Mass Spectrometry Applications, References, and News

4500 MiDTM and 4000 MiDTM Applications

The following are summaries and links to application notes created using the 4000 MiD™ and 4500 miniature mass spectrometers.
NOTE – to return to this application list, simply close the application document when finished reading.

Applications

  1. Application of high performance microfluidic electrokinetic liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (eHPLC-MS) in separation and analysis of isomers of microcystins
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom
  • Unimicro (Shanghai) Technologies Co„ Ltd., Shanghai, China 201203
  • School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China 200240

Keywords: point-of-need, microcystins, electrokinetic liquid chromatography, eHPLC, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4500 MiD™

  • Separation and analysis based on high performance microfluidic electrokinetic liquid chromatography (eHPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry gives multiple analytical benefits including high sensitivity and high selectivity. This App Note shows how Microsaic’s benchtop quadrupole mass spectrometer is easily deployed in eHPLC-MS analysis, and it provides fast, information-rich data about the test substance.
  1. The development of a point-of-need miniaturized mass spectrometer for upstream bioprocessing applications
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, bioprocessing, IgG, HILIC-MS, ProteinID MS, cell-culture, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4500 MiD™

  • A point-of-need miniaturized mass spectrometer, in conjunction with Proof-of-Concept (PoC) workflows, has been developed to analyse cell culture samples obtained from a bioreactor.
  1. Sensitive detection of peptides in cytochrome C digest using a real-time compact mass spectrometer
  • Victoria Ordsmith, Bin Chen, Chris Harris
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, peptides, proteomics, cytochrome c digest, Nano-LC, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4500 MiD™

  • This poster describes a Nano LC-MS analysis of a cytochrome C digest using a micropillar array column and the Microsaic 4500 MiD™, as compared to a UV detector.
  1. Mixed Computational Fluid Dynamics and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo model of the intermediate pressure regions of a miniaturised mass spectrometer
  • Edward J. Crichton, Rantej S. Kler, Richard W. Moseley
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, miniaturized ESI-MS, ion optics, ion guide, MEMs, computational models, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4500 MiD™

  • This poster explores the development of a Simion ion trajectory model for a MEMS-based compact mass spectrometer.
  1. Investigating polar phenolic compounds in peppermint rhizomes and leaves using 4500 MiD™®
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom
  • Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University, Odbojarov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
  • Amedis spot. s.r.o., Kamenarska 7, 821 04 Bratislava 2, Slovak Republic

Keywords: point-of-need, peppermint analysis, polar phenolic compounds, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4500 MiD™

  • Peppermint’s reported biological activities, including digestion-stimulation and antiseptic effects, are thought to be influenced by naturally-occurring polar phenolic compounds. This App Note shows how compact mass spectrometry can be used to quickly identify and quantify key compounds in different parts of the plant.
  1. Using mass spectrometry for point-of-need bioprocessing
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Cambridge, MA 01239, USA

Keywords: point-of-need, bioprocessing, monoclonal antibodies, storage time and conditions, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4500 MiD™

  • Integrated, real-time compact mass spectrometry provides important process information quickly, and at the point-of-need. This App Note discusses the analysis of storage time and conditions on monoclonal antibodies using miniaturised mass spectrometers.
  1. Cannabinoids and TLC-MS
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom
  • Omicron Research Limited, Kennet Enterprise Centre, Charnham Ln, Hungerford RG17 OE

Keywords: point-of-need, cannabis, cannabis derivatives, cannabinoids, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4500 MiD™

  • The use of cannabis and cannabis derivatives in medicine and nutritional supplements has now grown internationally, largely due to favourable regulatory status for medicinal use. As more new compounds are released onto the market, accessible techniques are required to quickly and efficiently analyse product quality.
  1. Easy and fast isolation of rosmarinic acid from lemon balm with mass-directed purification
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom
  • KNAUER Wissenschaftliche Gerate GmbH, Hegauer Weg 38, 14163 Berlin

