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Kurzfassung

• Efficient separation of small molecules
• High through put mass spectrometry analysis

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Hintergrund

High-quality mass spectrometry analysis requires a high-resolution pre-separation of the ­sample. Therefore, chromatographic separation techniques like Ion Chromatography (IC) and Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) are widely used. However, these one-dimensional ­separation ­methods are limited in terms of resolution, since some species behave similar within one ­separation technique.

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Lösung

To reach a higher resolution, different techniques can be combined. The present invention ­offers a solution for the combination of IC and CE, based on the coupling of the IC- and CE-­apparatus through a modulator. The separation consists of the following steps:

1. Separation through IC
2. Transfer of the sample from  IC- to CE-apparatus through the modulator
3. Separation through the CE-capillary
4. Mass spectrometry analysis

The device and method developed in the frame of the invention allow for an improved ­separation of ionic species, providing increased peak capacity and better cost-efficiency. Small sample ­volumes and short run-times ensure high throughput analysis compared to available methods.

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Vorteile

This method is particularly suited for the investigation of small molecules such as nucleic acids, amino acids and arsenic compounds. Therefore, this invention can be applied in the field of ­diagnosis and monitoring of human decease’s as well as toxicology and forensic chemistry.