Abstract: An HPLC method which purifies and/or characterizes large numbers of related compounds, for example, those prepared for use in combinatorial libraries, is disclosed. The compounds are purified on a semi-preparative or preparative scale, enabling rapid preparation of combinatorial libraries with minimal operator involvement, and, preferably, with a purity greater than about 90%.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for separating from a mixture two optical isomers using a simulated moving bed including an assembly of columns divided into at least three successive zones. The amount of charge injected is greater than that of the state of a predetermined reference state. The discharge flow is greater than that of the predetermined reference state if it is required at least to preserve the purity of the less immobilized enantiomer. The discharge flow is less than that of the reference state if it is required to preserve the purity of the more immobilized enantiomer.

Abstract: In chromatographic separation in a plurality of steps with a chromatographic separator packed with an ion exchanger used as at least part of chromatographic packing, at least part of the ionic form of at least part of the ion exchanger is changed to an ionic form fit for separation of components to be separated in each step to effect chromatographic separation, whereby a starting fluid material containing at least 3 components can be efficiently separated into at least 3 fractions. A preferred example of the chromatographic separator comprising a group of packing bed units linked in endless series to form a circulation flow path is provided with a shutoff valve at a position of the circulation flow path; starting fluid material feed means, desorbent feed means and 2-fraction withdrawal means for all the packing bed units; and a single-fraction withdrawal means connected to the circulation flow path on the upstream side of the shutoff valve and without any packing bed unit therebetween.

Abstract: A fraction collection system for liquid chromatography includes a conduit, which directs a sample eluent from an LC column through a flow splitter to a destructive analytical detector such as a mass spectrometer to analyze sample components, and to a fraction collector. A nondestructive detector such as a photodetector is positioned near the fraction collector to detect arrival of sample components. Optionally, a nondestructive detector such as a photodetector is situated upstream from the splitter, to detect passing sample components. Time intervals between detection of a calibrant or a sample component at any two of the detectors provide for automatable identification of selected sample components at the sample collector.

Abstract: The basic structure of a PTV (programmed temperature vaporizer) injector has been considerably modified so that is can be used for the direct coupling of liquid chromatography in normal phase or reverse phase, and gas chromatography and also for the introduction of high volumes in gas chromatography. The glass tube of the injector is filled with an adsorbent. By means of a system of valves and tubes or capillary tubes, the previously selected fraction of liquid chromatography is transferred to the injector, said fraction coming in through the same extremity for introducing the gas chromatography column. The eluent is entrained by a gas stream through the adsorbent, wherein are retained the solutes, and the solvent is removed through a tube or capillary tube introduced in the injector through the opposite extremity. Thereafter, the solutes are desorbed thermally passing to the chromatography column.

Abstract: A fluid distributing-collecting process using a device for bringing fluids and solids into contact comprises several distributor plates and several panels for mixing, distributing or extracting fluids. The system for practicing the method includes at least one level one chamber in connection with the outside of said device with at least one hose and, at least one level two chamber that is linked with the level one chamber and that comprises one or more connecting hoses of a selected length that are arranged in at least one zone. The zone is identified relative to an angle &agr; relative to a radius of a plate and corresponds to a given angle sector, whereby hose lengths, angle &agr; and the angle sector are selected in accordance with the process so that injected fluid arrives approximately at the same time on all of the panels of the same plate. This process is used for separation of paraxylene in a simulated moving bed.

Abstract: A device for feeding a chromatography flow coming from a flow source, in particular from a liquid chromatography (LC) separating unit or a peak sampling or trapping unit, in part to at least a first decision detector unit and/or at least a first destination detector unit, and in part to at least a second destination detector unit is disclosed, including a first capillary line coming from the flow source, a second capillary line leading to the first decision detector unit, and/or to the first destination detector unit, and a third capillary line leading to the second destination detector unit, the first, second and third capillary line being connected with one another by means of a flow splitter splitting the flow coming from the first capillary line into two parts, a first part being fed into the second capillary line and the second part being fed into the third capillary line.

