Abstract: Apparatus for separating the components of a sample by OPLC type chromatography using liquid under pressure, the apparatus comprises a stationary phase forming one or more sample treatment paths and means for feeding moving phase to one end of the stationary phase, with means at the opposite end of the stationary phase for collecting moving phase, means for injecting moving phase also being provided at the sides of the stationary phase in order to eliminate edge effects in the fronts of sample components and in order to separate treatment paths from one another.

Abstract: Permeable polymeric monolithic materials are prepared in a column casing. In one embodiment, the permeable polymeric monolithic materials are polymerized while pressure is applied through a piston having a smooth piston head in contact with the polymerization mixture. The pressure eliminates wall effect and changes the structure in the column. Similarly, some columns that have a tendency to swell in the presence of aqueous solutions and pressurized while the solution is applied to prevent swelling and wall effect. This procedure also changes the structure in the column. The size of the separation effective openings can be controlled by the amount of the pressure and pores eliminated. Uniformity in the direction flow is improved by controlling polymerization with radiation rather than with conducted heat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatography device comprising:

Abstract: The preparative liquid chromatograph uses a plurality of detectors including a mass spectrometer, and a chromatogram generator is provided for generating a plurality of chromatograms each corresponding to each of the plurality of detectors. The plurality of chromatograms are converted into a respective binary signal by comparing the chromatogram with a predetermined threshold, and a logical operator performs a binary operation on the plurality of respective binary signals, whereby a resultant binary signal is generated. A separation controller controls the fraction collector of the preparative liquid chromatograph based on the resultant binary signal to separate components from a sample. When “AND” is used as the binary operation, the resultant binary signal is “1” only when all the respective binary signals are “1”. This assures a high precision, high purity separation where an impurity mingling is minimized.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating an acid or base, e.g. for chromatographic analysis of anions. For generating a base the method includes the steps of providing a cation source in a cation source reservoir, flowing an aqueous liquid stream through a base generation chamber separated from the cation source reservoir by a barrier (e.g. a charged membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow while providing a cation transport bridge, applying an electric potential between an anode cation source reservoir and a cathode in the base generation chamber to electrolytically generate hydroxide ions therein and to cause cations in the cation source reservoir to electromigrate and to be transported across the barrier toward the cathode to combine with the transported cations to form cation hydroxide, and removing the cation hydroxide in an aqueous liquid stream as an effluent from the first base generation chamber. Suitable cation sources include a salt solution, a cation hydroxide solution or cation exchange resin.

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 and device is disclosed for rapidly identifying a large number of proteins by placing a protein mixture in a sample chamber of an electrophoresis gel, and performing electrophoresis to separate the mixture by molecular weight, in a direction of separation, into a two-dimensional separation pattern in the gel. The separation pattern is transferred to a membrane, such as a sheet of nitrocellulose, and a plate with a set of separate, side-by-side slots is then applied to the membrane. A different antibody mixture is introduced into each of the slots by perfusing each antibody mixture under pressure through the slots. The antibody mixture that is perfused through each slot recognizes several different proteins of sufficiently different molecular weights that different protein bands can be resolved by the antibody mixture in each slot.

Abstract: Permeable polymeric monolithic materials are prepared in a column casing. In one embodiment, the permeable polymeric monolithic materials are polymerized while pressure is applied through a piston having a smooth piston head in contact with the polymerization mixture. The pressure eliminates wall effect and changes the structure in the column. Similarly, some columns that have a tendency to swell in the presence of aqueous solutions and pressurized while the solution is applied to prevent swelling and wall effect. This procedure also changes the structure in the column. The size of the separation effective openings can be controlled by the amount of the pressure and pores eliminated.

Abstract: A pumping arrangement, for example for liquid chromatography, comprises a first liquid reservoir at a first height level, connected via a first hydraulic path to a pumping means; a second liquid reservoir at a second height level, connected via a second hydraulic path to the pumping means; and filtration devices arranged in the first and in the second hydraulic path. Each filtration device comprises an outer member (1) forming a first chamber (6), and an inner member (2) arranged within the outer member and forming a second chamber (5). The inner member (2) is porous and acts as a filter for liquid flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber. The arrangement ensures efficient filtering and prevents undesired backflow of liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently analyzing an organic macromolecular component contained in a sample with high precision are provided. The method and apparatus for analyzing the organic macromolecular component are based on a flow analysis method with a measuring system including a sample introducing section, a preparing section, and a measuring section, composed of steps of supplying a sample with a carrier solution into the measurement system through the introducing section, leading the sample to the preparing section and separating an organic macromolecular component in the sample, and leading the separated organic macromolecular component to the measuring section and analyzing. Herein, the step of separating the organic macromolecular component includes steps of the organic macromolecular component in the sample being adsorbed on a resin and introducing an eluant into the preparing section and eluting the organic macromolecular component adsorbed on the resin.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for efficiently analyzing an organic macromolecular component contained in a sample with high precision are provided. The method and the apparatus for analyzing the organic macromolecular component are based on a flow analysis method with a measuring system including a sample introduction section, a preparation section, and a measuring section, and include the steps of supplying a sample together with a carrier solution into the measurement system through the introduction section, leading the sample to the preparation section and separating an organic macromolecular component from the sample, and leading the separated organic macromolecular component to the measuring section for analysis.

