Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating and collecting one or more analytes in a flowing liquid stream of a carrier solvent composed of one or more solvent components is provided, which includes a transfer tube which forms a bore having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being adapted to accept the flowing liquid stream, and the outlet being adapted to form continuously replaced, hanging droplets of the liquid stream, and a collection device mounted below the outlet of the transfer tube for collecting the droplets. The apparatus includes a device for heating the liquid stream in the transfer tube to a temperature sufficient to cause partial evaporation of the carrier solvent from the hanging droplets but not exceeding the boiling point of the carrier solvent, and a device for heating the collection device to a temperature sufficient to cause further evaporation of the carrier solvent from the collected droplets.

Abstract: The first subject of this invention is a column packing material comprising: a silica gel having a silanol group; a first chemical modification group which is bound to said silanol group; a silicone polymer for coating the surface of said silica gel; and, a trimethylsilyl group which is bound to the silanol group on said silicone polymer and/or the silanol group on said silica gel.

Abstract: A liquid chromatographic system is provided including catalytically combining hydrogen and oxygen gases in the chromatography eluent stream in a catalytic gas elimination chamber, to form water and thereby reduce the gas content in the eluent stream. Also, a liquid ion chromatographic system in which the effluent from the detector is recycled to a membrane suppressor and then is mixed with a source of eluent for recycle to the chromatographic column.

Abstract: A method for determination for a given oil the relative stability of a water-in-oil emulsion that will be formed by that oil with water comprises measuring for the given oil the weight fraction of the oil that is most strongly adsorbed on a silica gel column successively eluted with n-hexane, toluene and methylene chloride-methanol mixture solvents and determining whether said weight fraction is greater than about 0.05; with a value above 0.05 being determinative of an emulsion more stable than one with a value less than 0.05.

Abstract: In a liquid chromatographic system, removing at least part of a volatile component from the liquid sample stream after separation by flowing it through a volatile component-removal device including a porous wall having a surface coating of a permeable polymer less than 10 ?m thick. A liquid chromatographic system suitable for performing the method. Also, a liquid chromatographic system in which volatile component is removed prior to separation across the same type of membrane or across a membrane made of a copolymer of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole.

Abstract: A microflow path system has a column layer of at least 0.5 mm in internal diameter. The column layer includes a hybrid-forming section and a fluid-supply promoting section arranged in a region downstream of the hybrid-forming section. The hybrid-forming section is packed with beads to provide a bead bed length of not longer than 4 mm. The fluid-supply promoting section serves to contribute to an increase in a flow rate of a fluid supply.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of neutralizing the matrix of an acidic solution including at least one metal using a weak anion exchange resin is provided. The method includes the acts of: activating the weak anion exchange resin with a weakly acidic metal complexing reagent, the weakly acidic metal complexing reagent partially disassociating into protons and metal complexing anions, whereby some functional groups in the weak anion exchange resin are protonated and bind with the metal complexing anions; and neutralizing a sample of the acidic solution with the activated weak anion exchange resin.

Abstract: A support for solid phase extraction is provided for preventing the fracture of the porous body of the support and the space between the porous body and its container, and for processing various amounts of liquids to be processed while maintaining the ease of passage of liquid in use. The support for solid phase extraction comprises a ceramic substrate with one or more holes formed therein, and an inorganic porous material, filled in the hole or holes, which is produced by sol-gel transition accompanied by phase transition.

Abstract: An HPLC injection valve is mounted to a probe drive system close to the probe axis to minimize probe movements required for sample injections into a mobile phase column. The probe is directly connected by a short conduit to the injection valve, eliminating the need to dispense aspirated samples from the probe into a remote injection port.

