Description
Engineered Surface Chemistry for Enhanced Analyte Recovery in Ultra-Sensitive LC-MS
Technical Overview
Hydrophilic-Q Polypropylene Vials feature proprietary surface hydrophilization treatment that modifies polypropylene's natural hydrophobic character. Through controlled chemical vapor deposition (CVD), we create a stable hydrophilic surface layer that significantly reduces contact angles and improves wetting behavior, addressing analyte loss through hydrophobic interactions in trace-level LC-MS workflows.
This surface modification targets the well-documented challenge of analyte adsorption to hydrophobic surfaces - a recognized source of variability in low-concentration analytical methods. By increasing surface wettability and reducing hydrophobic binding sites, Hydrophilic-Q vials promote more consistent analyte presentation to analytical systems.
The Science Behind Hydrophilic Surface Treatment
Hydrophobic Adsorption Challenge: Standard polypropylene surfaces exhibit high hydrophobic character (typical contact angles >90°), creating favorable conditions for non-polar and amphiphilic molecules to partition from aqueous solution to the container surface. This phenomenon is particularly problematic at low analyte concentrations where surface interactions can significantly impact recovery.
Hydrophilic Surface Approach: Our CVD treatment deposits a hydrophilic layer that:
- Reduces surface contact angles to enhance wettability
- Decreases hydrophobic character through polar functional group incorporation
- Minimizes surface binding sites for hydrophobic analytes
- Improves sample distribution across container surfaces
- Maintains substrate chemical inertness while modifying surface properties
Performance Improvements: Initial studies demonstrate substantial improvements in recovery for hydrophobic analytes at sub-μg/mL concentrations compared to untreated polypropylene, with notable reduction in measurement variability.
Design & Manufacturing Features
High-Purity Substrate: Medical-grade polypropylene selected for low extractable content and chemical compatibility with LC-MS solvents and biological matrices.
Optimized Geometry: Conical interior design minimizes residual volume while maximizing analyte recovery. Available in 300μL and 750μL working volumes with low dead volume characteristics.
Surface Treatment Durability: CVD process creates surface modification designed to withstand typical analytical conditions including organic solvents, physiological pH ranges, and freeze-thaw cycling.
Target Applications
Proteomics: Designed for peptide and protein analysis where surface losses can compromise quantitative results, particularly in discovery workflows and biomarker studies.
Bioanalytical Development: Supports method development for protein therapeutics, small molecule drugs, and metabolites in complex biological matrices where analyte recovery is critical.
Pharmaceutical Research: Enables analysis of low-solubility compounds and trace-level analytes where traditional containers may exhibit significant losses.
Platform Compatibility
Standard 12x32mm format compatible with major LC-MS autosampler systems including Waters, Agilent, Thermo Scientific, and Shimadzu platforms. Direct replacement for existing polypropylene vials in established workflows.
Technical Specifications
- Base Material: High-purity polypropylene with hydrophilic surface treatment
- Surface Properties: Reduced contact angle and enhanced wettability vs. untreated polypropylene
- Chemical Compatibility: Resistant to common LC-MS solvents and biological matrices
- Temperature Range: Suitable for standard laboratory storage and analytical conditions
- Manufacturing: Controlled cleanroom environment with quality testing
Product Configuration:
- Vial Capacity: 2 mL, 12x32mm format
- Working Volumes: 300μL and 750μL configurations
- Closure Options: Screw thread, snap cap, or crimp top
- Septa Types: PTFE/silicone solid or pre-slit
- Packaging: 100 vials per pack
Hydrophilic-Q Polypropylene Vials — Advanced surface chemistry for improved analytical confidence
