Cornell Research Foundation Inc.

Timothy Wachs

Jack D Henion

Robin L Sheppard

A miniaturized ion sprayer device is suitable for coupling with chip-based analytical separation devices, multi-well plates, or surfaces containing residues of prepared samples. One embodiment, a &ldquo;micro sprayer&rdquo; device which is suitable for coupling to the terminal edge of a capillary electrophoresis (CE) chip is constructed from modified HPLC tubing and associated fittings and employs a free-standing liquid junction formed via continuous delivery of a flow (1-6 microliters/min) of suitable solvent which carries effluent through a pneumatically-assisted electrospray (ion spray) needle. A second embodiment employs the same features as the microsprayer, but with an extended sampling capillary tube which can reach into the depths of 96, 384, and 1,536 multi-well plates containing either sample solutions or dried sample residues.

Miniaturized fluid transfer device

An interface for connecting an electrophoresis capillary to a mass spectrometer sprayer tube includes a first length of support tubing having an axial bore receiving and aligning the capillary and tube in end-abutting relationship at a junction. A solvent tube in a second length of support tubing intersects the first length of tubing in a T at the junction to supply makeup solvent to analyte flowing from the capillary to the sprayer tube. The tubing is secured in a T fitting which seals the tubing around the capillary, the sprayer tube, and the solvent tube.

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Ithaca, NY, United States of America

Timothy Wachs