Keywords: point-of-need, rosmarinic acid, lemon balm extract, mass-directed preparative chromatography, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4500 MiD™

  • Rosmarinic acid is a natural product widely spread over different plant families. Preparative reversed-phase chromatography was used for the mass-directed purification of rosmarinic acid from a lemon balm extract.
  1. Monitor and control your upstream bioprocessing using a deployable MS
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, bioprocessing, biologics, bioreactor, real-time reaction monitoring, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4500 MiD™

  • The new demands of bioprocessing, used to make biologics, means that there is a need for analytical instruments, such as mass spectrometers, to provide real-time information (on-line and at-line) at the point-of-need. We show how our deployable, and compact mass spectrometer sampling the media from a bioreactor in real-time could provide important process monitoring, and critical quality attributes of the product.
  1. Rapid Analysis of Upstream Bioprocesses Using a Point-of-Need Mass Spectrometer
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, upstream bioprocessing, rapid analysis, cell cultures, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4500 MiD™

  • Integrated real-time MS, decentralized and at the point-of-need, could provide important process information quickly and at reduced cost. Here, the feasibility of using a deployable and compact mass spectrometer for the direct analysis of upstream cell cultures is investi-gated.
  1. Sensitive Detection of Peptides in Cytochrome C Digest Using Nano LC with Micro Pillar Array Columns (µPACTM) and Microsaic 4500 MiD™® Mass Spectrometer
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, peptides, proteomics, cytochrome c digest, Nano-LC, micropillar array columns, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4500 MiD™

  • Liquid Chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical tool for detection and identification of chemicals in complex mixtures. The compact nature of the Microsaic 4500 MiD™® MS system and the combination of low flow rate requirements and high separation resolution that PharmaFluidics µPAC™ LC columns can offer have made this combination a perfect fit for performing targeted proteomics studies as shown in this application note.
  1. Deployable mass detection integrated into your process can enhance productivity and profitability

Keywords: point-of-need, productivity, mass-directed purification, reaction monitoring, automated on-line dilution, TLC-MS, HPLC-MS, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • Microsaic Systems‘ application portfolio ranges from traditional LC-MS analysis to previously unserved markets that will benefit from deployable mass detection at the point-of-need. In this application note the versatility of Microsaic Systems’ application range is detailed along with the benefits of enhanced process productivity and profitability by integrating simple-to-use mass detection.
  1. Rapid detection of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic drinks by deployable and direct ESI-MS
  • Nick Clarkson
    Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, direct injection MS, alcoholic beverages, scotch whiskey, adulterants, denaturants, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • Using at-line direct injection MS analysis, we have demonstrated the ability to distinguish not only a difference in brands of whisky from the same distillery, but a detectable difference in different batches of the same blend. Furthermore, a test to detect the presence of denaturants or additives in whisky has been devised.
  1. Direct TLC-MS analysis using the 4000 MiD™
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, direct TLC-MS, caffeine, St. John’s Wort, hypericum, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • TLC-MS system provides an easy way to identify and elucidate unknown substances in research, forensic and environmental fields. Integration of the TLC-MS interface with the miniaturised, deployable, single quadrupole 4000MiD™® mass detector provides a completely standalone and easy to use solution for TLC spot identification.
  1. At-line extraction MS analysis of caffeine in Redbull
  • Alessio Zammataro
    Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, at-line extraction, screening, caffeine, Red Bull, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • We report a rapid and low cost screening of caffeine in RedBull by using a hand-held automated extraction platform coupled to the 4000 MiD™® mass detector.
  1. Purification of peptides and small molecules by Prep-LCMS
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, peptides, Prep-LC, mass-directed purification, bradykinin, verapamil, chlorpheniramine, chloramphenicol, caffeine, probenecid, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • Preparative liquid chromatography (Prep-LC) has become a major tool in the production of specialty chemicals. Prep-LC coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) is a well-established method for purifying target compounds. This technique allows collecting fractions with high purity and excellent recovery for target molecules by combining ultraviolet (UV) and mass-based detection.
  1. Multivariate analysis of a SNAr by on-line reaction monitoring using miniaturized MS
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, on-line flow reaction monitoring, SNAr, nucleophilic substitution, difluoro-nitrobenzene, morpholine, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • Investigation of the optimization of the nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 2,4-difluoro-nitrobenzene with morpholine over a wide variety of stoichiometric ratios, residence times and temperatures to demonstrate all the benefits of using on-line flow reaction monitoring.
  1. HPLC-MS applications of the Microsaic 4000 MiD™®
  • Alessio Zammataro
    Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, HPLC-MS analysis, pesticides, peptides, carbohydrates, ibuprofen, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • Here we report the HPLC-MS analysis of pesticides, peptides, carbohydrates and ibuprofen to demonstrate the excellent versatility and simplicity of the Microsaic 4000 MiD™® in several areas of application, such as environmental monitoring, food safety, forensics and pharmaceuticals.
  1. Bromination of a pyrrolo-pyrimidine by real-time flow reaction monitoring using MS analysis
  • Alessio Zammataro
    Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, on-line flow reaction monitoring, chemical synthesis, derivatization, bromination, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • Report on the collaboration with Durham University using the 4000 MiD™® mass spectrometer to demonstrate the benefits of on-line flow reaction monitoring of the bromination of ethyl pyrrolo[1,2-c]pyrimidine-3-carboxylate.
  1. Batch monitoring of deprotection chemistry
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, real-time on-line reaction monitoring, BOC-deprotection, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™, MiD™as

