Inventors:
George Janini - Rockville MD, US
Haleem J Issaq - Frederick MD, US
Timothy D Veenstra - Jefferson MD, US
Thomas P Conrads - Frederick MD, US
Kenneth L Wilkens - Nashville TN, US
Assignee:
The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, of the Department of Health and Human Services - Washington DC
International Classification:
H01J 49/00
Abstract:
Contiguous capillaries useful for separating and electrospraying a fluid comprising analyte and electrolyte are provided. The contiguous capillaries have spray tips at one end of the capillaries and electrically conductive portions in proximity to the spray tips. Methods for making the contiguous capillaries and their use as electrospray sources are also disclosed. Apparatus and methods for conveying analyte ions from the capillaries into analytical instruments, such as a mass spectrometer, are also disclosed. The disclosed contiguous capillaries may be used to carryout electrophoresis separation and electrospray ionization of analytes. Methods for obtaining the mass spectra of macromolecular analytes at concentrations lower than previously possibly are provided using the apparatus and procedures described herein.