New HPLC-Chip Simplifies Proteomics Research

Agilent Technologies, Inc has introduced a new HPLC-Chip that dramatically simplifies the analysis of phosphopeptides in proteomics research. The Phosphochip is used with Agilent HPLC-Chip/MS instrumentation to identify post-translational modifications (PTMs) as part of regulating biological pathways. This new HPLC-Chip was co-developed with Professor Albert J.R. Heck’s group at Utrecht University as part of the Netherlands Proteomics Centre research programme. Agilent’s Phosphochip is a unique product that combines enrichment and analysis of phosphopeptides into a single-step LC/MS analysis when used with the Agilent HPLC-Chip/MS Interface and Agilent 6000 Series Mass Spectrometers. The HPLC-Chip has a fully integrated microfluidic design that enables routine PTM analysis. Protein phosphorylation is one of the most important PTM events within mechanisms that regulate protein function in biological cells.

“Our new HPLC-Chip is the ultimate ease-of-use tool for phosphopeptide analysis as it has a fully integrated microfluidic design that enables routine phophopeptide analysis without the hassles of clogging and plumbing that arise in conventional nano LC,” said Professor Heck.

“Agilent’s broad HPLC-Chip portfolio covers a wide range of applications and enables customers in a unique way. Through relentless innovation, we continue to simplify the LC/MS workflow for the research community,” said Patrick Kaltenbach, Agilent General Manager, Liquid Chromatography. Agilent pioneered the HPLC-Chip/MS concept in 2005, combining nanoflow HPLC columns and connecting capillaries
and a spray emitter into a re-useable, credit card-size device. This allowed the advantages of high sensitivity and low-sample consumption provided by nano LC/MS to be accessible to scientists without the troublesome setup involving microvalve, fittings and capillary tubing of conventional nano LC.