A microfluidic chip formed with multiple fluid channels terminating at a
tapered electrospray ionization tip for mass spectrometric analysis. The
fluid channels may be formed onto a channel plate that are in fluid
communication with corresponding reservoirs. The electrospray tip can be
formed along a defined distal portion of the channel plate that can
include a single or multiple tapered surfaces. The fluid channels may
terminate at an open-tip region of the electrospray tip. A covering plate
may substantially enclose most portions of the fluid channels formed on
the channel plate except for the open-tip region. Another aspect of the
invention provides methods for conducting mass spectrometric analysis of
multiple samples flowing through individual fluid channels in a single
microfluidic chip that is formed with a tapered electrospray tip having
an open-tip region.