Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: A device for storing and/or treating chemicals is described. The device includes a glass casing provided with a receiving cavity for storing chemicals therein, and further includes a transponder having a memory, the transponder being arranged in the device such that it cannot be affected by the chemicals.

Abstract: This invention is a method and device for use with multi-dimensional chromatography that utilizes partial modulation. An analyte-bearing sample is subjected to a first dimension of chromatography. Thereafter the separated analyte-bearing sample is diluted with a modulated second carrier such at the analyte-bearing sample is not stopped or its temperature altered. The partially modulated analyte-bearing sample then feeds into a secondary column where the analyte-bearing sample is further separated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for preparing samples for chromatographic separations and then chromatographically separating the prepared samples, preferably in a high-throughput fashion utilizing multiple parallel first (fluid) processing regions in fluid communication with multiple parallel second (fluid) processing regions wherein the each second processing region includes a chromatography column. One or more common fluid supplies may be utilized in each of the sample preparation and separation steps to minimize the number of requisite fluid connections and external components such as pumps, reservoirs, pulse dampers, flow controllers, and the like.

Abstract: After various sugar nucleotide solutions and glycosyltransferases (or primers) have been mixed, they are introduced into a reaction tank (column) with primers (or glycosyltransferases) immobilized thereon. Then solutions coming out of the reaction tank are led to an ultrafiltration column. The oligosaccharide synthesizer according to the present invention is equipped with a flow path for ensuring that glycosyltransferases or primers separated by the ultrafiltration column are returned into a container for storing each solution in a sample injector.

Abstract: A multiple port valve integrated with the function of the sample shut off valve is disclosed. The integration of the sample shut off function eliminates extra plumbing and labor costs associated with a separate sample shut off valve. Additionally, the multiple port valve integrated with the function of the sample shut off valve provides a shorter equilibration time and less tubing volume.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating fluid samples comprises a micro-chip device having first and second covered channels, each channel having openings at both ends. The channels intersect to form a common intersection. Three of the openings of the channels are connected to a multi-port valve to control pressure in the device.

Abstract: A hyphenated technique based on the combination of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), electrochemical (coulometric) oxidation (EC) and electrospray ionization (ESI)- or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-mass spectrometry (MS), allows access of selected groups of low and medium polarity analytes to ESI- or APCI-mass spectrometry after HPLC by electrochemical treatment of the sample.

Abstract: The electrophoresis apparatus has plural capillaries for separating fluorephore-labeled samples by electrophoresis, fluorescence detecting parts provided in a part of these capillaries arranged in the same plane for detecting fluorescence emitted by fluorephore labels when a part of the plural capillaries is scanned and irradiated by a laser beam, and a fluorescence detection system for detecting this fluorescence. The fluorescence detecting parts are scanned and repeatedly irradiated by the laser beam where a scanning period of the fluorescence detecting parts by the laser beam is t1, and the fluorescence is detected by the fluorescence detecting system where an acquisition time of fluorescence signal is t2 (t1?t2). The laser beam from a laser source is narrowly converged by a light collecting lens, and a galvanomirror is rotated in a rotation directional of the galvanomirror around the rotation axis of the galvanomirror so as to repeatedly scan the fluorescence detecting parts.

Abstract: A solution such as a washing liquid can be passed through a separation column such as a nozzle tip having a solid phase quickly and reliably, thereby achieving improvements in throughput. A sample processing device comprises a separation column having a carrier capable of capturing a target substance, a liquid supply passage capable of supplying a liquid from one end portion of the separation column to the other end portion thereof, and a communication passage disposed independently of the liquid supply passage and capable of providing communication between the inside of the separation column and the outside. The communication between the inside of the separation column and the outside by the communication passage is controlled.

Abstract: Capillary columns (102) pass through and are inserted in a rubber plate (14), held and fixed by elastic force of rubber, and two-dimensionally arranged on a sample injection side. It fixes the capillary columns (102) arranged on a plane in close contact by holding the same with a holder plate (6a) from below and with a rubber plate (16) from above on a detection side. In order to press the capillary columns (102) against the holder plate 6a and fix the same with the rubber plate (16), a holder plate (6b) fixing the rubber plate (16) to the holder plate (6a) on both sides of the arrangement of the capillary columns (102) is provided.

