Abstract: Techniques are described for accelerating thermal equilibrium in a chromatographic column. An apparatus comprises a chromatography column, and a plurality of temperature control units in thermal contact with the chromatography column. A method of performing liquid chromatography comprises setting an inlet of a chromatography column to a first temperature using a first temperature control unit in thermal contact with said inlet, setting an outlet of the chromatography column to a second temperature using a second temperature control unit in thermal contact with the outlet, wherein the first temperature is less than the second temperature; and injecting a sample into a liquid stream that flows through the chromatography column after the inlet is set at the first temperature and the outlet is at the second temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing liquid chromatography includes a chromatography column, and an insulating member surrounding the chromatography column wherein the insulating member is formed from a vacuum chamber surrounding the chromatography column. Another apparatus for performing liquid chromatography includes a chromatography column, and an insulating member surrounding the chromatography column, wherein the insulating member includes aerogel. Also described is a method of insulating a chromatography column comprising forming a jacket surrounding the chromatography column, and creating a vacuum chamber in an area between the jacket and the chromatography column.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a porous monolith polymeric composition having utility in catalysis, chromatography, filtration, and electro-kinetic pumps, devices incorporating such composition and methods or making and using such monoliths. The monoliths are characterized by a substantially homogeneous skeletal core with little shrinkage, few voids and few channels.

Abstract: High-pressure electrokinetic (“EK”) pumps comprising a hybrid monolith provide a high surface charge density and a continuous stable skeleton morphology with micrometer-sized through-pores. The hybrid monolith of the subject invention has superior mechanical strength and better stability in comparison to prior art monoliths with equivalent mechanical stability. The surface charge of the hybrid monolith can be modified and/or made stable by the use of different chemical reagents. The chemical reagents and resulting modification to the monolith serves to expand the usefulness of the hybrid monolith to a variety of pumping applications including chip-based systems and other applications where the ability to pump an acidic solution is required.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for enhancing chemical reactions of molecules, e.g., biomolecules, with destructible surfactants. The chemical reactions may involve and/or be associate with analysis, e.g., solubilizing, separating, purifying and/or characterizing the molecules. In one aspect, the anionic surfactants of the present invention may be selectively broken up at relatively low pH. The resulting breakdown products of the surfactants may be removed from the molecule/sample with relative ease. The invention has applicability in a variety of analytical techniques.

Abstract: A chromatographic container (1) incorporating an antimicrobial layer (5) or an antimicrobial device (10) with such a layer (15) for use with a standard chromatographic container (11), which layer (5, 15) inhibits, in use, microbial growth. The antimicrobial layer (5, 15) can be on an internal surface of the container (1) or on an exposed surface of the device (10) and may be in the form of a coating, liner or film The layer (5, 15) may be configured for gradual release an antimicrobial agent or chemical additive, for example sodium azide. Additionally or alternatively, the antimicrobial layer (5, 15) may include silver or silver particles, for example nanoparticles of silver.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and a method for performing size exclusion chromatography. Embodiments of the present invention feature devices and methods for size exclusion chromatography at normal high performance liquid chromatography or ultra performance liquid chromatography pressures and above using small particles.

Abstract: Described is a device for collecting a fluid sample, such as a biological fluid sample. The device includes a planar collection substrate having an absorbent material. The planar collection substrate includes an impermeable region and a sample collection region. The impermeable region is impermeable to the fluid sample and is embedded in the planar collection substrate in a spatial pattern. The sample collection region is in an area excluded from the spatial pattern and has a shape and a size defined by the spatial pattern. The sample collection region is configured to receive a known volume of the fluid sample. In an alternative form, the device includes a sample collection element disposed in an impermeable planar holder and, in another alternative form, the device includes an absorbent material disposed inside an impermeable tube wall.

Abstract: A method for performing hydrophobic interaction chromatography includes providing at least one wall defining a chamber having an inlet and an exit, and a stationary phase disposed within the chamber. The stationary phase comprises particles or monolith having a hydrophobic surface and a hydrophilic ligand. The method also includes loading a sample onto the stationary phase in the chamber and flowing the sample over the stationary phase. The sample is separated into one or more compositions by hydrophobic interaction between the stationary phase and the one or more compositions.

