The combination of mass spectrometry (MS) and nanoflow liquid chromatography (nanoLC) techniques is a key element of proteomics research. The strength of nanoLC-MS is that it enables the analysis of limited amounts of biological sample with high sensitivity. The variety of chromatographic phases and column configurations now available has resulted in widespread use of nanoLC-MS to tackle a broad range of biological problems. However, the low solvent flow rates used in nanoLC make chromatographic optimization more challenging than higher flow-rate applications. It is therefore important that the nanoflow interface to the mass spectrometer be robust, easy to use, and flexible to provide optimum performance on a wide variety of applications.
There are many examples of established and emerging applications that place different requirements on the nanoLC source and interface. The wide distribution of hydrophobic and hydrophilic peptides in protein digests usually requires the use of a broad LC solvent gradient to improve protein sequence coverage. Some applications require use of nanoLC tapered emitter tips with chromatographic material packed right in the tip. It is therefore essential to have a versatile and stable nanoflow ESI system that is robust to varied solvent composition, choice in chromatographic format and media and even polarity when analyzing proteomic samples in an automated mode.
Key Features of NanoSpray III Source
- Simplified emitter tip and column replacement with low dead volume finger tight connections with quick release of spray assembly
- Rail-mounted sliding union allows flexibility to use any emitter tip lengths
- Nebulizer gas and HV connect directly to source. Sprayer assembly removes without the need to disconnect gas or HV
- Improved lighting and cameras for continuous spray visualization (new compact LCD monitors)
- Fixed angle spraying (~25°) for easy spray tuning and limited interface contamination
- Source and nanoDCI heated interface compatible with SCIEX QTRAP and TripleTOF systems
- Optiflow Interface with nanoflow heater and curtain plate1 compatible with TripleTOF 6600 System
- Compatible with all nanoLC systems and column configurations, including sorbent-packed tapered emitter tips for high quality separations
