Packed-tip electrospray ionization (ESI) emitters for mass spectrometry are described. In one aspect an ESI emitter stores a first type of particle. A liquid chromatography (LC) column is coupled with the emitter via a junction. The LC column stores a different type of particle than the ESI emitter to facilitate better chromatographic and ESI performance.

Disclosed are native liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry systems and methods of use. A native liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system can include a liquid chromatography system capable of separating a sample; and an electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) system in fluid communication with the liquid chromatography system, wherein the ESI-MS system comprises a multi-nozzle electrospray ionization emitter and a system for modifying a desolvation gas and a mass spectrometer, wherein the mass spectrometer is configured to receive ions and characterize mass to charge ratio of ions.

A novel analytical system and method to analyze complex carbohydrates such as human milk oligosaccharides by low-temperature High-Performance Anion Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection and High-resolution Mass Spectrometry (HPAE-PAD-MS). The analytical system controls the temperature of the column, electrochemical detector, and ion removal device at or below 15° C. The HPAE-PAD workflow with high-resolution mass spectrometry provides useful molecular structure information. It facilitates the detection of milk oligosaccharides, particularly unknown structures, without the use of analytical standards.

A method of ionising a sample is disclosed comprising nebulising a sample which includes first biomolecules such as bovine insulin comprising one or more disulphide (S—S) bonds. A stream of droplet or charged droplets comprising one or more disulphide (S—S) bonds is directed so as to impact upon a target (106) or electrode so as to cause the breaking of a portion of the disulphide bonds. Alternatively, charged droplets may pass through an electric field region determined by an electrode (106) arranged downstream of a nebuliser or electrospray probe and an ion inlet (104) of a mass spectrometer so as to cause the breaking of a portion of the disulphide bonds.

There is provided an integrated system for liquid separation, such as LC, CE, affinity chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography, comprising a column and end-fittings embedded in a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic polymer. The system may further comprise an electrospray emitter directly connected with the outlet of the column, wherein a substantial part of the emitter is covered with the polymer material. There is also provided a method by which a separation column along with the accompanying end fittings for connection with adjacent liquid conduits is embedded in a polymer matrix. This configuration e.g. ensures that the factory-made, correct attachment of the fittings to the column is preserved (since the matrix prevents further user intervention, accidental or otherwise). Accordingly, the responsibility for the correct attachment of the fittings is shifted from the end user to the manufacturer.

A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) apparatus including an ionization source coupled to a mass spectrometer and a liquid chromatographic (LC) system coupled to the ionization source. The LC system comprises multiple fluidic streams alternately connectable to the ionization source, thereby assigning a detection time window to each fluidic stream from the multiple fluidic streams when connected to the ionization source. The LC-MS apparatus further comprises a controller configured to carry out steps of monitoring an ionization current of the ionization source for the multiple fluidic streams and identifying differences in flow conditions between the multiple fluidic streams based on the monitored ionization current. The controller is further configured to carry out adjusting detection conditions of one or more of the multiple fluidic streams responsive to the identified differences, thereby enabling eluates of interest from each fluidic stream to be detected by the mass spectrometer in the respective detection time window.

A first spray unit (201) sprays a first sample into a first space (20) while charging the first sample. A second spray unit (202) sprays a second sample into the first space (20) or a second space (21) communicating with the first space (20) while charging the second sample. A determination unit (62) determines whether or not the second sample is sprayed from the second spray unit (202). A gas supply unit (74) supplies gas into the first space (20). A control unit (63) controls supply of the gas from the gas supply unit (74). In a case where the determination unit (62) determines that the second sample is sprayed from the second spray unit (202), the control unit (63) starts the supply of the gas from the gas supply unit (74) into the first space (20).

This document relates to methods for detecting and quantifying heavy and light chains of immunoglobulin using mass spectrometry techniques.

Described are an apparatus for generating and collecting nanospray reactive droplets and a method for analyzing a protein digestion. The apparatus includes a capillary, counter electrode, collection vessel, electrostatic lenses, and voltage control module. The capillary receives a mixture that includes a protein and an enzyme and has an outlet disposed in the aperture to dispense the mixture. The collection vessel has a concave surface to receive a nanospray plume emitted from the capillary outlet. The counter electrode and electrostatic lenses are disposed along a nanospray path defined between the capillary outlet and the collection vessel. Each electrostatic lens is formed of an electrically conductive plate having an aperture therein to pass a nanospray reactive plume. The voltage control module is in electrical communication with and is configured to independently control the voltage of the capillary, the counter electrode, the collection vessel and each of the electrostatic lenses.

Exemplary embodiments may deploy a valve that introduces a sample of a calibrant coaxially with flow exiting a source of a mobile phase flow, such as a liquid chromatography (LC) column, on a path to an ion source for the mass spectrometer (MS). The valve may be positioned remotely on a branch that has a junction with the path leading form the source of the mobile phase flow to the ion source. Alternatively, the valve may be positioned in line on the flow path from the source of the mobile phase flow to the ion source of the MS. A novel five port valve design may be employed. With this valve design, a first position of the valve allows a sample loop for the calibrant to be filled. In a second position, the calibrant is added coaxially to the flow from the source of the mobile phase to the MS. In a third position of the valve, diversion of or infusion to a post-source flow is enabled.