Abstract: A device and system for reversibly trapping and isolating carbohydrate moieties. The apparatus includes an aldehyde-containing trapping material, a trapping means into which the aldehyde-containing trapping material is packable and through which hydrazine-activated carbohydrate-containing samples are passable, and additional hydrazine to release hydrazine-activated carbohydrates from the trapping material. As a result, all remaining non-carbohydrate material is not bound to the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for automatically performing liquid chromatography analysis of low volume liquid chemical samples at nanosecond flow rates using an analysis column that integrates a pre-concentration trapping column and a chromatography separation column terminating at an electrospray nozzle of an online mass spectrometer. The analysis column consists of a capillary having an inside diameter of between 75 and 125 microns packed throughout with a porous bed of micron particles. A branch outlet positioned 10 to 16 centimeters upstream from the nozzle divides the analysis column into an upstream pre-concentration trap and a downstream separation column. An autosampler delivers low volume liquid samples to the upstream inlet via a two-position valve. Feed connections couple the autosampler to upstream inlet when the valve is open to inject a liquid sample into the pre-concentration trap at a maximum loading flow rate in the range from 0.5 to 50 microliters/minute.

Abstract: A method to collect a plurality of target zones from a plurality of channels. The method includes introducing a plurality of compound mixtures into a plurality of microchannels on a microfabricated chip or a capillary tube. Optical signal measured at a detector window provides a signal of the position of a target zone. When a target zone has migrated to the location of a detector window, the detector senses an optical signal from the target zone and signals the system to disconnect a driving force from that channel. Once a plurality of zones in a plurality of channels are aligned, the driving force is reconnected and the zones are coeluted into a collection container.

Abstract: A capillary array comprising multiple capillaries and two holding substrates for arranging the aforementioned multiple capillaries in a substantially plane surface by sandwiching at least some of these capillaries mutually. One of the holding substrates has a detection window for transmitting the detected light emitted by a test sample by irradiation of light. Especially, this detection window comprises multiple light transmission areas provided to correspond to each capillary to transmit the detected light, and light cut-off areas provided between these light transmission areas to cut off the detected light. These light cut-off areas cut off light reflected from the surface of capillaries and hence improve the SN ratio, thereby ensuring high-precision detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating components of a sample. The method includes obtaining a first separation of the sample components along a first dimension wherein the sample components are at least partially resolved, wherein the first separation can be performed in the absence of an electric field applied to the first dimension. An electric field is used to obtain a second separation of the sample components along a second dimension comprising a plurality of substantially isolated volumes. An intensity-time data record is obtained from each of the isolated volumes, the intensity-time data records containing peaks, each peak being indicative of a migration time. The migration time of a first peak is normalized with respect to a migration time of at least a second peak to correct for migration time differences between the isolated volumes.

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: 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: A sugar chain synthesizer comprising one or more reaction columns packed with immobilized glycosyltransferase and/or glycosidase; one or more separation means, arranged downstream from the reaction columns, for separating reaction products, unreaction products and byproducts contained in the solution eluted from the reaction columns; a first pump for feeding a primer of water soluble polymer and buffer solution to the reaction columns through a first selector valve; a second pump for feeding a buffer solution and sugar nucleotide solution to any one of the reaction columns through a second selector valve; one or more circulation flow paths connecting between a flow path downstream from the separation means and a flow path upstream from each of the reaction columns; and a third selector valve, arranged between the separation means and one or more circulation flow paths, for selective connection between the separation means and a desired circulation flow path.

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 separating and purifying the active hematinic species present in iron-saccharidic complexes including sodium ferric gluconate complex in sucrose, ferric hydroxide-sucrose complex and ferric saccharate complex and others of similar form and function, based on separation of the iron-saccharidic complex from one or more excipients and, preferably, lyophilization. Separation of the iron-saccharidic complex permits its analytical quantification; further concentration or purification as a new and useful product; preparation of redesigned formulations for new and useful pharmaceuticals; and/or lyophilization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing multiple parallel chromatographic separations are provided. Microfluidic cartridges containing multiple separation columns allow multiple separations to be performed in a limited space by a single instrument containing high-pressure pumps and analyte detectors. The use of pressure fit interfaces allows the microfluidic cartridges to easily be removed and replaced within the instrument, either manually or robotically.

