title: Microsequence analysis of peptides and proteins. IX. An improved, compact, automated instrument.
abstract: We describe the construction of an improved, compact protein sequencer with a vertical flow path and continuous flow reactor (CFR). Unique features include a hexagonal valve for six fluid inputs to the CFR, which connects vertically to a transfer valve that allows sample, reagent, and solvent input to a conversion flask (CF). The simplified CF contains only two inputs at the top, one for sample, reagent, and solvent input, and the other a vent. The CF drains from the bottom, connecting to a switching valve which allows either delivery to waste or to an on-line HPLC for the analysis of phenylthiohydantoin amino acid derivatives. Approximately 90% of the sample is analyzed by use of a sonic flow detector. The overall vertical flow path of the sequencer is about 16 cm. The size of the instrument (25 w x 38 x 44 d cm) is smaller than that of commercially available sequencers or HPLC systems. The performance of the instrument includes reduced background peaks and high-sensitivity sequence analysis at the 5-10 pmol level. The simplified sequencer is more economical and portable than conventional sequencers.
authors.affiliation: Division of Immunology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Calaycay
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rusnak
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Shively
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D005914:Globins / Q000737:chemistry; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010449:Peptide Mapping / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010669:Phenylthiohydantoin; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D011506:Proteins; D010669:Phenylthiohydantoin; D005914:Globins