CorSolutions, LLC (Groton (Lansing), NY) developed a chromatography electrospray system with "plug and play" connections along with integrated leak and current sensors for monitoring and diagnosing the status of ultra-low level fluidic manipulation.
The device is an integrated nanofluidic separation system and electrospray device according to inventor Colleen K. Van Pelt in U.S. Patent 7,641,242, that achieves a significant advantage over other conventional low-flow chromatography electrospray systems that lack the means and technology to diagnose individual component performance and operation. The plug and play device allows for component diagnostics in chromatography and fluidic systems.
CorSolutions nanofluidic separation system further provides the ability to implement an automated replacement system capable of making fluidic connections. Furthermore, the connections are automatically sealed with the proper force, eliminating the need for the user to guess the correct amount of compression force to apply when tightening fittings.
Nanoflow liquid chromatography ("nanoLC") is a technique for resolving very complex samples that are limited in concentration or volume. Predominantly the technique is used for proteomic studies where it is often used in combination with mass spectrometry. NanoLC of either whole proteins or a proteolytic digest is performed to separate very complex samples, and then the flow from the nanoLC is directed into a mass spectrometer.
The advantages of nanoLC mass spectrometry as compared to conventional higher flow rate chromatography include lower sample volume requirements and higher sensitivity. NanoLC separation reduces the complexity of the sample by resolving the different components of a sample, allowing the mass spectrometer to obtain mass spectra for many components contained in the sample.
Van Pelt has reduced the complexity of fluidic systems. Specifically, of nanoLC by allowing a large number of users to successfully perform the technique. The invention encompasses a simple, "pop-into-place" device which has the nanoLC column and spray emitter incorporated within a single structure. Furthermore, all connections are either pre-made or made when the user inserts the device into its holder in front of the mass spectrometer. The connections are automatically sealed with the proper compression force, eliminating the possibility for the user to over or under tighten the connections.
Built-in sensors detect any leaks in the nanoLC system, and a spray sensor monitors the electrospray process. Corsolutions invention allows for nanoLC applications beyond proteomics to other areas such as pharmaceutical analyses, forensic analyses, biomarker analyses, environmental analyses, clinical diagnostics, flow-through reactors and other areas requiring more sensitivity and efficiency with a robust and easy-to-use technology.
The nanofluidic system contains receiving hardware that can accept one or more "plug and play" components. A positioning sensor assures proper insertion and alignment of the "plug and play" components. The receiving hardware has auto-insertion hardware for proper placement of the packages in the system. The receiving hardware aligns the consumable in front of the detector for optimal detector performance. The hardware and consumable insert can be keyed for accurate alignment and precise placement. This can be accomplished through use of alignment features and mechanical positioning features.
A simple consumable insert or "plug and play" component is inserted into the receiving hardware. The insert contains a nanoLC column and electrospray emitter with integrated sensors for diagnosing system and component failure for fluidic technologies where visual assessment is not possible. The system allows for manual or automated microfluidic connections without the need for user expertise in making difficult and critical fluidic connections. In addition to a column and spray emitter, the insert could also contain a pre-column, a transfer line, a trap, a filter, a frit, a reactor, a union, a tee, a manifold, a mixer, a vessel, a injector, an adapter, a sensor, a backpressure regulator, a coupler, a plug, a loop, a needle, a injector valve, a check valve, a metering valve, a splitting valve, a purge valve, a switching valve, and a Y-connector.
The system contains sensors that operate independent of each other, and a software program logs critical information and monitors component and system operation. The information may then be used to continue system operation, necessitate component or system shutdown, adjust system parameters, or initiate the replacement of necessary components.
The "pop-into-place" device is further capable of diagnosing very small fluidic leaks and nanoflow electrospray failures at the component and system level for conventional, microfluidic, and nanofluidic devices. The leak sensors are integrated into the insert and the corresponding interconnects are made automatically upon placement of the consumable in the accepting hardware.
Integrating all the above features allows for a more robust and "smart" system not available with current chromatography technology says Van Pelt. Additionally because the device integrates diagnostic features, not available with current technologies, the system can automatically identify problematic components within a system.
The nanofluidic system contains receiving hardware that can accept one or more "plug and play" components. A positioning sensor assures proper insertion and alignment of the "plug and play" components. The receiving hardware has auto-insertion hardware for proper placement of the packages in the system. The receiving hardware aligns the consumable in front of the detector for optimal detector performance. The hardware and consumable insert can be keyed for accurate alignment and precise placement. This can be accomplished through use of alignment features and mechanical positioning features.
A simple consumable insert or "plug and play" component is inserted into the receiving hardware. The insert contains a nanoLC column and electrospray emitter with integrated sensors for diagnosing system and component failure for fluidic technologies where visual assessment is not possible. The system allows for manual or automated microfluidic connections without the need for user expertise in making difficult and critical fluidic connections. In addition to a column and spray emitter, the insert could also contain a pre-column, a transfer line, a trap, a filter, a frit, a reactor, a union, a tee, a manifold, a mixer, a vessel, a injector, an adapter, a sensor, a backpressure regulator, a coupler, a plug, a loop, a needle, a injector valve, a check valve, a metering valve, a splitting valve, a purge valve, a switching valve, and a Y-connector.
The system contains sensors that operate independent of each other, and a software program logs critical information and monitors component and system operation. The information may then be used to continue system operation, necessitate component or system shutdown, adjust system parameters, or initiate the replacement of necessary components.
The "pop-into-place" device is further capable of diagnosing very small fluidic leaks and nanoflow electrospray failures at the component and system level for conventional, microfluidic, and nanofluidic devices. The leak sensors are integrated into the insert and the corresponding interconnects are made automatically upon placement of the consumable in the accepting hardware.
Integrating all the above features allows for a more robust and "smart" system not available with current chromatography technology says Van Pelt. Additionally because the device integrates diagnostic features, not available with current technologies, the system can automatically identify problematic components within a system.