Abstract: A system and method high throughput sample preparation and analysis using column chromatography. Each port in a plurality of ports has a port input that interfaces with a first fluid source and a port output. A fluidic circuit is coupled to each port output and to a second fluid source, the fluidic circuit for controlling fluid flow from the plurality of ports and the second fluid source. The fluidic circuit is also coupled to a plurality of chromatography columns. An interface to an analyzer receives output from at least one of the plurality of chromatography columns. The plurality of chromatography columns is moved relative to the analyzer via a translation stage, such that sample output from one of the plurality of chromatography columns can be selectively presented to the analyzer.

Abstract: Pressure-driven microfluidic separation devices, such as may be used for performing high performance liquid chromatography, are provided. Multiple separation columns may be defined in a single device and packed with stationary phase material retained by porous frits. One or more splitters may be provided to distribute slurry and/or mobile phase among multiple separation columns. In one embodiment, separation devices are substantially planar and fabricated with multiple device layers. Systems and methods employing slurry for packing separation devices are also provided.

Abstract: Sample component separation apparatus and methods are described. An exemplary sample component separation apparatus includes a separation channel having a turn portion configured to reduce band-broadening caused by passage of a sample through the turn portion. To reduce band broadening caused by passage of a sample through a turn portion, the turn portion may be constructed and arranged to have a sample transport characteristic that is different from the corresponding sample transport characteristic of a substantially straight portion of the separation channel. For example, the turn portion may be configured with an effective channel width that is smaller than the effective channel widths of the substantially straight portion of the separation channel.

Abstract: A device for placement of effluent comprises a substrate positioner, a deposition conduit, and a conduit positioner. The substrate positioner supports and positions a substrate on which effluent exiting from the deposition conduit is to be deposited. The conduit positioner moves an exit end of the deposition conduit relative to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for separating substances by liquid chromatography. The aim of the invention is to provide a device and a method by which means substances can be separated by liquid chromatography under pressure and which enable parallel separation and detection of at least several samples. The device should have a compact, economical construction. To this end, the inventive device for separating substances by liquid chromatography under pressure is characterized in that at least several liquid chromatography separating lines (17) are supplied by a single delivery unit (one or two pumps), said separating lines being arranged so that they run parallel, and in that said separating lines are combined with a sample-loading system (5) and an injection system (18) in the sample introduction area and with a multi-channel detector (13), connected to an evaluation and control unit (16), in the detection area.

Abstract: A simulated moving bed connected with a sample supply apparatus is constructed such that a sample liquid can be supplied continually to a simulated moving bed separation device without causing any problems due to a penetration of gas phase and admixture of the plurality of sample liquids. At this end, the sample supply apparatus is composed of a plurality of sample supply vessels each with a sample liquid passageway disposed thereto, a sample liquid-amount management vessel for storing a sample to be supplied from the sample supply vessels through the sample liquid passageways and the supplying sample liquid through the liquid-amount management vessel to the simulated moving bed chromatographic device. The apparatus also has a control for alternatingly opening and closing opening-closing devices in the sample supply vessels in response to liquid levels in the sample liquid-amount management vessel.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices comprising porous monolithic polymer for concentration, extraction or mixing of fluids. A method for in situ preparation of monolithic polymers by in situ initiated polymerization of polymer precursors within microchannels of a microfluidic device and their use for solid phase extraction (SPE), preconcentration, concentration and mixing.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device is disclosed for mixing first and second fluids. The first fluid may be a treatment liquid that is contained in a container and that is used to change a property, such as the pH, density or ionic strength, of the second fluid. In some illustrative embodiments, the fluid treatment device is used to create an effluent by adding a buffer material and/or a matrix material to an analyte for subsequent MALDI MS analysis of the effluent. A mixing space is defined in a container between ends of first and second conduits. In some embodiments, a junction member couples together the ends of the first and second conduits. The junction member has a main passage that receives the ends of the first and second conduits. The junction member has at least one opening that provides fluid communication between an interior region of the container and the mixing space.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: A method for dispensing droplets of a liquid to a microsystem in the form of a disc comprising a target area (TA0I) in its surface, said disc preferably being a microfluidic disc comprising a microchannel structure with an inlet port that is a target area (TA0I). The method is characterized by comprising the steps of: i) providing (1) said disc which has a triggering mark, and (2) a dispenser arrangement comprising: a) a spinner for rotating the disc around its axis, b) a drop dispenser permitting dispensation of droplets to inlet port I, c) a fixed trigger position outside the disc, and d) a controller which is capable of triggering the dispensation of a droplet into (TA0I) as a function of the triggering mark passing the trigger position, ii) placing the disc in the spinner and programming the controller with values for dispensing parameters that will give dispensation of the droplets to TA0I, iii) dispensing the droplets. The invention also comprises the dispenser arrangement as such.

