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Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Above (and only just visible) is the tip of an electrophoresis capillary especially designed by JPL partners at SCIEX corporation for spraying liquid samples into a mass spectrometer. Thus enabling organic molecule detection of samples without using any form of labeling prior to analysis.
Above: Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Above (and only just visible) is the tip of an electrophoresis capillary especially designed by JPL partners at SCIEX corporation for spraying liquid samples into a mass spectrometer. Thus enabling organic molecule detection of samples without using any form of labeling prior to analysis.

CE-MS

Combining Two Powerful Approaches

Peter Willis - Konstantin Zamuruyev
An extremely powerful approach in the search for life involves seeking biochemical signatures of life at the molecular level. To date, this search has been hindered by a reliance on gas-phase chromatography methods for in situ analyses, which have chemical limitations for the detection of specific organic molecules associated with biosignatures. The liquid-based separation technique of capillary electrophoresis (CE), coupled with the most powerful organic detection technique, mass spectrometry (MS), overcomes the limitations of gas-phase techniques and holds unique promise in the search for signatures of life on other worlds.

Capillary Electrophoresis coupled to Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (CESI-MS) is a powerful analytical technique that allows separation and identification of organic molecules. CESI-MS combines advantages of both CE and MS to provide high separation efficiency and molecular mass information in a single analysis. Although CE can be coupled to multiple detection systems, MS is the most attractive for planetary exploration because it allows identification of the components in the sample.

MDL researchers are developing a portable CESI system that combines pneumatic and fluidic components for sample processing electronics and electrical components for autonomous system operation. The system is 12”x12”x4” in size and weighs 8 lbs., and it could be coupled to any MS. They are also developing chemical methods that would allow the detection of organic biosignatures in complex samples containing high amounts of salts like the ones that may expected to be found on future missions to ocean worlds.
JPL’s first complete brassboard prototype for end-to-end capillary electrophoresis analysis using a hollow glass capillary as the separation element. This design has been validated and is the first system capable of directly interfacing with mass spectrometry detection.
JPL’s first complete brassboard prototype for end-to-end capillary electrophoresis analysis using a hollow glass capillary as the separation element. This design has been validated and is the first system capable of directly interfacing with mass spectrometry detection.
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We have recently demonstrated CESI analysis of a mixture of 25 compounds relevant in the search for life including amino acids, peptides, nucleotides, and nucleobases in 20 min. This protocol is also tolerant of high concentration of salts.
We have recently demonstrated CESI analysis of a mixture of 25 compounds relevant in the search for life including amino acids, peptides, nucleotides, and nucleobases in 20 min. This protocol is also tolerant of high concentration of salts.
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Sample Manifold Prototype for Next Generation Life Detection. Development of integrated systems begins by using discrete fluidic “building blocks” like those shown - from JPL’s first capillary-based electrophoresis system coupled to mass spectrometry detection. Next generation systems then use monolithic manufacturing techniques to drastically reduce system mass/volume and eliminate fluidic connections between elements.
Sample Manifold Prototype for Next Generation Life Detection. Development of integrated systems begins by using discrete fluidic “building blocks” like those shown - from JPL’s first capillary-based electrophoresis system coupled to mass spectrometry detection. Next generation systems then use monolithic manufacturing techniques to drastically reduce system mass/volume and eliminate fluidic connections between elements.
+ Larger image
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