title: Robust and simple interface for microchip electrophoresis-mass spectrometry.
abstract: A robust and simple interface for microchip electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (MCE-MS) was developed using a spray nozzle connected to the exit of the separation channel of the microchip. The spray nozzle was attached to the microchip using a polyether ether ketone screw without adhesive, thus allowing easy replaced. Sample injection and electrophoretic separation was performed by control of the voltage only. The analysis of a few basic drugs was performed using the optimized MCE-MS system. The separation was improved by using a high-viscosity separation buffer and a spray nozzle with a small bore size. This system was also applied to the separation of peptides and protein-trypsin digests. Sample adsorption was minimized by adding acetonitrile to the separation buffer when using a quartz microchip.
mesh_terms: D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000032:analysis; D012235:Rhodamines / Q000032:analysis; D012666:Semiconductors
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D012235:Rhodamines; C029773:rhodamine B