Use of vapor deposition coated flow paths for improved chromatography of metal interacting analytes

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 12181452
  • Patent Number
    12,181,452
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, March 17, 2021
    3 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, December 31, 2024
    3 days ago
Abstract
A chromatographic device including a coated metallic frit is disclosed. The coating is provided over the fluid exposed surfaces of the frit, thereby covering metallic surfaces to prevent interaction with an analyte in the flowstream. This technology relates to the use of a vapor deposition coated frit together with an uncoated frit in a liquid flow path for improved chromatography. More specifically, this technology relates to liquid chromatographic devices for separating analytes in a sample having a single coated frit within an uncoated metallic fluidic flow path (i.e., the column tube or channel is formed of stainless steel, titanium (pure or alloyed), or some mixture of stainless steel and titanium) and does not include the coating applied to the frit.
Description
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

This technology relates to the use of a vapor deposition coated frit in a liquid flow path for improved chromatography. More specifically, this technology relates to liquid chromatographic devices for separating analytes in a sample having a single coated frit within the fluidic flow path, methods of separating analytes in a sample (for example, glycans, peptides, pesticides, and citric acid cycle metabolites) using a fluidic system that includes a coated metallic frit within a liquid flow path, and methods of tailoring a liquid flow path for separation of a sample.


BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

Analytes that interact with metal have often proven to be very challenging to separate. The desire to have high pressure capable chromatographic systems with minimal dispersion has required that flow paths decrease in diameter and be able to withstand increasingly high pressures at increasingly fast flow rates. As a result, the material of choice for chromatographic flow paths (including frits, connectors, and other devices within the wetted path) is often metallic in nature. This is despite the fact that characteristics of certain analytes, for example, biomolecules, proteins, glycans, peptides, oligonucleotides, pesticides, bisphosphonic acids, anionic metabolites, and zwitterions like amino acids and neurotransmitters, are known to have unfavorable interactions, so called chromatographic secondary interactions, with metallic surfaces.


The proposed mechanism for metal specific binding interactions requires an understanding of the Lewis theory of acid-base chemistry. Pure metals and metal alloys (along with their corresponding oxide layers) have terminal metal atoms that have characteristics of a Lewis acid. More simply, these metal atoms show a propensity to accept donor electrons. This propensity is even more pronounced with any surface metal ions bearing a positive charge. Analytes with sufficient Lewis base characteristics (any substance that can donate non-bonding electrons) can potentially adsorb to these sites and thus form problematic non-covalent complexes. It is these substances that are defined as metal-interacting analytes.


For example, analytes having phosphate groups are excellent polydentate ligands capable of high affinity metal chelation. This interaction causes phosphorylated species to bind to the flow path metals thus reducing the detected amounts of such species, a particularly troublesome effect given that phosphorylated species are frequently the most important analytes of an assay.


Other characteristics of analytes can likewise pose problems. For example, carboxylate groups also have the ability to chelate to metals, albeit with lower affinities than phosphate groups. Yet, carboxylate functional groups are ubiquitous in, for example, biomolecules, giving the opportunity for cumulative polydentate-based adsorptive losses. These complications can exist not only on peptides and proteins, but also glycans. For example, N-glycan species can at times contain one or more phosphate groups as well as one or more carboxylate containing sialic acid residues. Additionally, smaller biomolecules such as nucleotides and saccharides, like sugar phosphates, can exhibit similar behavior to the previously mentioned N-glycan molecules. Moreover, chromatographic secondary interactions can be especially problematic with biomolecules, particularly larger structures, because they have a capacity (via their size and structural order) to form microenvironments that can adversely interact with separation components and flow path surfaces. In this case, a biomolecule or analyte having larger structures, can present structural regions with chemical properties that amplify a secondary interaction to the material of a flow path. This, combined with the cumulative metal chelation effects curtails the overall effective separation of biomolecules, pesticides, bisphosphonic acids, anionic metabolites, and zwitterions like amino acids and neurotransmitters.


In a chromatographic system, the sample fluidic pathway is often comprised of several components, such as needles, connecting tubing, unions, valves, and chromatographic columns (including, column tubing and porous frit elements). Each of these components contributes surface area with which injected sample can interact as it passes through the system and ultimately into a detector or mass spectrometer. These components are typically made of metal.


An alternative to using metal flow paths is to use flow paths constructed from polymeric materials, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK). PEEK tubing, like most polymeric materials, is formed by means of an extrusion process. With polymeric resin, this manufacturing process can lead to highly variable internal diameters. Accordingly, PEEK column hardware yields unfavorable differences in the retention times as can be observed from switching between one column and the next. Often, this variation can be a factor of three higher than a metal constructed column. In addition, the techniques for fabricating polymer based frits are not yet sufficiently optimized to afford suitably rugged components for commercial HPLC columns. For example, commercially available PEEK frits tend to exhibit unacceptably low permeability.


Ongoing efforts to reduce chelation and secondary chromatographic interactions of analytes with metal chromatographic surfaces in an effort to facilitate chromatographic separation having higher resolutions are therefore needed.


SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

One advantage of the present technology is that metal chromatographic flow paths (e.g., column tubes or channels formed from stainless steel, titanium, such as pure titanium or a titanium alloy) can be used (e.g., preparatory columns, columns with internal diameters greater than 2 mm, such as, 2.1 mm or 4.6 mm, etc.) while minimizing the interactions between analytes and the chromatographic device. A vapor deposited coating on a single frit (e.g., columns typically have two or more frits) can significantly reduce chelation and secondary interactions. In some embodiments, the coated frit is the inlet frit and the outlet frit is uncoated. In other embodiments, the coated frit is the outlet frit and the inlet frit is uncoated. Coating a metallic frit disposed within a chromatographic device with certain organosilica (e.g., alkylsilyl) compositions improves multiple aspects of liquid chromatography separations where the analyte of interest is a metal-interacting analyte. The use of alkylsilyl coatings on metal flow paths (or a portion of the metal flow path that provides high surface area therein) allow the use of metal chromatographic flow paths, which are able to withstand high pressures at fast flow rates, while minimizing the secondary chromatographic interactions between the analyte and the metal. Therefore, high flow through components can be manufactured out of stainless steel or other metallic or high pressure material as a substrate with a coating disposed thereon.


Provided herein, therefore, are methods for isolating analytes comprising the use of vapor depositing one or more alkylsilyl derivatives to at least one component of a fluidic system (e.g., frit used within the liquid chromatographic column) to form a bioinert or low-bind coating, and eluting the analyte through the system. Unlike ambient, liquid phase silanization, coatings of the present technology which are vapor deposited tend to produce, more resilient modifications of substrates with precisely controlled thicknesses. Also, because vapor deposition is a non-line-of-sight process, this leads to a more uniform coating over substrate contours and complex surfaces, such as the complex shapes of a frit. This advantage allows for coatings to be applied to flow paths with narrow internal diameters, curved surfaces, and fine or mesh-like structures, therefore addressing the need for increasingly high pressures at increasingly fast flow rates.


Also provided herein are methods of tailoring a fluidic flow path for separation of a sample comprising an analyte that includes infiltrating a vaporized source of one or more alkylsilyl derivatives through the fluidic flow path to form a bioinert (or low-bind) coating and controlling temperature and pressure to deposit a first coating on wetted surfaces of the flow path.


Also provided are methods of tailoring a fluidic flow path for separation of a sample including an analyte comprising assessing the polarity of the analyte, selecting an appropriate alkylsilyl derivative, and adjusting the hydrophobicity of wetted surfaces of the flow path by vapor depositing the appropriate alkylsilyl derivative to form a bioinert, low-bind coating.


Further provided herein are methods of improving baseline returns in a chromatographic system comprising introducing a sample including an analyte into a fluidic system comprising at least one vapor deposited alkylsilyl derivative to form a bioinert, low-bind coating on just the frits disposed within the fluidic system, and eluting the sample through the system.


The disclosed methods can be applied to stainless steel, titanium (pure or alloy), or other metallic flow path components and provides a manufacturing advantage over alternative non-metallic or non-metallic lined components.


In one aspect, the technology includes a chromatographic column including an uncoated tube (or channel) comprising stainless steel or titanium or both (e.g., stainless steel tube, a titanium tube, a titanium alloy channel, such as a MP35NLT channel, a titanium stabilized alloy such as a 316Ti stainless steel tube). The column also includes a coated frit including a coating, wherein the coated frit is disposed proximate to an end of the uncoated tube. The uncoated tube does not have the coating, and during separation of sample components in the chromatography column, the coating reduces binding of one or more sample components to the coated frit relative to the binding of the one or more sample components to the uncoated tube.


The above aspect can include one or more of the following features. The coated frit can be a tube outlet frit. The coated frit can be a tube inlet frit. In some embodiments, both the tube outlet frit and tube inlet frit are coated. In other embodiments which feature two frits, just the tube inlet frit is coated and the tube outlet frit is uncoated. In certain embodiments, just the tube outlet frit is coated and the tube inlet frit is uncoated. In embodiments, the chromatography column is a preparative liquid chromatography column. In some embodiments, the preparative liquid chromatography column has an internal diameter of 2.1 mm or greater (e.g., 4.7 mm or greater). The coated frit can include an underlying substrate of stainless or titanium. The coating of the coated frit substantially covers the underlying substrate such that the coating is in contact with sample components. The coating can have a contact angle of at least 15° with respect to the underlying substrate. In some embodiments, the coating has a contact angle less than or equal to 30° or less than or equal to 90° to the underlying substrate.


In some embodiments, the uncoated tube (or uncoated channel) has a length to diameter ratio of between 40 and 4. The coating can have a thickness of at least 100 Å.


In certain embodiments, the coating is an organosilica, and in some instances an alkylsilyl. In some embodiments, the alkylsilyl has the structure of Formula I:




embedded image



Where at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is ORA. When R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are not ORA, then R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are each independently selected from (C1-C6)alkoxy, —NH(C1-C6)alkyl, —N((C1-C6)alkyl)2, OH, and halo. RA represents a point of attachment to the interior surfaces of the fluidic system. X is (C1-C20)alkyl, —O[(CH2)2O]1-20—, —(C1-C10)[NH(CO)NH(C1-C10)]1-20—, or —(C1-C10)[alkylphenyl(C1-C10)alkyl]1-20-. The device can include one or more of the following embodiments in any combination thereof.


In some embodiments, X is (C2-C10)alkyl. In other embodiments, X is ethyl. R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 can each be methoxy or chloro. In some embodiments, the coating (which is an alkylsilyl coating of Formula I) is formed using a vapor reagent of bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane.


In some embodiments, the coating of the chromatographic column includes a primer layer and a top layer. In certain embodiments. The primer layer is an alkylsilyl coating of Formula I. In certain embodiments, the top layer is an alkylsilyl having a structure of Formula II:




embedded image



R7, R8, and R9 are each independently selected from —NH(C1-C6)alkyl, —N[(C1-C6)alkyl]2, (C1-C6)alkoxy, (C1-C6)alkyl, (C1-C6)alkenyl, OH, and halo. R10 is selected from (C1-C6)alkyl, —ORB, [O(C1-C3)alkyl]1-10O(C1-C6)alkyl, —[O(C1-C3)alkyl]1-10OH, and phenyl, wherein said (C1-C6)alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more halo and wherein said phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from (C1-C3)alkyl, hydroxyl, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, —C(O)NH2, and carboxyl. RB is —(C1-C3)alkyloxirane, —(C1-C3)alkyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexyl, or —(C1-C4)alkylOH. The hashed bond to R10 represents an optional additional covalent bond between R10 and the carbon bridging the silyl group to form an alkene, provided y is not 0. y is an integer from 0 to 20.


In some embodiments, y is an integer from 2 to 9. In some embodiments, is 9, R10 is methyl, and R7, R8, and R9 are each ethoxy or chloro.


In some embodiments, in which the top layer is an alkylsilyl of Formula II, a vapor reagent of (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, n-decyltrichlorosilane, trimethylchlorosilane, trimethyldimethyaminosilane, methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(1-10) propyl trichlorosilane, or methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(1-10) propyl trimethoxysilane can be used to form the top layer. In some embodiments, a vapor reagent of (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane followed by hydrolysis is used to form the top layer.


In some embodiments which have a dual layer coating, the vapor reagent used to form the primer layer is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and the second or different vapor reagent used to form the top layer is (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane. In some embodiments, the vapor reagent used to form the primer layer is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and the vapor reagent used to form the top layer is (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane followed by hydrolysis. In some embodiments, vapor reagent used to form the primer layer is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and vapor reagent used to form the top layer is n-decyltrichlorosilane. The vapor reagent used to form the primer layer can be bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and the vapor reagent used to form the top layer can be trimethylchlorosilane or trimethyldimethyaminosilane. In some embodiments, the vapor reagent used to form the primer layer is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and vapor reagent used to form the top layer is methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(3)silane.


The top layer of the coating, in some embodiments, can be an alkylsilyl having the structure Formula III,




embedded image



R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are each independently selected from (C1-C6)alkoxy, —NH(C1-C6)alkyl, —N((C1-C6)alkyl)2, OH, and halo. Z is (C1-C20)alkyl, —O[(CH2)2O]1-20—, —(C1-C10)[NH(CO)NH(C1-C10)]1-20—, or —(C1-C10)[alkylphenyl(C1-C10)alkyl]1-20-. In some of these embodiments, the top layer is formed using a vapor reagent of bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane. The primer layer can be formed of a vapor reagent of bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 is a schematic of a chromatographic flow system including a chromatography column and various other components, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology. A fluid is carried through the chromatographic flow system with a fluidic flow path extending from a fluid manager to a detector.



FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a method of tailoring wetted surfaces of a flow path, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a method of tailoring a fluidic flow path for separation of a sample including a biomolecule, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 4A shows a fluorescence chromatogram obtained using uncoated stainless steel hardware, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 4B shows a fluorescence chromatogram obtained using hardware coated with exemplary vapor deposited alkylsilyl, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 4C shows a fluorescence chromatogram obtained using hardware coated with exemplary vapor deposited alkylsilyl, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 5A is a schematic of exemplified bioinert alkysilyl coated stainless steel sample flow path components, including column inlet tubing, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 5B is a schematic of exemplified bioinert alkysilyl coated stainless steel sample flow path components, including a sample needle, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 6A shows a fluorescence chromatogram obtained using an untreated flow path and untreated tube and frit combination in accordance with an embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 6B shows a fluorescence chromatogram obtained using an untreated flow path and coated tube and frit combination, in accordance with an embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 6C shows a fluorescence chromatogram obtained using a coated flow path and coated tube and frit combination, in accordance with an embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 7A shows a UV chromatogram obtained using an untreated stainless steel tube/frit combination.



FIG. 7B shows a UV chromatogram obtained using a C2 vapor deposition coated tube/frit combination, in accordance with an embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 7C shows a UV chromatogram obtained using a C2C10 vapor deposition coated tube/frit combination, in accordance with an embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 8A is a chromatogram showing the effects of employing vapor deposition coated column hardware for the reversed phase LC analyses of glucose-6-phosphate, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 8B is a chromatogram showing the effects of employing untreated column hardware for the reversed phase LC analyses of glucose-6-phosphate.



FIG. 9A is a chromatogram showing the effects of employing vapor deposition coated column hardware for the reversed phase LC analyses of fructose-6-phosphate, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 9B is a chromatogram showing the effects of employing untreated column hardware for the reversed phase LC analyses of fructose-6-phosphate.



FIG. 10A is a chromatogram showing the effects of employing vapor deposition coated column hardware for the reversed phase LC analyses of adenosine triphosphate, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 10B is a chromatogram showing the effects of employing untreated column hardware for the reversed phase LC analyses of adenosine triphosphate.



FIG. 11A is a chromatogram showing the effects of employing vapor deposition coated column hardware for the reversed phase LC analyses of adenosine monophosphate, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 11B is a chromatogram showing the effects of employing untreated column hardware for the reversed phase LC analyses of adenosine monophosphate.



FIG. 12A is a fluorescence chromatogram for fetuin N-glycans obtained with untreated stainless steel hardware.



FIG. 12B is a fluorescence chromatogram for fetuin N-glycans obtained with vapor deposition coated hardware, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 13A is a graph showing fluorescence peak areas for disialyated glycans obtained with untreated stainless steel hardware compared to stainless steel hardware coated different types of vapor deposited coatings, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 13B is a graph showing fluorescence peak areas for trisialyated glycans obtained with untreated stainless steel hardware compared to stainless steel hardware coated different types of vapor deposited coatings, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 13C is a graph showing fluorescence peak areas for tetrasialyated glycans obtained with untreated stainless steel hardware compared to stainless steel hardware coated different types of vapor deposited coatings, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 13D is a graph showing fluorescence peak areas for pentasialyated glycans obtained with untreated stainless steel hardware compared to stainless steel hardware coated different types of vapor deposited coatings, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 14A is a reversed phase fluorescence chromatogram of reduced, IdeS-digested NIST Reference Material 8671 obtained with column hardware components treated with coatings in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the technology.



FIG. 14B is a reversed phase fluorescence chromatogram of reduced, IdeS-digested NIST Reference Material 8671 obtained with column hardware components treated with coatings in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the technology.



FIG. 15A is a reversed phase total ion chromatogram for columns constructed with stainless steel alternatives, namely polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and a low titanium, nickel cobalt alloy (MP35NLT) with various components coated, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 15B is a reversed phase total ion chromatogram for column components (i.e., frits) constructed with stainless steel, C2 coatings and C2C10 coatings, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 16A shows fluorescence chromatograms of reduced, IdeS-digested NIST Reference Material 8671 and the effect on baseline return when various components of the system are coated, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 16B shows reversed phase total ion chromatograms (TICs) reduced, IdeS-digested NIST Reference Material 8671 and the effect on baseline return when various components of the system are coated, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 16C is a schematic of the column tube and frits that were coated and used to obtain the chromatograms of FIGS. 16A and 16B, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 17A shows fluorescence chromatograms of reduced, IdeS-digested NIST Reference Material 8671 and the effect on baseline return when various components of the system are coated, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 17B shows reversed phase total ion chromatograms (TICs) of reduced, IdeS-digested NIST Reference Material 8671 and the effect on baseline return when various components of the system are coated, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 17C is a schematic of the column tube and frits that were coated and used to obtain the chromatograms of FIGS. 17A and 17B, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology



FIG. 18 is a bar graph showing bubble point pressure in each of water and IPA for a non-coated stainless steel frit and stainless steel frits coated in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the technology. The bubble point in water is provided as the left bar, and the bubble point in IPA is provided as the right bar for each type of frit.



FIG. 19 is a bar graph showing a comparison of frit porosity contact angle with water for a non-coated stainless steel frit versus stainless steel frits coated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the technology.



FIG. 20 is a bar graph showing a comparison of mass loss test according to ASTM G48 Method A for a bare or uncoated stainless steel frit versus stainless steel frits coated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the technology.



FIG. 21A is a chromatogram of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from injection 1 using hardware A, and uncoated.



FIG. 21B is a chromatogram of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from injection 2 using hardware A, uncoated.



FIG. 21C is a chromatogram of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from injection 3 using hardware A, uncoated.



FIG. 21D is a chromatogram of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from injection 1 using hardware A, with a C2 coating, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 21E is a chromatogram of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from injection 2 using hardware A, with C2 coating, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 21F is a chromatogram of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from injection 3 using hardware A, with C2 coating, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 21G is a chromatogram of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from injection 1 using hardware B, and uncoated.



FIG. 21H is a chromatogram of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from injection 2 using hardware B, uncoated.



FIG. 21I is a chromatogram of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from injection 3 using hardware B, uncoated.



FIG. 21J is a chromatogram of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from injection 1 using hardware B, with a C2-GPTMS-OH coating, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 21K is a chromatogram of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from injection 2 using hardware B, with a C2-GPTMS-OH coating, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 21L is a chromatogram of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from injection 3 using hardware B, with a C2-GPTMS-OH coating, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 22 presents a bar graph showing peak areas of NIST reference materials 8671 obtained from sequential cation exchange separations over three injections of the sample. This bar graph compares the peak areas for four different constructions in which the left most bar in each injection is an uncoated hardware A construction. The second from the left is a coated version of hardware A. The third bar from the left is an uncoated hardware B construction and the fourth or last bar per injection is a coated hardware B construction.



FIG. 23A is a reversed-phase chromatogram of the first injection of 5 picomoles of deoxythymidine oligomers (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35-mer) obtained from a 2.1×50 mm 1.7 μm organosilica 130 Å C18 column constructed with an untreated stainless steel (SS) tube and frits.



FIG. 23B is a reversed-phase chromatogram of the second injection of 5 picomoles of deoxythymidine oligomers (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35-mer) obtained from a 2.1×50 mm 1.7 μm organosilica 130 Å C18 column constructed with an untreated stainless steel (SS) tube and frits.



FIG. 23C is a reversed-phase chromatogram of the third injection of 5 picomoles of deoxythymidine oligomers (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35-mer) obtained from a 2.1×50 mm 1.7 μm organosilica 130 Å C18 column constructed with an untreated stainless steel (SS) tube and frits.



FIG. 23D is a reversed-phase chromatogram of the first injection of 5 picomoles of deoxythymidine oligomers (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35-mer) obtained from a column constructed with a C2C10 vapor deposition coated tube and frits, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 23E is a reversed-phase chromatogram of the second injection of 5 picomoles of deoxythymidine oligomers (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35-mer) obtained from a column constructed with a C2C10 vapor deposition coated tube and frits, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 23F is a reversed-phase chromatogram of the third injection of 5 picomoles of deoxythymidine oligomers (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35-mer) obtained from a column constructed with a C2C10 vapor deposition coated tube and frits, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 24 is a graph showing the average UV peak areas of a 15-mer deoxythymidine analyte as observed during reversed phase chromatography and initial injections onto either a 2.1×50 mm 1.7 μm organosilica 130 Å C18 column constructed with untreated stainless steel (SS) or C2C10 vapor deposition coated components, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology. Analyses were performed in duplicate using two untreated columns and two C2C10 vapor deposition coated columns.



FIG. 25A is a reversed phase MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) chromatogram obtained for citric acid with the use of a 2.1×50 mm 1.8 μm silica 100 Å C18 1.8 m column constructed with C2C3 vapor deposition coated components, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 25B is a reversed phase MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) chromatogram obtained for citric acid with the use of a 2.1×50 mm 1.8 μm silica 100 Å C18 1.8 m column constructed with untreated components.



FIG. 25C is a reversed phase MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) chromatogram obtained for malic acid with the use of a 2.1×50 mm 1.8 μm silica 100 Å C18 1.8 m column constructed with C2C3 vapor deposition coated components, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 25D is a reversed phase MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) chromatogram obtained for malic acid with the use of a 2.1×50 mm 1.8 μm silica 100 Å C18 1.8 m column constructed with untreated components.



FIG. 26A is a mixed mode hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) chromatogram of glyphosate showing MRM peak intensities obtained for glyphosate with the use of a 2.1×100 mm 1.7 μm diethylamine bonded organosilica 130 Å column constructed with C2C10 vapor deposition coated components, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.



FIG. 26B is a mixed mode hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) chromatogram of glyphosate showing MRM peak intensities obtained for glyphosate with the use of a 2.1×100 mm 1.7 μm diethylamine bonded organosilica 130 Å column with uncoated components.



FIG. 27A is a graph showing the average peak areas of glyphosate as observed during mixed mode HILIC using either a 2.1×100 mm 1.7 μm diethylamine bonded organosilica 130 Å column constructed with either untreated or C2C10 vapor deposition coated components in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology. The analyses were performed with six replicate injections.



FIG. 27B is a graph showing the average peak widths of glyphosate as observed during mixed mode HILIC using either a 2.1×100 mm 1.7 μm diethylamine bonded organosilica 130 Å column constructed with either untreated or C2C10 vapor deposition coated components, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology. The analyses were performed with six replicate injections.



FIG. 28 is a graph showing average peak area for dexamethasone sodium phosphate versus uncoated total surface area for three different system configurations. Zero mm2 of uncoated surface area corresponds to a fully coated system.



FIG. 29 is graph showing a calibration curve for dexamethasone sodium phosphate peak area versus the amount of dexamethasone injected on a fully coated system having a coated column.



FIG. 30 is graph showing ATP peak area versus the amount of ATP injected (i.e., per injection) for three different column assemblies.



FIG. 31 is a graph showing ATP peak area after the first injection versus coated surface area for three different system configurations. Zero mm2 of coated surface area corresponds to an uncoated assembly.



FIG. 32 is a graph showing potential loss of dexamethasone sodium phosphate in uncoated flow paths for three different system configurations.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, a number of aspects of the technology are directed to (1) devices having an alkylsilyl coating; (2) methods of tailoring or tuning a liquid flow path for isolation of an analyte, in particular a metal-interacting analyte; (3) method of isolating an analyte in a sample, in particular a metal-interacting analyte; and (4) kits comprising various chromatographic components coated with an alkylsilyl coating and instructions for use. In some aspects, a bioinert, low-bind coating is used to modify a flow path, or at least a portion of the flow path, to address flow path interactions with an analyte. That is, the bioinert, low-bind coating minimizes surface reactions with the metal interacting analyte and allows the analyte to pass along a flow path without clogging, attaching to surfaces, or change in analyte properties. The reduction/elimination of these interactions is advantageous because it allows for accurate quantification and analysis of a sample containing a metal-interacting analyte, for example biomolecules, proteins, glycans, peptides, oligonucleotides, pesticides, bisphosphonic acids, anionic metabolites, and zwitterions like amino acids and neurotransmitters. The biomolecule can be selected from a peptide or peptide fragment, an oligopeptide, a protein, a glycan, a nucleic acid or nucleic acid fragment, a growth factor, a carbohydrate, a fatty acid, and a lipid. In one aspect, the biomolecule is a protein, a peptide, or a glycan. The biomolecule can be a phosphoglycan or a phosphopeptide.


In the present technology, vapor deposited alkylsilyl coatings on wetted surfaces of fluidic systems (e.g., liquid chromatography systems) modify the fluidic path and decrease secondary interactions. In one embodiment, the alkylsilyl coating is vapor deposited on a portion (e.g., 40%, 45, 50%, 55%, 60% or more) of the exposed surface area defining or contributing to the flow path (e.g., column or tubing walls, entire surface area of frits, etc.). As such, the coatings are bioinert or low-bind (meaning that analytes of a sample do not interact, or have minimal interaction, with the alkylsilyl coating). In addition, the deposited coatings are highly tunable to provide a range of desirable contact angles (e.g., make the wetted surfaces hydrophilic or hydrophobic), chemistries, and properties to achieve a desired effect on the flow path and ultimately the sample passing through the flow path.


Due to the generally high surface area nature of frits residing within the interior of a chromatographic column, their contribution to the available surface area in the sample fluidic pathway (fluid contacting surface area) can be substantial (e.g. frit surface area can make up 25% to almost 97% of the fluid contacting surface area of a system). Moreover, sample interaction with frit surfaces is inherently high since the sample is generally distributed over the entire cross-sectional area of the frit and then travels through a complex pathway of micro-channels through the thickness of the frit. By contrast, sample interaction with a column tube wall is limited, as the vast majority of sample travels through the packed bed of stationary phase, avoiding contact with the column walls. Moreover, the amount of available fluid contacting surface area attributable to the frits (i.e., a column interior can have one, two, or multiple frits residing therein) changes with column diameter. For example, for a 2.1 mm UHPLC column for use with a Waters Acquity UPLC system (150 mm column length), the amount of available surface area attributable to the system is calculated to be 20%, attributable to the column tubing is 40%, and attributable to the frits is 40%; for a 4.6 mm UHPLC column (also having 150 mm length) for use on a Waters ARC system, the amount of available surface area attributable to the system is approximately 15%, attributable to the column tubing 20%, and attributable to the frits is 65%; for a 7.8 mm UHPLC column (150 mm column length) for use on a Waters ARC system, the amount of available surface area attributable to the system is approximately 8%, attributable to the column tubing 12%, and attributable to the frits is 80%; and for a 30 mm preparatory column (150 mm length), the amount of available surface area attributable to both the system and column tubing combined is less than 5%, leaving over 95% attributable to the frits. As a result, as the column diameter increases, so does the amount of available fluid contacting surface area attributable to the frits (i.e., from 40% to 65% to 80%, to over 95% in the above example).


While frits can be made from polymeric materials to avoid metal interactions altogether, polymeric frits lack the strength to withstand very high operating pressures and are easily distorted or deformed. Polymeric frits also tend to be less consistent in their flow and permeability properties. Metal frits can be made thinner to reduce surface area, but this also comes at the expense of structural strength. Thin metal frits are susceptible to deformation under high pressure or mechanical force, especially when the column inner diameter is large. Furthermore, very thin frits are in general less capable of holding back fine stationary phase particles, allowing them to escape the column and foul downstream instrument components.


Devices



FIG. 1 is a representative schematic of a chromatographic flow system/device 100 that can be used to separate analytes in a sample. Chromatographic flow system 100 includes several components including a fluid manager system 105 (e.g., controls mobile phase flow through the system), tubing 110 (which could also be replaced or used together with microfabricated fluid conduits), fluid connectors 115 (e.g., fluidic caps), frits 120, a chromatography column 125, a sample injector 135 including a needle (not shown) to insert or inject the sample into the mobile phase, a vial, sinker, or sample reservoir 130 for holding the sample prior to injection, a detector 150 and a pressure regulator 140 for controlling pressure of the flow. Interior surfaces of the components of the chromatographic system/device form a fluidic flow path that has wetted surfaces. The fluidic flow path can have a length to diameter ratio of at least 20, at least 25, at least 30, at least 35 or at least 40.


The detector 150, can be a mass spectrometer. The fluidic flow path can include wetted surfaces of an electrospray needle (not shown).


At least a portion of the wetted surfaces can be coated with an alkyl silyl coating, described in detail herein, to tailor its hydrophobicity. The coating can be applied by vapor deposition. As such, methods and devices of the present technology provide the advantage of being able to use high pressure resistant materials (e.g., stainless steel) for the creation of the flow system, but also being able to tailor the wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path to provide the appropriate hydrophobicity so deleterious interactions or undesirable chemical effects on the sample can be minimized.


The alkylsilyl coating can be provided throughout the system from the tubing or fluid conduits 110 extending from the fluid manager system 105 all the way through to the detector 150. The coatings can also be applied to portions of the fluidic fluid path. That is, one may choose to coat one or more components or portions of a component and not the entire fluidic path. For example, the internal portions of the column 125 and its frits 120 and end caps 115 can be coated whereas the remainder of the flow path can be left unmodified. Further, removable/replaceable components can be coated. For example, the vial or sinker 130 containing the sample reservoir can be coated as well as frits 120.


In one aspect, the flow path of the fluidic systems described herein is defined at least in part by an interior surface of tubing. In another aspect, the flow path of the fluidic systems described herein is defined at least in part by an interior surface of microfabricated fluid conduits. In another aspect, the flow path of the fluidic systems described herein is defined at least in part by an interior surface of a column. In another aspect, the flow path of the fluidic systems described herein is defined at least in part by passageways through a frit. In another aspect, the flow path of the fluidic systems described herein is defined at least in part by an interior surface of a sample injection needle. In another aspect, the flow path of the fluidic systems described herein extends from the interior surface of a sample injection needle throughout the interior surface of a column. In another aspect, the flow path extends from a sample reservoir container (e.g. sinker) disposed upstream of and in fluidic communication with the interior surface of a sample injection needle throughout the fluidic system to a connector/port to a detector.


In some embodiments, only the wetted surfaces of the chromatographic column and the components located upstream of the chromatographic column are coated with the alkylsilyl coatings described herein while wetted surfaces located downstream of the column are not coated. The coating can be applied to the wetted surfaces via vapor deposition.


In some embodiments, only a portion of the wetted surfaces include the alkylsilyl coating. For example, not all wetted surfaces (i.e., surface area that will be in contact with liquids during use) needs to be coated to tailor a flow path and/or to improve chromatographic results. In some embodiments, 40% or more (e.g., 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 67%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 77%, 80%, 90% or more) of the surface area defining or contributing to the flow path is coated with an alkylsilyl coating. In certain embodiments, 40% or more of surface area defining or contributing to a metallic flow path (i.e., parts including stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloys, etc.) is coated with an alkylsilyl coating. In some embodiments, 60% or more of the surface area defining or contributing to a metallic flow path is coated with an alkylsilyl coating to provide improved chromatographic results.


In some embodiments, frits 120 contained within the chromatographic column 125 provide the greatest amount of wetted surface area to the flow path. Fluids in the system pass through the frits 120, which have fluid facing and fluid flow through surfaces composed of mesh-like or fine features. As the fluid passes all around these features, the frits 120 contribute greatly to the surface area defining or contributing to the flow path. In particular, systems having two or more frits in short columns (e.g., <150 mm), or columns with large diameters (e.g., >2 mm) tend to have a majority portion (i.e., 51% or more) of the wetted surface area originating just from the frits. For example, for a 4.6 mm by 150 mm column including two frits, approximately 65% of the wetted surface area originates from the two frits. The remaining 35% or less is from the column/tubing walls and the remainder of the system.


In one embodiment, the at least a portion of the wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path consist of the frits alone.


There are many applications where the highest sensitivity and best analyte recovery are desired. In general, these applications, may include complete or substantially complete coverage (e.g., 93% or more) of metallic surfaces with the alkylsilyl coating. For example, low level drug impurity analysis would likely require a fully coated sample fluidic path to ensure highest possible sensitivity and recovery of analytes. However, there are some embodiments where acceptable performance or improved performance is achieved by applying the vapor deposited coating to the frits alone (i.e., column tubing and connecting tubes and ports are uncoated). Once such embodiment is preparative chromatography, which often utilizes wide (>3 mm, >4 mm, >10 mm) inner diameter columns, and which have very large and thick frits. Another possible embodiment is when the number of frits in the flow path is increased, such as when multiple columns are connected in series or when guard columns are utilized.


In an embodiment, the at least a portion of the wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path consist of the frits (i.e., column frits 120) and some portion of the column walls and/or tubing upstream of the column. In an embodiment, the at least a portion of the wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path consist of frits and the sample injector 135. In certain embodiments, the at least a portion of the wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path consists of frits, the sample injector 135, and the sample reservoir 130. Other components forming or contained within the flow path that are not specifically recited in the foregoing embodiments are not coated (i.e., less than 100% coverage of wetted surfaces, less than 80% coverage of wetted surfaces, less than 75% coverage of wetted surfaces, 65% covered). In some embodiments, just the frits are coated. An exemplary embodiment includes coating just the frits in a preparative column or coating just the frits in a system that includes more than two frits.


At least a portion of the wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path are coated with an alkylsilyl coating. The alkylsilyl coating is inert to at least one of the analytes in the sample. The alkylsilyl coating can have the Formula I:




embedded image



R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are each independently selected from (C1-C6)alkoxy, —NH(C1-C6)alkyl, —N((C1-C6)alkyl)2, OH, ORA, and halo (i.e., a halogen, for example chloro). RA represents a point of attachment to the interior surfaces of the fluidic system. At least one of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is ORA. X is (C1-C20)alkyl, —O[(CH2)2O]1-20—, —(C1-C10)[NH(CO)NH(C1-C10)]1-20—, or —(C1-C10)[alkylphenyl(C1-C10)alkyl]1-20-.


When used in the context of a chemical formula, a hyphen (“-”) indicates the point of attachment. For example, when X is —[(C1-C10)alkylphenyl(C1-C10)alkyl]1-20-, that means that X is connected to SiR1R2R3 via the (C1-C10)alkyl and connected to SiR4R5R6 via the other (C1-C10)alkyl. This applies to the remaining variables.


In one aspect, X in Formula I is (C1-C15)alkyl, (C1-C12)alkyl, or (C1-C10)alkyl. In some aspects, X in Formula I is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, nonyl, or decanyl. In other aspect, X in Formula I is ethyl or decanyl.


In one aspect, at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is (C1-C6)alkoxy, e.g., ethoxy, wherein the values for X are described in Formula I or the preceding paragraph. In another aspect, at least two of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is (C1-C6)alkoxy, e.g., ethoxy, wherein the values for X are described in Formula I or the preceding paragraph. In another aspect, at least three of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is (C1-C6)alkoxy, e.g., ethoxy, wherein the values for X are described in Formula I or the preceding paragraph. In another aspect, at least four of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is (C1-C6)alkoxy, e.g., ethoxy, wherein the values for X are described in Formula I or the preceding paragraph. In another aspect, at least five of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is (C1-C6)alkoxy, e.g., ethoxy, wherein the values for X are described in Formula I or the preceding paragraph.


In one aspect, at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is halo, e.g., chloro, wherein the values for X are described in Formula I or the preceding paragraphs above. In another aspect, at least two of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is halo, e.g., chloro, wherein the values for X are described in Formula I or the preceding paragraphs above. In another aspect, at least three of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is halo, e.g., chloro, wherein the values for X are described in Formula I or the preceding paragraphs above. In another aspect, at least four of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is halo, e.g., chloro, wherein the values for X are described in Formula I or the preceding paragraphs above. In another aspect, at least five of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 is halo, e.g., chloro, wherein the values for X are described in Formula I or the preceding paragraphs above.


In another aspect, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are each methoxy or chloro.


The alkylsilyl coating of Formula I can have a contact angle of at least about 15°. In some embodiments, the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I can have a contact angle of less than or equal to 30°. The contact angle can be less than or equal to about 90°. In some embodiments, the contact angle of the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I is between about 15 to about 105°. For example, the contact angle of the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I can be about 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, or 105°.


The thickness of the alkylsilyl coating can be at least about 100 Å. For example, the thickness can be between about 100 Å to about 1600 Å. The thickness of the alkylsilyl coating for Formula I can be about 100 Å, 200 Å, 300 Å, 400 Å, 500 Å, 600 Å, 700 Å, 800 Å, 900 Å, 1000 Å, 1100 Å, 1200 Å, 1300 Å, 1400 Å, 1500 Å or 1600 Å. The thickness of the alkylsilyl coating (e.g., a vapor deposited alkylsilyl coating) can be detected optically by the naked eye. For example, more opaqueness and coloration is indicative of a thicker coating. Thus, coatings with pronounced visual distinction are an embodiment of this technology. From thin to thick, the color changes from yellow, to violet, to blue, to slightly greenish and then back to yellow when coated parts are observed under full-spectrum light, such as sunlight. For example, when the alkylsilyl coating is 300 Å thick, the coating can appear yellow and reflect light with a peak wavelength between 560 and 590 nm. When the alkylsilyl coating is 600 Å thick, the coating can appear violet and reflect light with a peak wavelength between 400 and 450 nm. When the alkylsilyl coating is 1000 Å thick, the coating can appear blue and reflect light with a peak wavelength between 450 and 490 nm. See, e.g., Faucheu et al., Relating Gloss Loss to Topographical Features of a PVDF Coating, Published Oct. 6, 2004; Bohlin, Erik, Surface and Porous Structure of Pigment Coatings, Interactions with flexographic ink and effects of print quality, Dissertation, Karlstad University Studies, 2013:49.


In one aspect, the vapor deposited coating of Formula I is the product of vapor deposited bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane, bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane, bis(trichlorosilyl)octane, bis(trimethoxysilyl)octane, bis(trimethoxysilyl)hexane, and bis(trichlorosilyl)hexane.


In some aspects, at least a portion of the wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path are coated with multiple layers of the same or different alkylsilyls, where the thickness of the alkylsilyl coatings correlate with the number of layering steps performed (e.g., the number of deposited layers of alkylsilyl coating on wetted surface of the fluidic flow path of the chromatographic system/device). In this manner, increasingly thick bioinert coatings can be produced and tailored to achieve desirable separations.


The chromatographic device can have a second alkylsilyl coating in direct contact with the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I. The second alkylsilyl coating has the Formula II




embedded image



wherein R7, R8, and R9 are each independently selected from —NH(C1-C6)alkyl, —N[(C1-C6)alkyl]2, (C1-C6)alkoxy, (C1-C6)alkyl, (C1-C6)alkenyl, OH, and halo; R10 is selected from (C1-C6)alkyl, —ORB, —[O(C1-C3)alkyl]1-10O(C1-C6)alkyl, —[O(C1-C3)alkyl]1-10OH and phenyl. (C1-C6)alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more halo. The phenyl is optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from (C1-C3)alkyl, hydroxyl, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, —C(O)NH2, and carboxyl. RB is —(C1-C3)alkyloxirane, —(C1-C3)alkyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexyl, or —(C1-C4)alkylOH. The hashed bond to R10 represents an optional additional covalent bond between R10 and the carbon bridging the silyl group to form an alkene, provided y is not 0. y is an integer from 0 to 20.


In one aspect, y in Formula II is an integer from 1 to 15. In another aspect, y in Formula II is an integer from 1 to 12. In another aspect, y in Formula II is an integer from 1 to 10. In another aspect, y in Formula II is an integer from 2 to 9.


In one aspect R10 in Formula II is methyl and y is as described above for Formula II or the preceding paragraph.


In one aspect, R7, R8, and R9 in Formula II are each the same, wherein R10 and y are as described above. In one aspect, R7, R8, and R9 are each halo (e.g., chloro) or (C1-C6)alkoxy such as methoxy, wherein R10 and y are as described above.


In one aspect, y in Formula II is 9, R10 is methyl, and R7, R8, and R9 are each ethoxy or chloro.


In one aspect, the coating of the formula II is n-decyltrichlorosilane, (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS), (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) followed by hydrolysis, 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane, trimethylchlorosilane, trimethyldimethyaminosilane, methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(3)silane propyltrichlorosilane, propyltrimethoxysilane, (heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrodecyl)tris(dimethylamino)silane, (heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrodecyl)trischlorosilane, (heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrodecyl)trimethoxysilane vinyltrichlorosilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, allyltrichlorosilane, 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)3propyl]trichlorosilane, 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)3propyl]trimethoxysilane, or 2-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)3propyl]tris(dimethylamino)silane.


The alkylsilyl coating of Formula I and II can have a contact angle of at least about 15°. In some embodiments, the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I and II can have a contact angle of less than or equal to 105°. The contact angle can be less than or equal to about 90°. In some embodiments, the contact angle of the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I and II is between about 15 to about 105°. For example, the contact angle of the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I and II can be about 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, or 105°.


The thickness of the multi-layered alkylsilyl coating can be at least about 100 Å. For example, the thickness can be between about 100 Å to about 1600 Å. The thickness of the multi-layered alkylsilyl coating for Formula I can be about 100 Å, 200 Å, 300 Å, 400 Å, 500 Å, 600 Å, 700 Å, 800 Å, 900 Å, 1000 Å, 1100 Å, 1200 Å, 1300 Å, 1400 Å, 1500 Å or 1600 Å.


In one aspect, the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and the alkylsilyl coating of Formula II is (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane. In another aspect, the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and the alkylsilyl coating of Formula II is (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane followed by hydrolysis. In one aspect, the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and the alkylsilyl coating of Formula II is n-decyltrichlorosilane. The alkylsilyl coating of Formula I can be bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and the alkylsilyl coating of Formula II can be trimethylchlorosilane or trimethyldimethyaminosilane. In one aspect, the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and the alkylsilyl coating of Formula II is methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(3) propyl tricholorosilane or methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(3) propyl trimethoxysilane.


The chromatographic device can have an alkylsilyl coating in direct contact with the alkylsilyl coating of Formula III in direct contact with the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I.




embedded image



R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are each independently selected from (C1-C6)alkoxy, —NH(C1-C6)alkyl, —N((C1-C6)alkyl)2, OH, and halo (i.e., a halogen, for example, chloro). Z is (C1-C20)alkyl, —O[(CH2)2O]1-20—, —(C1-C10)[NH(CO)NH(C1-C10)]1-20—, or —(C1-C10)[alkylphenyl(C1-C10)alkyl]1-20-.


In some aspects, Z in Formula III is (C1-C10)alkyl; and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are each methoxy or chloro. In other aspects, Z in Formula III is (C2-C10)alkyl. In other aspects, Z in Formula III is ethyl.


In the layered alkylsilyl coating of Formula I and Formula III, Formula I and Formula III can be the same (for example, C2C2) or Formula I and Formula III can be different. Formula III is attached directly to the coating of Formula I, i.e., in Formula III, there is no point of attachment to the interior of the fluidic system; instead Formula III is deposited directly on Formula I.


The alkylsilyl coating of Formula III can be bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane. The alkylsilyl coating of Formula I can be bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and the alkylsilyl coating of Formula III can be bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane.


The alkylsilyl coating of Formula I and III can have a contact angle of at least about 15°. In some embodiments, the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I and III can have a contact angle of less than or equal to 105°. The contact angle can be less than or equal to about 90°. In some embodiments, the contact angle of the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I and III is between about 15 to about 105°.


For example, the contact angle of the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I and III can be about 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, or 105°.


The thickness of the multi-layered alkylsilyl coating can be at least about 100 Å. For example the thickness can be between about 100 Å to about 1600 Å. The thickness of the multi-layered alkylsilyl coating for Formula I can be about 100 Å, 200 Å, 300 Å, 400 Å, 500 Å, 600 Å, 700 Å, 800 Å, 900 Å, 1000 Å, 1100 Å, 1200 Å, 1300 Å, 1400 Å, 1500 Å or 1600 Å.


In one aspect, the alkylsilyl coating of Formula II is applied directly to wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path. Therefore, in some embodiments, one of R7, R8, and R9 of Formula II can also include ORA, where RA represents a point of attachment to the interior surfaces (e.g., wetted surfaces) of the fluidic system. In other embodiments, R7, R8, and R9 of the alkylsilyl coating of Formula II does not include ORA, by the alkylsilyl coating of Formula II is deposited directly onto wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path that have been pre-treated with, for example, a plasma.


In one aspect, stainless steel flow path components, including but not limited to tubing, microfabricated fluid conduits, column frits, column inlet tubing, and sample injection needles, are coated via vapor deposition with one or more of the disclosed alkylsilyls. In one aspect, these coated components are annealed to alter their chemical or physical properties.


In another aspect, flow path components that are made of other materials than stainless steel or other metallics, (e.g., polymers, glass, etc.) are coated via vapor deposition with one or more of the disclosed alkylsilyls. In particular, frits for use within the system or sample vials connectable to the injection needle are coated.


In yet a further aspect, metallic flow path components, such as the frits, are coated with two layers. A primer layer, or layer in direct contact with the metal substrate (i.e., metallic frit) is an alkylsilyl coating that is vapor deposited, such as, for example, an alkylsilyl coating having Formula I. The second or top layer is deposited on top of or in contact with the primer layer. The top layer can be a second layer of the primer layer or, in some embodiments, formed of a different material (e.g., Formula II).


Exemplary coatings with their respective approximate thickness and contact angle are provided in Table 1.













TABLE 1







Alternative
Approximate
Approximate




Coating
Thickness of
Contact


VPD#
Vapor Deposited Material
Abbreviation
Product
Angle



















1
bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or
C2—GPTMS—OH
 500 Å
   15°



bis(trismethoxysilyl)ethane as a






first layer followed by GPTMS






followed by hydrolysis to form






GPTMS—OH





2
bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or
C2
 500 Å
   35°



bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane





3
bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or
C2—C2
1600 Å
   35°



bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane as a






first layer followed by






bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or






bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane as a






second layer.





4
bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or
C2—GPTMS
 500 Å
   50°



bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane as a






first layer followed by GPTMS






as a second layer





5
Annealed
Annealed C2
 500 Å
   95°



bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or






bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane





6
Annealed
Annealed
1600 Å
   95°



bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or
C2—C2





bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane as a






first layer followed by annealed






bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or






bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane as a






second layer





7
bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or
C2C10
 500 Å
  105°



bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane as a






first layer followed by n-






decyltrichlorosilane as a second






layer





8
Annealed
Annealed
 500 Å
  105°



bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or
C2C10





bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane as a






first layer followed by annealed






n-decyltrichlorosilane as a






second layer





9
GPTMS
GPTMS
100 to 200 Å
 ~50°


10
GPTMS followed by hydrolysis
GPTMS—OH
100 to 200 Å
 ~20°



to form GPTMS—OH





11
bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or
C2C3
 500 Å
40-90°



bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane as a






first layer followed by






trimethylchlorosilane or






trimethyldimethylaminosilane





12
annealed
Annealed
 500 Å
   95°



bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or
C2C3





bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane as a






first layer followed by






trimethylchlorosilane or






trimethyldimethylaminosilane





13
bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or
C2PEO
 500 Å
   15°



bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane as a






first layer followed by a






methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(3)






propyl trichlorosilane or






methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(3)






propyl trimethoxysilane









Referring to VPD #1 (C2-GPTMS-OH), the first coating layer, C2 shown below, is a layer according to Formula I, described above.




embedded image


Structure of bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trismethoxysilyl)ethane (C2)

The second layer of VPD #1, GPTMS-OH, shown below, is a layer according to Formula II.




embedded image


Structure of GPTMS-OH

VPD #3 (C2-C2) is an example of a coating of Formula I and then a coating for Formula III.


VPD #7 (C2C10) is another example of a coating of Formula I and a second layer of Formula II. The structure of bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trismethoxysilyl)ethane (C2) is shown above. The structure of C10 is shown below.




embedded image


Structure of n-decyltrichlorosilane (C10)

VPD #11 (C2C3) is another example of a coating of Formula I and a second layer of Formula II. The structure of bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trismethoxysilyl)ethane (C2) is shown above. The structure of C3 is shown below.




embedded image


Structure of trimethylchlorosilane or trimethyldimethylaminosilane (C3)

VPD #13 is another example of a coating of Formula I and a second layer of Formula II. The structure of bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trismethoxysilyl)ethane (C2) is shown above. The structure of methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(3)propyl trichlorosilane (PEO) is shown below.




embedded image


Structure of methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(3)propyl trichlorosilane (PEO)

Alternatively, commercially available vapor deposition coatings can be used in the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, including but not limited to Dursan® (commercially available from SilcoTek Corporation, Bellefonte, Pa.).


In one aspect, the alkylsilyl coatings described herein enhance the corrosion performance of metals, e.g., as in metallic chromatography columns. Depending on the denseness and thickness, the coatings act as a barrier, thereby preventing water and corrosive molecules from reacting with the base metal. While increasing the hydrophobicity and density improves the corrosion performance, even coatings derived from C2 and GPTMS (C2-GPTMS) followed by hydrolysis to form C2-GPTMS-OH shows a 10× improvement in the ASTM G48 Method A pitting corrosion, see e.g., Example 4 below. In terms of most corrosion resistant to least, the ranking is the material formed from VPD #7>2>1 (bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane as a first layer followed by GPTMS then hydrolysis to form GPTMS-OH as a second layer). This also correlates to hydrophobicity rankings.


Methods of Tailoring a Fluidic Flow Path


The coatings described above can be used to tailor a fluidic flow path of a chromatography system for the separation of a sample. The coatings can be vapor deposited. In general, the deposited coatings can be used to adjust the hydrophobicity of internal surfaces of the fluidic flow path that come into contact with a fluid (i.e. wetted surfaces or surfaces coming into contact with the mobile phase and/or sample/analyte). By coating wetted surfaces of one or more components of a flow path within a chromatography system, a user can tailor the wetted surfaces to provide a desired interaction (or lack of interaction) between the flow path and fluids therein (including any sample, such as biomolecules, proteins, glycans, peptides, oligonucleotides, pesticides, bisphosphonic acids, anionic metabolites, and zwitterions like amino acids and neurotransmitters, within the fluid).


In one aspect, an effective coating is produced from a low temperature, vacuum-assisted vapor deposition process. In one aspect, an oxygen plasma pretreatment step precedes the coating deposition. The oxygen plasma removes organic compounds and improves surface wettability for the coatings. Time, temperature, and pressure are controlled for each processing step. Each coating run can use a silicon wafer to monitor the thickness and contact angle of the resultant coating. Ellipsometry can be used to measure the coating thickness, and an optical goniometer can be used to measure the contact angle of the coating. A post coating annealing step can be utilized to increase coating cross-linking and increase coating hydrophobicity.



FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating method 200 for tailoring a fluidic flow path for separation of a sample including biomolecules, proteins, glycans, peptides, oligonucleotides, pesticides, bisphosphonic acids, anionic metabolites, and zwitterions like amino acids and neurotransmitters. The method has certain steps which are optional as indicated by the dashed outline surrounding a particular step. Method 200 can start with a pretreatment step (205) for cleaning and/or preparing a flow path within a component for tailoring. Pretreatment step 205 can include cleaning the flow path with plasma, such as oxygen plasma. This pretreatment step is optional.


Next, an infiltration step (210) is initiated. A vaporized source of an alkylsilyl compound (e.g., the alkylsilyl compounds of Formulas I, II and/or III) is infiltrated into the flow path. The vaporized source is free to travel throughout and along the internal surfaces of the flow path. Temperature and/or pressure is controlled during infiltration such that the vaporized source is allowed to permeate throughout the internal flow path and to deposit a coating from the vaporized source on the exposed surface (e.g., wetted surfaces) of the flow path as shown in step 215.


Additional steps can be taken to further tailor the flow path. For example, after the coating is deposited, it can be heat treated or annealed (step 220) to create cross linking within the deposited coating and/or to adjust the contact angle or hydrophobicity of the coating. Additionally or alternatively, a second coating of alkylsilyl compound (having the same or different form) can be deposited by infiltrating a vaporized source into the flow path and depositing a second or additional layers in contact with the first deposited layer as shown in step 225. After the deposition of each coating layer, an annealing step can occur. Numerous infiltration and annealing steps can be provided to tailor the flow path accordingly (step 230).


In some embodiments, not the entirety of the flow path is coated. For example, in some embodiments, just one or more frits used within the chromatography column is coated. In this embodiment, the frit can be coated using vapor deposition prior to placement within a column.



FIG. 3 provides a flow chart illustrating a method (300) of tailoring a fluidic flow path for separation of a sample including a biomolecule or a metal interacting analyte. The method can be used to tailor a flow system for use in isolating, separating, and/or analyzing the biomolecule or metal interacting analyte. In step 305, the analyte is assessed to determine its polarity. Understanding the polarity will allow an operator to select (by either look up table or make a determination) a desired coating chemistry and, optionally, contact angle as shown in step 310. In some embodiments, in addition to assessing the polarity of the biomolecule or metal interacting analyte, the polarity of a stationary phase to be used to separate the biomolecule or metal interacting analyte (e.g., stationary phase to be included in at least a portion of the fluidic flow path) is also assessed. A chromatographic media can be selected based on the analyte in the sample. Understanding the polarity of both the analyte and the stationary phase is used in certain embodiments, by the operator to select the desired coating chemistry and contact angle in step 310. The components to be tailored can then be positioned within a chemical infiltration system with environmental control (e.g., pressure, atmosphere, temperature, etc.) and precursor materials are infiltrated into the flow path of the component to deposit one or more coatings along the wetted surfaces to adjust the hydrophobicity as shown in step 315. During any one of infiltration, deposition, and condition steps (e.g. annealing), coatings deposited from the infiltration system can be monitored and if necessary precursors and or depositing conditions can be adjusted if required allowing for fine tuning of coating properties. The alkylsilyl coating material selected in step 310 can be the alkylsilyl compounds of Formulas I, II and/or III.


A method of tailoring a fluidic flow path for separation of a sample is provided that includes assessing a polarity of an analyte in the sample and selecting a chromatographic media based on the analyte in the sample. An alkylsilyl coating is selected based on the polarity of the analyte in the sample. The alkylsilyl coating is selected so that the coating is inert to the analyte(s) being separated. In other words, the alkylsilyl coating does not produce any secondary chromatographic effects that are attributable to the alkylsilyl coating. In some embodiments, the analyte is a biomolecule. The biomolecule can be a peptide or peptide fragment, an oligopeptide, a protein, a glycan, a nucleic acid or nucleic acid fragment, a growth factor, a carbohydrate, a fatty acid or a lipid. The analyte can be a citric acid cycle metabolite. The analyte can be a pesticide.


The alkylsilyl coating can have the Formula I, II, or III as described above. In one embodiment, the alkylsilyl coating has the Formula I as a first layer and Formula II as a second layer. In some embodiments, there is only a single layer coating having Formula I (e.g., bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)eithane). In some embodiments, there is only a single layer coating having Formula II (e.g., (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, n-decyltrichlorosilane, trimethylchlorosilane, trimethyldimethyaminosilane, or methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(3)silane). In some embodiments, there is only a single layer coating having Formula III (e.g., bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)eithane).


The method also includes adjusting a hydrophobicity of the wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path by vapor depositing the alkylsilyl coating onto the wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path. In some embodiments, the hydrophobicity of the wetted surfaces is adjusted by adjusting the contact angle of the alkylsilyl coating. For example, the contact angle of the alkylsilyl coating can be between about 0° to about 105°.


The analyte in the sample can be retained with a retentivity within 10% of the retentivity attributable to the chromatography media. In some embodiments, the sample can be retained with a retentivity within 5% or within 1% of the retentivity attributable to the chromatography media. Therefore, the alkylsilyl coating solves the problem of metal interaction between the analyte and the metal chromatographic materials without introducing any secondary reactions that would have a negative effect on the quality of the separation. The alkylsilyl coating does not impart any retention mechanism on the analyte of interest, making the coating inert to the analyte of interest and low-bind.


In addition, the alkylsilyl coating does not produce any changes to peak width. The analyte in the sample has a peak width that is within 10%, 5%, or 1% of the peak width attributable to the chromatographic media.


The wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path can be any of those described above with respect to aspects and embodiments of the chromatographic device.


The method can also include annealing the alkylsilyl coating after vapor depositing the alkylsilyl coating on the wetted surfaces of the fluidic flow path. Typically, the annealing cycle involves subjecting the coating to 200° C. for 3 hours under vacuum.


The method can also include assessing the polarity of the chromatographic media and selecting the alkylsilyl coating based on the polarity of the analyte and the chromatographic media. The method can also include eluting the sample through the fluidic flow path, thereby isolating the analyte.


In some embodiments, the alkylsilyl coating is modified with a silanizing reagent to obtain a desired thickness of the alkylsilyl coating. The silanizing reagent can be a non-volatile zwitterion. The non-volatile zwitterion can be sulfobetaine or carboxybetaine. In some embodiments, the silanizing reagent is an acidic or basic silane. The silanizing reagent can introduce polyethylene oxide moieties, such as methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(6-9)silane, the structure of which is shown below.




embedded image


Structure of methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(6-9)silane

In some aspects, the method of tailoring a fluidic flow path for separation of a sample including a biomolecule further comprises: pretreating the wetted surfaces of the flow path with a plasma prior to depositing the first coating. In other aspects, the method of tailoring a fluidic flow path for separation of a sample including a metal interacting analyte further comprises annealing the first coating at a temperature to increase cross-linking in the first coating. In yet another aspect, the method of tailoring a fluidic flow path for separation of a sample including a metal interacting analyte further comprises annealing the first coating at a temperature to alter hydrophobicity.


In one aspect, the method of tailoring a fluidic flow path for separation of a sample including a metal interacting analyte further comprises performing a second infiltration with a vaporized source having the Formula II, wherein the features for Formula II are as described above; along and throughout the interior flow path of the fluidic system to form a second coating deposited in direct contact with the first coating. In one aspect, the step of performing a second infiltration in the preceding method further comprises performing an annealing step after depositing the second coating. In another aspect, the preceding method further comprises connecting in fluid communication with the flow path at least one coated component selected from the group consisting of a sample reservoir container and a frit.


Also provided herein is a method of tailoring a fluidic flow path for separation of a sample including a metal interacting analyte, the method comprising: assessing polarity of the analyte in the sample; selecting an alkylsilyl coating having the Formula I, wherein the features for Formula I are as described above, and desired contact angle based on polarity assessment; and adjusting the hydrophobicity of wetted surfaces of the flow path by vapor depositing an alkylsilyl having the Formula III, wherein the features for Formula III are as described above, and providing the desired contact angle. In some embodiments of the above method, in addition to assessing polarity of the analyte in the sample, the polarity of a stationary phase disposed within at least a portion of the flow path is also assessed and the polarity assessment is obtained from both the polarity of the biomolecule in the sample and the stationary phase.


Methods of Isolating an Analyte


In one aspect, provided herein are methods of isolating an analyte. The method includes introducing a sample including a glycan, a peptide, a pesticide, or a citric acid cycle metabolite into a fluidic system including a flow path disposed in an interior of the fluidic system. The flow path includes a first vapor deposited alkylsilyl inert coating having the Formula I described above and a second vapor deposited coating of the Formula II described above. The sample is eluted through the fluidic system, thereby isolating the glycan, peptide, pesticide, or citric acid cycle metabolite.


The glycan can be a phosphoglycan. The peptide can be a phosphopeptide and the pesticide can be glyphosate. The citric acid cycle metabolite can be citric acid or malic acid.


When the analyte is a glycan, peptide or pesticide, the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I can be bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and the alkylsilyl coating of Formula II can be n-decyltrichlorosilane. When the analyte is a citric acid cycle metabolite, the alkylsilyl coating of Formula I can be bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and the alkylsilyl coating of Formula II can be trimethylchlorosilane or trimethyldimethyaminosilane.


The flow path can be defined at least in part by the interior surface of a chromatographic system. The flow path can be further defined at least in part by passageways through a frit of the chromatographic column. The flow path can be defined at least in part by interior surfaces of tubing. The flow path can be any flow path described herein, for example, the flow paths described with respect to the chromatographic device.


Methods of Improving Baseline Returns


Also provided herein is a method of improving baseline returns in a chromatographic system, the method comprising: introducing a sample including an analyte into a fluidic system including a flow path disposed in an interior of the fluidic system, the flow path having a length to diameter ratio of at least 20 and comprising a vapor deposited alkylsilyl coating having the Formula I, wherein the features for Formula I are as described above, a thickness of at least 100 angstroms and a contact angle of about 30 degrees to 110 degrees; and eluting the sample through the fluidic system, thereby isolating the biomolecule. In some embodiments, the method includes a second layer of Formula II or Formula III, wherein the features of Formula II and II are described above.


Kits


Also provided here are kits. The kits include chromatographic components, for example, a chromatographic column, that has been coated with an alkylsilyl coating of Formulas I, II, and/or III, as described above. In addition to including the alkylsilyl coating of Formulas I, II, and/or III as a primer layer, the chromatographic component (i.e., frit) can include a second layer deposited on the top of the primer layer. The second layer can be a second alkylsilyl coating (e.g., Formula I, Formula II or Formula III). Other components can be provided in the kit that can also include the coatings described herein, for example, the tubing, frits, and/or connectors. In one embodiment, only a single frit (i.e., inlet frit or the outlet frit) is coated and the remainder of the flow path is uncoated (i.e., uncoated surfaces can directly expose the analyte and the flow path to metal). The kit can also include instructions for separating analytes, for example, biomolecules, proteins, glycans, peptides, oligonucleotides, pesticides, bisphosphonic acids, anionic metabolites, and zwitterions like amino acids and neurotransmitters.


Exemplary Separations


Separation of Phosphoglygans


The disclosed coatings, which can be vapor deposited, have been found to dramatically improve separations of phosphoglycans by hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC). To demonstrate the significance of this, the released N-glycans from a recombinant alpha-galactosidase which can be used as an enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry's disease were evaluated. This particular type of enzyme is taken up from circulation and delivered intercellularly to lysosomes through the mannose-6-phosphate pathway, making it important to identify and monitor the levels of phosphorylated glycans that are present on its surface. Vapor deposition coated stainless steel column tubes along with matching coated stainless steel frits were first tested against corresponding untreated stainless steel hardware. In this instance, two different types of coating chemistries were used. The coating chemistries used to coat the frits and tubing were VPD #2 and VPD #7. FIG. 4A-4C show fluorescence chromatograms obtained with these types of column hardware. From these data, it was found that use of coated column hardware significantly improved the recovery of each phosphorylated N-glycan species. For example, there was a marked increase in the peak area of Man7-PP, a high mannose glycan with two mannose-6-phosphate residues, mannose-7-bisphosphate. Where Man7-PP could not be detected with stainless steel column hardware, it was easily detected with vapor deposition coated column hardware. This indicated that this species of N-glycan was interacting with the metallic surfaces of the column hardware in such a way that prevented it from reaching the detector. When using vapor deposition coated hardware, the peak area ratio of Man-7-PP to Man5 (a high mannose glycan without phosphorylation) was 0.24:1 (FIG. 4A-4C).


The increased recovery of phosphorylated glycans using coated column hardware and frits shows that adsorption to metallic column hardware surfaces is detrimental to recovery. With this in mind, separations were also performed with vapor deposition coated stainless steel sample flow path components (FIGS. 5A and 5B). FIG. 6A-6C show fluorescence chromatograms obtained using coated LC system components in conjunction with coated stainless steel column hardware. Phosphoglycan recovery improved even more with the use of coated column hardware and C2C10 vapor deposition coated flow path components. Most notably, the peak area ratio of Man7-PP to Man5 increased to 0.8:1 from the ratio of 0.24:1 that was obtained by using coated column hardware alone. The observed relative abundance for Man7-PP with the coated system and coated column hardware is indicative of full recovery for the phosphorylated glycans, as can be determined by orthogonal assays to HILIC of RapiFluor-MS labeled released glycans. In sum, these results confirm that the loss of phosphorylated N-glycan species to sample flow path surfaces can be alleviated with the use of vapor deposition coatings.


Separation of Other Phosphorylated Molecules


The principles learned from using vapor deposition coatings for phosphoglycan analysis were extended to facilitate the analysis of other types of phosphorylated biomolecules. In which case, the coatings have been found to be beneficial to improving the recovery of phosphorylated peptides under reversed phase chromatography conditions. To demonstrate these recovery advantages, we evaluated a mixture containing phosphopeptides. This particular sample contains three peptides that are singly phosphorylated and one that is doubly phosphorylated. Vapor deposition coated stainless steel column tubes along with matching coated stainless steel frits were first tested against corresponding untreated stainless steel hardware. FIG. 7A-7C show UV chromatograms obtained with these types of column hardware. In each case, the addition of the VPD #2, and the VPD #7 coatings increased the recovery of the singly phosphorylated peptides by at least 13% over the stainless steel alone (FIG. 4A-4C). The impact of coating the chromatographic flow path was much more pronounced with the doubly phosphorylated peptide. When using the stainless steel column hardware, there was no detectable recovery of the doubly phosphorylated peptide. However, when using either type of coated column hardware (VPD #2, and the VPD #7), this peptide became clearly visible in the obtained chromatograms. This result indicates, once again, that vapor deposition coatings can be used to minimize undesirable interactions with the metallic surfaces of chromatographic flow paths and in doing so allow for improved analyses of phosphorylated biomolecules.


As such, in one aspect, the vapor deposition coated column hardware is used to improve the recovery of phosphorylated biomolecules during analyses by liquid chromatography. In yet another embodiment of this invention, vapor deposition coated flow path components are used in conjunction with vapor deposition coated column hardware to improve the recovery of phosphorylated biomolecules during analyses by liquid chromatography.


The effects of this finding have been demonstrated for two examples of phosphorylated biomolecules, phosphorylated glycans and phosphorylated peptides. Phosphorylated biomolecules refer to any molecule naturally produced by an organism that contains a phospho group, including but not limited to phosphorylated proteins and polynucleotides. Furthermore, it is reasonable to envision this disclosure being used to improve liquid chromatographic analyses of smaller biomolecules, including but not limited to phospholipids, nucleotides and sugar phosphates. Indeed, vapor deposition coated column hardware has been found to be useful in improving the recovery and peak shape of sugar phosphates and nucleotides. The effects of employing vapor deposition coated versus untreated column hardware for the reversed phase LC analyses of glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-6-phosphate, adenosine triphosphate, and adenosine monophosphate are captured in FIGS. 8-11. Interestingly, these data indicate that the use of the vapor deposition coated column hardware can yield a significant improvement in both the overall recovery and peak shape of these phosphate containing small biomolecules. Thus, it is foreseeable that this disclosure could also be used to improve the chromatography of non-biomolecules, such as small-molecule pharmaceuticals containing either phospho or phosphonate functional groups.


Separation of Sialylated Glycans and Molecules Having Carboxylic Acid Moieties


It has additionally been discovered that vapor deposition coated hardware can be of benefit to mixed mode separations of sialylated glycans. In such a technique, sialylated glycans can be resolved using a stationary phase that exhibits anion exchange and reversed phase retention mechanisms. It was just recently discovered that a unique class of stationary phase, referred to as charged surface reversed phase chromatographic materials and described in International Application No. PCT/US2017/028856, entitled “CHARGED SURFACE REVERSED PHASE CHROMATOGRAPHIC MATERIALS METHOD FOR ANALYSIS OF GLYCANS MODIFIED WITH AMPHIPATHIC, STRONGLY BASED MOIETIES” and published as WO2017/189357 (and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), is ideally suited to producing these types of separations. The use of a high purity chromatographic material (HPCM) with a chromatographic surface comprised of a diethylaminopropyl (DEAP) ionizable modifier, a C18 hydrophobic group and endcapping on a bridged ethylene hybrid particle has proven to be an exemplary embodiment for the separation of glycans labeled with amphipathic, strongly basic moieties, like that imparted by the novel labeling reagent described in International Application No. PCT/US2017/028856 (WO2017/189357). This so-called diethylaminopropyl high purity chromatographic material (DEAP HPCM) stationary phase is effective in separating acidic glycans as a result of it being modified with a relatively high pKa (˜10) ionizable modifier that yields uniquely pronounced anionic retention.


In an application to DEAP HPCM mixed mode separations of sialylated glycans, vapor deposition coated hardware has been shown to yield improved chromatographic recoveries and peak shapes of glycans containing greater than three sialic acid residues. A comparison of fluorescence chromatograms for fetuin N-glycans obtained with untreated stainless steel versus VPD #7 coated hardware is provided in FIG. 12, wherein the effect on peak shape and recovery of tetra- and penta-sialylated glycans is easily visualized. The observed chromatographic differences are likewise easily quantified. In particular, fluorescence peak areas for the most abundant di-, tri-, tetra- and penta-sialylated glycans showed there were indeed very distinct differences in recoveries (FIG. 13). This testing was also used to demonstrate that other, chemically unique vapor deposition coating could be used with equally good effect. Much like the VPD #7 coated hardware, VPD #2 and SilcoTek Dursan® coated hardware showed equivalent capabilities in improving peak shape and recovery of the tetra- and penta-sialylated N-glycans. Interestingly though, it was not found to be necessary to use a coated flow through needle or column inlet in order to optimize peak shape and recovery.


As with phosphorylated species, this effect on the chromatography of sialylated glycans is believed to result from masking the metallic surface of the hardware and minimizing adsorptive sample losses that can occur with analytes that exhibit a propensity for metal chelation. However, the origin of the metal chelation is different in that the effect is a consequence of a glycan carrying multiple carboxylate residues versus one or two phosphorylated residues. Carboxylate containing compounds generally have a weak affinity for metals. Yet, when there are multiple carboxylate moieties present in one molecule, an opportunity for polydentate chelation is created, as is the case with tetra- and penta-sialylated glycans.


Accordingly, in an embodiment of this invention, vapor deposition coated column hardware is used during liquid chromatography of biomolecules containing greater than three carboxylic acid residues as a means to improve their peak shape and recovery. In yet another embodiment of this invention, vapor deposition coated flow path components are used in conjunction with vapor deposition coated column hardware to improve the peak shape and recovery of biomolecules containing greater than three carboxylic acid residues.


Separation of Proteins


Certain vapor deposition coatings have also been found to beneficially impact protein reversed phase chromatography. To demonstrate such, we evaluated a paradigmatic protein separation that is very important to the analysis of biopharmaceuticals, a monoclonal (mAb) subunit separation with MS-friendly, formic acid modified mobile phase. Using such a test, numerous combinations of column hardware materials have been examined. Vapor deposition coated stainless steel column tubes along with matching coated stainless steel frits were first tested against corresponding untreated stainless steel hardware. FIGS. 14A and 14B show fluorescence chromatograms obtained with these column hardware materials. From these data, it was found that hardware coated with VPD #7, but not hardware coated with VPD #2, was uniquely able to improve the baseline quality of the model separation, particularly in providing quicker returns to baseline. This improvement to the chromatographic performance of the separation is underscored by the fact that the chromatogram produced with the VPD #7 coated column also shows higher peak intensities for some of the subunits. The nature of this baseline issue, as it exists with stainless steel hardware, can be reasoned to be a result of the protein analytes undergoing problematic secondary interactions and not homogenously eluting at one particular eluotropic strength. Interestingly, in this example, the VPD #7 MVD hardware did not appear to significantly improve half height peak capacity nor the carryover of the columns, which was universally found to be ˜0.9%. That is to say, for protein reversed phase chromatography, it would seem that vapor deposition coatings improve the quality of separation predominately through affecting baseline properties.


An effect such as this can be very significant to protein reversed phase separations, particularly those intended to facilitate detection by online electrospray ionization (ESI)-mass spectrometry (MS). Often, it is critical to have quick returns to baseline in ESI-MS data given that it will make the assignment of chromatographic peaks less ambiguous. Signal from previously eluted species will be less abundant and therefore less confounding in data accumulated for later eluting peaks. With this in mind, 11 additional combinations of column hardware materials were screened, using ESI-MS detection as the means to assessing the quality of the data. FIG. 15A presents total ion chromatograms (TICs) for some of these materials, including columns constructed with stainless steel alternatives, namely polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and a low titanium, nickel cobalt alloy (MP35NLT). Surprisingly, columns constructed of VPD #7 coated hardware were the only found to give uniquely quick returns to baseline. Stainless steel, PEEK, and VPD #2 coated hardware showed comparatively slower returns to baseline. In addition, control experiments showed that the improvement to baseline quality can be achieved through the use of a VPD #7 coated frit alone and that coated tubing is not required to achieve an effect. Further experimentation culminating in the chromatograms of FIG. 15B has made it possible to glean additional insights. One of which is that it does not matter if the frit has a 0.2 or 0.5 m porosity or if the VPD #7 coating has been thermally cured in the form of an annealing process (resulting in a VPD #8 coating). In contrast, neither a thicker VPD #3 coating (˜1800 Å thickness) nor a cured coating (VPD #5) with an increased contact angle of 900 (up from ˜35°) were able to produce the effect. Accordingly, VPD #7 coated frits are very unique in their ability being to affect the baseline of the example protein separation. While not limited to theory, it would seem reasonable to suggest that this effect derives from the hydrophobicity/contact angle of this coating. It could be that these coated frits closely mimic the surface chemistry of the reversed phase stationary phase. Consequently, a column with VPD #7 coated frits might exhibit adsorption sites (particularly those near the frit surface) that are more uniform in their chemical properties. Testing has shown that this effect on the protein reversed phase separation can be localized to the inlet frit of the column, lending credence to this hypothesis (FIG. 16). Indeed, one hydrophobic VPD #7 vapor deposition coated frit at the column inlet is sufficient to produce uniquely quick returns to baseline for the example mAb subunit separations. Proteins undergo reversed phase chromatography via fairly discrete adsorption/desorption events. Consequently, upon loading, protein analytes will be most concentrated at and likewise spend a significant amount of time at the head of the column, where an interface exists between the inlet frit and the packed bed of the stationary phase. At this interface, a protein analyte would have an opportunity to establish undesired secondary interactions that would be cumulative to and energetically different than the desired hydrophobic interaction with the stationary phase. It is plausible that using a frit with surface properties similar to the stationary phase mitigates any chromatographic problems related to there being energetically and chemically diverse adsorption sites present at this packed bed interface. While not limited to theory, it may also be possible that a frit, such as the C2C10 vapor deposition coated inlet frit (e.g., frit coated with VPD #7), imparts an entirely novel focusing effect to protein reversed phase separations that cannot be explained by the understanding and descriptions noted above. In addition, it is possible that a frit, such as the VPD #7 vapor deposition coated inlet frit, makes a unique contribution to how a stationary phase packs into a column. Use of a vapor deposition coated frit as the substrate for building a packed column bed may advantageously impact the properties of a stationary phase and resultant chromatography.


While the spectra obtained from coating just a single frit with VPD #7 (that is, only the inlet frit or outlet frit is coated and the tube and the opposing frit are uncoated) indicates that coating the inlet frit is sufficient to produce uniquely quick returns to baseline for the example mAb subunit separations, the spectra (FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B) also indicate that coating the outlet frit alone provides benefit over uncoated stainless steel embodiments. The improvement provided by the VPD #7 coated outlet frit may provide enough benefit, especially in larger column width dimensions, to produce quick returns to baselines. Without wishing to be bound to theory, in embodiments featuring a coated metal outlet frit with the remainder of the flow path including uncoated metal reduced secondary metal interactions are provided as the flow path through the frit provides a significant portion of the wetted surface. See Examples 15 and 16 below for further discussion of the surface area provided by a frit.


A number of different coating can be applied to either the inlet or outlet frit. For example, in some embodiments, VPD #7 is utilized. In certain embodiments, VPD #2 or VPD #3 is applied to coat the metal inlet and/or outlet frit. In other embodiments, any coating described in Table 1 can be applied. Also the coating can be a multilayered coating. For example, a first or primer layer in direct contact with the frit can be applied first followed by a second layer (and in some instances a top layer). The top layer would be exposed to the flow path. In some embodiments a primer layer of VPD #2 is vapor deposited on to a stainless steel or titanium frit. After the primer layer is deposited, a top layer comprising VPD #7 is vapor deposited to coat the primer layer.


As such, in an embodiment of this invention, vapor deposition coated column hardware is used to improve the chromatographic performance of protein reversed phase separations. In yet another embodiment of this invention, a vapor deposition coating with a contact angle of >90°, more preferably greater than 100 Å, is used to coat the tubing and frits of a column, or chromatographic device, as a means to improve the baseline and/or tailing factors of protein separations.


In a separate embodiment, this invention may utilize a frit material that is constructed of a specific polymer, such that an equivalently hydrophobic surface is achieved, specifically one with a contact angle greater than 90°, more preferably greater than 100 Å. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polymethylpentene (PMP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are examples of hydrophobic polymers that could be suitable for use as the frit or column material in other embodiments of this invention. In fact, an inlet frit constructed of porous PTFE (1.5 mm thick, Porex PM0515) was found to favorably affect protein reversed phase baselines, in a manner similar to that of the previously mentioned VPD #7 vapor deposition coated inlet frit (FIG. 17). Frits of alternative compositions are also relevant to this invention. In yet another embodiment, parylene, that is poly p-xylene polymer, coatings could be used treat column frits and to thereby improve the properties of a protein reversed phase separation. In addition, glass membranes could be used as the basis of a frit material. Onto the glass membrane substrate, silanes could be bonded to advantageously manipulate the hydrophobicity and contact angle of the material. These and other such membranes could also be used in conjunction with a backing material, like a porous polymer sheet, to lend physical rigidity to the apparatus.


Finally, vapor deposition coated hardware has been found to be of benefit to aqueous biomolecule separations, such as protein ion exchange chromatography. When looking to understand the charge heterogeneity of a sample, an analyst will often choose to resolve the components of a sample by ion exchange. In the case of protein therapeutics, this type of analysis is performed as a means to interrogate so-called charge variants, such as deamidiation variants, that can have a detrimental effect on the efficacy of the corresponding drug product. Charge variant separations by way of ion exchange can therefore be critical to the effectiveness of a characterization approach for a protein therapeutic, most particularly a monoclonal antibody. Being such an important analytical approach, protein ion exchange must be robust and able to quickly and reliably yield accurate information.


To this end, ion exchange separations of a monoclonal antibody were evaluated, and the effects of using uncoated versus vapor deposition coated column hardware were contrasted. FIGS. 21A-21L presents chromatograms of NIST reference material 8671, an IgG1κ mAb, as obtained from sequential cation exchange separations and repeat injections of sample. In this evaluation, columns derived from four different constructions were tested. These columns varied with respect to both hardware design and vapor deposition coating. From the observed results, it was most apparent that uncoated hardware showed a prominent conditioning effect, as manifest in there having been low peak areas on initial injections. While not limited to theory, it is believed that the metallic surfaces of the uncoated column hardware imposed adsorptive losses on these separations and thereby hindered recovery of the sample. In contrast, vapor deposition coated hardware, both C2 or C2-GPTMS-OH chemistries, yielded comparatively high peak areas even on the very first runs of the columns (FIG. 22). That is, coated hardware showed no evidence of requiring a passivation step, giving it the unique advantage of more quickly providing accurate chromatographic data. Here, it is clear that the noted vapor deposition coatings enhance the chromatographic properties of metallic hardware. Little can be seen in the way of distinguishing the chromatographic performance of the two tested vapor deposition coatings, namely the C2 and C2-GPTMS-OH chemistries. However, the C2-GPTMS-OH coating has an inordinately low contact angle (as does C2PEO). It is foreseeable that certain types and classes of biomolecules will require a highly hydrophilic flow path. One such example could indeed be aqueous protein separations in which hydrophobic interactions could lead to poor recovery or peak tailing. As a whole, it is believed that vapor deposition coated hardware will show advantages for numerous forms of aqueous separations, including but not limited to ion exchange, size exclusion and hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and that the most ideal vapor deposition coating would be one that is very hydrophilic. Accordingly, in an embodiment of this invention, a vapor deposition coated column is used to improve the recovery of samples from aqueous chromatographic separations. In a more specific embodiment, a vapor deposition coating with a contact angle less than 200 is used to improve the recovery of biomolecules in ion exchange, size exclusion or hydrophobic interaction chromatography.


EXAMPLES
Example 1A

C2 and C2C10 Vapor Deposition Coatings


Prior to coating, all metal components are passivated according to a nitric acid passivation. Passivated parts and a silicon wafer are then introduced to the vapor deposition chamber and vacuum is established. The first step is a 15 minute, 200 Watt, 200 cc/min oxygen plasma cleaning step. Next is the first vapor deposition cycle. Each vapor deposition cycle contains a silane vapor deposition, followed by the introduction of water vapor for silane hydrolysis. The silane vapor is delivered at a pressure of 2.0 Torr for 5 seconds, and then the water vapor is delivered at a pressure of 50 Torr for 5 seconds. Following delivery, the silane and water is left to react with the substrate for 15 minutes. This cycle is repeated to produce the desired number of layers and coating thickness. An additional processing cycle can be implemented to functionalize the coating with yet another silane (if two layers of different materials is desired—this is optional). Moreover, a post coating annealing step can be used to further cross-link and increase the hydrophobicity of the coating. Typically, the annealing cycle involves subjecting the coating to 200° C. for 3 hours under vacuum.


A silicon wafer is used as a coupon to measure the thickness and contact angle of the coating. To measure the thickness, a Gaertner Scientific Corporation stokes ellipsometer model LSE is used. By analyzing the change in polarization of light, and comparing to a model, the film thickness can be established. To measure the contact angle, a Ramé-Hart goniometer model 190 is used. After dropping a controlled amount of water onto a perfectly level silicon wafer, optical techniques are used to measure the contact angle.


Example 2

C2-GPTMS-OH Vapor Deposition Coatings


Prior to coating, all metal components are passivated according to a nitric acid passivation. Passivated parts and a silicon wafer are then introduced to the vapor deposition chamber and vacuum is established. The first step is a 15 minute, 200 Watt, 200 cc/min oxygen plasma cleaning step. Next is the first vapor deposition cycle. Each vapor deposition cycle contains a silane vapor deposition, followed by the introduction of water vapor for silane hydrolysis. The silane vapor is delivered at a pressure of 2.0 Torr for 5 seconds, and then the water vapor is delivered at a pressure of 50 Torr for 5 seconds. Following delivery, the silane and water is left to react with the substrate for 15 minutes. This cycle is repeated to produce the desired number of layers and coating thickness. In this example, the bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane silane is used to build up an adhesion or primer layer of approximately 800 Å. After C2 deposition, the 3-(glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane is delivered anhydrously to a pressure of 0.4 Torr in the vapor deposition chamber. This silane vapor is left to react with the C2 coated substrate for one hour. This process results in an epoxide terminated coating, with a contact angle of 50°. After deposition, the next step is to hydrolyze the epoxide groups. This is performed either in the liquid phase or the vapor phase, with 0.1M acetic acid. After epoxide hydrolysis, the contact angle is <20°. Contact angle measurements are taken on a silicon wafer using a Ramé-Hart goniometer model 190.


Example 3

Alternative Contact Angle Measurement


It is relatively easy to measure the contact angle on the flat silicon wafers using a goniometer. However, not all our substrates have such smooth and flat surfaces. Frits can be considered a chromatography column's most important substrate, since the fluidic surface area to mass ratio is higher in the frit than in any other column hardware component. In order to measure the solid-liquid wetting properties of frit porosity, and confirm the presence of a coating, we can use the bubble point test. The bubble point test is used to determine the largest pore diameter of a frit structure, and the bubble point pressure is related to this diameter with the following equation:

P=(2γ cos θ)/r

    • Where,
    • P=bubble point pressure, Pa (measured)
    • γ=surface tension of test liquid, N/m (known)
    • Θ=contact angle between test liquid and pore material (calculated)
    • r=largest pore radius, m (calculated)


This equation is from ASTM E128 and is derived from the equilibrium condition of capillary rise.


Using the bubble point test to calculate a contact angle requires two steps. This first is to test the frit in IPA, and assume a 0 contact angle, since IPA has excellent wetting characteristics. This will yield a maximum pore diameter. The next step is to repeat the experiment with water as the test liquid, and the known pore radius. This will yield the contact angle with water, relative to the assumed 0 degree contact angle of IPA. FIG. 18 displays the different bubble point pressures recorded versus coating composition. FIG. 19 displays the derived contact angles versus coating composition. These values correlate well with measurements taken with a goniometer on a flat silicon wafer.


Example 4

Corrosion Performance of Silane Coatings


ASTM G48 Method A is used to rank the relative pitting corrosion performance of various grades of stainless steel. It consists of placing a part in ˜6% ferric chloride solution for 72 hours, and checking the mass loss of your component. The test can be run at room temperature, or at slightly elevated temperatures to increase the corrosion rate. The ferric chloride solution is similar to the environment inside a pit during “non-accelerated” pitting corrosion; an acidic, oxidizing, chloride containing environment. When an entire part of interest is submerged in the ferric chloride solution, pitting corrosion is greatly accelerated, with normal test times only being 72 hours. FIG. 20 displays the corrosion performance of a non-coated column tube, and various coatings on a column tube. The improvement ranges from ˜10× to 100×.


Example 5

HILIC-Fluorescence-MS of Phosphoglycans


A recombinant alpha-galactosidase was diluted to 2 mg/mL. A 7.5 uL aliquot of the protein solution was then added to a 1 mL reaction tube containing 15.3 μL of water and 6 μL of buffered 5% RapiGest SF solution-commercially available from Waters Corporation (Milford, Mass.) (50 mM HEPES-NaOH, pH 7.9). The mixture was placed in a heat block at 90° C. for 3 minutes. Thereafter, the reaction tube was allowed to cool at room temperature for 3 minutes. To the reaction tube, 1.2 μL of PNGase F was then added and incubated at 50° C. for 5 minutes. After incubation, the reaction was again allowed to cool at room temperature for 3 minutes. To a vial containing 9 mg of RapiFluor-MS reagent, 131 uL of anhydrous DMF was added and vortexed to create a labeling solution. A 12 uL volume of this labeling solution was next added to the reaction tube. This labeling reaction was allowed to proceed for 5 minutes to produce the final sample.


A fully porous amide HILIC stationary phase (1.7 um, 130 Å) was used in a 2.1×50 mm column dimension to chromatograph the samples at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min and temperature of 60° C. The gradient flow conditions initiated with 75.0% organic solvent (Acetonitrile) and 25.0% aqueous eluent (50 mM ammonium formate, pH 4.4) followed by a 11.66 min linear gradient to 54.0% organic/46% aqueous eluent. The column was then cycled through an aqueous regeneration step at 100% aqueous mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min for one minute. After the aqueous regeneration, the column was equilibrated at initial conditions for 4 minutes. Species eluting during the above separations were detected serially via fluorescence (Ex 265/Em 425, 2 Hz) followed by online ESI-MS. Mass spectra were acquired with a Xevo G2-XS QToF mass spectrometer operating with a capillary voltage of 2.2 kV, source temperature of 120° C., desolvation temperature of 500° C., and sample cone voltage of 50 V. Mass spectra were acquired at a rate of 2 Hz with a resolution of approximately 40,000 over a range of 700-2000 m/z. FIGS. 4A-4C present comparisons of this HILIC separation of RapiFluor-MS labeled released N-glycans from a recombinant alpha-galactosidase as performed with columns constructed of varying coatings and materials. FIGS. 6A-6C present comparisons of this HILIC separation as performed with columns constructed of varying coatings and materials in conjunction with a sample needle and column inlet tubing constructed of varying coatings.


Example 6

RPLC-UV-MS of Phosphopeptides


A vial of phosphopeptide test standard (Waters Corporation, Milford, Mass.) was reconstituted with 50 uL of 0.1% formic acid. A fully porous CSH C18 stationary phase material (1.7 um, 130 Å) was used in 2.1×50 mm column dimensions to chromatograph the samples at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min at a temperature of 60° C. The gradient flow conditions initiated with 0.7% organic mobile phase (0.075% formic acid in acetonitrile) and 99.3% aqueous mobile phase (0.1% formic acid) followed by a 30 min linear gradient to 50% organic/50% aqueous. Species eluting during the above separations were detected serially via UV (220 nm) followed by online ESI-MS. Mass spectra were acquired with a Xevo G2-XS QToF mass spectrometer operating with a capillary voltage of 1.5 kV, source temperature of 100° C., desolvation temperature of 350° C., and sample cone voltage of 50 V. Mass spectra were acquired at a rate of 2 Hz with a resolution of approximately 40,000 over a range of 500-6500 m/z. FIGS. 7A-7C present comparisons of this reversed phase separation of the phosphopeptide standard performed with columns constructed of varying coatings and materials.


Example 7

RPLC/MS of Small Biomolecules (Nucleotides and Sugar Phosphates)


RPLC/MS analyses of two nucleotides (adenosine monophosphate and adenosine triphosphate) and two sugar phosphates (glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate) were performed by reversed phase separations with an organosilica C18 stationary phase according to the methods parameters noted below. FIGS. 8-11 present comparisons of these reversed phase separations as performed with columns constructed of varying coatings and materials.












LC Conditions


















Columns:
BEH C18 130Å 1.7 μm 2.1 × 100 mm



Mobile Phase A:
0.25% Octylamine in H2O pH adjusted




to 9 with acetic acid



Mobile Phase B:
ACN



Column Temperature:
35° C.



Injection Volume:
10 μL (100 ng/ml sample concentrations)



Sample Diluent:
Water



Detection:
Tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer




operating in ESI negative ionization mode




and with MRM acquisition.




















Gradient Table:













Time(min)
Flow Rate(mL/min)
% A
% B
Curve

















Initial
0.450
95
5
Initial



5
0.450
75
25
6



10
0.450
75
25
6



20
0.450
50
50
6



21
0.450
5
95
6



22
0.450
95
5
6



30
0.450
95
5
6










Example 8

LC-Fluorescence-MS of Highly Sialylated Glycans Using Charge Surface Reversed Phase Chromatography


RapiFluor-MS labeled N-glycans were prepared from bovine fetuin (Sigma F3004) according to a previously published protocol (Lauber, M. A.; Yu, Y. Q.; Brousmiche, D. W.; Hua, Z.; Koza, S. M.; Magnelli, P.; Guthrie, E.; Taron, C. H.; Fountain, K. J., Rapid Preparation of Released N-Glycans for HILIC Analysis Using a Labeling Reagent that Facilitates Sensitive Fluorescence and ESI-MS Detection. Anal Chem 2015, 87 (10), 5401-9). Analyses of these released glycans were performed using a Waters ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Bio LC system and a separation method based on a previously described charged surface reversed phase chromatographic material described in International Application No. PCT/US2017/028856, entitled “CHARGED SURFACE REVERSED PHASE CHROMATOGRAPHIC MATERIALS METHOD FOR ANALYSIS OF GLYCANS MODIFIED WITH AMPHIPATHIC, STRONGLY BASED MOIETIES” (and incorporated by reference). Specifically, RapiFluor-MS labeled glycans (e.g., glycans labeled with the labeling reagent discussed in PCT/US2017/028856 were separated according to a mixed mode separation using a fully porous (130 Å) 1.7 μm diethylaminopropyl high purity chromatographic material (DEAP HPCM) in a 2.1×100 mm column configuration. Details of the method are described below. FIGS. 12 and 13 present comparisons of this mixed mode separation of sialylated glycans as performed with columns constructed of varying coatings and materials.












LC Conditions
















Column:
DEAP HPCM 130Å 1.7 μm 2.1 × 100 mm


Mobile Phase A:
Water and 100 mM Formic Acid/100 mM Ammonium Formate in



60%


Mobile Phase B:
100 mM Formic Acid/100 mM Ammonium Formate in 60% ACN









Column Temperature:
60°
C.


Injection Volume:
4
μL


Sample Concentration:
10
pmol/μL








Sample Diluent:
Water


Fluorescence Detection:
Ex 265 nm/Em 425 nm (10 Hz)



















Gradient Table:













Time(min)
Flow Rate(mL/min)
% A
% B
Curve

















Initial
0.400
100.0
0.00
Initial



24.00
0.400
78.0
22.0
6



24.20
0.400
0.0
100.0
6



24.40
0.400
0.0
100.0
6



24.60
0.400
100.0
0.0
6



30.00
0.400
100.0
0.0
6










Example 9

LC/MS of a Reduced, IdeS Digested Monoclonal Antibody (mAb)


Formulated NIST mAb Reference Material 8671 (an IgG1×) was added to 100 units of IdeS and incubated for 30 minutes at 37° C. The resulting IdeS-digested mAb was then denatured and reduced by the addition of 1M TCEP and solid GuHCl. The final buffer composition for the denaturation/reduction step was approximately 6 M GuHCl, 80 mM TCEP, and 10 mM phosphate (pH 7.1). IdeS-digested NIST RM 8671 (1.5 mg/mL) was incubated in this buffer at 37° C. for 1 hour, prior to being stored at 4° C. Reversed phase (RP) separations of the reduced, IdeS-fragmented mAb were performed to demonstrate the effects of employing different vapor deposition coated column hardware pieces, namely the column tube and the frits that enclose the stationary phase into its packing.


A C4 bonded superficially porous stationary phase (2 μm, Rho 0.63, 290 Å) was used in a 2.1×50 mm column dimension to chromatograph the samples at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min and temperature of 80° C. across a linear gradient consisting of a 20 min linear gradient from 15 to 55% organic mobile phase (aqueous mobile phase: 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in water; organic mobile phase: 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in acetonitrile). Species eluting during the above separations were detected serially via fluorescence (Ex 280/Em 320, 10 Hz) followed by online ESI-MS. Mass spectra were acquired with a Synapt G2-S mass spectrometer operating with a capillary voltage of 3.0 kV, source temperature of 150° C., desolvation temperature of 350° C., and sample cone voltage of 45 V. Mass spectra were acquired at a rate of 2 Hz with a resolution of approximately 20,000 over a range of 500-4000 m/z. FIGS. 14-17 present comparisons of this reversed phase C4 separation of reduced, IdeS-digested NIST Reference Material 8671 as performed with columns constructed of varying coatings and materials.


Example 10

Ion Exchange Chromatography


NIST mAb Reference Material 8671 (an IgG1κ) was separated using columns constructed from a 3 μm non-porous cation exchange stationary phase packed into either uncoated or vapor deposition coated hardware. Separations were performed with an ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Bio instrument according to the experimental conditions outlined below. FIGS. 21 and 22 present comparisons of these separations and their resulting data as obtained with columns constructed of varying coatings and materials.












LC Conditions
















Columns:
3 μm non-porous cation exchange stationary phase in



a 2.1 × 50 mm column dimension


Sample:
NIST mAb Reference Material 8671 diluted to 2.5 mg/mL



with 20 mM MES pH 6.0 buffer


Gradient:
20 mM MES pH 6.0, 10-200 mM NaCl in 7.5 min









Flow Rate:
0.2
mL/min


Column Temperature:
30°
C.








Injection Volume:
1 μL (2.1 mm ID columns)









Detection:
280
nm








Hardware Design:
Hardware A-Identical to ACQUITY UPLC BEH



C18 column hardware



Hardware B-A design with an alternative sealing



mechanism and some alternative material compositions.









Example 11

Oligonucleotide Ion Pair RPLC


Testing has shown that flow paths modified with the vapor deposition coatings of this invention are also helpful in improving oligonucleotide separations. Example 11 provides evidence of such as observed in the form of improved recoveries and more accurate profiling of a sample's composition, particularly with respect to the first chromatograms obtained with a column.


In this work, a mixture of 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40-mer deoxythymidine was separated using columns constructed from a 1.7 μm organosilica 130 Å C18 bonded stationary phase packed into either uncoated or vapor deposition coated hardware. Separations were performed with an ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Bio instrument according to the experimental conditions outlined below. FIGS. 23A-F and 24 present comparisons of these separations and their resulting data as obtained with columns constructed of varying coatings and materials.












LC Conditions
















Columns:
1.7 μm organosilica 130Å C18 bonded stationary phase



in a 2.1 × 50 mm column dimension


Sample:
15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40-mer deoxythymidine (0.5 pmol/μL)









Column Temperature:
60°
C.


Flow Rate:
0.2
mL/min








Mobile Phase A:
400 mM HFIP, 15 mM TEA in water


Mobile Phase B:
400 mM HFIP, 15 mM TEA in methanol


Gradient:
18 to 28% B in 5 min









Injection volume:
10
μL


UV Detection:
260
nm









Example 12

RPLC of Citric and Malic Acid


It should also be pointed out that the benefits of this invention are not limited to only biomolecules or phosphorylated/phospho group containing analytes. In fact, numerous types of so-called “small molecules” can be seen to have their separations improved through the adoption of vapor deposition coated flow paths and column hardware. One notable class of small molecules corresponds to compounds having a carboxylic acid moiety. By their nature, these are ubiquitous compounds and some, like citric acid and malic acid, are important metabolites of living organisms, given that they are constituents of the Kreb's cycle.


Herein, we have investigated the effects of separating citric acid and malic acid with untreated versus vapor deposition coated columns. Citric acid and malic acid were analyzed by LC-MS with columns constructed from a 1.8 μm silica 100 Å C18 bonded stationary phase packed into either uncoated or C2C3 vapor deposition coated hardware. Separations were performed with an ACQUITY UPLC I-Class PLUS instrument, and eluting analytes were detected with a Xevo TQ-S triple quadrupole mass spectrometer according to the experimental conditions outlined below. FIGS. 25A-D presents a comparison of these separations and their resulting data. It can be observed from these results that use of the vapor deposition coated column hardware led to improvements in recovery and peak shape and thus sizable increases in MS intensity. This is noteworthy as it highlights the fact that the vapor deposition coating can be used to facilitate the development of a more sensitive and more accurate quantitation assay of these and other chemically similar compounds, including but not limited to isocitric acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, aconitic acid, itaconic acid, oxaloacetic acid, pyruvic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, and folic acid. It is reasonable to assume that even zwitterionic small molecules would benefit from this invention. This class of compounds includes but is not limited to amino acids and neurotransmitters. Likewise, it is envisioned that this invention will be advantageous to be used to separate and analyze compounds containing metal binding moieties, such as cobalamin and the various types of porphyrins. Lastly, these same compounds would exhibit improved separations whether analyzed by RPLC or other modes of chromatography, such as hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC), ion exchange, or mixed mode LC separations (i.e. ion exchange/reversed phase or ion exchange/HILIC).












LC Conditions
















Columns:
1.8 μm silica 100Å C18 bonded stationary phase



in a 2.1 × 50 mm column dimension


Sample:
Citric acid



Malic acid









Column Temperature:
30°
C.


Flow Rate:
0.5
mL/min








Mobile Phase A:
0.1% formic acid, water


Mobile Phase B:
0.1% formic acid, acetonitrile









Injection volume:
2
μL



















Gradient Table:













Time(min)
Flow Rate(mL/min)
% A
% B
Curve

















Initial
0.500
100.0
0.00
Initial



0.25
0.500
100.0
0.00
6



2.00
0.500
75.0
25.0
6



2.50
0.500
5.0
95.0
6



3.00
0.500
5.0
5.0
6



3.10
0.500
100.0
0.0
6




















MS Conditions



















MS1 Resolution:
1
Da



MS2 Resolution:
0.75
Da



Capillary Voltage:
1
kV



Source Offset:
50




Desolvation Temp.:
600°
C.



Desolvation Gas Flow:
1000
L/hr



Cone Gas:
150
L/hr



Nebulizer:
7
bar



Source Temp.:
150°
C.










MRM (Citric Acid):
191.2 > 87.1 



MRM (Malic Acid):
133.2 > 115.2










Example 13

Mixed Mode Chromatography of Pesticides


Glyphosate is non-selective broad spectrum herbicide which is widely used across the globe as a crop desiccant. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) are enforced globally on various commodities of interest because of the potential health consequences posed to consumers. Glyphosate and its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) require unique approaches for sample preparation and chromatography separation. Various methods can be employed for quantitation, whether they are based on reversed phase, porous graphitizes carbon, ion chromatography, hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) or mixed mode retention mechanisms. No matter the separation mode, assays for glyphosate and other related herbicide compounds can prove to be problematic. First, polar pesticides are difficult to retain on reversed phase columns without derivatization. Second, glyphosate interacts with active metal surfaces. As a result, it is notoriously observed in the form of a broad peak or one with pronounced tailing.


Herein, we have investigated the separation of glyphosate with untreated versus vapor deposition coated mixed mode HILIC columns. Glyphosate was analyzed by LC-MS with 1.7 μm diethylamine bonded organosilica 130 Å columns constructed from either uncoated or C2C10 vapor deposition coated stainless steel hardware. Separations were performed with an ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Bio coupled with a Xevo TQ-XS triple quadrupole mass spectrometer according to the experimental conditions outlined below.



FIGS. 26A-B and 27A-B show a comparison of coated and uncoated column performance for glyphosate in a solvent standard. As seen in FIG. 26B, glyphosate appears as a severely tailing, broad peak. In contrast, as seen in FIG. 26B, glyphosate is separated with much improved peak shape on the vapor deposition coated column. It can be observed from these results that the use of the vapor deposition coated column hardware led to significant improvements in peak shape, reduced peak widths and thus sizable increases in MS intensity (FIGS. 27A-B). It is reasonable to assume that the vapor deposition coated column also yielded higher recovery. These results are noteworthy as they demonstrate a means to developing more sensitive and more accurate quantitation assays for glyphosate and other chemically similar compounds, including but not limited to pesticides such as Ethephon, 2-Hydroxyethyl phosphonic acid (HEPA), Glufosinate-Ammonium, N-Acetyl-glufosinate, 3-Methylphosphinicopropionic acid (MPPA), Aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), N-Acetyl-glyphosate, N-Acetyl-AMPA, Fosetyl-aluminium, Phosphonic acid, Maleic hydrazide, Perchlorate, and Chlorate.












LC Conditions


















Columns:
1.7 μm diethylamine bonded organosilica




130Å stationary phase in a 2.1 × 100




mm column dimension



Sample:
Glyphosate











Column Temperature:
50°
C.



Flow Rate:
0.5
mL/min










Mobile Phase A:
0.9% formic acid, water



Mobile Phase B:
0.9% formic acid, acetonitrile











Injection volume:
10
μL




















Gradient Table:













Time (min)
Flow Rate (mL/min)
% A
% B
Curve







Initial
0.500
10
90
Initial



4.00
0.500
85
15
2



10.0
0.500
85
15
6



16.0
0.500
10
90
1



20.0
0.500
10
90
1




















MS Conditions



















MS1 Resolution:
1
Da



MS2 Resolution:
0.75
Da



Capillary Voltage:
2.4
kV










Ionization:
ESI-











Desolvation Temp.:
600°
C.



Desolvation Gas Flow:
1000
L/hr



Cone Gas:
150
L/hr



Nebulizer:
7
bar



Source Temp.:
150°
C.










MRM 1:
168.0 > 62.6 



MRM 2:
168.0 > 149.8










Example 14

Interaction of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Across Multiple Column Configurations


Different chromatographic systems (e.g., a UHPLC system such as ACQUITY UPLC from Waters Technologies Corporation versus a HPLC system such as Arc also from Waters Technologies Corporation) have a different amount of wetted surface area. In addition, different column configurations (e.g., 2.1×50 mm vs. 4.6×150 mm) also provide a different amount of wetted surface area. This example presents a comparison of the amount of interaction of dexamethasone sodium phosphate versus an amount of uncoated metallic wetted surface area in a chromatographic system. The three chromatographic system configurations include: system 1: a stainless steel UHPLC system with a stainless steel column having uncoated frits (SS ACQUITY I-Class with SS column, from Waters Technologies Corporation); system 2: a stainless steel UHPLC system with a C2 coated stainless steel column (SS ACQUITY I-Class with C2 column with coated frits, from Waters Technologies Corporation); and system 3: a C2 coated UHPLC system with C2 coated column and frits (ACQUITY PREMIER and PREMIER COLUMN from Waters Technologies Corporation). A 100 ng on column injections of dexamethasone sodium phosphate on each of system 1, system 2, and system 3 was performed for the comparison.


The wetted surface area of the system components is as follows: column surface area including the surface area of two frits is 1236 mm2 and the surface area of the system not including the column and its internal components is 513 mm2. Thus, system 1 has an uncoated surface area of 1748 mm2; system 2 has an uncoated amount of 513 mm2; and system 3 is coated (e.g., approximately 0 to 10 mm2). The peak area for the dexamethasone sodium phosphate separation after three injections on each of the three columns was as follows: system 1 had a peak area average of 3873.0; system 2 had a peak area average of 5152.3; whereas system 3 had a peak area average of 5793.3. The data was plotted and is presented in FIG. 28 to show the relationship between peak area and surface area. If each of the systems were fully inert, the line would be horizontal or parallel with the x-axis (uncoated total surface area in mm2). However, system 3 is the most inert, followed by system 2, and then last system 1. The difference between observed and expected area is the amount of analyte lost to the uncoated surface area.


This data was used to calculate the binding capacity of a system. Using the difference between system 3 (coated system and column) and system 2 (uncoated system and coated column), the binding capacity of the system was determined. From the data above, system 3 had a peak area of 5793.3, whereas system 2 had a peak of 5151.3. Both systems utilize coated columns. The difference between the two systems resides in that system 3 utilizes a coated tubing and components upstream of the column, whereas the upstream tubing and components of system 2 are uncoated. To calculate the binding capacity attributable to the system without a column (i.e., upstream tubing and components), the difference in peak areas for system 3 versus system 2 was calculated to be 642 (5793.3-5151.3). Using a calibration curve (shown in FIG. 29), area was converted back to mass and the calculated binding capacity for system 2 (attributable to upstream of the column tubing and components) was 513 mm2. This is the mass loss due to metallic surface area, which can then be used to extrapolate binding capacity for any calculated metallic system surface area.


Example 15

Effect of Coating Frits Separately from Column Tubes


In Example 14, the binding capacity of an uncoated system was investigated. In this example, the effect of coating components within the column itself (e.g., frits 120) was evaluated. In this Example, three different column assemblies were tested. Assembly 1 was an uncoated 2.1 mm×150 mm column packed with 1.7 micrometer BEH C18, with uncoated stainless steel frits. Assembly 2 was an uncoated 2.1 mm×150 mm column packed with 1.7 micrometer BEH C18, with C2 coated stainless steel frits. And assembly 3 was a C2 coated 2.1 mm×150 mm column packed with 1.7 micrometer BEH C18, with C2 coated stainless steel frits. To form the coated frit, the uncoated stainless steel frit was coated via vapor deposition of C2. That is the only difference between the uncoated stainless steel frits and the coated stainless steel frits is the C2 coating. The two frits in each assembly have a total surface area of 1,376 mm2 (673 mm2 per frit). The total wetted surface area of a 2.1 mm×150 mm column is 519 mm2. As each column assembly is formed of the same parts (with the exception of the vapor deposited C2 coatings), the total wetted surface area is 1,865 mm2. As a result, the frits represent 72% of the calculated surface area, whereas the column tube represents 28%. The different column assemblies were evaluated using ATP as a sample for chromatographic separation. The following ATP test parameters were applied to evaluate each column assembly (assembly 1, assembly 2, and assembly 3) using an inert system including a PEEK injection needle, a C2 coated 10 microliter stainless steel loop, and a C2 coated MP35N (titanium alloy) APH.












LC Conditions
















Columns:
1.7 μm BEH C18 stationary phase in a 2.1 × 150 mm with the following



assemblies



Assembly 1: uncoated stainless steel column, 2 uncoated stainless steel frits



Assembly 2: uncoated stainless steel column, 2 C2 coated stainless steel frits



Assembly 3: C2 coated stainless steel column, 2 C2 coated stainless steel frits


Sample:
ATP









Column
30°
C.








Temperature:










Flow Rate:
025
mL/min








Mobile Phase:
10 mM ammonium acetate in 50/50 methanol/water









Sample Manager

C.








Temperature:



Injection volume:
0.2 μL of 0.25 mg/mL ATP in water per injection (total 5 injections)










FIG. 30 plots peak area per injection number (i.e., first injection, second injection, etc.) for each of assembly 1 (circle), assembly 2 (square), and assembly 3 triangle). And Table 2 below provides the ATP peak area values and deviations for comparison purposes.









TABLE 2







ATP Peak Areas












Injection #
Assembly 1
Assembly 2
Assembly 3
















1
100600
241858
329660



2
146717
245130
331658



3
164607
257430
340328



4
178101
267658
341251



5
183585
264845
343807



Average
154722
255384.2
337340.8



StDev
33431.4
11537.38
6271.24



% RSD
22%
5%
2%











FIG. 31 is a graph of peak area after the first injection versus the amount of coated surface area. For assembly 1 there is no coated surface area (i.e., 0 mm2). For assembly 2, which has coated frits but an uncoated column tube, the amount of coated surface area is 1,346 mm2 and for assembly 3, a fully coated assembly, the amount of coated surface area is 1,865 mm2. Comparing assemblies 1, 2, and 3, it was determined that the frits account for 62% of the ATP adsorption compared to an estimated 72% of the surface area. Thus, the column frits account for a majority of the metal interaction. Just coating the column frits with an alkylsilyl vapor deposited coating (e.g., vapor deposited C2) can dramatically improve chromatographic performance over an untreated system.


Example 16

Effect of Coating Frits for Various Column Formats


In Example 14, the binding capacity of uncoated versus coated systems was investigated utilizing dexamethasone sodium phosphate. In this example, the potential loss of dexamethasone sodium phosphate to frits in three different chromatographic formats (i.e., three different sizes) is presented.


The relationship between available metallic surface area and analyte loss (FIG. 28) was determined by plotting the peak area of a 100 ng injection of dexamethasone sodium phosphate versus the calculated uncoated metal surface area of the three different systems provided in Example 14. The slope of the linear curve fit represents the amount of analyte lost per additional square mm of exposed metal surface.


The direct relationship between analyte loss and available metal surface area can then be used to extrapolate the potential for analyte loss for other combinations of system and column configurations. This is shown in FIG. 32 for two different LC systems (Acquity and ARC systems, both available from Waters Corporation, Milford, Mass.) and for three different column configurations (i.e., 2.1×150 mm; 4.6×150 mm, and 7.8×150 mm). Injecting anything less than the total potential analyte loss shown on the left axis of FIG. 32 for each configuration would result in complete loss of analyte. In such a scenario, the frits of an uncoated 2.1×150 mm column would be responsible for 38% of dexamethasone sodium phosphate loss when tested on an uncoated Acquity system. The frits in a 4.6×150 mm column configuration would be responsible for 65% of the loss of dexamethasone sodium phosphate when tested on an uncoated Arc system. The frits from a 7.8×150 mm column configuration would be responsible for 79% of the loss of dexamethasone sodium phosphate when tested on an uncoated Arc system. In the cases of using the 4.6 or 7.8 mm ID columns, applying the C2 coating to at least the frits in these columns provide a significant benefit (prevent 65% or more of the analyte loss).


Alternatives:


There are a number of alternative methods and uses for the present technology. While the above methods have generally been discussed with respect to chromatography or the use of a column. Other types of fluid components having an internal flow path may benefit from the present technology. For example, it is generally thought that capillary electrophoresis, such as capillary zone electrophoresis, exhibits relatively poor reproducibility. Much of the reproducibility issues can be reasoned to originate from irreproducible surface chemistry on the inner diameter of the tubular capillaries that are used to perform the separation. A vapor deposition coating on capillaries intended for a CE separation may therefore circumvent reproducibility issues as it can yield an inordinately thick, rugged coating. The inventions described herein may consequently be applicable to improving CE separations of both small and large biomolecules.


Other types of sample preparation devices, such as sample plates, vials, and extraction devices may also include a vapor deposited coating along wetted surfaces (i.e., internal pathways/surfaces in contact with the sample).


Moreover, while the examples of the described aspects employ comparatively hydrophobic coatings, with water contact angles ranging from 150 to 110°, it is reasonable to suggest that some separations could be enhanced through the application of hydrophilic coatings, including but not restricted to diol, amide/ureido type, and polyethylene oxide/glycol bondings.


Other analytes, not yet explicitly described, may also benefit from vapor deposition coated chromatographic flow paths, for instance phosphorothioated oligonucleotides. Nucleic acids inherently contain repeating phosphodiester bonds as part of their backbone. In some case, the phosphodiester backbone is replaced in part with a phosphorothioate backbone, which can impart in itself unique challenges for a separation. Similarly, intact and proteolytically digested antibody conjugates may benefit from methods entailing the use of vapor deposition chromatographic flow paths. Lastly, biomolecules containing histidine residues are likely to benefit from this invention as, like phosphorylated and carboxylate containing residues, they have a propensity for binding to metal.

Claims
  • 1. A chromatographic column, comprising: an uncoated tube comprising stainless steel or titanium or both; anda coated frit comprising a coating, wherein a vapor reagent used to form the coating is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and the coated frit is disposed proximate to an end of the uncoated tube;wherein the uncoated tube does not have the coating, andduring a separation of sample components in the chromatography column, the coating reduces binding of one or more sample components to the coated frit relative to binding of the one or more sample components to the uncoated tube.
  • 2. The chromatography column of claim 1, wherein the chromatography column is a preparative liquid chromatography column.
  • 3. The chromatographic column of claim 1, wherein the coated frit is a tube outlet frit.
  • 4. The chromatographic column of claim 1, wherein the coated frit is a tube inlet frit.
  • 5. The chromatographic column of claim 1, wherein the coated frit includes an underlying substrate of titanium.
  • 6. The chromatographic column of claim 1, wherein the uncoated tube has a length to diameter ratio of between 40 and 4.
  • 7. The chromatographic column of claim 1, wherein the coating has a thickness of at least 100 Å.
  • 8. The chromatographic column of claim 1, wherein the coating comprises a primer layer and a top layer.
  • 9. The chromatographic column of claim 8, wherein the primer layer is an alkylsilyl formed using a vapor reagent selected from the group consisting of bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane.
  • 10. The chromatographic column of claim 8, wherein a vapor reagent used to form the top layer is (3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane, n-decyltrichlorosilane, trimethylchlorosilane, trimethyldimethyaminosilane, methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(1-10) propyl trichlorosilane, or methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(1-10) propyl trimethoxysilane.
  • 11. The chromatographic column of claim 8, wherein a vapor reagent used to form the top layer comprises (3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane after hydrolysis.
  • 12. The chromatographic column of claim 8, wherein a vapor reagent used to form the primer layer is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and a second vapor reagent used to form the top layer is (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane.
  • 13. The chromatographic column of claim 8, wherein a vapor reagent used to form the primer layer is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and a second vapor reagent used to form the top layer is (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane after hydrolysis.
  • 14. The chromatographic column of claim 8, wherein a vapor reagent used to form the primer layer is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and a second vapor reagent used to form the top layer is n-decyltrichlorosilane.
  • 15. The chromatographic column of claim 8, wherein a vapor reagent used to form the primer layer is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and a second vapor reagent used to form the top layer is trimethylchlorosilane or trimethyldimethyaminosilane.
  • 16. The chromatographic column of claim 8, wherein a vapor reagent used to form the primer layer is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and a second vapor reagent used to form the top layer is methoxy-polyethyleneoxy(3)silane.
  • 17. The chromatographic column of claim 8, wherein a vapor reagent used to form the top layer is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane.
  • 18. The chromatographic column of claim 8, wherein a vapor reagent used to form the primer layer is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane and a second vapor reagent used to form the top layer is bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane or bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. utility application Ser. No. 16/133,089, entitled “Use of Vapor Deposition Coated Flow Paths for Improved Chromatography of Metal Interacting Analytes” filed on Sep. 17, 2018, which claims priority to and benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/559,895 filed Sep. 18, 2017 entitled “Use of Vapor Deposition Coated Flow Paths for Improved Chromatography of Biomolecules.” The contents of each of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

