Add-on device with sample injection tip for mass spectrometer

Abstract

An add-on device which cooperates with a mass spectrometer to realize unique approaches to sample preparation, sample injection, and interchangeability among samples and users. The add-on device includes a sample injection tip adjacent an optional chromatography capillary column (“nano”) and a high voltage source, with the sample injection tip being fed from a sample source which is optimally treated by one, two or three sample preparation components as governed by one or more switching valves and associated electronics including a computer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 a is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the sample injection tip;

FIG. 1 b is a perspective view along lines 1b-1b of FIG. 1a;

FIGS. 2 a, 2b, 2c and 2d are side sectional views of four alternate embodiments of the present sample injection tip;

FIG. 3 is a close up sectional view of the terminus of a sample injection tip according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view which identifies the various required and optional components of the present add-on unit, of which the mass spectrometer 40 does not itself form a part;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the add-on device of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a gel electroelutor (GELutor);

FIG. 7 a is a perspective view of a tangential flow separator (PILFer);

FIGS. 7 b and 7c are horizontal and vertical sectional views of the device of FIG. 7a; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the sample injection tip cartridge.

Claims

1. An add-on device with sample injection tip for a mass spectrometer, comprising a sample injection tip connected to a sample source via a feed line, wherein said sample injection tip is ceramic and has a tapering outer diameter and an aperture axially disposed therein, said aperture increasing in inner diameter to a chamfer adjacent the terminus of said sample injection tip, wherein said sample injection tip is positioned adjacent a high voltage source.

2. The add-on device of claim 1, wherein said aperture has an inner diameter between 25 and 178 micrometers; said chamfer adjacent the terminus of said sample injection tip has an inner diameter between 35 and 254 micrometers; and the terminus of said sample injection tip has an outer diameter of between about 38 and 360 micrometers.

3. The add-on device of claim 1, wherein said chamfer adjacent the terminus of said sample injection tip has an inner diameter between 38 and 68 micrometers and the terminus of said sample injection tip has an outer diameter of between about 74 and 200 micrometers.

4. The add-on device of claim 1, wherein in the sample injection tip the aperture has an inner diameter of about 34±5 micrometers, the chamfer adjacent the terminus of said sample injection tip has a maximum inner diameter of about 55±5 micrometers, and the terminus of said sample injection tip has an outer diameter of about 135±5 micrometers.

5. The add-on device of claim 1, wherein said ceramic is selected from the group consisting of alumina and fused silica.

6. The add-on device of claim 1, wherein said ceramic is selected from the group consisting of alumina, synthetic ruby (alumina doped with chromium oxide), and alumina doped with zirconia.

7. The add-on device of claim 1, wherein a gel electroelutor is provided upstream of the sample injection tip.

8. The add-on device of claim 7, wherein said gel electroelutor is in-line with the sample injection tip and is designed so that a gel spot fits in a gel well to avoid space between the gel spot and the adjacent column wall, and further wherein said gel electroelutor is positioned in a bracket on a platform.

9. The add-on device of claim 1, wherein a tangential flow separator is provided in-line and upstream of the sample injection tip.

10. The add-on device of claim 9, wherein said tangential flow separator has an inlet port, a filtrate port and a retentate port.

11. The add-on device of claim 10, wherein said tangential flow separator has a central well which receives the inlet port and the retentate port in an orientation both off-center and orthogonal to the center of said central well.

12. The add-on device of claim 11, wherein said tangential flow separator is positioned in a bracket on a platform.

13. The add-on device of claim 12, wherein an ESI assembly mount sits atop the platform and houses said sample injection tip.

14. The add-on device of claim 13, wherein said sample injection tip is mounted within a sample injection tip cartridge and said sample injection tip cartridge is positioned atop a triangular, rotatable sample injection tip cartridge mount.

15. The add-on device of claim 14, wherein said sample injection tip cartridge is connected to a high voltage source.

16. The add-on device of claim 15, wherein said high voltage source is positioned adjacent a fraction injection inlet.

17. The add-on device of claim 16, wherein said fraction injection inlet is located in said platform and is aligned atop a rotating sample tray having apertures therein.

18. The add-on device of claim 17, wherein all the assembled components are positioned adjacent the entrance of a mass spectrometer.

19. The add-on device of claim 18, wherein said sample injection tip cartridge contains an inner tube compatible with the upstream diameter of the sample injection tip and an outer inlet having threads on its interior.

20. The add-on device of claim 19, wherein the inlet port, retentate port and filtrate ports of the tangential flow separator are marked with different colors.

21. A device for sample preparation being adapted to receive a sample injection tip, comprising a feed line, a platform, at least one switching valve, and at least one of a gel electroelutor and/or a tangential flow separator.

22. A gel electroelutor having a gel spot well within a gel spot column connected to an inlet, an outlet, a purge line and a frit plug, said gel electroelutor having sealed positive and negative electrodes associated therein.