Pesticide Screening of Food Samples Using the ionKey/MS System

Introduction

Microfluidic technology offers the capability to integrate several fluidic and instrumental components onto a single device. The process of microfluidic integration has several advantages for the micro-LC user. First, the micro-LC fittings either between the column and ESI source, or between the column and injection valve, must be precisely fitted. Even micrometers of difference between the transfer line and the column can equate to several μLs of void volume, and at μL/min flow rates can result in large deviations in retention time or peak width due to dispersion. The ability to micromachine and integrate the post-column connections on a planar microfluidic device offers the simplicity of never having to replace or change post-column lines or ESI tips. Secondly, the clamp-on microfluidic fittings make it easy to replace the microfluidic iKey in a matter of seconds. This allows for trouble-free system maintenance, but it can also facilitate the process of method development with different column chemistries. In addition, the integrated heating elements, memory, and ESI tips require minimal programming, providing control of LC-gradients and ESI spray in a customized environment.