title: Evaluation of a new low sheath-flow interface for CE-MS.
abstract: The current trend for increasing technical complexity in the field of CE-ESI-MS interfaces has incited for more accessible alternatives. In this work, a simple low sheath-flow ESI interface operating in the submicroliter nanospray regime without nebulizing gas assistance was evaluated. The use of sheath liquid enabled improving the ionization of the analytes, while the absence of nebulizing gas minimized sample dilution and loss of efficiency. After a rapid qualification, the effect of main operational parameters such as sheath liquid composition and flow rate, working distance and ESI potential was studied. Simulation of the mixing processes inside the Taylor cone proved its size to be of utmost importance in band broadening processes. As a proof of concept, the interface was eventually applied to a set of representative basic drugs analyzed by CE-TOF/MS. Limits of detection reached the 25-100 ppb range with suitable robustness and repeatability results. This design has demonstrated good performance while being simple and accessible to the user.
authors: School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
authors: Víctor
authors: V
authors: González-Ruiz
authors: Section of Mathematics, University of Geneva, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
authors: Santiago
authors: S
authors: Codesido
authors: Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Chemistry Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.|Analis, Suarlee, Belgium.
authors: Johann
authors: J
authors: Far
authors: School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
authors: Serge
authors: S
authors: Rudaz
authors: School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Schappler
mesh_terms: D019075:Electrophoresis, Capillary / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D057230:Limit of Detection; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods
keywords: CE-MS interface; Electrospray; Low sheath-flow