Microfluidics-to-mass spectrometry: A review of coupling methods and applications

Abstract

Microfluidic devices offer great advantages in integrating sample processes, minimizing sample and reagent volumes, and increasing analysis speed, while mass spectrometry detection provides high information content, is sensitive, and can be used in quantitative analyses. The coupling of microfluidic devices to mass spectrometers is becoming more common with the strengths of both systems being combined to analyze precious and complex samples. This review summarizes select achievements published between 2010 – July 2014 in novel coupling between microfluidic devices and mass spectrometers. The review is subdivided by the types of ionization sources employed, and the different microfluidic systems used.

Monitoring cell secretions on microfluidic chips using solid-phase extraction with mass spectrometry

“…MS also provides high selectivity, the ability to detect multiple compounds in single scans, and direct detection of compounds without labels. ESI-MS is compatible with continuous flow systems and can be coupled to microfluidic chips [32–38]. All of these properties make ESI-MS well-suited as a general tool for analyzing cell perfusates.…”

Recent Developments of Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry

“…In their initial work in coupling microfluidic capillary electrophoresis with ESI/MS, Ramsey and coworkers generated the electrospray at the exit of the separation channel on the planar edge of the microfluidic chip (see [49]). But the fluid exiting the opening had a tendency to spread over the glass surface and form large droplets, resulting in excessive band broadening.…”

Advances in and prospects of microchip liquid chromatography

“…This review emphasizes advances since previous in-depth reviews [3-6]. Here we will direct our focus to the LC column and separation; further information on coupling such devices to MS has been previously described [7-10]. …”