Microcapillary Column Peptide Trap

Summary Protein detection using liquid chromatography (LC) followed by tandem mass spectroscopy has become a valuable tool for large-scale proteome analysis. Many efforts have been made to enhance throughput while maintaining sensitivity, particularly in the realm of low-volume samples. One such effort has been the introduction of pre-concentrating enrichment traps, which connect to the separation column through an intermediary tube. The enrichment trap automates sample loading into the separation column, however, it also reduces sensitivity and accuracy due to an inherent problem with sample dilution.


The Gygi invention provides a superior mechanical design to the automated loader by fusing the enrichment trap to the separation column using a microscale, 2-position valve, collectively termed the Tralumn. This design drastically reduces dilution to provide a more streamlined and sensitive LC system for the analysis of low-volume liquid samples.

Applications The Tralumn can be applied to automated liquid chromatography systems involving on-line separation and detection. The connector used to unify the loading and separation regions of the chromatography column can be sold in conjunction with pre-packed, specialty LC columns. This provides an improved method and apparatus for automating a capillary LC-MS/MS system. The position and nature of the sample enrichment trap enables high flow rate pre-concentration column forms the trap with a significantly slower flow rate analysis column, and permits the samples to be automatically introduced with improved sample throughput without sacrificing either the performance or the sensitivity for the analysis column. For Further Information Please Contact the Director of Business Development don Email: [email protected] Telephone: (617) 432-0920

Inventor(s): Gygi, Steven P

Type of Offer: Licensing



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