  • Here we monitor and compare two Boc-deprotection reactions using Microsaic Systems unique mass detection and sampling platform, consisting of the MiD™asTM, 4000 MiD™® and stand-alone on-board Masscape® software.
  1. On-line MS using the 4000 MiD™ reported by Astra-Zeneca at BMSS 2013
  • Tony Bristow,1 Andy Ray,1 Louise Lim2 and Anne O’Kearney-McMullan.1
    1AstraZeneca, Pharmaceutical Development , Silk Road Business Park, Charter Way, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2NA.
  • 2University of Strathclyde, Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, 16 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XQ.

Keywords: point-of-need, on-line continuous-flow reaction monitoring, chemical synthesis, Hofmann Rearrangement, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • Report on the use of the 4000 MiD™® mass spectrometer for on-line monitoring of continuous flow chemical synthesis – the Hofmann Rearrangement reaction.
  1. On-line flow reaction monitoring of Wittig reaction using deployable mass detection
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom
  • Syrris, 27 Jarman Way, Royston, Hertfordshire SG85HW, United Kingdom

Keywords: point-of-need, on-line flow reaction monitoring, chemical synthesis, Wittig reaction, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • Syrris and Microsaic Systems, both R&D 100 award winning companies have set up a Flow reactor-MS system to demonstrate the benefits of using on-line flow reaction monitoring. This presents a revolutionary tool for organic chemistry synthesis.
  1. On-line batch reaction monitoring of the catalytic conversion of ethanol to an advanced biofuel
  • Microsaic Systems plc, GMS House, Boundary Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BX, United Kingdom
  • Richard Wingad, University of Bristol

Keywords: point-of-need, on-line batch reaction monitoring, ethanol, biofuel, ethanol conversion to biofuel, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • Report on the collaboration with Bristol University using the 4000 MiD™® mass spectrometer to demonstrate the benefits of on-line reaction monitoring for reactions in batch mode of the catalytic conversion of ethanol to an advanced biofuel.

MiD™ 4000 and 4500 References

The following are summaries and links to published papers based on the 4000 MiD™ and 4500 miniature mass spectrometers. Some of the papers and articles require subscriptions with the respective provider to access the full document.

