NanoLC-Ultra® System
The next generation NanoLC system from Eksigent promises to deliver high resolution separations, combined with excellent reproducibility, resulting in improved identification of low abundance peptides, proteins, and small molecules with nanoLC-MS.
The higher pressure capability of the NanoLC-Ultra® platform allows the use of longer columns and/or columns packed with smaller particles for higher resolution separations of complex samples (e.g., protein digests). Moreover, the NanoLC-Ultra family features self-priming and self-purging pumps for easier changing of solvents, and a temperature-controlled column compartment for maintaining exceptional retention time reproducibility.
Eksigent's proven Microfluidic Flow Control (MFC) technology guarantees reliable and reproducible results, while integration with major mass spectrometer software packages makes the system a seamless addition to almost any nanoLC-MS workflow.
A range of different NanoLC-Ultra system configurations are available for various applications-from single gradient systems for direct sample injection, to dual gradient systems for multidimensional separations, and dual column set-up for increased throughput.
Status: Available 
A NanoLC-Ultra system is the proteomics lab workhorse, delivering stable, reproducible gradient separations for peptide/protein identification, phosphopeptide analysis, biomarker discovery, metabolomics and more. Splitless, nano-scale flow control Eksigent's Microfluidic Flow Control (MFC) technology uses fast flow measurement in combination with automatic feedback to a regulated pressure source to generate accurate and reproducible flow rates with a resolution better than 1 nl/min. By combining true microfluidic pump control with direct feedback of flow rate, the system eliminates the flow inaccuracies and plumbing problems caused by splitter-based systems. The result is extremely reproducible gradients down to 50 nl/min, without the use of flow splitting, and observed gradient reproducibility typically better than 0.5% RSD (see Figure 1). And the self-priming/self-purging design makes the NanoLC-Ultra pump even easier to set-up and run.
10,000 psi maximum pressure Ultra high pressure LC has been successfully applied in small molecule analyses using 2.1 mm ID columns for increased separation efficiencies and/or analysis speed. For the identification of proteins using LC-MS in proteomics, NanoLC is required because of the increased sensitivity obtained by nanospray mass spectrometry. The operating pressure of 10,000 psi obtained with the NanoLC-Ultra system enables the use of longer columns, or columns packed with smaller particles, for the analysis of increasingly complex proteomics samples (see Figure 2).
Figure 2. High resolution separation of a BSA tryptic digest. Separation of a BSA tryptic digest on a 75 µm ID x 40 cm column packed with 3 µm C18 stationary phase. Back pressure was 6,000 psi. The peak capacity for this separation is approximately 150.
Retention time reproducibility Maintaining a constant column temperature is requisite to obtaining the best possible retention time reproducibility. To address this requirement, NanoLC-Ultra systems are equipped with a temperature-controlled column compartment with integrated 10-port valves, that can be regulated to a temperature up to 40°C. Elevated temperatures also can be utilized to decrease column pressure and/or improve separation efficiency. For advanced applications like sample pre-concentration or dual-column set-up, the NanoLC-Ultra system offers up to two 10-port nano valves rated at 10,000 psi that are integrated into the column compartment. These 10-port valves have an extremely low port-to-port volume of <25 nL, along with a proprietary coating that increases the lifetime of the valve and reduces sample loss. Peak parking Because of the excellent control over the flow rate offered by our MFC technology, the NanoLC-Ultra systems can operate in a "peak parking mode" where the flow rate is temporarily decreased by a factor up to 10 to facilitate longer MS interrogation of an analyte of interest. The result is extended MS/MS analysis acquisition time that improves the MS identification of co-eluting and low abundance peptides. Mass spec software integration With Eksigent's Control Software, users can rapidly set-up experiments and create or modify methods in less than a minute. Specialized diagnostic tools make the system easy to learn, maintain and operate. The software continuously monitors pressure and flow rate, and provides real-time views of gradient composition and column backpressure. Plus, Eksigent's software engineers placed special emphasis on integrating control of the NanoLC-Ultra systems into the major mass spectrometry software packages. See the NanoLC-Ultra system specifications for a current list of drivers. |
