Abstract: A method of differentiating benign melanocytic nevi from malignant melanomas is disclosed. The method generally includes subjecting a skin lesion sample from a patient to mass spectrometry to obtain a mass spectrometry protein profile. This profile is compared to mass spectrometry protein profiles of reference samples, which include known normal, benign melanocytic nevi, and/or malignant melanomas. Classification of the skin lesion sample as a benign melanocytic nevus or a malignant melanoma is based on similarities and difference between the mass spectrometry protein profiles.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a device may generally comprise a remote ablation chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet, a laser to deposit energy into a sample in the chamber to ablate the sample and generate ablation products in the chamber, a transport device in fluid communication with the outlet, an ionization source to ionize the ablation products to produce ions, and a mass spectrometer having an ion transfer inlet to capture the ions. The ablation products or the ions may be transported in a fluid stream from the ablation chamber through the transport device. The distance from the outlet of the ablation chamber to the ion transfer inlet may be from 1 cm to 10 m. Methods of making and using the same are also described.

Abstract: A compound may generally comprise the formula: wherein R1 is independently selected from C2-C10 alkyl or substituted alkyl, R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of —H and C1-C6 alkyl or substituted alkyl, X is selected from the group consisting of —NH— and —O—, Y is a carbohydrate, and m is an integer from 1 to 8. The compound may comprise a non-ionic acid labile surfactant. The compound may be used to facilitate solubilization of proteins and other molecules in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: A compound may generally comprise the formula: wherein R1 is independently selected from C2-C10 alkyl or substituted alkyl, R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of —H and C1-C6 alkyl or substituted alkyl, X is selected from the group consisting of —NH— and —O—, Y is a carbohydrate, and m is an integer from 1 to 8. The compound may comprise a non-ionic acid labile surfactant. The compound may be used to facilitate solubilization of proteins and other molecules in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: Anionic acid-labile surfactants may generally comprise compounds represented by the formula: wherein R1 is independently selected from —(CH2)0-9CH3, R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —(CH2)0-5CH3, Y is an anion, X is a cation, and n is an integer from 1 to 8. Methods of making and using the anionic acid-labile surfactants are also described. The anionic acid-labile surfactants may be used to facilitate the solubilization of proteins and other molecules in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: Anionic acid-labile surfactants may generally comprise compounds represented by the formula: wherein R1 is independently selected from —(CH2)0-9CH3, R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —(CH2)0-5CH3, Y is an anion, X is a cation, and n is an integer from 1 to 8. Methods of making and using the anionic acid-labile surfactants are also described. The anionic acid-labile surfactants may be used to facilitate the solubilization of proteins and other molecules in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: Anionic acid-labile surfactants may generally comprise compounds represented by the formula: wherein R1 is independently selected from —(CH2)0-9CH3, R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —(CH2)0-5CH3, Y is an anion, X is a cation, and n is an integer from 1 to 8. Methods of making and using the anionic acid-labile surfactants are also described. The anionic acid-labile surfactants may be used to facilitate the solubilization of proteins and other molecules in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: Anionic acid-labile surfactants may generally comprise compounds represented by the formula: wherein R1 is independently selected from —(CH2)0-9CH3, R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —(CH2)0-5CH3, Y is an anion, X is a cation, and n is an integer from 1 to 8. Methods of making and using the anionic acid-labile surfactants are also described. The anionic acid-labile surfactants may be used to facilitate the solubilization of proteins and other molecules in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: Anionic acid-labile surfactants may generally comprise compounds represented by the formula: wherein R1 is independently selected from —(CH2)0-9CH3, R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —(CH2)0-5CH3, Y is an anion, X is a cation, and n is an integer from 1 to 8. Methods of making and using the anionic acid-labile surfactants are also described. The anionic acid-labile surfactants may be used to facilitate the solubilization of proteins and other molecules in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: Anionic acid-labile surfactants may generally comprise compounds represented by the formulas: and wherein R1 is independently selected from —(CH2)0-9CH3, R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H and —(CH2)0-5CH3, Y is an anion, X is a cation, and n is an integer from 1 to 8. Methods of making and using the anionic acid-labile surfactants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gel electroelution device can have a gel spot column having upstream and downstream openings in fluid communication with an inlet and outlet, respectively. The gel spot column receives a gel spot and negative and positive electrodes are fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, respectively. A gel electroelution process can involve flowing a buffer solution through the gel spot in a first direction, and creating an electric field across the gel spot in the same direction. A separator device can have a generally cylindrical collection reservoir in fluid communication with inlet, filtrate, and retentate ports, a filter intermediate the inlet and filtrate ports. The inlet and retentate ports can intersect the collection reservoir in a manner to induce a cyclonic flow. A flow separation process can involve inducing a generally cyclonic flow in the collection reservoir, and filtering the fluid therein to retain the retentate.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for collecting a sample during electrokinetic transport may generally comprise a first channel intersecting a second channel to form a junction; a receptacle in fluid communication with the first channel to receive therein a sample comprising at least one analyte; a pair of electrodes associated with the first channel to create an electrophoretic field effective to electrokinetically transport the at least one analyte, wherein the second channel is substantially field-free of the electrophoretic field; and a first reservoir and a second reservoir in fluid communication with the first channel to create a pressure gradient between the channels effective to transport the at least one analyte from the first channel to the second channel when fluid is present in at least one of the reservoirs and the voltage is substantially simultaneously applied along the first channel.

Abstract: A process for ionizing a liquid can comprising flowing the liquid through a capillary wire bonding tip and applying sufficient voltage to electrospray the liquid sample as it exits therefrom. The electrospray ionization process can further involve passing a liquid sample through an axially disposed aperture in a ceramic capillary wire bonding tip in which the terminus of the aperture flares into a bell-shape where the liquid sample exits therefrom. An add-on device can include gel electroelution and separating devices, and a ceramic capillary sample injection tip for carrying out the aforesaid electrospray ionization process. An adjustably mounted cartridge can also be provided with the add-on device for interchangeably receiving the ceramic capillary sample injection tip.

Abstract: An add-on device which cooperates with a mass spectrometer to realize unique approaches to sample preparation, sample injection, and interchangeability among samples and users. The add-on device includes a sample injection tip adjacent an optional chromatography capillary column (“nano”) and a high voltage source, with the sample injection tip being fed from a sample source which is optimally treated by one, two or three sample preparation components as governed by one or more switching valves and associated electronics including a computer.