Development of a Four-way Interface for Online Capillary Isoelectric Focusing-Electrospray-Mass Spectrometry (CIEF-ESI-MS)

A new interface for coupling CIEF and MS using a four-way cross has been developed in a single mechanical system. This new interface could be operated without the electric discontinuity and reinstallation of lines. Additionally, a bare fused silica capillary was facilitated as a spray needle to produce electrospray and to guide catholyte or sheath liquid. Focusing for CIEF was completed in a hanging droplet at the end of spray needle. This capillary spray needle also provided stable spray, enhanced the ionization efficiency and increased sensitivity. Results with carbonic anhydrase I showed that focusing and spraying were well completed with the new interface and the new spray needle.