Abstract: The present invention features devices and methods of making such devices for performing liquid chromatography having at least one wetted surface having a composition of a polysilazane.

Abstract: High-pressure electrokinetic (“EK”) pumps comprising a hybrid monolith provide a high surface charge density and a continuous stable skeleton morphology with micrometer- sized through-pores. The hybrid monolith of the subject invention has superior mechanical strength and better stability in comparison to prior art monoliths with equivalent mechanical stability. The surface charge of the hybrid monolith can be modified and/or made stable by the use of different chemical reagents. The chemical reagents and resulting modification to the monolith serves to expand the usefulness of the hybrid monolith to a variety of pumping applications including chip-based systems and other applications where the ability to pump an acidic solution is required.

Abstract: A device for the presentation of samples for MALDI or DIOS ion source, comprising a semiconductor wafer body having at least one first surface and at least one second surface, the first surface being chemically modified to repel said aqueous sample toward said second surface.

Abstract: A MALDI sample plate 1 is disclosed which comprises a metallic substrate 2 having a circular groove or moat 3. A hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene layer 4 is applied to the substrate 2 and a central portion 5 of the substrate 2 is laser etched which roughens the surface of the substrate 2. A thin polystyrene layer is then applied to the polytetrafluoroethylene layer 4 and the central portion 5.

Abstract: A solid phase extraction (SPE) device having a reservoir with an opening; a well comprising an internally tapered wall, the well having a wider interior diameter at an end closest to the opening than at an exit spout; a first filter within the well; a bed of sorbent particles within the well below the first filter; and a second filter having a diameter smaller than the first filter within the well below the bed of sorbent particles and above the exit spout is provided. A method of performing SPE using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A solid phase extraction (SPE) device having a reservoir with an opening; a well comprising an internally tapered wall, the well having a wider interior diameter at an end closest to the opening than at an exit spout; a first filter within the well; a bed of sorbent particles within the well below the first filter; and a second filter having a diameter smaller than the first filter within the well below the bed of sorbent particles and above the exit spout is provided. A method of performing SPE using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A novel Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS) desalting sample support plate is described. The plate comprises a sample presentation surface, wherein the sample presentation surface comprises at least one receiving surface of an absorbent layer, wherein the absorbent layer retains selected molecules on the receiving surface. Methods for making and using the sample support plate in conventional and automated MALDI-MS are also described.

Abstract: A MALDI sample plate 1 is disclosed which comprises a metallic substrate 2 having a circular groove or moat 3. A hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene layer 4 is applied to the substrate 2 and a central portion 5 of the substrate 2 is laser etched which roughens the surface of the substrate 2. A thin polystyrene layer is then applied to the polytetrafluoroethylene layer 4 and the central portion 5.

Abstract: A solid phase extraction (SPE) device having a reservoir with an opening; a well comprising an internally tapered wall, the well having a wider interior diameter at an end closest to the opening than at an exit spout; a first filter within the well; a bed of sorbent particles within the well below the first filter; and a second filter having a diameter smaller than the first filter within the well below the bed of sorbent particles and above the exit spout is provided. A method of performing SPE using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A method for removing an organic solute from a solution comprises contacting the solution with a polymer formed by copolymerizing one or more hydrophobic monomers and one or more hydrophilic monomers, whereby the solute is adsorbed onto the polymer. The solution can comprise a polar solvent such as a polar organic solvent or water or an aqueous buffer. The hydrophobic monomer can be, for example, divinylbenzene. The hydrophilic monomer can be, for example, a heterocyclic monomer, such as a vinylpyridine or N-vinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: A method for removing an organic solute from a solution, comprising contacting the solution with a polymer formed by copolymerizing one or more hydrophobic monomers and one or more hydrophilic monomers, whereby the solute is adsorbed onto the polymer. The solution can comprise a polar solvent such as a polar organic solvent or water or an aqueous buffer. The hydrophobic monomer can be, for example, divinylbenzene. The hydrophilic monomer can be, for example, a heterocyclic monomer, such as a vinylpyridine or N-vinylpyrrolidone.