Agilent introduces high sample recovery LC column

Agilent Technologies claims a 95 per cent sample recovery with the introduction of its liquid chromatography column (LC) that separates and desalts protein samples. This enables proteomics researchers to detect and identify potential biomarkers in samples such as serum or plasma, writes Wai Lang Chu.

Agilent's Macroporous Reversed-phase C18 (mRP-C18) High-Recovery Protein Fractionation and Desalting LC Column is the latest enhancement to Agilent's protein separation solutions for proteomics research.

In combination with Agilent's Multiple Affinity Removal System for immunodepletion of high-abundance proteins, the mRP-CI8 column will improve the ability of researchers to uncover new proteins that may act as markers of diseases such as cancer and therefore may represent targets for drug discovery and development.

Liquid chromatography (LC) is an analytical chromatographic technique that is useful for separating ions or molecules that are dissolved in a solvent. If the sample solution is in contact with a second solid or liquid phase, the different solutes will interact with the other phase to differing degrees due to differences in adsorption, ion-exchange, partitioning, or size.

These differences allow the mixture components to be separated from each other by using these differences to determine the transit time of the solutes through a column.

Tasso Miliotis, associate principal scientist at AstraZeneca R&D in Molndal, Sweden said: "This procedure is less time-consuming and can be automated, dramatically increasing the efficiency of our laboratory."

The mRP-C18 column provides up to three times more protein loading than conventional HPLC columns. Up to 380 micrograms of total protein mass can be loaded onto the 4.6 x 50 mm, reusable column at once, without any reduction in resolution. Minimal sample preparation is required, reducing the chance of protein loss.

According to Strategic Directions, the technique has more recently been applied to requirements in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, both inside the laboratory and in industrial settings, for which the technique is qualified. With global sales approaching $1.4 billion (€1.06 billion) preparative liquid chromatography is poised to grow at double-digit rates over the next five years.