Method and device for preparing an analyte for analysis by mass spectrometry
First Claim
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1. An automated method for preparing an analyte from a sample for mass spectrometry comprising:
- a) providing at least one pipette tip column in operative engagement with a liquid handling system, wherein the pipette tip column is comprised ofi) a column body having an open upper end, an open lower end, and an open channel between the upper and lower ends of the column body,ii) a bottom frit extending across the open channel, andiii) a bed of media positioned inside the open channel and in contact with the bottom frit;
b) introducing a sample containing an analyte into the pipette tip column whereby the analyte is captured on the solid support;
c) introducing a wash solution into the pipette tip column;
d) optionally, repeating step (c);
e) ejecting the pipette tip column from the liquid handling system;
f) introducing a solvent into the open upper end of the pipette tip column with a transfer tip;
g) aspirating and expelling the solid support and the solvent through the lower end of a transfer tip to produce a suspension;
h) aspirating the suspension into the transfer tip from the open upper end of the pipette tip column;
i) depositing the slurry onto a MALDI target; and
j) at least partially drying the slurry on the MALDI target.
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Abstract
The invention provides methods and apparatus for automated sample preparation for MALDI-TOF MS using columns in combination with a liquid handling system. The samples are typically biological such as serum or urine. The columns typically include a bed of media positioned within a modified pipette tip. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for storing the prepared samples.
19 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An automated method for preparing an analyte from a sample for mass spectrometry comprising:
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a) providing at least one pipette tip column in operative engagement with a liquid handling system, wherein the pipette tip column is comprised of i) a column body having an open upper end, an open lower end, and an open channel between the upper and lower ends of the column body, ii) a bottom frit extending across the open channel, and iii) a bed of media positioned inside the open channel and in contact with the bottom frit; b) introducing a sample containing an analyte into the pipette tip column whereby the analyte is captured on the solid support; c) introducing a wash solution into the pipette tip column; d) optionally, repeating step (c); e) ejecting the pipette tip column from the liquid handling system; f) introducing a solvent into the open upper end of the pipette tip column with a transfer tip; g) aspirating and expelling the solid support and the solvent through the lower end of a transfer tip to produce a suspension; h) aspirating the suspension into the transfer tip from the open upper end of the pipette tip column; i) depositing the slurry onto a MALDI target; and j) at least partially drying the slurry on the MALDI target. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification