Chip-based separation devices coupled to mass spectrometry

The hyphenation of miniaturized separation techniques like chip electrophoresis or chip chromatography to mass spectrometry (MS) is a highly active research area in modern separation science. Such methods are particularly attractive for comprehensive analysis of complex biological samples. They can handle extremely low sample amounts, with low solvent consumption. Furthermore they provide unsurpassed analysis speed together with the prospect of integrating several functional elements on a single multifunctional platform. In this article we review the latest developments in this emerging field of technology and summarize recent trends to face current and future challenges in chip-based biochemical analysis.

► Chip-based separation devices with MS detection are upcoming tools in biochemical analysis.
► Microfluidics combines unsurpassed analysis speed with minute sample consumption.
► Chip chromatography and chip electrophoresis-MS enables fast analysis of complex mixtures.
► Microfluidic chip technology allows for seamless integration of different functional elements.