Thin-layer chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry: Interfaces to electrospray ionization

Interface designs that link electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry to thin-layer chromatography benefit from the low sample solution volume r equired for ESI, the relatively high sample concentrations in the sprayed s olution, and the minimum loss of spatial resolution during sample extractio n with small amounts of solvent. A microcapillary array provides a series o f analytical solutions in which changing concentrations of the sample provi de peak profiles and tests for sample-band homogeneity, A probe that enable s a hydrophobic barrier to be placed in the TLC plate during sample extract ion is also described.