Replacing Liquid Chromatography Columns

Agilent Technologies introduced a breakthrough microfluidics-based technology for liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), which is used by thousands of scientists in protein research and pharmaceutical applications to separate and identify biological compounds. The centerpiece of the new technology is a reusable polymer high-performance LC (HPLC) chip that eliminates the need for traditional LC columns. The first chips will be for proteomics applications, but there are numerous applications for this technology in a wide range of markets. Smaller than a credit card, the chip seamlessly integrates the sample enrichment and separation capability of a nanoflow LC system with the intricate connections and spray tips used in electrospray mass spectrometry. The technology eliminates 50% of the traditional fittings and connections typically required in an LC/MS system.