Abstract: Described are preferred processes separating desired chemical products from impurities in solution utilizing thermally-managed chromatography over solid adsorbents. The preferred processes involve chromatographic principles which are assisted by varying the temperature of operation in separation and elution phases. Also described are processes for treating aqueous acids to dewater and recover the acids in an organic solvent such as an alcohol.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for screening compound libraries using frontal chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry to identify and rank those members of the library that bind to a target receptor. The apparatus of this invention also permit a compound library to be rapidly screened to determine if any member of the library has a higher affinity for the target receptor relative to a pre-selected indicator compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for continuous annular chromatography provided with a relative movement between one partial bed in the form of a cylinder jacket, at least one feeding position for liquid feeding material and at least one collection position for every emerging fraction of the feeding material out of the partial bed.

Abstract: A method for separating acid and sugars obtained from liquids resulting from the acid hydrolysis of a material containing at least one of cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed, comprising adding the liquids to a separation unit comprising a bed of anionic exchange or exclusion chromatographic material whereby the acid is adsorbed onto the chromatographic material, thereby producing a series of first fractions comprising sugar solutions and a later series of fractions comprising acid solutions. A process for an economical, energy efficient production of ethanol from municipal solid waste and other cellulosic feedstocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: An HPLC method for purifying and/or characterizing large numbers of related compounds, for example, combinatorial and lead generation libraries, is disclosed. The compounds are purified on a semi-preparative or preparative scale without having to first remove the solvent from the vessel in which the compounds were prepared. This can be accomplished by equilibrating the HPLC column with a first mobile phase such that, when the sample is added to the column in the solvent in which it is prepared, the sample does not significantly elute off of the column in the void volume, and the solvent in which the compound is prepared does elute off of the column in the void volume or shortly thereafter. In addition, the solvent power can be adjusted such that the mobile phase is not a strong solvent for the compound of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for screening compound libraries using frontal chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry to identify and rank those members of the library that bind to a target receptor. The apparatus of this invention also permit a compound library to be rapidly screened to determine if any member of the library has a higher affinity for the target receptor relative to a pre-selected indicator compound.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for purifying one or more target substances from a source liquid, employing one or more cross-flow filter elements, and one or more types of chromatography resins, in combination, to provide purification with advantageous yield, product purity, and cost-and time-efficiency.

Abstract: A plurality of chromatographic separation operations, including a first simulated moving bed operation, are coupled into a process which functions, preferably through the application of continuous displacement chromatography, to recover a fraction rich in small organic molecules, notably betaine and/or invert from sucrose solutions, enabling the subsequent production of a high purity sucrose product.

Abstract: A process for separating at least one component of a mixture in a set of closed-loop chromatographic columns is described, whereby the loop comprises at least one feedstock injection point, a raffinate draw-off point, an eluant injection point, and an extract draw-off point, in which a determination is made between an injection point and a draw-off point or vice-versa a chromatographic zone, and at the end of a given period of time, all of the injection points and draw-off points are shifted by the same number of columns or column sections and advantageously by one column or column section in a given direction that is defined relative to that of the flow of a main fluid that circulates through the loop. During the period, the shifting of different injection points and draw-off points of at least one column or column section is done at different times in such a way that the lengths of the zones that are defined by said different points are variable.

Abstract: A microsampling device useable in a multiple channel high throughput purification system for purifying a plurality of samples, preferably four or more samples from a chemical library. One aspect of the invention provides a microsampling device for use in the high throughput fluid system. The microsampling device includes a body with a sample flow inlet, a sample flow outlet, and a sample passageway there between. The sample flow inlet and outlet are positionable for fluid communication with the sample flow path of the fluid system. The body has a carrier flow inlet and a carrier flow outlet positioned before fluid communication with the carrier fluid flow path of the high throughput fluid system. The carrier flow inlet and carrier flow outlet are axially misaligned. A stem is movably disposed in the body and in fluid communication with the sample passageway. The stem is moveable between first and second positions.

