Combined electrophoresis-electrospray interface and method
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorsRichard D. Smith, Harold R. Udseth, Charles J. Barinaga
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improvement to the system and method for analyzing molecular constituents of a composition sample that comprises improvements to an electrospray ionization source for interfacing to mass spectrometers and other detection devices. The improvement consists of establishing a unique electrical circuit pattern and nozzle configuration, a metallic coated and conical shaped capillary outlet, coupled with sizing of the capillary to obtain maximum sensitivity.
Claims6
A system for conducting high resolution separation in a liquid composition for analysis of liquids by an analytical detector comprising:
- (a) a buffered solution;
- (b) a sample solution;
- (c) at least one source of sheath liquid;
- and
- (d) a means for electrospraying said sheath liquid, and said sample solution, in adjoining flows, wherein said means for electrospraying includes;
- (i) a first capillary, having a first capillary outlet with a metallic coating thereon, for the buffered solution and the sample solution,
- (ii) a first high voltage source for separating the components of a mixture of said buffered solution and said sample solution,
- (iii) a second capillary having a capillary wall, for supply the sheath liquid in the adjoining flow about the first capillary,
- (iv) a second high voltage source for providing electric potential across the sheath liquid, and
- (v) a means for pumping said sheath liquid through said second capillary;
- and
- (e) an insulated nozzle for spraying said mixture, wherein the improvement comprises:
- said second capillary wall electrically isolated between said second high voltage source and said insulated nozzle;
- said means for electrospraying having said first high voltage source connected to said mixture;
- and
- said second high voltage source applied to the sheath liquid in said second capillary through said pumping means;
- and
- said first high voltage source and said second high voltage source creating a current through said first capillary, said current passing into said analytical detector;
- whereby said current is stabilized.
A method for conducting high resolution separation in a liquid composition for analysis of liquids by an analytical detector comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a buffered solution,
- (b) providing a sample solution,
- (c) providing at least one source of sheath liquid, and
- (d) electrospraying said sheath liquid, and said sample solution, in adjoining flows, wherein electrospraying includes;
- (i) providing a first capillary, having a first capillary outlet with a metallic coating thereon, for, the buffered solution and the sample solution,
- (ii) providing a first high voltage source for separating the components of a mixture of said buffered solution and said sample solution,
- (iii) providing a second capillary having a capillary wall, for supply the sheath liquid in the adjoining flow about the first capillary,
- (iv) providing a second high voltage source for providing electric potential across the sheath liquid, and
- (v) providing a means for pumping said sheath liquid through said second capillary;
- and
- (e) spraying said mixture and sheath flow through an insulated nozzle, wherein the improvement comprises stabilizing a first capillary current and a first capillary flow by:
- (i) isolating said second capillary wall electrically from said second high voltage source and said insulated nozzle;
- and
- (ii) applying said first high voltage to said mixture;
- (iii) remotely applying said second high voltage source to the sheath liquid in said second capillary;
- and
- (iv) creating a current through said first capillary, said current passing into said analytical detector;
- whereby said current is stabilized.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.