This month's "Sample Prep Perspectives" column summarizes current sample preparation procedures for LC–MS as applied to samples from biological matrices. Guest columnist Fred Klink describes ion suppression effects and other interferences common in LC–MS to provide a basis for understanding sample preparation requirements. He also examines established procedures as well as new concepts in sample preparation.

Articles

Current sample preparation procedures for LC–MS as applied to samples from biological matrices.

New Sample Preparation Approaches to Biological Matrices for LC–MS

The first part of a multipart series tells you how to put your best foot forward and maximize your chances for a successful separation.

LC problems fall into one of two categories: those associated with instrumentation and those associated with the separation itself. Dolan explains how to identify which kind you have and how to approach correcting the problem.

Starting Out Right, Part I – Selecting the Tools

Getting to know the features of desk-top database management systems is the best way to learn the basics of database management.

Ouchi explains why getting to know the features of a desk-top database management system is the best way to learn the basics of database management.

Desk-Top Database Management Systems

This report summarizes activities performed during and after World War II at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Iowa State University aimed at the separation of rare earths by ion-exchange chromatography on laboratory, pilot-plant, and industrial scales.

Preparative Liquid Chromatography and the Manhattan Project

An important feature of linear and star-like styrene–butadiene block copolymers obtained by anionic polymerization is their composition. Pyrolysis gas chromatgraphy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy are reliable tools to ascertain the content of styrene and butadiene, respectively. The authors of this article propose a new way of determining the composition of styrene–butadiene copolymer samples using only gel permeation chromatography. They were able to obtain the molecular mass and composition by accounting for the corrections imposed by the different hydrodynamic volumes.

The authors compare their results in analyzing styrene–butadiene block copolymers by gel permeation chromatography with other methods, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis gas chromatography.

Characterization of Styrene–Butadiene Block Copolymers by Gel Permeation Chromatography

Used and refurbished high performance liquid chromatography equipment can be a cost-effective alternative to new instrumentation, and today's market has an excellent supply of this equipment. This article provides a helpful guide to the process, factors to consider, and tips about equipment sources, including new Internet services.

More researchers are discovering that buying used laboratory equipment can be an effective way to reduce costs. An excellent supply of high-quality, used chromatography equipment is available on the market as a result of mergers and consolidations in biotechnology companies and downsizing in the environmental industry.

December 1999 | LCGC North America

New Sample Preparation Approaches to Biological Matrices for LC–MS

Starting Out Right, Part I – Selecting the Tools

Desk-Top Database Management Systems

Preparative Liquid Chromatography and the Manhattan Project

Characterization of Styrene–Butadiene Block Copolymers by Gel Permeation Chromatography

A Guide to Purchasing Used Chromatography Equipment