NOTE – to return to this reference list, either click the “Back” button on your browser, or click the “iChrom” page tab at the top of the browser.

MEMS mass spectrometers: the next wave of miniaturization

  • Authored by Syms, R. R. A. and Wright, S.
  • Published by J. Micromech. Microeng., 26 (2016), 023001.

Keywords: point-of-need, MEMS, applications of miniaturized mass spectrometers, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • This paper reviews mass spectrometers based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The MEMS approach to integration is first briefly described, and the difficulties of miniaturizing mass spectrometers are outlined. MEMS components for ionization and mass filtering are then reviewed, together with additional components for ion detection, vacuum pressure measurement and pumping. Mass spectrometer systems containing MEMS sub-components are then described, applications for miniaturized and portable systems are discussed, and challenges and opportunities are presented.

A Microelectromechanical Systems-Enabled, Miniature Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

  • Authored by Wright S., Malcolm A., Wright C., O’Prey S., Crichton E., Dash N., Moseley R.W., Zaczek W., Edwards P., Fussell R.J., Syms R.R.A.
  • Published by Anal. Chem., 87 (2015), 87, 3115–3122. DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b00311.

Keywords: point-of-need, thiabendazole, applications of miniaturized mass spectrometers, field-deployable triple quadrupole, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • Miniaturized mass spectrometers are becoming increasingly capable, enabling the development of many novel field and laboratory applications. However, to date, triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometers, the workhorses of quantitative analysis, have not been significantly reduced in size. Here, the basis of a field-deployable triple quadrupole is described. The key development is a highly miniaturized ion optical assembly in which a sequence of six micro-engineered components is employed to generate ions at atmospheric pressure, provide a vacuum interface, effect ion guiding, and perform fragmentation and mass analysis. Despite its small dimensions, the collision cell efficiently fragments precursor ions and yields product ion spectra that are very similar to those recorded using conventional instruments. The miniature triple quadrupole has been used to detect thiabendazole, a common pesticide, in apples at a level of 10 ng/g.

On-line Monitoring of Continuous Flow Chemical Synthesis Using a Portable, Small Footprint Mass Spectrometer

  • Authored by Bristow T.W.T., Ray A.D., O’Kearney-McMullan A., Lim L., McCullough B., Zammataro A.
  • Published by J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 25, (2014): 1794-1802.

Keywords: point-of-need, on-line monitoring, batch monitoring, continuous flow monitoring, Hofmann rearrangement, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • For on-line monitoring of chemical reactions (batch or continuous flow), mass spectrometry (MS) can provide data to (1) determine the fate of starting materials and reagents, (2) confirm the presence of the desired product, (3) identify intermediates and impurities, (4) determine steady state conditions and point of completion, and (5) speed up process optimization. Recent developments in small footprint atmospheric pressure ionization portable mass spectrometers further enable this coupling, as the mass spectrometer can be easily positioned with the reaction system to be studied. A major issue for this combination is the transfer of a sample that is representative of the reaction and also compatible with the mass spectrometer. This is particularly challenging as high concentrations of reagents and products can be encountered in organic synthesis. The application of a portable mass spectrometer for on-line characterization of flow chemical synthesis has been evaluated by coupling a Microsaic 4000 MiD™ to the Future Chemistry Flow Start EVO chemistry system. Specifically, the Hofmann rearrangement has been studied using the on-line mass spectrometry approach. Sample transfer from the flow reactor is achieved using a mass rate attenuator (MRA) and a sampling make-up flow from a high pressure pump. This enables the appropriate sample dilution, transfer, and preparation for electrospray ionization. The capability of this approach to provide process understanding is described using an industrial pharmaceutical process that is currently under development. The effect of a number of key experimental parameters, such as the composition of the sampling make-up flow and the dilution factor on the mass spectrometry data, is also discussed.