Abstract: Ultrasound transceivers (20) are distributed up the side wall of a chromatography column (1) and enable tracking of the progress of a rising bed front (5) during packing. Comparison with a predetermined stored profile is used for feedback control of the packing pump P. Other uses of ultrasound monitoring of the column interior are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pipette tip designed to perform filtration or sample separation on the basis of one or more perforations, holes or incisions performed on the tip. Such perforation, holes or incisions are large enough to permit the passage of fluids or smaller particles, but small enough to block the passage of solid materials or larger particles, such as those including chromatography media. Such a pipette tip can thus be used for the filtration or separation of samples without the use of a filter, secondary solid matrix or any other components needed to hold chromatography media and other solid matrices within the pipette tip during the separation process.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method of selecting a contact lens suitable for a wearer and/or a care system therefor, by which the occurrence of problems (for example, worsening in the feel during wearing, lowering in the oxygen permeability of the lens, shortening in the lens life, lowering in the visual acuity, corneal injury, etc.) can be minimized to thereby ensure a high safety for the eye, namely, a method which comprises collecting the lacrimal fluid of a wearer, detecting the protein content and/or the lipid content in the lacrimal fluid thus obtained (Step S5), estimating the dirt adhesion characteristics of the wearer to a contact lens based on the protein content and/or lipid content thus detected, and then selecting a contact lens suitable for the wearer and/or a care system therefor from among a plurality of contact lenses and a plurality of care systems (Step S6).

Abstract: The present invention provides a chromatograph/mass spectrometer capable of producing a composite chromatogram from plural chromatogram signals without causing the baseline level to rise or the intensity of the chromatogram peak to decrease. The chromatograph/mass spectrometer includes a chromatograph unit for separating a sample into components in the order of time, a mass spectrometer unit for analyzing the components of the sample, and a signal generator for producing a signal carrying a chromatogram obtained by the analysis. It also includes a chromatogram composer for receiving signals of plural chromatograms simultaneously measured under different conditions, for choosing the largest value of the plural signals for each point in time, and for integrating the chosen values to produce a composite chromatogram.

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: Chromatographic separation devices include multiple batch-processed columns joined by a body structure and adapted to perform parallel analyses. Both slurry-packed and monolithic column embodiments are provided. One or more liquid-permeable frits of various types may be used to retain stationary phase material within columns. A fluidic distribution network may be used to distribute stationary phase material and/or mobile phase solvents to multiple columns. Separation devices, including microfluidic embodiments, may be fabricated with various materials including polymers. Multi-column fabrication and separation methods are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microparticles, particularly spherical silica microparticles, which may be useful in liquid chromatography. Specifically, the microparticles include a solid core and an outer porous shell surrounding and irreversibly joined to the core. The shell is composed of a plurality of colloidal nanoparticles, which are applied using an electrostatic multi-multilayering method. The resulting microparticles have a small particle diameter, such as about 1 ?m to 3.5 ?m, a high particle density, such as about 1.2 g/cc to 1.9 g/cc, and a high surface area, such as about 50 m2/g to 165 m2/g. These microparticles can be used to form packed beds and liquid chromatographic columns, which are more efficient and rugged than conventional liquid chromatographic columns.

Abstract: This invention provides novel assays that are prognostic and/or diagnostic for atherosclerosis or risk of atherosclerosis. It was discovered that high density lipoprotein (HDL) or components thereof can prevent the oxidation of lipids (e.g., lipids present in LDLs) and can also repair (reduce) already oxidized lipids and thereby reduce the inflammatory response associated with and characteristic of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Moreover it was a discovery of this invention that individuals vary in the ability of their HDL to afford such protection. Thus an assay of HDL protective and/or repair activity provides a highly effective assay for risk of atherosclerosis and its associated pathologies and such assays are provided herein.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for loading a channel device for electrophoretic separation including cilia which can be deflected into wells of a multi-well tray.

Abstract: This relates to filter columns for isolating nucleic acids. The filter column is adapted for stable placement within the upper portion of standard plastic collection tubes of various sizes. The body of the filter column has a number of surfaces to accommodate placement within variously sized collection tubes. The filter column contains nucleic acid-specific filter which can be located at alternate regions within the filter column, providing different filter surface areas and loading volume capacities using the same column body. The filter column has an opening on an upper end adapted to be sealed by a cap. A method for recovering nucleic acids using such filter column is also provided.

Abstract: Destructible surfactants and methods of using same are provided. The invention includes anionic surfactants having a dioxolane or dioxane functional group which enables the surfactant to be broken down under acidic conditions. The invention also includes methods of making anionic surfactants and methods of using anionic surfactants in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a nucleic acid purification method and purification apparatus characterized by high washing efficiency where contamination does not occur and liquid does not remain in the nozzle tip. The present invention provides a tip containing the solid phase capturing a nucleic acid characterized in that washing solution is fed into said tip unidirectionally from head to end.

Abstract: Device for automatically implementing the SPE method, with a two-dimensional needle arrangement which is suitable for removing substances from different two-dimensional specimen vessel arrangements and dispensing them under pressure into a two-dimensional cartridge arrangement.

