Overview - Agilent Technologies 1260 Infinity User Manual

1 Introduction to HPLC-Chip Technology

Overview

Overview
Traditional nanospray mass spectrometry has proven it's potential as a
cost-effective, sensitive and reproducible technique for the identification of
peptides at femtomol to atomol levels. However, connecting nano capillaries,
columns and valves frequently is a tedious procedure and requires user skills
and routine. When handled incorrectly, nano flow connections are prone to
leakage which are difficult to detect and result in poor system performance
and extended downtime of the complete system. Quartz nano spray needles
are prone to blockages and require frequent replacement.
With the invention of HPLC-Chip technology, Agilent is significantly reducing
the need for user interaction and making nanospray a rugged state-of-the-art
technology.
The cornerstone of chip technology is the HLPC-Chip, a 3-dimensional
structure made of sandwiched polyimide films. Grooves of specific dimensions
are laser-ablated into a layer of polyimide film. The lamination of a top and
bottom layer then forms channels of trapezoidal or triangular shape inside the
chip which can either be used as capillaries or, if filled with packing material,
as nanocolumns. One end of the chip tapers off into a polyimide nanospray
emitter.
10 HPLC-Chip Cube Interface User's Guide