Low-flow columns and accessories

Significance of the topic

Sample preparation and chromatography consumables are fundamental for achieving high sensitivity and reproducibility in modern analytical chemistry. In proteomics, metabolomics, and small molecule analysis the quality of SPE, sample vials, and column performance directly affects data quality and laboratory throughput.

Objectives and overview of the document

This document presents a comprehensive set of chromatography consumables covering sample preparation solutions, sample handling tools, low-flow LC columns, BioLC columns, conventional LC columns, GC columns, and selection tools. It aims to guide users in selecting optimal products for diverse analytical workflows.

Methodology and product technologies

Several technologies form the core of the consumables portfolio:

• Sample preparation solutions including SPE, QuEChERS, digestion kits, and online microextraction
• Sample handling components such as vials, closures, well plates, and septa designed for minimum extractables and leachables
• Column technologies featuring packed bed formats (EASY-Spray PepMap Neo, MAbPac RP capillary) and pillar array formats (µPAC) for nano, capillary, and micro-flow applications

Instrumentation used

The highlighted consumables integrate with:

• Thermo Scientific MS systems including the Orbitrap Exploris 480
• Vanquish UHPLC and Vanquish Neo UHPLC systems
• Thermo Scientific EASY-Spray sources and Nanospray Flex ion sources
• LC modules and valves compatible with Viper and nanoViper fingertight fitting systems

Main results and discussion

Performance evaluations demonstrated:

• Up to 60% reduction in analysis time when transitioning from nano-flow to capillary-flow EASY-Spray columns
• Consistent identification of proteins and peptides with high confidence across multiple PepMap Neo columns
• High separation efficiency and retention time stability using µPAC pillar array columns, enabling over 65 proteome analyses in a single day

Benefits and practical applications

Key advantages include:

• Seamless connect-and-spray workflows reducing dead volume and setup complexity
• High pressure rating (1500 bar) for improved reproducibility and column lifetime
• Flexibility to choose between packed bed and pillar array formats based on resolution needs
• Compatibility with existing LC and LC-MS platforms for targeted and untargeted analyses

Future trends and possibilities for use

Emerging developments in consumables may include:

• Further miniaturization and integration of sample preparation and separation devices
• Advanced materials for lower background and higher chemical stability
• Automation and digital selection tools driven by AI for method optimization
• Expansion of pillar array column dimensions for ultrahigh resolution proteomics

Conclusion

Thermo Scientific connected chromatography solutions provide a unified suite of consumables designed to elevate analytical performance. The combination of robust sample preparation, precision columns, and seamless fittings supports high throughput and sensitive separations across a range of applications.

Reference

No literature references were provided in the original document.