Abstract: A chromatography and fluidic device with connections capable of automated component changing, diagnostic leak and current sensing. The chromatography-electrospray device contains a chromatography column, a pre-column, a spray emitter, or other fluidic component imbedded within one or more inserts. The inserts are robotically placed in receiving hardware, and a “plug and play” compression fitting connection mechanism makes the fluidic seals in an automated fashion. A plurality of sensors capable of detecting leaks is situated in the device near leak-prone regions. The electrospray emitter has a current sensing electrode in proximity of the electrospray region, capable of detecting the electrospray current. In conjunction with an electronics system, these sensors allow for system and component diagnostics. The diagnostic information may then be used for manual or automated system repair.

Abstract: An ultra-low volume fraction collection and concentration method provides practical application in collecting fractions, e.g. as low as 25 nL, from nanoLC columns into pipette tips at user-defined timed-intervals. The fractions are dried to create a concentrated band at the very end of the interior of the pipette tip and subsequently reconstituted directly in the pipette tips in solvent prior to analysis. As the chromatography and reconstitution solvent choice are independent, the reconstitution solvent can be selected to maximize ionization efficiency without compromising chromatography separation. In the infusion analysis of the nanoLC fractions, a low flow electrospray chip enables each nanoLC fraction to be analyzed for over ten minutes. This increase in analysis time allows for advantages over prior methods. Optionally, the nanoLC fractions can be archived in the pipette tips for analysis at a later date.