What are the scientific issues that it resolves in comparison to traditional LC-MS or syringe-infused ESI?

Traditional LC-MS performs wonders with bulk separations, but is a nightmare when tiny volumes are required, when switching between many different separations is required, or when live processes are necessary on a chip. This pack is tuned for:

-extremely low (nanoliters to low microliters per minute) spray-free flows,

-accurate, milliseconds level time-alignment of on-chip events and MS acquisition,

-delicate treatment of rare/precious samples (priceless cells, organ-on-chip effluents, picoliter droplets), smaller band broadening due to sub-microliter dead volumes at the interface.

What instruments can it be compatible with?

Vendor-agnostic by design. We normally interface with ESI or nano-ESI systems using conventional fittings and optional adaptors to APCI/APPI systems. In reality, the pack is applied to prevalent high-resolution (Orbitrap- and Q-TOF-type) platforms as well as to triple-quads in a targeted assay. In case your source can take a fused-silica or metal emitter and standard stages, it can in most cases be built in.

What are its flow rates and sample volumes?

Common continuous flows: 10 nL/min -50 μL/min. Droplet mode: picoliter -nanoliter plugs up to tens of Hz. When using one-shot injections, 50-500 nL is injected without significant distortion of the peak (when reasonable tubing lengths are used). These ranges give what most laboratories operate with on a daily basis; we can do even higher flows with custom emitters.

What is the chip-to-MS transfer architecture that is minimized?

The interface uses a brief, tapered path to a replaceable or built-in nano-ESI emitter. Good internal dead volume should be less than 100 nL (usually 2060 nL in the final segment), and this limits dispersion. The last capillary length is maintained at a couple of centimeters; ferrule-free or low ferrule-compression connections ensure there is no step change in ID.

Is it capable of operating continuous streams as well as droplet microfluidics?

Yes. In continuous mode, you obtain classic time-resolved profiles from organ-on-chip devices, enzymatic reactors, or synthesis lines. In the droplet mode of operation, droplets are merged or de-emulsified upstream in the system (depending on the protocol) without loss of temporal fidelity, allowing each droplet to be treated as a separate event in the mass spectrometer.

What are the materials and solvents supported?

The chips are made either in glass or polymer (with optional Si/glass stacks in high-technology structures). Where necessary, they can be biocompatible (made solvent-resistant with acetonitrile, methanol, isopropanol, DMSO blends). Polymeric chips have pressure ratings of up to approximately 5 bar, but glass can be higher. If you plan to use halogenated or high-pH solvents, we can select suitable tubing and seals.

What is your method of coordinating the activities of a microfluidic with the acquisition of the MS?

Two tiers: physical instigations and high-level coordination. Our controller has TTL/analog I/O for start/stop and event markers, and we also have a basic API for scheduling valve switching, gradient steps, or droplet generation. Extraction can be performed event aligned with the time-stamped scans and external trigger lines taken on the MS side. Switching valve 100 mend to end; pressure spikes are removed to prevent spray hiccups.

Which types of research are the most helpful?

-Single-cell metabolomics and lipidomics.

-Minute-scale resolution organ-on-chip secretome profiling.

-Flow chemistry reaction monitoring in real-time.

-Droplet screening of an enzyme or a synthetic library.

-Quick change of conditions without lengthy column re-equilibration.

Here, low dead volume and accurate timing pay off.

What is your approach with regard to maintenance, cleaning, and sterility?

Every wet area is available; emitters can be changed. The standard rinse protocol includes aqueous/organic washes (e.g., water-acetonitrile) alternating and (where compatible) short rinses with isopropanol or formic acid. In the case of bio-work, it is possible to assemble a microfluidic path in sterile conditions; some chip materials can be used in autoclave conditions.

Is the pack a total replacement of LC columns?

Not necessarily. Think of it as complementary. LC remains bright when a range of complex mixtures requires high peak capacity. In cases where the question lies in the temporal dynamics, scarce samples or micro-reactor outputs, microfluidic-MS route is quicker and more cost-effective in the use of samples. Both are run by many groups depending on the study.

What is your after-sales service?

Applications designed for your chemistry, response-time tuning to your MS, and quick prototyping are needed when the initial chip is found to require adjustments. In collaborative projects (Horizon Europe or national), we will assist with proposal writing and can spin prototypes during the project to de-risk milestones. MIC designs systems to fulfill any field of research in which microfluidic control and stable MS readout are of interest.