Abstract: A two-dimensional liquid chromatograph includes a first-dimension separation channel for guiding a sample injected from a sample injection part to a first-dimension analysis column using a first-dimension analysis mobile phase for separation; two trap columns; an analysis channel for guiding components retained in the trap columns to a second-dimension analysis column using a second-dimension analysis mobile phase for analysis; and a channel switching mechanism. The switching mechanism connects the first-dimension separation channel to one of the trap columns and connecting the analysis channel to the other of the trap columns, and also switches connections between the trap columns and the channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing a plurality of samples in parallel include a plurality of liquid phase separation regions, a plurality of microfluidic storage regions, and a common mass spectrometer. Samples are separated in parallel in the separation regions to yield a plurality of output streams that are stored in the storage regions. The contents of each storage region, or at least a representative portion thereof, are sequentially discharged, ionized, and directed to the inlet of a mass spectrometer. In this manner, multiple separations are conducted in parallel with outputs provided serially to a common mass spectrometer without any loss of data. Microfluidic storage regions minimize diffusion between bands of separated samples. Portions of separated samples may be directed to fraction collectors.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and systems for affecting the serial to parallel conversion of materials introduced into the device or system. Material or materials to be converted from a serial orientation, e.g., a single channel, into a parallel orientation, e.g., multiple channels, are introduced into an open chamber or field in which containing flows of materials maintain the cohesiveness of the sample material plugs serially introduced into the open chamber. The sample material or materials are then redirected in the chamber toward and into a plurality of parallel channels that also communicate with the chamber.

Abstract: The application describes apparatus and methods using ultrasound transmitted through a chromatography column bed to determine the status of materials in the bed space, particularly during chromatography runs. Detected conditions include the profile of a band of eluting material—to see whether it is satisfactory—the arrival of a band of material at the column output, the fitness for use of the ed packing, the passage of different mobile phases, e.g. salt fronts, and other conditions. Aspects claimed include control processors and corresponding programmed products.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a ratio of an amount of a glycated form of a protein to a total amount of the protein in a sample containing the glycated protein, the glycosylated protein, or the glycoprotein. The method incorporates lateral flow test strip or vertical flow test strip devices having negatively charged carboxyl or carboxylate groups and hydroxyboryl groups immobilized and interspersed on a solid support matrix. The solid support matrix may include derivatives of cellulose (e.g., carboxy cellulose) derivatized with carboxylic acid (e.g., carboxylate, carboxyl) groups and hydroxyboryl compounds including phenylboronic acid (e.g., phenylborate), aminophenylboronic acid, boric acid (e.g., borate), or other boronic acid (e.g., boronate) compounds. The present invention is usefi.il for monitoring glycation or glycosylation of hemoglobin or albumin for monitoring glycemic control (e.g., glycemia in diabetes).

Abstract: A device for collecting and transporting aqueous fluid from the oral cavity to a lateral chromatographic strip for test is disclosed. The lateral chromatographic strip is placed within and extend along a cavity defined in a housing. At least one inspection site to the lateral chromatographic strip is provided to enable inspection of selected sites on the lateral chromatographic strip for test results. A porous wick material protrudes from the housing to a collection site exterior of the housing at one end and communicates to the lateral chromatographic strip at the other end. The porous wick material has particulate construction, the particles adsorbing aqueous oral fluid to transport the fluid from the mouth to the lateral chromatographic strip without substantial absorption. The particles of the porous wick material are bound together to define a continuous interstitial volume for the flow of oral fluid to be transported and are treated to be hydrophilic to the adsorbed oral fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system. A first flow sensor is disposed in a first flow path between a first flow-divider and a fluidic tee. A second flow sensor is disposed in a second flow path between a second flow-divider and the fluidic tee. A first recycle flow restrictor is disposed in the first recycle flow path in fluid communication with the first flow-divider. A second recycle flow restrictor is disposed in the second The permeability of each recycle flow restrictor can be selected to produce a desired flow rate with each respective flow path. The output signals of the first and second flow sensors to control output of a pump within each flow path.

Abstract: The probe has a triple tube structure, in which an eluate from a liquid chromatograph flows through an innermost flow passage, a matrix solution flows through a flow passage outside the innermost flow passage, and the air or acetone flows through an outermost flow passage. Before analysis, acetone is flowed to rinse the matrix compound deposited in the previous analysis and clean the tip portion of the probe, and then the air is flowed to evaporate the rinsing solution.