Continuous flow reaction monitoring using an on-line miniature mass spectrometer

  • Authored by Browne D. L., Wright S., Deadman B. J., Dunnage S., Baxendale I. R., Turner R. M., Ley S. V.
  • Published by Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 26, (2012), 1999-2010.

Keywords: point-of-need, flow reaction monitoring, miniature electrospray ionization, preparative flow chemistry, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • A recently developed miniature electrospray ionisation mass spectrometer has been coupled to a preparative flow chemistry system in order to monitor reactive intermediates and competing reaction paths, screen starting materials, and optimise reaction conditions. Although ideally suited to the application, mass spectrometers have rarely been used in this way, as traditional instruments are too bulky to be conveniently coupled to flow chemistry platforms.

A miniature mass spectrometer for liquid chromatography applications

  • Authored by Malcolm A., Wright S., Syms R. R. A., Moseley R. W., O’Prey S., Dash N., Pegus A., Crichton E., Hong G., Holmes A. S., Finlay A., Edwards P., Hamilton S. E., Welch C. J.
  • Published by Rapid Comm. in Mass Spect. 25, Issue 21, (2011) 3281–3288.

Keywords: point-of-need, MEMS, HPLC, liquid chromatography, reserpine, high sensitivity, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • A miniature mass spectrometer capable of detecting analytes eluting from a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system is described and demonstrated for the first time. The entire instrument, including all pumps and the computer, is contained within a single enclosure that may be conveniently accommodated at the base of the HPLC stack. The micro-spray ion source, vacuum interface, ion guide, and quadrupole ion filter are all micro-engineered. These components are fabricated in batches using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques and considered to be consumables. When coupled to a standard HPLC system using an integrated passive split, the limit of detection for reserpine while scanning the full mass range is 5 ng on‐column (1 pg of which is passed to the micro-spray). The mass range is m/z 100–800, and each spectrum is typically acquired at a rate of 1 scan per second. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Miniature mass spectrometer systems based on a micro-engineered quadrupole filter

  • Authored by Malcolm A., Wright S., Syms R. R. A., Dash N., Schwab M-A., Finlay A.
  • Published by Anal. Chem. 82, (2010), 1751-1758.

Keywords: point-of-need, MEMS, micro-engineered quadrupole, easy cartridge exchange, environmental monitoring, SPME, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • Two miniature mass spectrometer systems based on a micro-engineered quadrupole mass filter have been developed. One of the instruments has a footprint of 27 cm × 20 cm and is intended for laboratory use when space is at a premium. The other is portable and intended for use in the field. It is battery powered, weighs 14.9 kg, and is housed in a rugged case. This is the first example of a portable mass spectrometer incorporating an analyzer fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. The starting material for construction of the filters is a bonded silicon on insulator substrate, which is selectively etched using batch processing techniques to form coupling optics and springs that accurately hold 0.5 mm diameter stainless steel rods in the required geometry. Assembled filters measure 35 mm × 6 mm × 1.5 mm and are mounted, together with an ion source and channeltron detector, in small, interchangeable cartridges, which plug into a 220 cm3 vacuum chamber. Recovery from accidental contamination or when servicing is required can be achieved within 5−10 min, as the cartridge is easily exchanged with a spare. A potential application to environmental monitoring has been investigated. The headspace above water spiked with dibutyl mercaptan was sampled with a solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber, which was then injected directly into the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. Using this method, the limit of detection was found to be approximately 5 ppm for a 15 s sampling period.

MEMS-Based nanospray-ionization mass spectrometer

  • Authored by Wright S., Syms R. R. A., Moseley R., Hong G., O’Prey S., Boxford W. E., Dash N., Edwards P.
  • Published by J. Microelectromech. Syst. 19, (2010), 1430-1443.