Abstract: A pressure regulator assembly usable in, as an example, a multiple channel high throughput purification system. The pressure regulator assembly includes an inlet line and an outlet line connectable to a fluid channel. A regulator body has a regulator inlet connected to the inlet line and a regulator outlet connected to the outlet line. The regulator body has a chamber therein in fluid communication with the regulator inlet and outlet. A nozzle is in fluid communication with the regulator inlet and has a nozzle outlet adjacent to the chamber. A stem is axially aligned with the nozzle outlet and has a regulating surface adjacent to the nozzle outlet to restrict the fluid flow through the chamber to the regulator outlet. A mounting rod is attached to a mounting portion on the stem. The mounting rod and stem are axially moveable in the regulator body relative to the nozzle outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for screening compound libraries using frontal chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry to identify and rank those members of the library that bind to a target receptor. The apparatus of this invention also permit a compound library to be rapidly screened to determine if any member of the library has an affinity for the target receptor as measured by a pre-selected indicator compound.

Abstract: A fraction collection assembly having a frame and a dispensing head movably connected to the frame for movement about three axes. The dispensing head has a dispensing tube that receives and dispenses the sample portion. The dispensing head is movable between a dispensing position, a rinse position, and a pickup position. A receiving container with a receiving well is positioned to receive the sample portion of the selected sample dispensed from the dispensing tube when the dispensing head is in the dispensing position. The receiving well has a 1-to-1 corresponding position to the well from which the sample is originally taken from the supplying container. The rinse station is connected to the frame and positioned to removably receive the dispensing tube when the dispensing head is in the rinse position.

Abstract: A plurality of chromatographic separation operations, including a first simulated moving bed operation, are coupled into a process which functions, preferably through the application of continuous displacement chromatography, to recover a fraction rich in small organic molecules, notably betaine and/or invert from sucrose solutions, enabling the subsequent production of a high purity sucrose product.

Abstract: A chromatographic process for separating racemic mixtures using a set of chiral stationary phases based on yohimbine and its derivatives has been developed. In particular, the hydroxyl functionality of yohimbine and its analogs is covalently bonded via a urethane linkage to a polymethylenesilyl chain attached to the bound hydroxyl groups of a refractory inorganic oxide by Si—O bonds. The resulting chiral stationary phases have multiple chiral recognition sites and can be used with a broad spectrum of materials as eluents without leaching.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for separating at least one component of a mixture in a simulated moving bed, in which each of the chromatographic columns that contains an absorbent has a ratio of L (length) to D (diameter) of between 0.01 and 0.34.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for regulating the flow rate of at least one fluid or effluent circulating in a simulated moving bed comprises a plurality of beds disposed in a closed loop in at least one chromatographic column (1) and comprising at least one means for recirculating fluid and comprising at least two lines for injecting fluid at a controlled flow rate and at least two lines for withdrawing fluid, one of said withdrawal (extract or raffinate) lines being under flow rate control, the other (60) being under pressure control via at least one control valve (6), and is characterized in that said pressure controlled withdrawal line (60) comprises, in addition to the control valve, comprises at least one restriction means (201) enabling the pressure downstream of at least one of the beds to be reduced. One embodiment of the use of the invention is for separating a xylene isomer.

Abstract: At least 2 different packings differing in the resolution of components contained in a starting fluid material such as a starting solution material and desired to be separated are used in a coexistent state to adjust the resolution of the components. The starting fluid material is flowed through the resultant packing bed to effect chromatographic separation, whereby high-purity fractions enriched with respective components can be obtained at high recoveries with a small amount of desorbent such as eluent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the current efficiency of suppressor and suppress-like pretreatment devices is disclosed for the purpose of suppressing a high concentration of eluent without the detrimental effects of excess heat generation. The method and apparatus may be used in ion chromatography.