Abstract: A tip portion of a probe has a triple tube structure in which a fused silica capillary on the innermost side, a capillary made of FEP outside the fused silica capillary, and a stainless pipe on the outermost side are disposed coaxially. An eluate from a liquid chromatograph flows through the innermost flow passage, a matrix solution flows through the flow passage between the fused silica capillary and the FEP capillary, and a rinsing solution or air flows through the flow passage between the FEP capillary and the pipe.

Abstract: A distal end portion of a probe has a multi-pipe structure, in which an effluent solution from a high speed liquid chromatography passes through an innermost flow passage, a matrix solution through an outer flow passage, and the air through an outermost flow passage. A distal end of the outermost pipe extends 1.2 mm longer than the distal end of the inner duplex tube to form a liquid reservoir. When dropping a liquid droplet from the distal end of the probe, the air is blown out to expel the liquid gathered in the liquid reservoir to be dropped.

Abstract: A liquid chromatograph control apparatus (1) includes a measured value storage (25a) that stores a measured retardation factor (Rf) value of a sample (3), which is obtained when components of the sample are separated on thin layer chromatography using eluent (4) containing a plurality of ingredients at a specified mixture ratio, in association with the specified mixture ratio, a rate-of-change-in-Rf-value storage (25b) that stores a rate of change in the Rf value of the sample (3) with respect to variation in mixture ratio of ingredients of eluent (10), a mixture ratio calculator (22a) that determines a mixture ratio of the eluent (10) at which a specified retardation factor value (RfO) of the sample is obtained, based on the measured Rf value corresponding to the specified mixture ratio stored in the measured value storage (25a) and on the rate of change in the Rf value stored in the rate-of-change-in-Rf-value storage (25b), and a mixture ratio controller (22b) that outputs a control signal to control the mi

Abstract: A capillary array capable of being easily mounted on an electrophoresis apparatus without damaging the capillaries. The capillary array can include a plurality of capillaries that can be fixed via hollow electrodes on a load header in a matrix arrangement. The load header can be disposed on the electrophoresis apparatus. The capillary array can include a capillary frame onto which a capillary head and a detection portion can be detachably mounted. The structure allows the load header, the capillary head, the detection unit and other portions of the capillary array to be handled as a unit, thereby making it easier to mount the capillary array on the electrophoresis apparatus.

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: The invention provides a device for selective molecular recognition, the device comprising a sensing portion, wherein said sensing portion includes a substrate having coated thereon a layer comprising a hyperbranched compound having: (1) a polymer backbone portion that is at least partly randomly branched; (2) at least one pendant group extending from the polymer backbone portion; and (3) at least one halogen substituted alcohol or phenol group substituted at the pendant group(s) of the polymer backbone portion. The compound of the invention preferably has the general formula: wherein A is the hyperbranched backbone portion of the polymer; L and M are independently selected pendant groups of said polymer backbone; X and Y are independently selected halogen substituted alcohol or phenol groups; q and r are independently selected and at least 1; and n is at least 3.

Abstract: A multi-layer microfluidic separation device comprises a polymeric membrane frit that may be securely bonded within the device and minimizes lateral wicking. Stationary phase material having an average particle size is retained by a frit having an average pore size that is smaller than the average particle size. In one embodiment, a secure bond is ensured by treating the polymer to match its surface energy to that of the materials to which it is bound. Treatments include plasma treatment, irradiation and the application of acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for separating particles according to size. More specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic method and device for the separation of particles according to size using an array comprising a network of gaps, wherein the field flux from each gap divides unequally into subsequent gaps. In one embodiment, the array comprises an ordered array of obstacles in a microfluidic channel, in which the obstacle array is asymmetric with respect to the direction of an applied field.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods of extracting an analyte from a solution comprising the steps of: passing a solution containing an analyte through an extraction channel having a solid phase extraction surface, whereby analyte adsorbs to the extraction surface of said extraction channel; and eluting the analyte by passing a desorption solution through the channel, wherein the method includes a step wherein a multiple-pass solution is passed through at least some substantial portion of the extraction channel at least twice. Non-limiting examples multiple-pass solutions include a solution containing an analyte, a wash solution and/or a desorption solution.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing adsorption in microscale devices are provided. In the methods and apparatus, an electrical current such as an alternating current is applied to materials under pressure-induced flow. Integrated systems for simultaneous control of current and pressure in a channel are also provided.