Abstract: A chromatographic chip is formed of a plate member, a plurality of grooves formed on the plate member, and silica gel having monolithic bimodal pore structure formed in at least one of the grooves. The monolithic bimodal pore structure includes through pores and mesopores smaller than those of the through pores.

Abstract: Presteralized manifolds are provided which are designed for sterile packaging and single-use approaches. Disposable tubing and flexible-wall containers are assembled via aseptic connectors. These manifolds interact with at least one remotely controlled pinch valve which engages only the outside surface of the manifold tubing. Such manifold and pinch valve systems can be used in conjuntion with a peristaltic type of pump, which, together with the remotely operated pinch valve, can be operated by a controller which provides automated and accurate delivery of biotechnology fluid in an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning and quality assurance procedures.

Abstract: A device for separating an analyte from a fluid sample comprises a cartridge incorporating a flow-through microfluidic chip. The microfluidic chip includes an extraction chamber having an array of microstructures for capturing the analyte and for subsequently releasing the captured analyte into an elution fluid. Each of the microstructures has an aspect ratio of at least 2:1. The cartridge also includes channels and at least one low controller (e.g., one or more valves) for directing the flow of the sample and elution fluid through the microfluidic chip. The cartridge may optionally include a lysing region for lysing sample components (e.g., cells spores, or microorganisms), a waste chamber for storing waste fluid, and reaction or detection chambers for amplifying or detecting the analyte.

Abstract: Devices for performing liquid extraction of one or more constituents from one fluid to another fluid are provided. In operation, the fluids are separated by channel structures that stabilize the interfacial boundary between the fluids allowing, for example, countercurrent flow and exchange or other flow conditions incompatible with unassisted maintenance of laminar flow. Also provided are channel structures which aid in mixing the fluids. Thin membranes may be formed using liquid extraction devices according to the invention. A process for manufacturing such devices using DRIE is described.

Abstract: A multilayered tube is provided comprising an inner layer of a tube comprising a first polymer, a second layer of a tube comprising a braided layer comprising a metal or a second polymer, and a third layer of a tube comprising a polymer, which can be either the first, second, or still another third polymer. The braided tube layer provides mechanical strength and rigidity to the multilayered tube without adversely affecting the desired chemical or other properties of the inner and outer layers of the tube. A catheter is provided comprising such a multilayered tube. A method is provided for using a catheter for medical diagnostic or analysis, wherein the catheter comprises such a multilayered tube. A liquid chromatography system is provided comprising tubing which comprises such a multilayered tube.

Abstract: Methods and kits that use nucleotide analogs to confer increased accuracy and improved resolution in the analysis and sequencing of oligonucleotide mixtures are provided.

Abstract: A chromatography system including a chromatography column connected to receive a sample and separate different compounds in the sample, a flow-through detector that outputs a signal indicating the presence of compounds in the sample leaving the column, a fraction collector that directs fractions of the sample from the column to separate fraction wells, and an electronic controller that receives inputs from the detector and controls the fraction collector. The electronic controller monitors the signal from the detector over time and initiates a cut from one well to another at the fraction collector when the signal over time experiences a shoulder where the slope of the signal over time does not change in sign but does change by more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an autosampler device useful in high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and more particularly to a device useful for the automated introduction of small sample volumes into a HPLC system. Methods of analyzing low abundant protein samples using such a device are also included.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods 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. Methods are also disclosed which permit a compound library to be rapidly screened to determine if any members of the library have a higher affinity for the target receptor relative to a pre-selected indicator compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides an on-chip packed reactor bed design that allows for an effective exchange of packing materials such as beads at a miniaturized level. The present invention extends the function of microfluidic analysis systems to new applications including on-chip solid phase extraction (SPE) and on-chip capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The design can be further extended to include integrated packed bed immuno- or enzyme reactors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for presenting an analyte of a liquid sample as an MS-analyte to a mass spectrometer. More particularly, the method comprises the steps of applying a liquid sample containing the analyte to a sample inlet port of a microchannel structure of a microfluidic device, said structure also comprising an outlet port (MS-port) that is capable of being interfaced with a mass spectrometer, passing the analyte to the MS-port thereby transforming it to an MS-analyte, and presenting the MS-analyte to mass spectrometer via the MS-port.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sol-gel monolithic column includes the step of forming a separation bed (14) from a sol-gel solution in a single process step. This column has improved characteristics for CEC based on its incorporated surface charge and ease of operation due to a lack of or need for end frits. Also, a second type of column includes an optical window (30) for on-column detection.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods 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. Methods are also disclosed which 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: The present invention provides internally calibrated competitive assays for use on a solid support. Additionally, the invention provides a method of using such assays.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample comprising introducing a sample into a flow-through device containing a porous solid media therein, and thereafter subjecting the device to microwave energy. Also disclosed is a flow through device including solid porous media therein and attached active components.