Keywords: point-of-need, MEMS, micro-engineered quadrupole, electrospray ion source, differential pumping, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • An electrospray-ionization mass spectrometer (ESI-MS) whose main components are all fabricated using silicon microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques is demonstrated for the first time. The ion source consists of a micro-engineered alignment bench containing a V-groove mounting for a nanospray capillary, an ion-extraction electrode, and a pneumatic nebulizer. The vacuum interface consists of two plates, each carrying a 50-μm-diameter capillary, that are selectively etched and bonded together to provide a differentially pumped internal cavity. The quadrupole filter consists of a microfabricated frame that provides mountings for stainless-steel rods measuring 650 μm in diameter and 30 mm in length. Two different quadrupoles are compared: a first-generation bonded silicon device and a second-generation silicon-on-glass device with a Brubaker prefilter. Differential pumping of a MEMS component is demonstrated for the first time, atmospheric pressure ionization and ion transfer into vacuum are characterized, ESI-MS operation is demonstrated, and spectra are presented for a variety of compounds.

Microfabricated quadrupole mass spectrometer with a Brubaker pre-filter

  • Authored by Wright S., O’Prey S., Syms R. R. A., Hong G., Holmes A. S
  • Published by J. Microelectromech. Syst. 19, (2010), 325-337.

Keywords: point-of-need, microfabricated quadrupole, Brubaker prefilter, MEMS, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • Microfabricated quadrupole mass spectrometers with Brubaker prefilters are demonstrated for the first time. Complete filters are assembled from two dies, each carrying two pairs of rods providing the prefilter and main filter sections. The rods are held in precision silicon mounts that are fabricated using wafer-scale deep reactive-ion etching and anodic bonding to glass substrates. Improvements to ion transmission are obtained by tuning the bias potential applied to the prefilter. The effect is explained in terms of a simple analytic theory for ion motion in the prefilter. Mass filtering with a range of m/z = 0-1200 and a resolution of m/¿m ¿ 150 at 10% of peak height is demonstrated using 2-4-mm-long prefilter electrodes, 30-mm-long main electrodes (both of 650 ¿m diameter), and a radio-frequency drive at ¿6.5 MHz.

Comparison of Ion Coupling Strategies for a Micro-engineered Quadrupole Mass Filter

  • Authored by Wright S., Syms R. R. A., O’Prey S., Hong G., Holmes A
  • Published by J. Am. Soc. Mass. Spectrom. 20, (2009), 146.

Keywords: point-of-need, MEMs, miniature quadrupole mass filter chip, microengineering, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • The limitations of conventional machining and assembly techniques require that designs for quadrupole mass analyzers with rod diameters less than a millimeter are not merely scale versions of larger instruments. We show how silicon planar processing techniques and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) design concepts can be used to incorporate complex features into the construction of a miniature quadrupole mass filter chip that could not easily be achieved using other microengineering approaches. Three designs for the entrance and exit to the filter consistent with the chosen materials and techniques have been evaluated. The differences between these seemingly similar structures have a significant effect on the performance. Although one of the designs results in severe attenuation of transmission with increasing mass, the other two can be scanned to m/z=400 without any corruption of the mass spectrum. At m/z=219, the variation in the transmission of the three designs was found to be approximately four orders of magnitude. A maximum resolution of M/ΔM=87 at 10% peak height has been achieved at m/z=219 with a filter operated at 6 MHz and constructed using rods measuring (508±5) µm in diameter.

A micro-engineered alignment bench for a nanospray ionization source

  • Authored by Syms R. R. A., Zhou H., Bardwell M., Schwab M–A.
  • Published by J. Micromech. Microeng. 17, (2007), 1567-1574.

