Automatic cleaning in acoustic ejection mass spectrometry: Enhancing the system robustness for large-scale high-throughput analysis of complex samples

The rapid evolution of high-throughput mass spectrometry (HT-MS) technologies has positioned MS as a pivotal analytical tool across diverse disciplines. Its significance is particularly pronounced in high-throughput drug discovery and development, where MS plays a critical role throughout various phases. Acoustic ejection mass spectrometry (AEMS) is a recent addition to the HT-MS landscape, showcasing a balanced performance high analytical throughput and high data quality. Particularly, AEMS's in-line dilution feature allows the direct analysis of large-scale, complex reaction solutions without the need for sample cleanup, making it a popular choice for large-scale high-throughput screenings. However, the substantial volume of complex matrix introduces concerns about system robustness, specifically regarding the potential clogging of the sample transfer line. This study addresses this challenge by introducing an integrated automatic washing feature to the AEMS system. This enhancement significantly improves system robustness without imposing any additional demands on assay execution time. Demonstrating an extended electrode lifetime, the cleaning approach proves effective in maintaining system performance over prolonged periods, showcasing its potential for continuous large-sample-scale high-throughput analysis applications.