Ontogen Corporation

Jonathan D Krakover

Romaine R Maiefski

Don Wendell

William Charles Ripka

A multiple channel high throughput purification system for purifying a plurality of samples, preferably four or more samples from a chemical library. The high throughput purification uses chromatography, and more preferably, super critical fluid chromatography. Four parallel channels are provided in this system and coupled to a common analyzer and computer. The four channels direct the selected sample flow through a separator, such as an SFC column, a detector, such as a UV detector, to detect peaks within the sample flow, and a micro sample valve that splits a sampling of the flow to an analyzer, such as a mass spectrometer. The system also utilizes unique back pressure regulator assemblies and pressure relief assemblies to maintain a selected pressure within the purification channel. While the sample flow continues, the mass spectrometer simultaneously analyzes the sampling to determine if a target compound is within the sample portion.

Apparatus and method for multiple channel high throughput purification

A high throughput liquid chromotagraphy column assembly for separating a large sample with a selected mass weight and fluid volume. The assembly includes a loading column with a loading chamber with a first inner diameter and a first length. The loading chamber contains a packing material on to which sample is loaded and spatially distributed. The length of the loading chamber's volume is sufficient to fully load the sample therein but the length of the loading chamber is insufficient to achieve the selected chromotagraphic separation. A separation column is in fluid communication with the loading column. The separation column has a separation chamber with a diameter smaller than the loading column's inner diameter and a length greater than the loading column's length. In one embodiment, the loading column has a diameter two or more times greater than the separation chamber's diameter, and the loading column has a length one-half or less than the length of the separation chamber. The separation chamber's diameter is such that the separation chamber has a volume over the same length as the loading column's length that is insufficient to act as a loading area for the entire selected sample for the given mass and volume of the sample.

Sample separation apparatus and method for multiple channel high throughput purification

A fraction collection assembly having a frame and a dispensing head movably connected to the frame for movement about three axes. The dispensing head has a dispensing tube that receives and dispenses the sample portion. The dispensing head is movable between a dispensing position, a rinse position, and a pickup position. A receiving container with a receiving well is positioned to receive the sample portion of the selected sample dispensed from the dispensing tube when the dispensing head is in the dispensing position. The receiving well has a 1-to-1 corresponding position to the well from which the sample is originally taken from the supplying container. The rinse station is connected to the frame and positioned to removably receive the dispensing tube when the dispensing head is in the rinse position. A pickup station is provided adjacent to an expansion chamber distribution assembly to retain the expansion chambers in a selected position to be picked up by the dispensing head when in the pick up position prior to distribution of the sample into the receiving container.

Sample collection apparatus and method for multiple channel high throughput purification

A multiple channel high throughput purification system for purifying a plurality of samples, preferably four or more samples from a chemical library. The high throughput purification uses chromatography, and more preferably, super critical fluid chromatography. Four parallel channels are provided in this system and coupled to a common analyzer and computer. The four channels direct the selected sample flow through a separator, such as an SFC column, a detector, such as a UV detector, to detect peaks within the sample flow, and a micro sample valve that splits a sampling of the flow to an analyzer, such as a mass spectrometer. The system also utilizes unique back pressure regulator assemblies and pressure relief assemblies to maintain a selected pressure within the purification channel. While the sample flow continues, the mass spectrometer simultaneously analyzes the sampling to determine if a target compound is within the sample portion. A fraction collection valve directs sample portions to one of two fraction collectors such as a microtiter plate. The purified target compounds are collected in one microtiter plate and the other non-desirable peaks are collected in a second microtiter plate in corresponding wells. In the supercritical fluid chromatography purification system, an expansion chamber is provided to condense the vaporous sample flow before the purified compounds are added to the particular well of the microtiter plate. A fraction collection assembly is used that automates the use of disposable expansion chambers for depositing the samples in the microtiter plates.

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Vista, CA, United States of America

Jonathan D Krakover