Keywords: point-of-need, MEMs, micro-engineered alignment bench, nanospray ionization, nano-ESI source, miniature quadrupole mass filter chip, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • A micro-engineered alignment bench for a nanospray ionization system is described. The bench combines a V-groove mount for a capillary-based nano-ESI source with an extraction electrode and allows accurate axial and transverse alignment of the capillary. An input channel and plenum for nebulizer gas are also demonstrated. The structure is formed in two halves, which are assembled by stacking. Electrically conducting features are constructed by crystal plane etching, deep reactive ion etching and metallization of silicon, while the insulating base is formed in a photopatterned plastic. Low voltage (about 850 V) positive ion emission is demonstrated using commercial nanospray (15 µm ID) capillaries, with total ion currents >10 nA. The structures are robust, and can survive voltages >1 kV and immersion in common solvents. Mass spectrometry is carried out using a commercial atmospheric pressure ionization instrument, and high signal stability is demonstrated.

Monolithic MEMS quadrupole mass spectrometers by deep silicon etching

  • Authored by Geear M., Syms R. R. A., Wright S., Holmes A. S.
  • Published by J. Microelectromech. Syst. 14, (2005), 1156

Keywords: point-of-need, MEMs, batch fabrication, deep silicon etching, miniature quadrupoles, ion optics, miniature mass spectrometer, portable mass spectrometry, Microsaic 4000 MiD™

  • A wafer-scale, batch fabrication process for constructing quadrupole mass spectrometers using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology is described. The device is formed from two bonded silicon-on-insulator (BSOI) substrates, which are attached together to form a monolithic block. Deep etched features and springs formed in the outer silicon layers are used to locate cylindrical metal electrode rods, while similar features formed in the inner silicon layers are used to define integrated ion entrance and exit optics. The precision of the assembly is determined by lithography and deep etching, and by the mechanical definition of the bonded silicon layers. Mass filtering is demonstrated, with a mass range of /spl ap/ 400 a.m.u. and a mass resolution of 1 a.m.u. at 219 a.m.u., using quadrupoles with rods of 500 /spl mu/m diameter and 30 mm length, operating at 6 MHz RF frequency.

Microsaic News Archive

The following are summaries and links to Microsaic news articles and announcements.

NOTE – to return to this archive, either click the “Back” button on your browser, or click the “iChrom” page tab at the top of the browser.

  • 20TH JUNE 2019

A successful meeting of mass spectrometry minds at the 2019 ASMS Conference

The beginning of June marks the annual ASMS (American Society of Mass Spectrometry) conference. In its 67th year, the event was held in Atlanta, Georgia. Microsaic was not only exhibiting but the…

  • 4TH JUNE 2019

Microsaic’s technology breakthrough demonstrates cost and time savings in the manufacture of biologics

Microsaic Systems plc (AIM: MSYS), the developer of point of need mass spectrometry (“MS”) instruments, has developed proof of concept workflows to analyse in real-time complex samples from bioreactors, which could enable…

  • 17TH MAY 2019

How to make your workflow more efficient by choosing the right software package

Do you find collecting and processing data time consuming? Do you have to use multiple software packages to get the data you need? With a wide variety of software packages out there…

  • 3RD APRIL 2019

Improving biologic workflows with compact mass spectrometers

We officially launched our new MiD™®ProteinID last week at Pittcon. Recently awarded as one of 2018’s most innovative products by The Analytical Scientist, we are already excited by the power and the…

  • 14TH DECEMBER 2018

Top 15 in The Analytical Scientist Innovation Awards (TASIAs) 2018

Microsaic is pleased to announce its ProteinID system has been listed in the Top 15 innovations of 2018 in The Analytical Scientist Innovation Awards. Judged by a panel of experts, the awards…

  • 22ND NOVEMBER 2018

PAT, Biopharma and Microsaic

Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older, then we wouldn’t have to wait so long?… Or so sang the Beach Boys in 1966. …Wouldn’t it be nice to control the quality…

  • 10TH OCTOBER 2018

Innovations in Pharmaceutical Technology article

Encouraging efficiency in pharmaceutical discovery and manufacturing, our Chief Technologist Dr. Richard Moseley, discusses chip-based technologies and miniaturisation of mass spectrometry. Read the article here.

