Contiguous capillaries useful for separating and electrospraying a fluid
comprising analyte and electrolyte are provided. The contiguous
capillaries have spray tips at one end of the capillaries and
electrically conductive portions in proximity to the spray tips. Methods
for making the contiguous capillaries and their use as electrospray
sources are also disclosed. Apparatus and methods for conveying analyte
ions from the capillaries into analytical instruments, such as a mass
spectrometer, are also disclosed. The disclosed contiguous capillaries
may be used to carryout electrophoresis separation and electrospray
ionization of analytes. Methods for obtaining the mass spectra of
macromolecular analytes at concentrations lower than previously possibly
are provided using the apparatus and procedures described herein.