Monolithic multi-dimensional chromatography
AssigneeNational Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
InventorsJoshua J. Whiting, Matthew W. Moorman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A monolithically integrated chromatography device includes a first chromatography column and a second chromatography column formed in a common substrate. The first chromatography column and the second chromatography column are each in fluidic communication with a port formed on the same common substrate. When the port is open, the first chromatography column and the second chromatography column are in fluidic communication with one another. When the port is closed, the first chromatography column and the second chromatography column are not in fluidic communication with one another. The monolithically integrated chromatography device can include a heating element formed on the same substrate as the chromatography columns.
Claims20
A system for chromatography, comprising:
- a first chromatography column formed in a substrate;
- a second chromatography column formed in the substrate;
- a port formed in the substrate between the first chromatography column and the second chromatography column, wherein the first chromatography column terminates in the port and the port serves as an inlet to the second chromatography column;
- and
- a flow control element coupled to the port and configured to open and close the port, wherein when the port is open the first chromatography column is in fluidic communication with the second chromatography column, and when the port is closed the first chromatography column and the second chromatography column are not in fluidic communication.
A method, comprising:
- obtaining a chromatography device formed on a substrate chip, the chromatography device comprising:
- a first chromatography column;
- a second chromatography column;
- and
- a port, the first chromatography column and the second chromatography column in fluidic communication by way of the port, wherein the first chromatography column terminates in the port and the port serves as an inlet to the second chromatography column;
- and
- providing an analyte sample to the first chromatography column, wherein the analyte sample traverses the first chromatography column and the second chromatography column, whereupon the analyte sample is separated by the first chromatography column to yield a separated analyte sample, and whereupon the separated analyte sample is separated by the second chromatography column to yield a further-separated analyte sample.
A chromatography system comprising:
- a chromatography column stack, the chromatography column stack comprising:
- a first chromatography column formed in a substrate;
- a second chromatography column formed in the substrate;
- a port formed in the substrate such that the first chromatography column and the second chromatography column are in fluidic communication by way of the port, wherein the first chromatography column terminates in the port and the port serves as an inlet to the second chromatography column;
- a heating element formed on the substrate such that the heating element heats at least one of the first chromatography column or the second chromatography column;
- and
- a detector formed on the substrate, the detector configured to receive an analyte sample from one of the first chromatography column or the second chromatography column and to output data indicative of a separation of the analyte sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.