  • 25TH SEPTEMBER 2018

Microsaic Laboratory News article

Chief Technologist, Richard Moseley, explains the need for miniaturised mass spectrometry, and where the technology can take some key industries such as pharma and biopharma. Read the full article here

  • 21ST SEPTEMBER 2018

Using the Microsaic MiD™® to optimise your flow reaction

Used in synthesis and pharmaceutical development, flow reactors offer both time and resource savings, when compared with off-line methods. Enabling rapid screening of key process parameters to ensure optimal conditions are reached,…

  • 24TH AUGUST 2018

Online TLC-MS: how the Microsaic MiD™® offers rapid analysis of complex matrixes

Offering the chemist both ease of use and the potential to separate complex sample matrices, it’s easy to see why thin layer chromatography is such a popular separation technique. What is TLC?…

  • 15TH JULY 2018

Microsaic features in process analytical technology (PAT) article for Biopharma International

Our Chief Technologist, Richard Moseley, talks to Biopharma International about process analytical technology (PAT) for monitoring and controlling biopharma production processes. Read the full article here

  • 12TH APRIL 2018

Microsaic Systems featured in Nature Product Focus for mass spectrometry

Our latest product innovation, the 4500 MiD™®, has been featured in a mass spectrometry article in Nature Product Focus. Download the article PDF below Nature Product Focus – Mass Spectrometry

  • 10TH APRIL 2018

Microsaic Systems launches 4500 MiD™ for point-of-need mass spectrometry at Analytica 2018

Microsaic Systems, Hall A3 Booth 422B, Analytica 2018, Munich, Germany, 10-13 April 2018 Leaders in miniaturised mass spectrometer detection instruments and technologies, Microsaic Systems (AIM: MSYS) has announced the launch of its…

  • 13TH DECEMBER 2017

Microsaic signs new phase of research agreement with a global partner in biopharma

Microsaic Systems plc (AIM: MSYS), the developer of chip-based mass spectrometry instruments, announces that it has signed a research agreement extending its collaboration with a long standing global partner in the scale…

  • 13TH SEPTEMBER 2017

Microsaic to Exhibit at BioProcess International, Boston

Microsaic Systems plc (AIM: MSYS), the developer of chip-based mass spectrometry (“MS”) instruments will be exhibiting at BioProcess International (“BPI”), September 25-28 2017, at booth 200 at the Hynes Convention Centre, Boston,…

  • 11TH MAY 2017

Microsaic Enhances Bioprocessing Capabilities

Microsaic Systems plc (AIM: MSYS), the developer of chip-based mass spectrometry (MS) instruments, has developed a novel technology to enable real-time analysis of proteins in bioprocessing applications, such as in the manufacture…

  • 7TH APRIL 2017

Microsaic signs amended agreement with Global Partner

Microsaic Systems plc (AIM: MSYS), the developer of chip-based mass spectrometry instruments, announces that it has signed an amendment to its Research Collaboration Agreement with a long standing global partner. The amended…

  • 15TH SEPTEMBER 2015

Microsaic Miniaturised Mass Spectrometry Instruments Now Compatible with the Clarity Chromatography Control Platform

15 Sept 2015: Microsaic Systems plc (AIM: MSYS), the high technology company developing the next generation of miniaturised mass spectrometry (MS) instruments, is pleased to announce that its product range is now…

  • 28TH FEBRUARY 2014

Microsaic Systems showcases miniaturised mass spectrometry at Pittcon 2014

The power of mass detection delivered to the lab bench Microsaic Systems, the high technology company developing, marketing and manufacturing next generation mass spectrometry (MS) instruments, will showcase its latest innovative products…

  • 9TH JANUARY 2014

Microsaic Systems launches compact MiD™as interface unit for real-time reaction data with miniaturised mass spectrometry instrument

New integrated module brings the power of mass detection to the lab bench Microsaic Systems is pleased to announce the launch of the MiDas™ interface module which allows simple connectivity of its…