Automated TLC-Compact Mass Spectrometry System Introduced

Advion, Inc. (USA), a leading systems and consumables developer for the life sciences industry, introduces the Plate ExpressTM, a patent-pending automated software-controlled system to directly analyse thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates and a full range of other planar surfaces by mass spectrometry. Plate Express provides a simple, automated, software-clicked means of visually pinpointing and extracting compounds from a range of TLC plate formats into Advion’s expression compact mass spectrometer (CMS). The combined technique is known as TLC/CMS. Synthetic organic, natural product and peptide chemists can quickly and confidently identify analytes in complex mixtures without additional sample preparation utilising TLC/CMS  

Plate Express is controlled by Advion’s Mass Express software, vastly simplifying the process and increasing the robustness of TLC spot and planar surface analysis. A patent-pending pressure-sensing feature allows for uncommon force management to be controlled, superbly sealing around the point of interest, while extending the life of the probe, further reducing the cost of consumables. For routine and expert users alike, the software allows for methods to be developed for their plates and surfaces of choice.

“Advion developed the patent-pending Plate Express with input from chemists involved in several research areas as well as extensive review of peer-reviewed publications,” comments Simon J. Prosser, Vice President of Marketing. “We identified a strong market desire for an integrated simple to use, software-enabled technique, not requiring expertise in mass spectrometry, as well as robust enough to handle more challenging mixtures, plate types and other planar surfaces. Initial feedback has been tremendous.”

The system works by placing a developed TLC plate into the device, aligning the spot of interest and clicking the Mass Express start button, then real-time data is displayed on the computer screen. Plate Express can also be used to extract samples from other surfaces, such as papers and biological tissue samples, with an array of extraction heads available, and each optimised for different applications. With many features designed specifically to extend probe life and auto-clean, the combined TLC/CMS system is ideally suited for chemistry laboratories and QA/QC.