Recent advances in on-line upfront devices for sensitive bioanalytical nano LC methods

Nano liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (nLC-MS), is often a tool of choice for the analysis of very limited samples, especially in proteomics. Although highly powerful in itself, nLC-MS may often rely upon upfront procedures for sample preparation. On-line upfront devices are directly connected to the nLC-MS analysis system, allowing for efficient handling of precious samples. Focusing on nLC-MS based systems, this review discusses upfront on-line interactions, particularly based on the use of solid phase extraction columns, for obtaining high sensitivity, high selectivity and high robustness. Also discussed are approaches based on on-line reactions, e.g. on-line enzymatic digestion systems, for obtaining rapid sample preparation and minimal sample loss. Focus is placed on papers published from 2016 to medio 2020. (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Automated summary

This review focuses on the application of nLC-MS in sample preparation, particularly through online upfront devices and online reaction systems to improve the sensitivity and robustness of samples.