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: For certain mixed mode resins having anionic character, a ligand is joined to a solid support via a linkage that includes a mercapto-, ether- or amino-containing moiety. A suitable ligand comprises an aromatic group, a heteroaromatic group, or a heterocyclic group, optionally fused, that is sulfate-, sulfonate-, phosphonate- or phosphate-substituted and that is linked to such a moiety. These resins possess an anionic character under conditions prescribed for their use. Separation of a biological substance, such as a peptide or protein, can be accomplished with a resin of this type via a change in the pH of eluants, thereby effecting adsorption and desorption.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a sample container storage part for storing a number of sample containers S, a nozzle for dropping a sample component separated and supplied by an LC and an additive liquid such as digestive fluid supplied from another liquid supplying part to the sample container S, a carrying mechanism for carrying and positioning the sample container at an arbitrary position under the nozzle, and a second nozzle, serving as a suction/injection mechanism, for sucking in the fractionated/collected sample component and injecting the sample component to another LC. The carrying mechanism provides a rotation mechanism. The carrying mechanism rotates over 180 degrees and carries the sample container S completed with fractionating/collecting to the position of the second nozzle, and the sample is sucked in by the second nozzle and injected to the LC of next stage.

Abstract: Assay apparatus comprising: a moulded cartridge containing a lateral flow test strip which has a label pad containing an enzyme antibody or antigen conjugate having affinity for an analyte; a capture zone having a capture antibody or antigen having affinity for said analyte; a reagent storage blister; a means for removing sample and/or label pad from the lateral flow test strip; a meter in which the cartridge is inserted enabling the control for reagent release from the reagent storage blister and for the sample and/or label pad removal and a means of providing quantitative measurement of said analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microdevice for separating the components of a fluid sample. A cover plate is arranged over the first surface of a substrate, and, in combination with a microchannel formed in the first surface, defines a separation conduit for separating the components of the fluid sample. A sample inlet port in fluid communication with the conduit allows a fluid sample introduced from a sample source to be conveyed in a defined sample flow path such that the sample fluid travels, in order, through the sample inlet port, the separation conduit and a sample outlet port. The microdevice also includes an integrated introducing means for controllably introducing a volume of the fluid sample from a sample source into the sample inlet port and through the separation conduit. A method for separating the components of a fluid sample using the microdevice is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfabrication and utilization of microscale electrophoresis devices as well as the separation and detection of biomolecules in microscale electrophoresis devices. The device of the present invention utilizes novel fabrication and detection methods.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods of extracting an analyte from a solution comprising the steps of: passing a solution containing an analyte through an extraction channel having a solid phase extraction surface, whereby analyte adsorbs to the extraction surface of said extraction channel; purging bulk liquid from said extraction channel; and eluting the analyte by passing a desorption solvent through the channel. The invention further provides reagents, columns and instrumentation related to this and other methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a mixture of sample substances comprises a fluid-guiding structure wherein the sample substances are moving essentially in one dimension along the structure and are subject to at least two separation mechanisms, such as capillary electrochromatography (CEC) and capillary zone electrophoresis using high voltage. The signals from a detection means are supplied to a signal processing means, which derives a parameter therefrom which in turn is used to derive improved measuring results for each of the separation results associated with the various separation mechanisms, respectively. The apparatus can be used for protein analysis, for example in combination with a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A sample separation apparatus including a porous, or rough, capillary column. The porous capillary column includes a matrix which defines pores, and may be formed rough surface of hemispherical grain silicon. The capillary column is defined in a surface of a substrate, such as silicon. The sample separation apparatus may include a stationary phase or a capture substrate disposed on the surfaces thereof. The sample separation apparatus may also include a detector positioned proximate the capillary column. A variation of the sample separation apparatus includes an electrode proximate each end of the capillary column. The sample separation apparatus may be employed to effect various types of chromatographic separation, electrophoretic separation, and analyte identification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved specific binding assay devices comprising a chromatographic medium including a reaction site at which a specific binding reagent is immobilized, a sample application well located adjacent to the chromatographic medium and offset upstream from the reaction site, and liquid absorption blotter offset downstream from the reaction site.