Agilent Technologies Introduces LC System for Proteomics that Combines Micro Collection and Spotting Capabilities
PALO ALTO, Calif., March 3, 2004 -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced its new Agilent 1100 Series liquid chromatography (LC) micro collection/spotting system, a complete software-controlled separation solution for proteomics that features direct spotting on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) targets. The system provides flexibility for multidimensional separations and allows users to combine the benefits of chromatography with the power of MALDI-MS.

The micro collection/spotting system fixes the chromatographic separation on the MALDI plate. The offline combination of LC separation with MALDI-MS provides significant advantages over the more widespread approach of online electrospray ionization. MS/MS experiments can be performed without time constraints and decisions can be made during the experiment, allowing results-driven analysis without rerunning the sample. Separation performance and total sample throughput are optimized by decoupling the separation from the analysis.

The micro collection/spotting system is designed as a separation tool for proteomics. Based on the industry-leading Agilent 1100 Series high-performance liquid chromatography system, the system enables separation of small sample amounts at low flow rates for the subsequent collection of very small fraction volumes. The micro collection/spotting system provides the following features:

o Seamless integration of each module that minimizes internal volumes, assuring the highest separation performance and sensitivity

o Capillary/nanoflow pumps with active flow control that provide exceptional flow stability

o Flexibility of collection in different well plates, Eppendorf tubes and MALDI targets

o Liquid contact control for reproducible collection of microliter and nanoliter fractions

o Fraction cooling to prevent sample evaporation and thermal decomposition

Additionally, the system offers researchers the flexibility and efficiency of multidimensional chromatography either online through column switching using the 1100 Series micro valves, or offline by collecting the desired fraction of subsequent dimensions. The offline approach produces superior separation results for enhanced protein identification and allows researchers to perform enzymatic or chemical modifications of fractions between separation runs. 

Availability

The Agilent 1100 Series LC micro collection/spotting system is available now. More information about the system is available at www.agilent.com/chem/proteomics .

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $6.1 billion in fiscal year 2003. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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