Probing the mechanisms of an air amplifier using a LTQ-FT-ICR-MS and fluorescence spectroscopy

J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2007 Nov;18(11):1909-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jasms.2007.08.006. Epub 2007 Aug 16.

Abstract

We report the first quantitative assessment of electrosprayed droplet/ion focusing enabled by the use of a voltage-assisted air amplifier between an electrospray ionization emitter and a hybrid linear ion trap Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (ESI-LTQ-FT-ICR-MS). A solution of fluorescent dye was electrosprayed with a stainless steel mesh screen placed in front of the MS inlet capillary acting as a gas-permeable imaging plate for fluorescence spectroscopy. Without use of the air amplifier, no detectable FT-ICR signal was observed, as well as no detectable fluorescence on the screen upon imaging using a fluorescence scanner. When the air amplifier was turned ON while electrospraying the fluorescent dye, FT-ICR mass spectra with high signal to noise ratio were obtained with an average ion injection time of 21 ms for an AGC target value of 5 x 10(5). Imaging of the screen using a fluorescence scanner produced a distinct spot of cross-sectional area approximately 33.5 mm(2) in front of the MS inlet capillary. These experimental results provide direct evidence of aerodynamic focusing of electrosprayed droplets/ions enabled by an air amplifier, resulting in improved electrospray droplet/ion capture efficiency and reduced ion injection time. A second set of experiments was carried out to explore whether the air amplifier assists in desolvation. By electrospraying a mix of quaternary amines, ratios of increasingly hydrophobic molecules were obtained. Observation of the solvophobic effect associated with electrospray ionization resulted in a higher abundance of the hydrophobic molecule. This bias was eliminated when the air amplifier was turned ON and a response indicative of the respective component concentrations of the molecules in the bulk solution was observed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Air
  • Amplifiers, Electronic
  • Cyclotrons
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence / instrumentation*
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / instrumentation*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / methods*
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared / instrumentation*
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared / methods*

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes