1. Introduction and MicrOmics’ History with Emitters and Columns:

MicrOmics has deep roots in advanced ESI emitter technology. In 2005, our co-founder Dr. Ryan Kelly developed the original Stinger Constant-ID Etched-Tip (CET) emitter at PNNL to overcome long-standing challenges in nanospray stability and clogging. This work laid the foundation for our high-performance Nano LC column solution. 


Since 2016, Dr. Kelly lab has been working on ultra sensitive single-cell proteomcis LC-MS based workflow, which requires high throughput and ultra-sensitive Nano-LC column, which doesn't exist and on the market. Built on the past experience of fabricating ESI emitters and expertise from PNNL national lab, Dr. Kelly's group worked on develop nano LC column that both robust and high performance. After near 10 years R&D, in 2024 MicrOmics released it's line of nano LC column including ID from 30 to 150 µm and length from 5 cm to 60 cm.

To address the issue of easy-of-use and vendor locked capillary column solution, we starts to build a flexible capillary column heating solution since 2024 and launched our ColuMate capillary heating solution in 2025. This solution combine the high performance, easy to used and flexibility into one and become a popular choice of heating solution for our users, click here for learn more about our ColuMate system.

2. Key Features

Each batch MS verified performance

1.6 um 100 A high performance particle

1500 bar pressure limits

Low pressure/volume frit

Premium performance without the premium price

Learn more about NanoLc Column Technologies:

Nano LC Column Flyer

3. Column Performance

Maximum proteoics identification from low pg to high ng

Tight CV gives you confidence in your data

Tight CV gives you confidence in your data

Stable retention times and good repeatability ensure reliable results

Example gradient and conditions, visit our document center below for more details

4. Column Fitting Guideline

Our Column comes in various different formats for fit users need, range from bare column, to various inlet fitting and outlet fitting as well as easy-to-use coluMate ready format.

A. ColuMate Ready columns

ColuMate Ready Columns are designed specifically for the MicrOmics ColuMate Capillary Column Heating System. They make installing a capillary column incredibly simple—just open the chamber, drop it in, and close. The inlet side features a standard 1/16-inch female fitting, fully compatible with NanoViper connections and other common transfer lines.

Best of all, unlike other capillary-column vendors, there is NO MARKUP for the ColuMate Ready format, also no extra wasteful shell/fitting in this format. You get the same high-performance column at the same price.

This is the preferred format for users who want heated columns for maximum stability and performance. To learn more about the ColuMate System, visit our ColuMate Page.

B. Standard Integrated columns

Standard Integrated Columns offer a flexible format featuring an integrated emitter at the outlet, protected by a 1/32-inch PEEK sleeve, and a standard 1/16-inch female inlet fitting compatible with NanoViper connections and other common transfer lines.

This format is the most popular choice for users who operate without a heating system or who prefer to use third-party heaters.

C. Standard non-Integrated columns

Standard Non-Integrated Columns are available in two outlet configurations: with a 1/16-inch fitting or without a fitting (bare capillary outlet). Both formats feature a standard 1/16-inch female inlet fitting compatible with NanoViper connections and other common transfer lines. The only difference is at the outlet.

  • With a 1/16-inch outlet fitting: Provides convenient, ready-to-use connectivity for Thermo EasySpray emitters and Bruker emitter kits.
  • Without a fitting (bare capillary outlet): Offers maximum flexibility, allowing users to make their own custom connection to any emitter of their choice.

 

D. Bare capillary columns

Bare Capillary Columns offer the most flexible and cost-efficient option. They are available in two versions: integrated tip or non-integrated tip. Users can choose any inlet and outlet fittings they prefer for full customization.

For the integrated emitter version, the tip is protected with a 1/32-inch PEEK sleeve to ensure safe handling and reliability.

E. Vendor Specific columns

Certain mass spectrometer vendors require specific adapters or hardware to interface correctly with their ion sources (e.g., Bruker CaptiveSpray, Thermo EasySpray, etc.). We tailor our column solutions to meet these requirements.

Because each vendor has unique specifications and nuances, please contact our sales team to obtain the correct part number for your specific instrument and application.

6. Related Products

6. FAQ (frequently asked questions)

Performance-wise, our customers consistently report higher protein/peptide IDs and narrower peak widths compared to leading MS-brand columns. When benchmarked against top nanoLC column vendors, our columns perform in par with their best offerings, but with a notably longer lifetime thanks to our unique emitter geometry, which is less prone to clogging. And importantly, you get all of this without the premium price tag.

75 µm x 15 cm is by far the most popular dimension among our customers.

7. Related Documents

Nano LC Column Quick Start Guide

ColuMate Cartridge Quick Start Guide

MicrOmics Integrated Columns with Orbitrap Astral

Operating Guideline for Nanoflow LC-MS columns

Nano LC Column Flyer