The Touch Express OPSI is a new sampling device for mass spec analysis using a technique developed by Gary Van Berkel and Vilmos Kertesz of Oak Ridge National Laboratory[1]. This fast, versatile sample inlet paired with the Advion expression CMS provides simple molecular weight determination of surfaces, solids and liquids in < 30 sec.
The OPSI incorporates an open port of continuous, low-volume solvent, flowing directly into the electrospray ion source of the mass spectrometer. Solvent is delivered to the open port sampling area through the inner of a pair of concentric tubes. The solvent forms a meniscus at the open port before being drawn down the outer tube into the ion source of the mass spectrometer under the Venturi effect of the nebulization gas in the ion source. Analysis is carried out by simply touching a sample to this open port.
In this application note, the OPSI is coupled with the CMS to demonstrate fast, benchtop analysis of intact proteins – 2 μL of myoglobin (horse) as well as 2 μL cytochrome C (horse).