Abstract: A new electrospray emitter capable of cone-jet mode spray for liquid flow-rates from sub-microliter/minute to 10's of microliters/minute is provided. The high efficiency of ionization and vaporization enabled by the disclosed spray emitter provides improved sensitivity for mass spectrometer detection. The disclosed spray emitter sprays consistently and robustly a liquid buffer having a large range of compositions of aqueous and organic solvents, and is not sensitive to the polarity of the electric field used to induce spray. The fluidic channel leading to the spray emitter opening does not have an internal taper rendering the spray emitter clog-resistant.

Abstract: Devices for heating and cooling chromatographic columns, transfer tubing, fittings and accessories and can also be placed next to the mass spectrometer's inlet region are disclosed. These devices have the advantage of allowing the user to dramatically reduce the post-column dead-volume while using the heating or cooling devices, a necessity for low-flowrate liquid chromatography. These devices also do not require the user to heat or cool the entire column with fittings to achieve optimized benefits for chromatography.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray includes the steps of: (1) generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample with an electrostatic spray nozzle device using an applied electric field, wherein at least a nozzle portion of the spray device is formed of an insulating material; (2) sensing a current of the liquid spray with a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device; (3) comparing the sensed current of the liquid spray with a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal; and (4) varying the applied electric field using a computer-controlled positioning mechanism that moves the spray device relative to an inlet of the object that receives the liquid spray and acts as a counter-electrode.

Abstract: Microfluidic nozzle array devices are provided with the body of each device having at least one nozzle extending outwardly from one surface of the body. The microfluidic nozzle array devices are fabricated using an injection molding process and find particular utility in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to nanospray/electrospray applications, mass spectrometer applications, optical spectrometry applications, spotting applications (i.e., DNA or protein array), etc. Manufactured nozzles can include sealed nozzle apexes which are subsequently opened by focusing energy from an energy source on the sealed apex resulting in the opening of the nozzle channel.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of sample spraying devices, each of which connects to an LC column. The apparatus includes an electrical circuit that can turn a high voltage between 1 and 5 KV on and off on the time-scale of nanoseconds to milliseconds. The circuit is controlled by a computer program which applies the high voltage to each spray device in a Hadamard sequence. The spray devices are positioned aiming at the mass spectrometer inlet. The preferred configuration of arrangements for the spray devices are in a circle or an arc of a circle around the inlet of a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a low-cost injection-molded plastic microfluidic device that performs the multiplexing of affinity or chromatographic sample cleanup and enrichment methods and the detection by nanospray mass spectrometry of analytes such as biomarkers in a single package to conserve sample, and processes body fluids with HPLC grade and even next-generation chromatographic resins such as nanoparticles to maximize the sensitivity of the detection.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray includes the steps of: (1) generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample with an electrostatic spray nozzle device using an applied electric field, wherein at least a nozzle portion of the spray device is formed of an insulating material; (2) sensing a current of the liquid spray with a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device; (3) comparing the sensed current of the liquid spray with a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal; and (4) varying the applied electric field using a computer-controlled positioning mechanism that moves the spray device relative to an inlet of the object that receives the liquid spray and acts as a counter-electrode.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray includes an electrostatic spray device for generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample; a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device and configured to generate a current output signal that represents a current of the liquid spray; and a mechanism that receives the current output signal and compares it to a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal that is sent to one of (1) a pump that regulates the flow rate of the liquid sample and (2) a power supply to regulate an electric field associated with the spray device that generates the liquid spray according to a set level of current.