On-Demand Mass Spectrometry Analysis by Miniature Mass Spectrometer

Electrospray ionization (ESI) has become a powerful tool for the analysis of biomolecules by mass spectrometry (MS). The process of ESI is difficult to control, and side reactions such as electrochemical reactions can occur during the ESI process because of the high voltages applied. Herein, a novel on-demand MS analysis method was developed based on discontinuous ion injection-induced ESI on a miniature MS system. Highly efficient ionization was enabled under low voltages (<300 V) using a discontinuous atmospheric pressure interface. On-demand ionization showed comparable sensitivity with regular nanoESI for the analyses of a series of compounds. It was found to be softer than regular ESI or nanoESI methods for ionization of proteins such as myoglobin and cytochrome C. As the ionization finished as soon as the interface was closed, the sample consumption was observed to reduce significantly for MS analysis, allowing single-cell analysis with multiple MS and MS/MS measurements.