Abstract: In separation of 3 components A, B and C having a C>B>A relation in respect of affinity for packing with a chromatographic separator comprising a circulation system formed by linking packing bed units 1 to 4 in endless series, the following Operations <2>→<4>→<1>→<4>→<3> are performed in Step (1) as Stage 1, and the following Operations <2>→<4>→<3> are repeatedly performed 3 times in subsequent Stages 2 to 4 in Step (2), provided that the fluid feed and withdrawal positions are respectively displaced one by one in the downstream direction of the circulation system every time after completion of each stage; <1>: shutting off the circulation system, and withdrawing the whole of a component B fraction on the upstream side of the shutoff position while feeding a starting fluid material f to a packing bed unit on the downstream side of the shutoff position and feeding eluent D to the circulation system; <2>: withdrawi

Abstract: A simulated moving bed chromatographic separation system for separating from a feedstock the constituents thereof, comprising packed beds filled with separating fillers, is provided, by which the separation performance of the packed beds can be evaluated without removing the packed beds from the circular fluid passage. This system is further provided with the circular fluid passage having at least four packed beds connected in series and endlessly to each other, a desorbing liquid introducing port, an extract draw-out port for drawing out the extract containing a larger amount of a constituent strongly adsorbed on the fillers, of constituents contained in a feedstock from the circular fluid passage, a feedstock introducing port for introducing the feedstock into the fluid circulating passage, and a raffinate draw-out port for drawing out the raffinate containing a larger amount of a constituent weakly adsorbed on the fillers, of the constituents.

Abstract: A high-throughput liquid chromatography system capable of parallel separations for increased sample throughput is described. The system comprises valves allowing for the use of multiple liquid chromatography columns and a single injector and pumping system while also minimizing extraneous plumbing and hardware. The system is capable of injecting individual samples and directing them to one of a multiplicity of columns followed by selective output to a detector. The system described allows for up to 16 columns, but the number may vary according to the application. The system may be run in an isocratic or gradient mode. Whereas currently available multi-probe systems incorporate a separate injector for each column, the invention described here uses only one injector and is independent of column number. This removes injector variability along with reducing the amount of pluming and mechanical parts in the system allowing for better separations while providing a more robust system.

Abstract: A system allows routine coupling of HPLC separations to sheathless &mgr;-ESI sources for MS analysis. Characteristics of this system include stable electrospray throughout the HPLC gradient at low and high flow rates, lower background than conventional sources, and control over the width of eluting HPLC peaks without degradation of HPLC performance. This system includes a pre-column solvent flow splitter, a metal union in the split waste line for application of &mgr;-ESI voltage, a divert valve containing two different size restrictors for control of flow, and pulled fused silica capillaries as &mgr;-ESI emitters. The pulled tips allowed stable operation of the system with column flow rates ranging from ca. 5→250 nL/min.

Abstract: An affinity separation method and system comprising an affinity separation media with low porosity and low non-specific binding, and a fluid containing a target compound to be isolated which is capable of binding onto the affinity separation media in a fluid mixing loop in a static filtration apparatus. The static filtration apparatus comprises an intermixing-chamber containing a filtration medium wherein a tangential flow is created for intermixing the affinity separation media and target compound in the fluid. The fluid is capable of passing through the filtration medium while the affinity separation media are substantially incapable of passing through the filtration medium. The affinity separation media are separated from the fluid by opening the filtrate outlet so as to allow the fluid to pass through the filtration medium of the static filtration apparatus. The filtrate can be thereby rendering substantially free of the target compound.

Abstract: A row of (n+m) powder containers which contain powder for chromatography and a row of (n+m) solvent containers which contain solvent for partition are arranged closely in parallel to each other. 0): A predetermined quantity of sample solution is added to the m-th solvent container from the left. 1): The powder containers and the solvent containers of the same numbers from the left in the rows are coupled with each other to form a row of (n+m) pairs of the powder containers and the solvent containers. 2): The powder and solvent of each pair are mixed and stirred until components to be separated come into partition equilibrium. 3): The powder and solvent of each pair are separated and made to exist in the original containers of each pair. 4): The pairs are decoupled to form the row of the powder containers and the row of the solvent containers again, and the rows are shifted from each other by one container in the opposite directions alternately.

