Software for microfluidic systems interfacing with mass spectrometry
First Claim
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1. A method for maintaining an electrospray ionization (ESI) tip at a constant voltage relative to ground while performing a separation reaction, the method comprising:
- a) applying a first voltage to a proximal end of a separation channel, wherein a distal end of the separation channel is in fluid and electrical communication with the ESI tip;
b) applying a second voltage to a proximal end of an auxiliary fluid channel, wherein a distal end of the auxiliary fluid channel is in fluid and electrical communication with the distal end of the separation channel;
c) performing the separation reaction to separate a mixture of analytes, wherein the separation reaction takes place within the separation channel; and
d) monitoring a change in resistance of the separation channel or a change in voltage at the ESI tip in a feedback loop that adjusts the first and second voltages to maintain a constant voltage drop across the separation channel and a constant voltage at the ESI tip.
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Abstract
Methods, devices, and systems for improving the quality of electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (ESI-MS) data are described, as are methods, devices, and systems for achieving improved correlation between chemical separation data and mass spectrometry data.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for maintaining an electrospray ionization (ESI) tip at a constant voltage relative to ground while performing a separation reaction, the method comprising:
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a) applying a first voltage to a proximal end of a separation channel, wherein a distal end of the separation channel is in fluid and electrical communication with the ESI tip; b) applying a second voltage to a proximal end of an auxiliary fluid channel, wherein a distal end of the auxiliary fluid channel is in fluid and electrical communication with the distal end of the separation channel; c) performing the separation reaction to separate a mixture of analytes, wherein the separation reaction takes place within the separation channel; and d) monitoring a change in resistance of the separation channel or a change in voltage at the ESI tip in a feedback loop that adjusts the first and second voltages to maintain a constant voltage drop across the separation channel and a constant voltage at the ESI tip. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A computer-implemented method for maintaining an electrospray ionization (ESI) tip at a constant voltage relative to ground while performing a separation reaction, the method comprising:
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a) receiving, using a processor, a first measurement of a voltage at the ESI tip, wherein a distal end of the separation channel is in fluid and electrical communication with the ESI tip; b) receiving, using the processor, a second measurement of the voltage at the ESI tip; c) comparing the second measurement to the first measurement using the processor, wherein if the second measurement differs from the first measurement, the processor causes a voltage at a proximal end of the separation channel and a voltage at a proximal end of an auxiliary fluid channel comprising a distal end that is in fluid and electrical communication with the distal end of the separation channel, to be adjusted such that the voltage at the ESI tip is returned to the first measurement value; and d) repeating steps (a) through (c) at a specified frequency. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification