Two-dimensional liquid chromatography is often used to reduce the proteomic sample complexity prior to tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The 2D-LC performance depends on the peak capacity in both chromatographic dimensions, and separation orthogonality. The peak capacity and selectivity of many LC modes for peptides is not well known, and mathematical characterization for orthogonality is underdeveloped. Consequently, it is difficult to estimate the performance of 2D-LC for peptide separation. The goal of this paper was to investigate a selectivity of common LC modes and to identify the 2D-LC systems with a useful orthogonality. A geometric approach for orthogonality description was developed and applied for estimation of a practical peak 2D-LC capacity. Selected LC modes including various RP, SCX, SEC, and HILIC were combined in 2D-LC setups. SCX-RP, HILIC-RP, and RP-RP 2D systems were found to provide suitable orthogonality. The RP-RP system (employing significantly different pH in both RP separation dimensions) had the highest practical peak capacity of 2D-LC systems investigated.

Two-dimensional high performance liquid chromatography is a useful tool for proteome analysis, providing a greater peak capacity than single-dimensional LC. The most popular 2D-HPLC approach used today for proteomic research combines strong cation exchange and reversed-phase HPLC. We have evaluated an alternative mode for 2D-HPLC of peptides, employing reversed-phase columns in both separation dimensions. The orthogonality of 2D separation was investigated for selected types of RP stationary phases, ion-pairing agents and mobile phase pH. The pH appears to have the most significant impact on the RP-LC separation selectivity; the greatest orthogonality was achieved for the system with C18 columns using pH 10 in the first and pH 2.6 in the second LC dimension. Separation was performed in off-line mode with partial fraction evaporation. The achievable peak capacity in RP-RP-HPLC and overall performance compares favorably to SCX-RP-HPLC and holds promise for proteomic analysis.

Improved in-solution tryptic digestion of proteins in terms of speed and peptide coverage was achieved with the aid of a novel acid-labile anionic surfactant (ALS). Unlike SDS, ALS solubilizes proteins without inhibiting trypsin or other common endopeptidases activity. Trypsin activity was evaluated in the presence of various denaturants; little or no decrease in proteolytic activity was observed in 0.1-1% ALS solutions (w/v). Sample preparation prior to mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography analysis consists of sample acidification. ALS degrades rapidly at low-pH conditions, which eliminates surfactant-caused interference with analysis. Described methodology combines the advantages of protein solubilization, rapid digestion, high peptide coverages, and easy sample preparation for mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography analyses.

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