Abstract: A multiple channel high throughput purification system for purifying a plurality of samples, preferably four or more samples from a chemical library. The high throughput purification uses chromatography, and more preferably, super critical fluid chromatography. Four parallel channels are provided in this system and coupled to a common analyzer and computer. The four channels direct the selected sample flow through a separator, such as an SFC column, a detector, such as a UV detector, to detect peaks within the sample flow, and a micro sample valve that splits a sampling of the flow to an analyzer, such as a mass spectrometer. The system also utilizes unique back pressure regulator assemblies and pressure relief assemblies to maintain a selected pressure within the purification channel. While the sample flow continues, the mass spectrometer simultaneously analyzes the sampling to determine if a target compound is within the sample portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel chromatographic process which is suitable for the purification of cyclosporin-containing crude extracts on industrial scale. In this process, the conventional preparative chromatographic separation methods are completely or at least partially replaced by the simulated moving bed method (SMB). The cyclosporin A obtained corresponds both to the quality requirements of USP XXIII and of EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA, 2nd Edition 1995.

Abstract: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods and systems are disclosed that combine sequential, serial injection of a plurality of samples into mobile-phases supplied in parallel to two or more chromatographic columns, such that staggered, parallel separation of the plurality of samples is effected. Because injection of samples is relatively fast as compared to separation, substantial efficiencies are gained with respect to overall sample throughput.

Abstract: The device comprises at least one column 1 that is filled with a number of beds An, whereby each bed Ai is separated from the next bed Ai+1 by a fluid distributor plate Pi. Each plate is divided into a number of sectors P10, and P11, and each sector comprises at least two fluid distribution chambers CHi and CHj. Each chamber of the plate is connected to a transfer line LTi and LTj to the outside. Transfer line LTi, which is associated with chambers CHi of a distributor plate, is connected to transfer line LTj, which is associated with chambers CHj of the same plate, via a bypass line Li,j. The latter comprises means 14, 15, 16, and 17 for controlling and adjusting the flow rate of fluid that circulates there, such that each distribution chamber CHi is flushed by a fluid that is obtained from chamber CHj and that has approximately the same composition as that of the fluid that circulates through distributor plate Pi at each of the chambers.

Abstract: A fraction collecting device for a liquid chromatograph has a splitter disposed downstream to a chromatographic column and serving to split the flow from the column into two flow routes individually connected to a mass analyzer serving as a detector and a fraction collector. A plurality of pipes each having a different flow resistance and being connected in parallel with respect to one other are inserted in either of these two flow routes. A control unit serves to select one of these pipes according to inputted parameters indicating the conditions of liquid chromatography to be carried out and controls valves so as to connect this selected one of the pipes to the column through the splitter.

Abstract: A device for performing a post-column derivatization in connection with liquid chromatography includes a separating column, a detector, an eluent withdrawal unit, connected to an outlet of the separating column, that withdraws eluents from the separating column, a reagent supply unit, arranged between the outlet of the separating column and an inlet of the detector, that supplies reagents to the eluents withdrawn from the separating column and a pump that simultaneously pumps eluents from the eluent withdrawal unit and pumps reagents to the reagent supply unit, wherein the pumping of reagents takes place free of pulsations.

Abstract: An access valve suitable for controlling fluid flow into and out of a chromatography column has a central axially movable probe with a head (71) acting as a spool valve in a barrel (6). Axial movement of the probe adjusts the valve between a fully open condition, in which both a first conduit (73) ending though the probe and a second conduit (51) defined around the probe are open to the column interior, a partly open condition in which a second sealing land (76) on the probe closes the second conduit (51), and a fully closed position in which both conduits are closed. The three options are useful for packing and unpacking chromatography media into and from the column. In the closed condition of the valve, the first and second conduits (73, 51) communicate with one another so that the valve interior can be cleaned while the column is operating.

