Apparatus and method for coupling microfluidic systems with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry utilizing a hydrodynamic flow restrictor

摘要

A microfluidic device is disclosed wherein a hydrodynamic flow restrictor is positioned in a main channel; a make-up flow channel engages the main channel at a position between the hydrodynamic flow restrictor and an output channel. The hydrodynamic flow restrictor substantially negates a hydrodynamic backpressure in the main channel to the extent that low electroosmotic flow may be utilized in the main channel. Further, a method is disclosed wherein a sample is delivered to the main channel and low EOF drives the sample through the main channel. The method comprises positioning a hydrodynamic flow restrictor in the main channel and delivering a make-up solution via hydrodynamic flow to the main channel at a position between a hydrodynamic flow restrictor and the output channel. The hydrodynamic flow restrictor substantially negates a hydrodynamic backpressure in the main channel to the extent that low electroosmotic flow may be utilized in the main channel.