Novel Flow-Confinement Concept for LC×LC
A novel flow-confinement concept designed to remove the performance sacrifice associated with current comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography techniques has been tested by researchers.
Photo Credit:deomis/stock.adobe.com
A novel flow-confinement concept designed to remove the performance sacrifice associated with current comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography techniques has been tested by researchers (1).
The characterization of highly complex samples is always a challenge, often requiring a comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatographic approach (LC×LC) to solve. However, the compromise made between the first and the second dimensions, specifically in the flow rates and the modulation time, often results in a reduction in performance. To avoid this reduction in performance, a perfectly operated spatial ×LC××LC system is required with rigorous confinement of the flow of the mobile phase and analytes in the desired direction.
A suitable format for spatial separations can be realized through microfluidics devices, which can be designed using computational fluid dynamics to create satisfactory designs that can be rapidly and easily prototyped using 3D-printing methods.
Using this process, researchers designed a novel flow-confinement method titled TWIST (two-dimensional insertable separation tool). The modular device has an internal first-dimension (1D) part that is cylindrical and rotatable. This internal part features a series of through-holes, each of which is perpendicular to the direction of the 1D flow. The internal part is inserted in the cylindrical casing of the external part, which also includes a flow distributor and second dimension (2D) channels. During injection the liquid remains confined within the 1D channel as the rotating piece flow positions the through-holes towards the wall of the external part. During transfer to the second dimension, the rotation of the internal part aligns the through-holes to the external part allowing transversal flow of the 2D mobile phase from the distributor and into the 2D area.
Despite the promise of the device, researchers cautioned that further research is required for device and material optimization, incorporation of stationary phases, and for the performance of actual separations. Furthermore, it is believed the device could be modified to realize flow confinement in spatial three-dimensional liquid chromatography.
Reference
- T. Adamopoulou et al., J. Chroma. A1577, 120–123 (2018).
AI and GenAI Applications to Help Optimize Purification and Yield of Antibodies From Plasma
October 31st 2024Deriving antibodies from plasma products involves several steps, typically starting from the collection of plasma and ending with the purification of the desired antibodies. These are: plasma collection; plasma pooling; fractionation; antibody purification; concentration and formulation; quality control; and packaging and storage. This process results in a purified antibody product that can be used for therapeutic purposes, diagnostic tests, or research. Each step is critical to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of the final product. Applications of AI/GenAI in many of these steps can significantly help in the optimization of purification and yield of the desired antibodies. Some specific use-cases are: selecting and optimizing plasma units for optimized plasma pooling; GenAI solution for enterprise search on internal knowledge portal; analysing and optimizing production batch profitability, inventory, yields; monitoring production batch key performance indicators for outlier identification; monitoring production equipment to predict maintenance events; and reducing quality control laboratory testing turnaround time.
2024 EAS Awardees Showcase Innovative Research in Analytical Science
November 20th 2024Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Washington, and other leading institutions took the stage at the Eastern Analytical Symposium to accept awards and share insights into their research.
