High Throughput LC-MS Proteomics Using Micro Pillar Array Columns

Many proteomics laboratories show a keen interest to apply nanoflow MSbased methods to diagnostic and clinical questions. However, such methods can be vulnerable to technical difficulties, such as instable nano-spray, nanocolumn reproducibility and clogging.

This has resulted in increasing interest towards capillary and microflow LC-MS for large quantitative proteomics studies, combining increased throughput, excellent robustness, reproducibility and sensitivity. We have used a µPAC™ capLC column to provide the required chromatographic robustness and reproducibility. Micro Pillar Array Columns use nano-meter precision 2D designs transferred onto silicon wafers and transformed into highly uniform arrays of superficially porous silicon pillars. This eliminates virtually any column to column variability, and the precise positioning of the silicon pillars creates a stationary phase support that minimizes dispersion. µPAC™ columns are operated at significantly lower backpressures than needed to operate current sub-2 µm particle packed-bed columns, positively affecting their lifetime.