Systems and methods for analyzing a plurality of samples in parallel
include a plurality of liquid phase separation regions, a plurality of
microfluidic storage regions, and a common mass spectrometer. Samples are
separated in parallel in the separation regions to yield a plurality of
output streams that are stored in the storage regions. The contents of
each storage region, or at least a representative portion thereof, are
sequentially discharged, ionized, and directed to the inlet of a mass
spectrometer. In this manner, multiple separations are conducted in
parallel with outputs provided serially to a common mass spectrometer
without any loss of data. Microfluidic storage regions minimize diffusion
between bands of separated samples. Portions of separated samples may be
directed to fraction collectors.