/min
- low-pulsation delivery for high dosing and analytical precision
- reliable handling of different solvents
- compact and straightforward integration into analytical instruments
- low maintenance requirements for laboratory operation
A high-quality solvent flow provides the accuracy required for high-throughput applications and enables maximum sample throughput while maintaining consistent data quality.
How is fluid handling implemented in mass spectrometry systems?
The system utilizes the µDispense module with an integrated mzr-2521 micro annular gear pump and flow sensor. The closed-loop flow control system enables precise regulation of the solvent flow within the Open Port Interface.
The micro annular gear pump generates continuous, low-pulsation flow, while the integrated flow sensor enables accurate closed-loop control. This ensures stable operating conditions even when different solvent compositions are used.
The compact design of the module facilitates integration into modern mass spectrometry systems for research and analytical laboratories.
What benefits does this provide for mass spectrometry?
By integrating the µDispense module, the analytical system can:
- enable contactless sample introduction
- provide stable and highly accurate solvent flows
- enable reproducible MS analyses
- achieve high sample throughput
- reliably handle different solvents
- reduce maintenance requirements and instrument downtime
This fluidic solution enables direct and reproducible sample introduction for mass spectrometry and provides the foundation for efficient high-throughput analyses in research, diagnostics, and drug discovery.