Abstract: An interface apparatus for introducing a sample for analysis from a liquid flow into a mass spectrometer as a plurality of charged droplets is disclosed. The interface apparatus includes interface body which defines a spray chamber and an orifice, a spray means defining a liquid-flow inlet channel and an excess-sample-flow exit channel and having an open end disposed inside the spray chamber, and a voltage device for applying a voltage to the sample to form a plurality of charged droplets. The charged droplets pass through the orifice in the interface body and are introduced into a mass spectrometer for analysis. The interface includes a valve for regulating the flow of sample into the sample inlet channel and a device for imposing a pressure gradient on the sample at the open end which induces the sample to flow from the sample inlet channel through the excess sample outlet channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for determining sequence information in polynucleotides by combining the recent disparate technologies of mass spectrometry and polynucleotide hybridization, amplification, extension and/or ligation techniques. Broadly, in a first step, the method for determining sequence information in a sample polynucleotide includes hybridizing with a sample nucleotide one or a mixture of oligonucleotide probes having a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of the sample polynucleotide, thereby forming a complex. Then, in a second step, the complex is contacted with at least a member selected from the group consisting of nucleosides, dideoxynucleosides, polymerases, nucleases, transcriptases, ligases and restriction enzymes to alter at least a subset of said oligonucleotide probes.

Abstract: Integrated methods and apparatus for sequencing or identifying polymers by mass spectrometry with a statistical certainty. The methods involve integrating data obtained by mass spectrometry analysis of a series of polymer fragments and statistically comparing said data with hypothetical data corresponding to known sequences or identities.

Abstract: A method for removing an allyl protecting group from an allyl-protected derivative of a biologically relevant amino acid is disclosed. One relevant aspect of the method is the use of soluble organometallic catalyst, such as an organopalladium catalyst. Preferably, soluble tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium (0) is used. The allyl deprotection method now disclosed is suitable for use on an instrument for automated peptide synthesis. Methods of preparing the soluble organometallic catalyst are also disclosed, as are soluble catalyst compositions.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is drawn to pyrazolinone derivatives, and methods of use thereof, for non-radioactive labeling of amine-functionalized molecules, especially biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, PNA, oligomers, carbohydrates, amino acids and peptides. Carboxyl-containing reporter groups such as biotin and fluorescein may be activated for nucleophilic addition to a primary or secondary amine moiety. Representative compounds of the invention include Dimethoxytritylbiotin-XPP, biotin-XPP, and fluorescein-XPP.

Abstract: Disclosed are chromatography methods and matrix geometries which permit high resolution, high productivity separation of mixtures of solutes, particularly biological materials. The method involves passing fluids through specially designed chromatography matrices at high flow rates. The matrices define first and second interconnected sets of pores and a high surface area for solute interaction in fluid communication with the members of the second set of pores. The first and second sets of pores are embodied, for example, as the interstices among particles and throughpores within the particles. The pores are dimensioned such that, at achievable high fluid flow rates, convective flow occurs in both pore sets, and the convective flow rate exceeds the rate of solute diffusion in the second pore set. This approach couples convective and diffusive mass transport to and from the active surface and permits increases in fluid velocity without the normally expected bandspreading.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus disclosed herein are useful for sequencing polymers using mass spectrometry. The methods involve differing ratios of hydrolyzing agent to polymer disposed upon a reaction surface adapted for use with a mass spectrometer. The methods further involve integrating data obtained from mass spectrometry analysis of a plurality of series of hydrolyzed polymer fragments, and optionally provide statistical interpretation paradigms and computer software therefor. The apparatus involves a mass spectrometer sample holder, having hydrolyzing agent disposed thereon, which is useful for adapting any mass spectrometer for polymer sequencing.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus disclosed herein are useful for sequencing polymers using mass spectrometry. The methods involve differing ratios of hydrolyzing agent to polymer disposed upon a reaction surface adapted for use with a mass spectrometer. The methods further involve integrating data obtained from mass spectrometry analysis of a plurality of series of hydrolyzed polymer fragments, and optionally provide statistical interpretation paradigms and computer software therefor. The apparatus involves a mass spectrometer sample holder, having hydrolyzing agent disposed thereon, which is useful for adapting any mass spectrometer for polymer sequencing.

Abstract: A method for removing an allyl protecting group from an allyl-protected derivative of a biologically relevant amino acid is disclosed. One relevant aspect of the method is the use of soluble organometallic catalyst, such as an organopalladium catalyst. Preferably, soluble tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium (0) is used. The allyl deprotection method now disclosed is suitable for use on an instrument for automated peptide synthesis. Methods of preparing the soluble organometallic catalyst are also disclosed, as are soluble catalyst compositions.

Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of a sample molecule is described. The spectrometer provides independent control of the electric field experienced by the sample before and during ion extraction. Methods of mass spectrometry utilizing the principles of this invention reduce matrix background, induce fast fragmentation, and control the transfer of energy prior to ion extraction.

