After testing some commercially available systems, we are discussing the purchase of a micro-LC (with pumps not needing the use of a solvent splitter) to be coupled to MS/MS. We plan to use capillary columns with internal diameter lower than 200 µm.
I would like to have some external advice (possibly unbiased!) on the pros and cons of such a move, since, internally, opinions are divided and the investment required is not negligible.
I would like to point out that 1) sample volume is not a problem (we work already with 50 µl plasma) 2) 90 % of the applications will be quantitative (analysis of drugs in biological fluids) 3) we would like to continue with the "dilute and shoot" technique, to avoid long method development (the environment for this new system would be drug discovery, and normally many different compounds need to be analyzed in a short time)
Thanks in advance for your contribution

Dilute and shoot onto a microbore LC?
I also work in the drug discovery area, and would not recommend this. I foresee many blockages ahead.
With very clean samples microbore is definitely the way to go, but for dilute and shoot methods I don't think so.