Work

A Composable 3D-Printed Platform for Rapid Sequential Sample Injection in Mass Spectrometry

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: We developed a composable 3D-printed platform for rapid sequential sample injection in mass spectrometry. The platform works in a well plate-like format and allows direct loading of discrete sample droplets by micropipette or automated liquid handling. Droplets are separated by air gaps during transport and are directly coupled to MS through capillary vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization (cVSSI). Liquid-infused surface treatment was used to improve compatibility of the 3Dprinted microchannels with MS analysis. The platform was evaluated for device operation, throughput, quantitative performance, and carryover. A throughput of ~20 s per sample was achieved at 50 µL/min. Quantitative analysis of lysine gave a linear response with R2 = 0.9988, and carryover was evaluated across chemically distinct small molecules. These results demonstrate that the platform supports air-separated droplet transport, rapid sequential analysis of different samples, and quantitative MS measurements in a simple, modular, and customizable format.

Source: ChemRxiv

DOI: 10.26434/chemrxiv.15008043/v1

Authors: Olanrewaju Awoyemi, Amanda Overby, Herbi Yuliantoro, Samuel Fisher, Stephen J. Valentine, Peng Li

Institutions: West Virginia University, Mercer University, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Lehigh University, University of Louisville

Language: English

Topic: Mass Spectrometry Techniques and Applications

Subfield: Spectroscopy

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Science Foundation

Award: Elucidating Factors Affecting the Preservation of Biomolecule Solution Structure for Spray-based Ionization Processes

OpenAlex ID: W7204823151

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