Abstract: Disclosed are specifically designed binding, "protein imaged" sorbents which reversibly bind with high specificity and affinity a preselected macromolecule, specifically a protein. The sorbents define one or more cavities which have a binding surface complementary in shape to the molecular surface of the macromolecule and a plurality of positively and negatively charged chemical moieties spatially distributed in a mirror image and charge inverse of a subset of the ionizable groups on the molecular surface of the macromolecule. Also disclosed are methods of producing such sorbents, useful over a range of conditions, for both preparative and analytical chromatographic separations or for use in various types of analyses.

Abstract: Method for production of 2'-O-derivatized uridine and cytosine RNA synthons comprising derivatizing the 2'-hydroxyl group of a partially protected cytosine ribonucleoside to preferentially produce a partially protected 2'-O-derivatized nucleoside, which is then either (1) reacted at the 3'-hydroxyl group to produce a 2'-O-derivatized cytosine RNA synthon, or (2) reacted with a hydroxide source to produce a uridine nucleobase by deamination, thereby producing a partially protected 2'-O-derivatized uridine ribonucleoside which can be reacted at its 3'-hydroxyl group to produce a uridine RNA synthon.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for fluidic separation systems comprising a microfabricated conduit including a usefully long optical pathlength. The provision of a usefully long optical pathlength in the apparatus greatly improves the sensitivity of detection of separated analytes without compromising the resolving power of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are chemically-produced specific binding, "molecular imaged" sorbents which reversibly bind a preselected macromolecule by spatially matched multipoint interactions between functional groups synthesized on the surface of the sorbent and functional groups on the surface of the macromolecule. Also disclosed are methods of producing such sorbents. The sorbents typically are high surface area solids comprising surface binding regions which have charged groups, metal coordinating groups, hydrophobic moieties, or various combination thereof anchored thereto and spaced in the mirror image of complementary interactive groups on a surface of the macromolecule.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and apparatus for performing ultrafast binding assays by capillary electrophoresis or other electroseparation techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first binding partner carries a detectable label and a second binding partner is modified to be highly charged. When used in combination with a sample containing an analyte with which both binding partners can interact and bind thereto, a three-membered complex is formed. The electrophoretic mobility difference between the unbound and complex-bound forms of labeled first binding partner is such that electroseparation and subsequent detection of an analyte can be accomplished. The compositions, methods, and apparatus disclosed herein also permit quantitative determination of the concentration of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of a sample molecule is described. The spectrometer provides independent control of the electric field experienced by the sample before and during ion extraction. Methods of mass spectrometry utilizing the principles of this invention reduce matrix background, induce fast fragmentation, and control the transfer of energy prior to ion extraction.

Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of a sample molecule is described. The spectrometer provides independent control of the electric field experienced by the sample before and during ion extraction. Methods of mass spectrometry utilizing the principles of the invention reduce matrix background, induce fast fragmentation, and control the transfer of energy prior to ion extraction.

Abstract: Disclosed are chromatography methods and matrix geometries which permit high resolution, high productivity separation of mixtures of solutes, particularly biological materials. The method involves passing fluids through specially designed chromatography matrices at high flow rates. The matrices define first and second interconnected sets of pores and a high surface area for solute interaction in fluid communication with the members of the second set of pores. The first and second sets of pores are embodied, for example, as the interstices among particles and throughpores within the particles. The pores are dimensioned such that, at achievable high fluid flow rates, convective flow occurs in both pore sets, and the convective flow rate exceeds the rate of solute diffusion in the second pore set. This approach couples convective and diffusive mass transport to and from the active surface and permits increases in fluid velocity without the normally expected bandspreading.

Abstract: Disclosed are chromatography methods and matrix geometries which permit high resolution, high productivity separation of mixtures of solutes, particularly biological materials. The method involves passing fluids through specially designed chromatography matrices at high flow rates. The matrices define first and second interconnected sets of pores and a high surface area for solute interaction in fluid communication with the members of the second set of pores. The first and second sets of pores are embodied, for example, as the interstices among particles and throughpores within the particles. The pores are dimensioned such that, at achievable high fluid flow rates, convective flow occurs in both pore sets, and the convective flow rate exceeds the rate of solute diffusion in the second pore set. This approach couples convective and diffusive mass transport to and from the active surface and permits increases in fluid velocity without the normally expected bandspreading.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrophilic coatings covalently bound to hydrophobic surfaces as well as methods for their production. To form the coated surfaces, a compound is provided which comprises a hydrophobic domain including an unsaturated group and a hydrophilic domain. Also provided is a hydrophobic surface comprising unsaturated groups. Molecules of the compound are adsorbed onto the hydrophobic surface, and the unsaturated groups in the hydrophobic domains of molecules of the compound then are covalently crosslinked to the unsaturated groups on the hydrophobic surface by a free radical reaction. In one embodiment, hydrophilic coatings may be covalently attached to hydrophobic polymers such as divinylbenzene crosslinked polystyrene. Hydrophilic coatings covalently attached to hydrophobic surfaces are obtained which are stable, which may be readily derivatized, and which are useful in a wide range of chromatography applications.