Abstract: Self-contained devices are described that integrate nucleic acid extraction, specific target amplification and detection into a single device. This integration permits rapid and accurate nucleic acid sequence detection. The invention may be used, for example, in the screening for nucleic acid sequences which may be indicative of genetic defects or contagious diseases, as well as for monitoring efficacy in the treatment of contagious diseases.

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: An optical resolver comprising an optically active substance made of tris-(2,3-epoxypropyl)isocyanurate, is presented. The optical resolver comprises an optically active tris-(epoxyalkyl)isocyanurate or its derivative, or an optically active derivative of a tris-(epoxyalkyl)isocyanurate. Particularly, the optical resolver comprises optically active tris-(2,3-epoxypropyl)isocyanurate or its derivative, or an optically active derivative of tris-(2,3-epoxypropyl)isocyanurate. Having supported on a carrier, an optically active tris-(2,3-epoxypropyl)isocyanurate or its derivative, or an optically active derivative of tris-(2,3-epoxypropyl)isocyanurate, can be made to be a packing for use in high-performance liquid chromatography, whereby efficient optical resolution can be carried out.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high efficiency chromatographic system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a chromatographic system for determining the physicochemical properties of one or more compounds using at least two chromatographic units in eluent flow communication with one eluent analyzer via an intermediate eluent switch. The present chromatographic system allows determination of physicochemical properties through the use of multiple chromatographic units in communication with one eluent analyzer via an eluent switch.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for detecting at least one analyte in a sample comprises inter alia a source of radiation (300), a near-field aperture array (315), a chromatographic field (330), a detector (350), and a data processor (370). Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve detection of any sub-diffraction-limited scale phenomena. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention representatively provide for improved S/N, increased sample throughput, refined spectral resolution and enhanced detection sensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing and supplying multiple samples for rapid processing in flow cytometry. The apparatus comprises a reciprocating valve and at least one syringe. The invention is also a method for rapidly processing multiple samples in flow cytometry using the apparatus.

Abstract: A rapid analysis method for the determination of Fries rearrangement products in aromatic polycarbonate resins utilizes in-line determination of polymer concentration and in-line fluorescence detection of Fries rearrangement products. The method avoids time consuming sample preparation required by previous methods, allows for separation of interfering low molecular weight components, and is suitable for automation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for chromatographically analyzing each of a plurality of samples in detector, comprising an autosampler to contain a plurality of samples for chromatographic analysis and a plurality of chromatographic systems, each system comprising one or more pumps and one or more chromatography columns. A detector is included for detecting compounds in the samples from each of the chromatography systems along with a valve positioned between the detector and the plurality of chromatography systems, the valve permitting each sample to reach the detector in sequence. A computer control device is included which adjusts the introduction of samples from the autosampler into the plurality of chromatography systems as well as the position of the valve to sequentially separate and deliver compounds within the samples to the detector.

Abstract: A sample injector valve capable of introducing multiple samples of material into multiple liquid or gas streams is provided. Such a valve is particularly useful for injecting multiple samples under pressure into a combinatorial chemistry system with moving streams of fluid, such as a parallel pressure reactor or a rapid flow analysis system using multi-channel or parallel chromatography and related techniques. The valve is further capable of functioning on a small scale with automatic sampling equipment.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a new class of chemoselective polymer materials. In particular, the invention relates to linear and branched polysiloxane compounds for use in various analytical applications involving sorbent polymer materials, including chromatography, chemical trapping, analyte collection, and chemical sensor applications.

Abstract: A method of using microwave-induced dielectric polarization to enhance the diffusivity of a liquid or a supercritical fluid mobile phase in chromatography, while having essentially no effect on other physical properties of the mobile phase.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods 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. Methods are also disclosed which 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: The present invention provides compact geometries for the layout of microchannel columns through the use of turns and straight channel segments. These compact geometries permit the use of long separation or reaction columns on a small microchannel substrate or, equivalently, permit columns of a fixed length to occupy a smaller substrate area. The new geometries are based in part on mathematical analyses that provide the minimum turn radius for which column performance in not degraded. In particular, we find that straight channel segments of sufficient length reduce the required minimum turn radius, enabling compact channel layout when turns and straight segments are combined. The compact geometries are obtained by using turns and straight segments in overlapped or nested arrangements to form pleated or coiled columns.