Abstract: A system that makes it possible to merge at least four fluids with a column for separating a feedstock, for example, in a simulated moving bed, comprises at least one trunnion-mounted ball valve, whereby this valve comprises at least one means that makes it possible to circulate one or more fluids, this fluid is placed inside the valve to ensure communication between two zones of the column or between at least one of said zones and at least one point that is outside of the column, and several openings (OA, OB) that are placed to ensure the circulation of fluids according to the stages that are necessary to the separation process that is carried out in said column.

Abstract: A hand held, self-contained, automatic, low power and rapid sensor platform for detecting and quantifying a plurality of analytes. A sample solution potentially containing an unknown amount of an analyte is passed through an affinity column which contains antibodies to which the analyte binds thereby extracting the analyte. The affinity column is then rinsed to remove any other chemicals that may fluoresce. The rinsed affinity column is then eluted with a known volume of elution fluid causing the analyte to release from the antibody and dissolve in the fluid (eluant). The eluant is then placed in the quartz cuvette of a fluorometer. The analyte suspended in the eluant fluoresces at a waveband which is different than that of the light source that excites it. The amount of fluorescence is measured and the level of analyte determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides monolithic polymer matrices for the separation of bio-organic molecules by liquid chromatography. In one embodiment, the matrix is formed from a polymerization mixture including (i) a hydrophobic monomer, (ii) a crosslinking agent, and (iii) a porogenic solvent or mixture of porogenic components. The monolithic matrices of the invention are particularly useful for resolving polynucleotides (e.g., DNA and/or RNA) in samples by way of reversed-phase ion-pairing chromatography.

Abstract: A system and method for electrochemically regenerated ion neutralization and concentration is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a system is provided comprising a HPLC column pump, a concentrator column, an analytical column, a suppressor, a detector, a mixed bed deionizing resin, a sample injector, and a neutralization cartridge.

Abstract: A method for fractionating a solution into two or more fractions by a chromatographic simulated moving bed (SMB) process, wherein the separation system comprises at least two separation profiles in the same loop.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a simulated moving bed separation apparatus which is able to monitor concentration distribution of components in the fluid circulation passage or a simulated moving bed separation apparatus which is able to automatically control the operation conditions to optimum and provides a simulated moving bed apparatus provided with concentration detectors installed in the fluid circulation passage and means for measuring concentrations installed at outlets of the fluid circulation passage.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for purifying one or more target substances from a source liquid, employing one or more cross-flow filter elements, and one or more types of chromatography resins, in combination, to provide purification with advantageous yield, product purity, and cost- and time-efficiency.

Abstract: Single pass methods and systems for measuring the total masses of individual compounds present in fluid samples in real time, and particularly for fluid samples prepared in microtiter plate format are provided. Individual compounds are isolated by fluid separation column (14). Portions of the individual compounds isolated by column (14) are analyzed by mass spectrometer (16), which determines their concentration on the basis of their molecular weights, and an evaporative light scattering detector (24), (which determines the total masses of each of the isolated compounds passing therethrough). Total collected masses of the individual compounds are calculated by determining the amount and portion of the isolated compounds diverted into evaporative light scattering detector (24) during a period of fraction collection.

Abstract: An integrated suppressor and detector for suppressed ion chromatography includes a stationary phase, a fluid flow path, at least first and second regeneration electrodes, and at least first and second sensor electrodes. Methods of suppressed ion chromatography using the integrated suppressor and detector are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer method and apparatus for detecting mutations in DNA fragments. Specifically, percent acetonitrile and threshold temperature, for use in the denaturing high performance liquid chromatography method of separating DNA fragments, are determined. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention serves as a preprocessor to the DHPLC system described in the cited art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the fractionation of molasses using a chromatographic simulated moving bed system in which the liquid flow is effected in a single direction in a system comprising at least two chromatographic partial packing material beds. In the method of the invention, the product or products are recovered during a multi-step sequence comprising the following phases: feeding phase of molasses, eluting phase and recycling phase. The liquid present in the partial packing material beds with their dry solids profile is recycled in the recycling phase in a loop comprising one, two or several partial packing material beds.