Abstract: A method of detecting nucleic acid fragments in plural samples is performed by the steps of: attaching an electroconductive label to nucleic acid fragments in one sample and attaching a different electroconductive label to nucleic acid fragments in another sample; preparing a mixture of these samples; spotting the mixture on an electroconductive microarray having plural electrodes onto which probe molecules complementary to the nucleic acid fragments are fixed, so that hybridization between the nucleic acid fragments and the probe molecules on the electroconductive microarray can proceed to form hybrid structures; applying to the electrode an electric potential corresponding to the oxidation-reduction potential of the former label and detecting on the electrode an electric current; applying to the electrode an electric potential corresponding to the oxidation-reduction potential of the latter label and detecting on the electrode an electric current; and comparing the electric current detected in the former de

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a reagent kit for obtaining clear solutions containing cell contents from biological samples in a high throughput process, comprising the steps of preparing a plurality of protein-containing solutions which contain insoluble ingredients, in separate chambers of a multi-chamber filtration unit, eliminating insoluble ingredients by filtering the solutions through the multi-chamber filtration unit with the application of a pressure differential, while preventing cross contamination between adjacent chambers by chemical and/or mechanical means, and collecting the individual filtrates separately in collecting containers, as well as a process for recovering cell contents from the clear solutions obtained. The invention further relates to the use of an apparatus for recovering clear protein-containing solutions from biological samples.

Abstract: A reconfigurable multi-mode post-column analysis system improves resolution of liquid chromatography detection data by providing a parking or MS/MS detection mode in which flow of column eluent is substantially reduced to provide greater analysis time within a single eluting detection peak. A micro switching valve unit is reconfigurable between normal (MS) mode that passes column eluent directly to an MS unit, and a peak parking (or MS/MS) mode, in which normal mode column flow is interrupted, and the gradient halted, while more slowly flowing the detection peak of interest through the MS unit. A micro syringe pump contributes to the substantially lower MS/MS flow rate. A MS control unit controls micro switching valve valves to reconfigure between MS and MS/MS modes. After a detection peak, MS mode is reestablished, and the system primary pump returns to normal mode flow rate and gradient conditions. Mode changes can be carried out for each chromatogram detection peak.

Abstract: In conducting liquid chromatographic analysis of a saccharide mixture containing monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, elution is conducted by using two kinds or more of mobile phases to separate the saccharide mixture into individual constituent saccharides followed by conversion thereof into corresponding derivatives by reaction with reagents and detection of the derivatives as contained in a detector cell. The method of the invention is characterized in that the detector cell is cleaned by washing with a cleaning solvent after completion of the detection of each of the saccharide derivatives.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer for measuring a concentration of components of a sample liquid, by mixing the sample liquid with reagents, so as to react the reagents upon the components thereof, includes a carrier having an introducing portion through which the sample liquid is injected, passages for distributing the sample liquid injected from the introducing portion, and plural reactor portions which hold the sample liquid therein to be mixed with the reagent, thereby to react. A movable driver portion is provided on which the carrier is mounted and a reagent charging device is provided for ejecting the reagents which are different for the respective plural reactor portions of the carrier, sequentially. Further, a detector is provided for detecting the components after mixing the reagents with the sample liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA base sequencing system having a compact, simple and convenient structure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a reaction chamber module for pyrosequencing in which a multiple number of reaction vessels (reaction chambers) 10 and reagent-introducing narrow tubes 6 are integrated is formed in a device board 5. Reagents held in reagent reservoirs 1, 2, 3 and 4 mounted separately from this reaction chamber module are introduced into the reaction vessels 10 via reagent-introducing narrow tubes (capillaries) 6. The reagent-introducing narrow tubes (capillaries) 6 at the area of 2 cm from the reaction vessels 10 are structured with narrow capillaries having an inner diameter of about 0.1 mm and the conductance of these capillaries for the reagent solution determines the injection speed of the solution. Using the present invention, many kinds of DNAs can be analyzed simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of injecting, isolating and separating mixed analytes from one or more samples. The method includes collecting successive fractions from each of a plurality of samples at discrete points in time. Fractions may be analyzed at the time of collecting, or later, using one or more detector systems. In one embodiment, a processor controls the elutions of fractions by modulating the migration field in a separation pathway. The processor also controls distribution of the fraction into a particular collection well of a plurality of collection wells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for collecting and concentrating a desired compound from a chromatographic column exit stream. The collection chamber can be heated or cooled and washed in a forward or backward direction for efficient removal.