US Referenced Citations (352)
Number Name Date Kind
2801186 Alexander et al. Jul 1957 A
4207188 Tsuda et al. Jun 1980 A
4708782 Andresen et al. Nov 1987 A
4711820 Arkles et al. Dec 1987 A
4833093 Malmqvist et al. May 1989 A
4945282 Kawamura et al. Jul 1990 A
4999162 Wells et al. Mar 1991 A
5002794 Ratner et al. Mar 1991 A
5153072 Ratner et al. Oct 1992 A
5470463 Girot et al. Nov 1995 A
5550184 Halling Aug 1996 A
5595813 Ogawa et al. Jan 1997 A
5643436 Ogawa et al. Jul 1997 A
5658732 Ebersole et al. Aug 1997 A
5688855 Stoy et al. Nov 1997 A
5856192 Bloch Jan 1999 A
5876753 Timmons et al. Mar 1999 A
5877028 Chandler et al. Mar 1999 A
5909314 Oka et al. Jun 1999 A
6013372 Hayakawa et al. Jan 2000 A
6054227 Greenberg et al. Apr 2000 A
6074981 Tada et al. Jun 2000 A
6121608 Takada et al. Sep 2000 A
6194346 Tada et al. Feb 2001 B1
6207263 Takematsu et al. Mar 2001 B1
RE37183 Kawamura et al. May 2001 E
6265026 Wang Jul 2001 B1
6277489 Abbott et al. Aug 2001 B1
6306506 Timmons et al. Oct 2001 B1
6329024 Timmons et al. Dec 2001 B1
6329209 Wagner et al. Dec 2001 B1
6337129 Watanabe et al. Jan 2002 B1
6340404 Oka et al. Jan 2002 B1
6383642 Le Bellac et al. May 2002 B1
6436682 Bryan et al. Aug 2002 B1
6440565 Kim et al. Aug 2002 B1
6444326 Smith Sep 2002 B1
6461334 Buch-Rasmussen et al. Oct 2002 B1
6465056 Chabrecek et al. Oct 2002 B1
6482531 Timmons et al. Nov 2002 B1
6547868 Belmares et al. Apr 2003 B1
6599594 Walther et al. Jul 2003 B1
6645378 Liu et al. Nov 2003 B1
6660338 Hargreaves Dec 2003 B1
6686035 Jiang et al. Feb 2004 B2
6706408 Jelle Mar 2004 B2
6743516 Murphy et al. Jun 2004 B2
6763437 Nguyen et al. Jul 2004 B1
6783800 Saito et al. Aug 2004 B2
6844028 Mao et al. Jan 2005 B2
6873387 Hokazono et al. Mar 2005 B2
6905772 Shoup et al. Jun 2005 B2
6916541 Pantano et al. Jul 2005 B2
6991826 Pellerite et al. Jan 2006 B2
7067194 Mao et al. Jun 2006 B2
7138186 Luten, III Nov 2006 B2
7250214 Walter et al. Jul 2007 B2
7285674 Palma et al. Oct 2007 B2
7294365 Hayakawa et al. Nov 2007 B2
7351477 Yamaya et al. Apr 2008 B2
7387836 Gianolio et al. Jun 2008 B2
7413774 Kobrin et al. Aug 2008 B2
7419636 Aker et al. Sep 2008 B2
7419699 Kitada et al. Sep 2008 B2
7431969 Gleason et al. Oct 2008 B2
7553514 Fan et al. Jun 2009 B2
7629029 Mao et al. Dec 2009 B2
7638167 Kobrin et al. Dec 2009 B2
7662936 Kadkhodayan et al. Feb 2010 B2
7687239 Goldberg et al. Mar 2010 B2
7695775 Kobrin et al. Apr 2010 B2
7732216 Nochumson et al. Jun 2010 B2
7736735 Kanamori et al. Jun 2010 B2
7776396 Kobrin et al. Aug 2010 B2
7785649 Jung et al. Aug 2010 B2
7815922 Chaney et al. Oct 2010 B2
7842393 Kuzuya et al. Nov 2010 B2
7879396 Kobrin et al. Feb 2011 B2
7901744 Denes et al. Mar 2011 B2
7935489 O'Neill et al. May 2011 B2
7935659 Nova et al. May 2011 B2
7955656 Murayama et al. Jun 2011 B2
7955704 Lowery et al. Jun 2011 B2
8008225 Henze et al. Aug 2011 B2
8025915 Haines et al. Sep 2011 B2
8062881 Bookbinder et al. Nov 2011 B2
8105821 McGall et al. Jan 2012 B2
8147954 Lee et al. Apr 2012 B2
8163354 Dang et al. Apr 2012 B2
8178168 O'Neill et al. May 2012 B2
8178602 Mao et al. May 2012 B2
8323166 Haines et al. Dec 2012 B2
8349408 Dulka et al. Jan 2013 B2
8366814 Jones et al. Feb 2013 B2
8404621 Ikeda et al. Mar 2013 B2
8512864 Konno et al. Aug 2013 B2
8557748 Ikeda et al. Oct 2013 B2
8580355 Durandeau et al. Nov 2013 B2
8652588 Teer et al. Feb 2014 B2
8668972 Lewis et al. Mar 2014 B2
8691104 Greer et al. Apr 2014 B2
8709588 Cadet et al. Apr 2014 B2
8741158 Aytug et al. Jun 2014 B2
8778278 Xiong et al. Jul 2014 B2
8784565 Hillabrand et al. Jul 2014 B2
8795787 Jehle Aug 2014 B2
8841070 Harnack et al. Sep 2014 B2
8992590 Ott et al. Mar 2015 B2
8993479 Zuilhof et al. Mar 2015 B2
9034660 Boday et al. May 2015 B2
9075189 West Jul 2015 B2
9108012 Pryce Lewis et al. Aug 2015 B2
9175026 Garrell et al. Nov 2015 B2
9255929 Jiang et al. Feb 2016 B2
9272095 Felts et al. Mar 2016 B2
9308520 Ekeroth Apr 2016 B2
9340880 Mattzela May 2016 B2
9364853 Chen Jun 2016 B2
9388315 Hoshino Jul 2016 B2
9445504 Kang et al. Sep 2016 B2
9475225 Giraud et al. Oct 2016 B2
9523004 Hervieu et al. Dec 2016 B2
9533006 Jiang et al. Jan 2017 B2
9541480 Chang et al. Jan 2017 B2
9556360 McGall et al. Jan 2017 B2
9777368 Smith et al. Oct 2017 B2
9915001 Yuan et al. Mar 2018 B2
9925521 Wyndham et al. Mar 2018 B2
9926203 Zhou Mar 2018 B2
9975143 Smith et al. May 2018 B2
9999901 Boscher et al. Jun 2018 B2
10472769 Tuteja et al. Nov 2019 B2
10604660 Smith et al. Mar 2020 B2
10813609 Goto et al. Oct 2020 B2
10813610 Yoshida et al. Oct 2020 B2
10814253 Lipkens et al. Oct 2020 B2
10814305 Liao et al. Oct 2020 B2
10814319 Dasgupta et al. Oct 2020 B2
10814320 Le et al. Oct 2020 B2
10814740 Wilhide Oct 2020 B2
10815247 Flemming et al. Oct 2020 B2
10815269 Maloisel et al. Oct 2020 B2
10816115 Buerger et al. Oct 2020 B2
10816476 Nunney et al. Oct 2020 B2
10816487 Matney et al. Oct 2020 B2
10816515 Hollnagel et al. Oct 2020 B2
10816518 Jarrold et al. Oct 2020 B2
10816786 Douglas-Hamilton et al. Oct 2020 B2
10818485 Yamaguchi Oct 2020 B2
10818486 Corr et al. Oct 2020 B2
10828665 Stiff-Roberts et al. Nov 2020 B2
10876202 Verbeck, IV et al. Dec 2020 B2
10876210 Claussen et al. Dec 2020 B1
10895009 Carr et al. Jan 2021 B2
10912714 Weikart et al. Feb 2021 B2
11435327 Matsumoto Sep 2022 B2
11442064 Koskinen et al. Sep 2022 B2
11511213 Belanger et al. Nov 2022 B2
20010021446 Takematsu et al. Sep 2001 A1
20020016250 Hayakawa et al. Feb 2002 A1
20020020053 Fonash et al. Feb 2002 A1
20020026899 McLaughlin et al. Mar 2002 A1
20020142621 Wang Oct 2002 A1
20020172938 Cuomo et al. Nov 2002 A1
20020195950 Mikhael et al. Dec 2002 A1
20030049860 Cholewa Mar 2003 A1
20030057154 Gjerde et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030059573 Timmons et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030109062 Inomata et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030113477 Timmons et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030138645 Gleason et al. Jul 2003 A1
20040261703 Kobrin et al. Dec 2004 A1
20050118595 Lahann Jun 2005 A1
20050164402 Belisle et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050214803 Wang Sep 2005 A1
20060073521 Saito et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060110594 Frutos et al. May 2006 A1
20060213441 Kobrin et al. Sep 2006 A1
20060219598 Cody et al. Oct 2006 A1
20060251795 Kobrin et al. Nov 2006 A1
20070031854 Katsilometes Feb 2007 A1
20070048747 Leslie et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070065591 Parbhu Mar 2007 A1
20070122308 Ikeda et al. May 2007 A1
20070172666 Denes et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070254378 Zhang et al. Nov 2007 A1
20080041105 Hahn et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080075960 Pocius et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080085528 Marcinkeviciene et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080170230 Gerion Jul 2008 A1
20080188010 Saitoh et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080248589 Belisle et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080312356 Kobrin et al. Dec 2008 A1
20090020712 Matsumoto Jan 2009 A1
20090078633 Chen et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090081371 Minami et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090137526 Jubert et al. May 2009 A1
20090162571 Haines et al. Jun 2009 A1
20090176084 Yoshihara et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090206034 Nakajima Aug 2009 A1
20090286435 Badyal et al. Nov 2009 A1
20090318609 Badyal et al. Dec 2009 A1
20100038298 Angelini et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100080903 Tamitsuji et al. Apr 2010 A1
20100178512 Giesenberg et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100196724 Yamasaki et al. Aug 2010 A1
20100200207 Fukuda et al. Aug 2010 A1
20100203646 Larsen et al. Aug 2010 A1
20100282077 Jones et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100285596 Yu et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100330278 Choi et al. Dec 2010 A1
20110000658 Tanaka et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110062047 Haines et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110120213 Hirayama et al. May 2011 A1
20110120940 Allen et al. May 2011 A1
20110189493 Ott et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110295033 Mayorga et al. Dec 2011 A1
20120069295 Fukagawa et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120100546 Lowery, Jr. et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120123345 Felts et al. May 2012 A1
20120132794 Buchanan et al. May 2012 A1
20120178848 Adkinson et al. Jul 2012 A1
20120219697 Chen Aug 2012 A1
20120219727 Gandhiraman et al. Aug 2012 A1
20120251797 Smith et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120252709 Felts et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120288717 Mao et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120298585 Ritchie Nov 2012 A1
20130004780 Hervieu et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130025503 Park et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130029138 Benard et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130090260 Nova et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130136937 Fujii et al. May 2013 A1
20130157062 Kihara et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130174642 Bourlon et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130244025 Smith et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130266762 Mayers et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130337226 Curran et al. Dec 2013 A1
20140004022 Sagona et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140065368 Aytug et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140147631 Yang et al. May 2014 A1
20140154399 Weikart et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140187666 Aizenberg et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140202355 Hoshino Jul 2014 A1
20140287240 Murotani et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140299538 Gleason et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140318748 Svensson et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140323981 Giraud et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140342954 Ingber et al. Nov 2014 A1
20140357091 Mattzela Dec 2014 A1
20140370300 Smith Dec 2014 A1
20150021339 Felts et al. Jan 2015 A1
20150024152 Carr Jan 2015 A1
20150030885 Smith Jan 2015 A1
20150064376 Smith et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150064451 Kalaga et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150098084 Felts et al. Apr 2015 A1
20150118502 Mitsuhashi et al. Apr 2015 A1
20150118504 Ohshita et al. Apr 2015 A1
20150122365 Carr et al. May 2015 A1
20150152124 Mori et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150175814 Aizenberg et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150209846 Aizanberg et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150210951 Aizenberg et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150232806 Jung et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150239773 Aytug Aug 2015 A1
20150247051 Ha et al. Sep 2015 A1
20150273522 Boscher et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150283307 Smith et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150298165 Smith Oct 2015 A1
20150307525 Higano et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150307719 Mitsuhashi et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150309216 Fournand Oct 2015 A1
20150322272 Pokroy et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150329725 Liu Nov 2015 A1
20160002488 Takao et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160002489 Gleason et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160017397 Roy et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160038972 Lu Feb 2016 A1
20160040039 Yamane et al. Feb 2016 A1
20160059260 Smith et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160074862 Breaux et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160082435 Bunner Mar 2016 A1
20160168021 Goh et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160200941 Liu et al. Jul 2016 A1
20160231594 Ang et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160243308 Giraud et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160251261 Bureau Sep 2016 A1
20160289824 Mattzela et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160302723 Chen Oct 2016 A1
20160340544 Katsukawa et al. Nov 2016 A1
20170001956 Chau et al. Jan 2017 A1
20170044315 Mitsuhashi et al. Feb 2017 A1
20170173223 Delaney, Jr. et al. Jun 2017 A1
20180049644 Themelis Feb 2018 A1
20180357402 Omata et al. Dec 2018 A1
20190032201 Smith et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190077966 Koguchi et al. Mar 2019 A1
20190271711 Egan et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190390329 Carr et al. Dec 2019 A1
20200024155 Kano et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200024156 Kano et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200024157 Kano et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200025729 Milburn et al. Jan 2020 A1
20200062615 Rajagopalan et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200109297 McDaniel Apr 2020 A1
20200189938 Kano et al. Jun 2020 A1
20200215457 DeLano et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200239641 Kawakami et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200328073 Peterson et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200332801 Kimura Oct 2020 A1
20200333265 Doki et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200333369 Toyoda et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200334792 Themelis Oct 2020 A1
20200335902 Tanaka Oct 2020 A1
20200337659 Sano et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200338528 Dong et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200339322 Christensen et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200339665 Bruhlmann et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200339931 Bremer et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200339977 Lebofsky et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200339980 Dellinger et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200340047 Mollerup Oct 2020 A1
20200340468 Kuntz et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200340889 Mlcak et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200340890 Mlcak Oct 2020 A1
20200340910 Handique Oct 2020 A1
20200340946 Bateman et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200340949 Mlcak et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200340950 Mlcak et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200340956 Ortmann et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200340959 Schultz et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200340961 Kunimura Oct 2020 A1
20200340982 Levin et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200341253 Foelling Oct 2020 A1
20200341255 Chan Oct 2020 A1
20200341259 Chan et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200341278 Tanaka Oct 2020 A1
20200341378 Wolterink et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200342326 Rahnama Moghaddam Oct 2020 A1
20200342672 Schmelig et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200343082 Richardson et al. Oct 2020 A1
20200348307 Beierle et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200365237 Madden et al. Nov 2020 A1
20200375846 Chang et al. Dec 2020 A1
20210009817 Poulet et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210009883 Tuteja et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210032157 Czihal et al. Feb 2021 A1
20210061049 Lekon et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210098233 Kapoor et al. Apr 2021 A1
20210101176 Baltazar et al. Apr 2021 A1
20210108252 Beverly Apr 2021 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (216)
Number Date Country
2020244497 Oct 2020 AU
2538124 Jul 2010 CA
2881275 Oct 2020 CA
2855353 Jan 2021 CA
104327663 Feb 2015 CN
109225113 Jan 2019 CN
109608680 Apr 2019 CN
111471977 Jul 2020 CN
111560172 Aug 2020 CN
111848755 Oct 2020 CN
111855826 Oct 2020 CN
111855827 Oct 2020 CN
111863585 Oct 2020 CN
111944153 Nov 2020 CN
112011055 Dec 2020 CN
112264272 Jan 2021 CN
1816155 Jun 2011 EP
2587258 May 2013 EP
2608219 Mar 2015 EP
2915833 Sep 2015 EP
3573646 Dec 2019 EP
3633366 Apr 2020 EP
2403621 Oct 2020 EP
2798664 Oct 2020 EP
2834837 Oct 2020 EP
2900819 Oct 2020 EP
3006980 Oct 2020 EP
3060325 Oct 2020 EP
3131657 Oct 2020 EP
3139150 Oct 2020 EP
3169232 Oct 2020 EP
3169424 Oct 2020 EP
3273674 Oct 2020 EP
3344317 Oct 2020 EP
3399074 Oct 2020 EP
3545085 Oct 2020 EP
3727152 Oct 2020 EP
3727637 Oct 2020 EP
3727679 Oct 2020 EP
3727690 Oct 2020 EP
3728046 Oct 2020 EP
3728581 Oct 2020 EP
3728621 Oct 2020 EP
3728633 Oct 2020 EP
3729055 Oct 2020 EP
3729071 Oct 2020 EP
3729077 Oct 2020 EP
3729083 Oct 2020 EP
3729162 Oct 2020 EP
3729487 Oct 2020 EP
3729488 Oct 2020 EP
3730119 Oct 2020 EP
3730324 Oct 2020 EP
3730406 Oct 2020 EP
3730538 Oct 2020 EP
3730599 Oct 2020 EP
3730922 Oct 2020 EP
3730923 Oct 2020 EP
3730927 Oct 2020 EP
3731393 Oct 2020 EP
3749719 Dec 2020 EP
3788181 Mar 2021 EP
3095337 Oct 2020 FR
2108403 May 1983 GB
2429428 Feb 2007 GB
2481687 Jan 2012 GB
2490243 Oct 2012 GB
2501803 Nov 2013 GB
2531126 Apr 2016 GB
2549248 Oct 2017 GB
2534477 Oct 2020 GB
2574723 Oct 2020 GB
174122 Sep 2011 IL
239213 Mar 2020 IL
253518 Jun 2020 IL
262854 Jun 2020 IL
2012232870 Nov 2012 JP
2020507460 Mar 2020 JP
2020507462 Mar 2020 JP
2020507466 Mar 2020 JP
2020510522 Apr 2020 JP
6770727 Oct 2020 JP
6771390 Oct 2020 JP
6771801 Oct 2020 JP
6772721 Oct 2020 JP
6772764 Oct 2020 JP
6772953 Oct 2020 JP
6773138 Oct 2020 JP
6773236 Oct 2020 JP
2020169857 Oct 2020 JP
2020171429 Oct 2020 JP
2020171482 Oct 2020 JP
2020171483 Oct 2020 JP
2020171484 Oct 2020 JP
2020171882 Oct 2020 JP
2020172518 Oct 2020 JP
2020172703 Oct 2020 JP
2020173192 Oct 2020 JP
2020173427 Oct 2020 JP
2020176195 Oct 2020 JP
2020177669 Oct 2020 JP
2020530329 Oct 2020 JP
2020530909 Oct 2020 JP
2020536764 Dec 2020 JP
960007179 May 1996 KR
20000019936 Apr 2000 KR
20060130959 Dec 2006 KR
20080071942 Aug 2008 KR
20090103323 Oct 2009 KR
20120007817 Jan 2012 KR
20130020869 Mar 2013 KR
20140082838 Jul 2014 KR
101711786 Mar 2017 KR
20170021957 Mar 2017 KR
101742683 Jun 2017 KR
20180008427 Jan 2018 KR
20200139842 Dec 2020 KR
20210008523 Jan 2021 KR
102218186 Feb 2021 KR
20210013582 Feb 2021 KR
202031738 Sep 2020 TW
202039644 Nov 2020 TW
199119982 Dec 1991 WO
1998017407 Apr 1998 WO
1999040038 Aug 1999 WO
199951773 Oct 1999 WO
200032044 Jun 2000 WO
200168240 Sep 2001 WO
2002085250 Oct 2002 WO
2002085330 Oct 2002 WO
2003104394 Dec 2003 WO
2006015982 Feb 2006 WO
2006121295 Nov 2006 WO
2007081387 Jul 2007 WO
2007117191 Oct 2007 WO
2007117213 Oct 2007 WO
2007117214 Oct 2007 WO
2009007150 Jan 2009 WO
2010009311 Jan 2010 WO
2010135660 Nov 2010 WO
2012170549 Dec 2012 WO
2013064754 May 2013 WO
2014104495 Jul 2014 WO
2014104573 Jul 2014 WO
2014164928 Oct 2014 WO
2015050449 Apr 2015 WO
2015054652 Apr 2015 WO
2015134488 Sep 2015 WO
2016100923 Jun 2016 WO
2016114850 Jul 2016 WO
2016125272 Aug 2016 WO
2016160702 Oct 2016 WO
2016166816 Oct 2016 WO
2017040623 Mar 2017 WO
2017053891 Mar 2017 WO
2017060991 Apr 2017 WO
2017072893 May 2017 WO
2017087032 May 2017 WO
2017098758 Jun 2017 WO
2017143246 Aug 2017 WO
2017171546 Oct 2017 WO
2017189357 Nov 2017 WO
2017210223 Dec 2017 WO
2018072862 Apr 2018 WO
2018146318 Aug 2018 WO
2018202935 Nov 2018 WO
2019053693 Mar 2019 WO
2019063482 Apr 2019 WO
2019101980 May 2019 WO
2019116619 Jun 2019 WO
2019122100 Jun 2019 WO
2019126130 Jun 2019 WO
2019130536 Jul 2019 WO
2019138705 Jul 2019 WO
2019150573 Aug 2019 WO
2019152724 Aug 2019 WO
2019154758 Aug 2019 WO
2019155543 Aug 2019 WO
2019155545 Aug 2019 WO
2019165297 Aug 2019 WO
2019168989 Sep 2019 WO
2019171085 Sep 2019 WO
2019175441 Sep 2019 WO
2019176081 Sep 2019 WO
2019180045 Sep 2019 WO
2019185607 Oct 2019 WO
2019186999 Oct 2019 WO
2019191269 Oct 2019 WO
2019191587 Oct 2019 WO
2019193558 Oct 2019 WO
2019198280 Oct 2019 WO
2019200306 Oct 2019 WO
2019212799 Nov 2019 WO
2019218088 Nov 2019 WO
2019224201 Nov 2019 WO
2019224540 Nov 2019 WO
2019229171 Dec 2019 WO
2019238469 Dec 2019 WO
2019241394 Dec 2019 WO
2020068174 Apr 2020 WO
2020095566 May 2020 WO
2020104521 May 2020 WO
2020213061 Oct 2020 WO
2020213101 Oct 2020 WO
2020213209 Oct 2020 WO
2020216966 Oct 2020 WO
2020219451 Oct 2020 WO
2020219605 Oct 2020 WO
2020219659 Oct 2020 WO
2020219667 Oct 2020 WO
2020219671 Oct 2020 WO
2020219784 Oct 2020 WO
2020219869 Oct 2020 WO
2021019220 Feb 2021 WO
2021061049 Apr 2021 WO
2021072245 Apr 2021 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (64)
Entry
International Search Report and Written Opinion issued in International Application No. PCT/IB2021/059534 dated Mar. 10, 2022.
Kanavarioti et al. “HPLC methods for purity evaluation of man-made single-stranded RNAs.” Nature. 9(2019): 1019.
Wyndham et al. “Characterization and Evaluation of C18 HPLC Stationary Phases Based on Ethyl-Bridged Hybrid Organic/Inorganic Particles.” Anal. Chem. 75.24(2003): 6781-6788.
“Carboxy-silane triol.” PubChem, Aug. 12, 2023.
“Corrosion Resistant Coating Properties: Extend Product Life, Prevent Contamination.” SilcoTek. 2023.
“Electrical Property Characterization of SilcoTek Coatings.” Retrieved on Jul. 31, 2023.
“High Purity Coatings, the Secret Weapon in Semiconductor Manufacturing.” SilcoTek, Dec. 12, 2014.
“How Corrosion Resistant Is Dursan? Let's Find Out.” SilcoTek. Jan. 23, 2025.
“How to Identify and Prevent Fouling (HPL)”. SilcoTek. Jun. 22, 2017.
‘Reliable Sampling & Transfer of Sulfur Passivation vs. Inert Coatings.’ SilcoTek. Jun. 16, 2011.
“Silane Coupling Agents: Connecting Across Boundaries.” Gelest, Inc. 2014.
“Solving Surface Fouling with New Non-Stick CVD Coatings.” SilcoTek. Aug. 31, 2017.
“Specialty Coatings.” https://geniefilters.com/news-room/specialty-coatings. Dec. 29, 2013.
“Visit Us at Pittcon: Make Your HPLC System Faster & More Reliable.” SilcoTek. Mar. 3, 2017.
“What's SilcoTek Talking About at Pittcon 2018.” SilcoTek. Feb. 16, 2018.
Barone et al. “Characterizing the Performance of Surface Modifications that Enhance Sensitivty, Reliability, Reproducibility and Accuracy of Analytical Instruments.” (2011).
Barone et al. “Improving Reliability of Analytical and Sampling Systems in Challenges and Corrosive Environments.” (2011).
Barone. “Corrosion Control and Chemically inert nano-coatings for use in refining, petrochemical and analytical equipment industries.” 2021.
Barone. “Exciting Developments in Silicon Barrier Coatings for Semicon.” SIlcokTek. Jul. 15, 2015.
Bischof. “Achieving PEEK-like Performance on Stainless Steel HPLC Components with Bio-Inert CVD Coatings.” SilcoTek. Feb. 28, 2019.
Brown et al. “Sampling of gaseous sulfur-containing compounds at low concentrations with a review of best-practice methods for biogas and natural gas applications.” Trends Anal. Chem. 64(2015): 42-52.
Buchmeiser. “New synthetic ways for the preparation of high-performance liquid chromatography supports.” J. Chromatogr. A. 918(2001): 233-266.
Colic et al. “Synergistic Application of Chemical and Electromagnetic Water Treatment in Corrosion and Scale Prevention.” Croatia Chem. Acta. 71.4(1998): 905-916.
Conroy. “Nanostructed surfaces for sening heavy metals and radionuclides in aqueous systems.” Doctorate thesis—Philosophy—The University of Leeds. Oct. 2012.
Dursan: An Inert and Corrosion Resistant High Performance CVD Coating. SilcoTek. Retrieved on Jul. 31, 2023.
Dursan® and SilcoNert® 2000 Coating Comparison Guide. (2000).
Dursan® Coating Data Sheet. 2022.
Dursan® Coating Data Sheet. Jun. 1, 2021.
Gosetti et al. “Signal suppression/enhancement in high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.” J. Chromatogr. A. 1217(2010): 3929-3937.
Hayes et al. “Core-shell particles: Preparation fundamentals and applications in high performance liquid chromatography.” J. Chromatogr. A. 1357(2014): 36-52.
Kong. “Measuring the Electrostatic Repulsion Forces Beween Glycosaminoglycans Using the Atomic Force Microscope.” Masters Thesis—Department of Materials Science Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sep. 1999.
Ntrouka et al. “The effect of chemotherapeutic agents on contaminated titanium surfaces: a systematic review.” Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22(2011): 681-690.
Paleologos et al. “Micelle-mediated separation and cloud-point extraction.” Trends Anal. Chem. 24.5(2005): 426-436.
Pfaunmiller et al. “Affinity monolith chromatography: A review of principles and recent analytical applications.” Anal. Bionanal. Chem. 405.7(2013): 2133-2145.
Pirok et al. “Pratical Approaches to Overcome the Challenges of Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography.” LCGC Europe. 31.5(2018): 242-249.
Pirok et al. “Recent Developments in Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography: Fundamental Improvements for Practical Applications.” Anal. Chem. 91.1(2019): 240-263.
Rivera et al. “Bioinert Versus Biocompatible: The Benefits of Different Column Materials in Liquid Chromatography Separations.” LCGC Suppl. 36.6(2018).
SilcoTek Coating Properties: A Comprehensive Analysis of Coating Characteristics and Properties. e-book. Retrieved 2023.
SilcoTek Intellectual Property, Patents and Trademarks. Retrieved Jul. 31, 2023.
SilcoTek® Non-Stick CVD Coatings,. Retrieved Jul. 31, 2023.
Technical Program, Agenda of Sessions: Abstract PDF. Pittcon, Atlanta, GA, Mar. 6-10, 2016.
Vaidya et al. “Protein-Resistant Properties of SilcoTek's Dursan® Coating.” SilcoTek. (2017).
Waters Quality Parts®, Chromatography Columns and Supplies Catalog. Dec. 2014.
Al-Hamarneh et al. “Synthesis and characterization of di(ethylene glycol) vinyl ether films deposited by atmospheric pressure corona discharge plasma.” Surface Coatings Technol. 234(2013):33-41.
Beigbeder et al. “Marine Fouling Release Silicone/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite Coatings: On the Importance of the Nanotube Dispersion State.” J. Nanosci. Nanotech, 10(2010): 2972-2978.
Biocyl™ X1, Dec. 20, 2018.
Carretier et al. “Design of PVDF/PEGMA-b-PS-b-PEGMA membranes by VIPS for improved biofouling mitigation.” J. Membrane Sci. 510(2016):355-369.
Cheong. “Fritting techniques in chromatography.” J. Sep. Sci. 37(2014): 603-617.
Dursan® Coating for Improved, Metal-Free Liquid Chromatography. Dec. 20, 2018.
Dursan® Data Sheet 2018.
HPLC Hardware. Möller Medical. (2007).
Hsieh et al. “Effective Enhancement of Fluorescence Detection Efficiency in Protein Microarray Assays: Application of a Highly Fluorinated Organosilane as the Blocking Agent on the Background Surface by a Facile Vapor-Phase Deposition Process.” Anal. Chem. 81(2009): 7908-7916.
Kaliaraj et al. “Bio-inspired YSZ coated titanium by EB-PVD for biomedical applications.” Surface and Coatings Technol. 307(2016): 227-235.
Lauber et al. “Rapid Preparation of Released N-Glycans for HILIC Analysis Using a Labeling Reagent that Facilitates Sensitive Fluorescence and ESI-MS Detection.” Anal Chem. 87.10(2015): 5401-9.
Lecloux et al. “The safe use of carbon nanotubes in coating applications.” OECD Conference on Benefits of nanomaterials. Paris, Jul. 15-17, 2009.
NanoCoatings Product Information. Moller Medical. (2010).
Rahimi et al. “Application of copolymer coated frits for solid-phase extraction of poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples.” Anal. Chim. Acta. 836(2014): 45-52.
Rosmaninho et al. “Modified stainless steel surfaces targeted to reduce fouling—Evaluation of fouling by milk components.” J. Food Engineering. 80(2007): 1176-1187.
Shih et al. “Silanization of Stainless-Steel Frits for Use in Trace Metal Analysis by High Performance Liquid Chromatography.” Talanta. 28(1981): 411-414.
Sun et al. “Vapor-based Grafting of Crosslinked Poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) Coatings with Tuned Hydrophilicity and Anti-Biofouling Properties.” J. Mater. Chem. B. 4(2016): 2669-2678.
Vaidya et al. “Protein-resistant properties of a chemical vapor deposited alkyl-functional carboxysilane coating characterized using quartz crystal microbalance.” Appl. Surface Sci. 364(2016): 896-908.
Velox Plus, Dec. 20, 2018.
Xue et al. “Surface-modified anodic aluminum oxide membrane with hydroxyethyl celluloses as a matrix for bilirubin removal.” J. Chromatog. B. 912(2013):1-7.
Yang et al. “Synergistic Prevention of Biofouling in Seawater Desalination by Zwitterionic Surfaces and Low-Level Chloronation.” Adv. Mater. 26(2014): 1711-1718.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20210223217 A1 Jul 2021 US
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
62559895 Sep 2017 US
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 16133089 Sep 2018 US
Child 17204021 US