Abstract:
The invention provides methods and apparatus for the selective isolation of phosphorylated and glycosylated proteins and their fragments. Metal cation is used to precipitate proteins or protein fragments containing phospho groups and/or glyco groups. The sample preparation method can be used for several types of biological samples, including HeLa cells, food, and human cerebrospinal fluid. The proteins are isolated, recovered and ready for analysis by mass spectrometry or other analytical methods allowing detection limits down to the femtomole level. The method and apparatus are valuable tools in the field of protein analysis and diagnostics.
Abstract:
The present invention solves the problem of isolating nucleic acids from cells in the presence of the growth medium. The invention is particularly useful for isolating extrachromosomal replicons such as plasmids. Cells are lysed in the presence of the medium in which they were grown and nucleic acids are isolated using a pipette tip column. A liquid handling robot can be used to isolate nucleic acids from multiple samples simultaneously without the need for human intervention.
Abstract:
The subject invention provides extraction capillaries, wherein a substantial portion of the channel is coated with a 3-dimensional solid phase extraction surface that binds an analyte. In some embodiments the extraction matrix comprises a polymer backbone with an extraction agent bound thereto. Analytes of particular relevance include biomolecules, such as proteins, polynucleotides, lipids and polysaccharides. The invention further provides devices comprising the extraction capillaries, reagents for use in conjunction with the capillaries and devices, and methods for the production and use of the capillaries and devices.
Abstract:
An open capillary channel device for open tubular solid phase extraction of molecules capable of providing a tube enrichment factor of at least 1. The device comprises a channel (2, 12, 18, 42, 68, 98, 128, 200) having one end connected to a pump (44, 70,100, 218) for pumping liquid and gas, and the other end can be connected to an interface (26) for a protein chip sample applicator (32) or a mass spectrometer. The inner surface (4) of the channel, an extraction surface, can be bonded to an affinity binding agent such as a chelated metal, a protein, a sugar or nucleic acid. The method uses this device to bind analyte molecules from a sample solution to the affinity extraction surface and desorb analyte from the extraction surface with a desorbent liquid, with an extraction factor greater than 1.
Abstract:
This invention relates to devices and methods for purifying, detecting and using biological cells. A variety of cell types including viable tumor, stem, immune and sperm cells can be purified from a complex biological sample using a column, including a pipette tip column. Methods of the invention can aid research, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Purified viable cells can be detected on the column or eluted from the column and detected. Cells on a column can be used as a stationary phase for liquid chromatography. Cells may be removed, recovered and analyzed.
Abstract:
A disclosure relating to devices and methods for purifying biological cells. For example, viable tumor, stem, immune and sperm cells can be purified from a complex biological sample using a column, including a pipette tip column. Methods disclosed can aid research, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for automated sample preparation for MALDI-TOF MS using columns in combination with a liquid handling system. The samples are typically biological such as serum or urine. The columns typically include a bed of media positioned within a modified pipette tip. The system may also provide methods for storing the prepared samples.
Abstract:
The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the invention provides columns having low bed volumes. In some embodiments, the invention provides columns characterized by low backpressure. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods characterized by the elution of analyte in a small volume of liquid.
Abstract:
The invention provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the preparation and/or purification of analytes, including native and non-denatured biomolecules and multi-protein complexes, using solid-phase extraction channels. Some of the methods include steps where a solution is passed through the extraction channel at least twice. In some embodiments of the invention an analyte is eluted from the extraction channel in a small amount desorption solvent. Some of the methods include a step where liquid is blown out of the extraction channel prior to introducing another solution into the channel, e.g., a desorption solution.
Abstract:
This invention employs columns and methods to apply external and internal standards and compounds. Analytical standard or compounds are adsorbed to a solid phase extraction media and are stored indefinitely. The standards or compounds remain stable on the solid phase extraction media without decomposing. The standards or compounds may be removed from the solid phase extraction media with a solvent.