Abstract: Apparatus for eliminating siphoning, “dead” regions, and fluid concentration gradients in microscale analytical devices. In its most basic embodiment, the present invention affords passive injection control for both electric field-driven and pressure-driven systems by providing additional fluid flow channels or auxiliary channels disposed on either side of a sample separation column. The auxiliary channels are sized such that volumetric fluid flow rate through these channels, while sufficient to move the sample away from the sample injection region in a timely fashion, is less than that through the sample separation channel or chromatograph.

Abstract: A multiplexed, absorbance-based electrophoresis system for analyzing multiple samples simultaneously without use of a mask or slit comprising a light source, a planar array of capillary tubes and a detector positioned off-axis with the light source and positioned on-axis with and parallel to the planar array of capillary tubes. Other embodiments include vacuum use attached to the capillary tubes to increase the speed of detection.

Abstract: A device (1) for use in measuring and/or analyzing at least one parameter of an external portion of a body comprises at least one surface (3) configured to be placed in the vicinity of said external portion. The device is either a) configured to be able to be modeled over said external portion and made of a material comprising inorganic material, or b) configured to not be able to be modeled over said external portion and made essentially of at least, one inorganic material. When the device (1) is configured to not be able to be modeled, and when material defining the surface (3) is not in at least one of a fibrous form and a particulate form, the surface comprises an inorganic material other than glass.

Abstract: Amlodipine aspartate and amlodipine maleamide are used as reference standards or markers in determining the purity of amlodipine maleate substances and products.

Abstract: This invention is about metal tubing/frit applicable in liquid chromatography and a chromatography column manufactured by using the same. In detail, this invention is about manufacturing the metal tubing/frit by treating a powdered inorganic oxide such as silica, alumina, zirconia, and titania with a strong base, drying it with some humidity included, scrubbing it into powders, putting it in the tip of a chromatographic metal tubing at a proper depth, and by sintering the powders to form a durable sintered frit on the inner wall.

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: The invention disclosed relates to a method and apparatus for solid phase microextraction of target analytes from solid or fluid samples. The apparatus comprises gas tight enclosure means, means for introducing a sample including target analytes into the enclosure means, and means located within the enclosure means for extracting the target analytes from the sample, wherein the extraction means either samples a head space near the sample or samples the sample directly.

Abstract: A variable flow rate injector provides accurate, precise, and reproducible injection volumes that have low dispersion. The invention is particularly well-suited for HPLC injection volumes <500 nL but can be used to inject larger volumes and in different applications as well. Injections are performed at a first flow rate and separations are performed at a second flow rate. For improved IIPLC system performance, the first flow rate is less than the second flow rate. The injector uses a variable flow rate fluid supply that allows rapid switching between flow rates desired for injection and flow rates desired for separations.

Abstract: The present application relates to apparatus for sampling and analysis of analytes in a liquid sample. A liquid sample is pre-concentrated using a chromatographic column prior to analysis via a two stage analysis apparatus. A high-performance liquid chromatography system with ultra violet detection may be used in conjunction with electrochemical detection for the analysis of environmental contaminants, including explosive residues. The present invention also provides for on-site analysis of such contaminants. The present invention also provides for methods of analyzing the components of a liquid sample, including methods for on-site analysis.