Optimize trapping guide
2 Oct 2025Trapping is a valuable technique for sample clean-up, purification, pre-concentration, desalting, and detergent removal. This comprehensive guide to trapping from Optimize Technologies, aims to help you select the best options for your LC and LC/MS applications.
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OPTI-PAK® Trap Columns
Optimize Technologies, Inc.The OPTI-PAK Trap Columns unique hardware design integrates a PEEK holder with an auto-adjusting stem which provides a fluid interface with any 10-32 standard injector port, and guarantees a zero-dead-volume connection despite variances in tube stop depth. A proprietary method of frit placement allows the packed stem to be positioned directly into the flow path, which eliminates all excess swept volume. Less swept volume translates to absolute minimum sample dilution and dispersion. The elegant, flexible design of OPTI-PAK® makes it amenable to virtually any trapping application. Installing an OPTI-PAK® into the outlet of a switching valve will facilitate the trapping, desalting, and pre-concentration of an analyte mixture. With OPTI-PAK's versatility, a second trap can be added downstream in the loop of an injection valve and effectively perform a 2D separation.Key Features: Includes 5 disposable 10-32 hand-tight holders and custom packed cartridges Specially designed for use in today's low volume trapping applications Packed stem is positioned directly in flow path Absolute minimum sample dilution and dispersion Auto adjusting ZDV connection Amenable to any trapping technique Can be installed side-by-side in same valve stator without interference

EXP® Trap Columns
Optimize Technologies, Inc.The patent-pending EXP® Trap Column is rated for use at 20,000+ psi (1,400+ bar). This unique design connects directly to any injection valve (with 10-32 threads) or in-line with 1/16” stainless tubing for unparalleled convenience and efficiency. The EXP® Cartridge System enables chemists to quickly remove detergents or salts which can affect the ionization process in MS work. This trapping technique can concentrate the sample directly on-line, allowing for increased recovery of precious sample material compared to off-line techniques. On-line trapping readily lends itself to automation for high-throughput analysis in UHPLC/MS applications. Free-Turn® architecture allows the user to change cartridges by hand without breaking fluid connections on the holder inlet/outlet.Key Features:Includes 3 uni-directional cartridgesRated to 20,000+ psi (1,400+ bar)Bed volumes from 4 µL to 100 µLConvenient means of handling a variety of sample clean-up and enrichment processesMore efficient than off-line trapping techniquesHand-tight trap replacement - NO TOOLS!Custom packing availableHolder can be used with EXP® Trap and Guard CartridgesFittings included with holder

OPTI-LYNX™ Quick Connect Guard Columns
Optimize Technologies, Inc.The OPTI-LYNX™ QuickConnect Guard Column is a high-performance, cartridge-based guard system, suitable for use with any 10-32 analytical column due to its auto-adjusting ZDV port adapter. OPTI-LYNX™ combines effective column protection with the convenience of quick-connect operation. Some cartridge-based guard column products offer convenience with a price: higher internal volumes. Optimize Technologies, refuse to compromise performance for anything. OPTI-LYNX™ utilizes low dispersion component interfaces to keep extra column volume to a minimum: connection paths have a total internal volume of less than 2µL. You get quick-connect convenience and low dispersion, all in one package.