Abstract: Volume flows of liquids in capillary tubes of chromatographic separation columns for analytical liquid measuring technology are controlled. The volume flows are derived from a liquid transport, i.e., pump arrangement, which transports a total flow to a flow splitter that divides the total flow into an excess flow in an excess path and a working flow in a working path. A controller for the working flow responds to at least one working sensor. The working sensor senses the mass flow rate of the working flow and/or the pressure in the working path which is coupled with the working sensor or the pressure differential in conduits for the excess and working flows.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for sample preparation and/or sample delivery for an injection system of a chromatograph, having a magazine (1), which can be moved in steps, for juxtaposed sample tubes (2), and having a lifting device (6) which can be moved between two end positions perpendicular to the transport direction of the magazine (1) via a motor (11) and bears a gripper (7) for a sample tube (2), as well as having a transfer device for a sample tube (2), the lifting device comprising at least one telescopic threaded cylinder (8) which bears the gripper (7) and has a plurality of nested threaded cylinders with an inner threaded cylinder (8a) and an outer threaded cylinder (8d) of which one is arranged non-rotatably relative to the magazine (1), while the other can be rotated by the motor (11).

Abstract: Methods for evaluating catalysts, in which a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluid handling systems and related methods that include weight scales for detecting weights of fluids disposed in fluid containers. The fluid handling systems, which are typically highly automated, provide for substantially continuous performance of methods that include the use of these fluid handling systems. The invention also provides kits that include various system components.

Abstract: Ultra-high throughput systems and methods are used for sampling large numbers of different materials from surfaces of substantially planar library storage components. The systems and methods typically employ: microfluidic devices having integrated capillary elements for carrying out the analysis of the sampled materials; library storage components, e.g., planar solid substrates, capable of retaining thousands, tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands of different materials in small areas; sensing systems for allowing rapid and accurate sampling of the materials by the microfluidic devices, and associated instrumentation for control and analysis of the overall operation of these systems.

Abstract: Liquid chromatography based on the difference of two or more kinds of separation modes, (e.g., chemical or physical properties of analytes) may improve separations when samples contain complex mixtures. In this invention, the analytes separated on the 1st analysis system (consisting of the 1st column and the 1st mobile phase) will be trapped onto individual trapping columns. Then the trapped analytes will be loaded onto the 2nd analysis system consisting of the 2nd column and the 2nd mobile phase. This invention has the trapping and loading mechanism consisting of a combination of switching valves necessary to produce the serial separations. Also this invention has the capability to affect online desalting when it is needed depending on a detector or the nature of the analyte mixture.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for monitoring and controlling electroosmotic flow rates in microfluidic systems. Generally, such methods and systems monitor flow rates in electroosmotically driven microfluidic systems by flowing signaling elements within these channels and measuring the flow rate of these signals. The methods of monitoring flow rates are also applied to methods and systems for continuously monitoring and controlling these flow rates in electroosmotically driven microfluidic systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods 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. Methods are also disclosed which permit a compound library to be rapidly screened to determine if any members of the library have a higher affinity for the target receptor relative to a pre-selected indicator compound.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrochemically modifying the retention of a species on a chromatography material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing having an effluent flow channel adapted to permit fluid flow therethrough. The effluent flow channel comprises chromatography material. The apparatus further comprises first and second electrodes positioned such that at least a portion of the chromatography material is disposed between the first and second electrodes, and fluid flow through the apparatus is between, and in contact with, the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A device for trapping at least one chromatography peak of a chromatography flow comprises at least one trapping column, an inlet capillary for leading the chromatography flow into the trapping column and an outlet capillary departing from the trapping column. A plurality of trapping columns are provided on a column carrier wherein the trapping columns are separately and selectively connectable to and/or removable from the inlet and outlet capillary.

Abstract: An electrolytic suppressor including (a) packing (a suppressor bed of ion exchange resin or a flow-through monolith), (b) an electrode chamber adjacent the suppressor, (c) a first electrode in the electrode chamber, (d) a barrier separating the packing from the first electrode chamber preventing significant liquid flow but permitting transport of ions only of the same charge as the packing, (e) a second electrode in electrical communication with the resin bed, and (f) a recycle conduit between the suppressor outlet port and said electrode chamber. Charged transverse partitions with openings may be included to create a serpentine liquid path.