Trajan CB Emitters. Clog-Resistant LC-MS Emitters for Proteomics

Introducing the Trajan CB Emitter

To address these challenges, we developed the Trajan CB Emitter for reliable nanoelectrospray LC-MS workflows. Unlike traditional pulled emitters with a tapered internal diameter, the Trajan CB Emitter features constant bore technology that maintains a uniform ID right to the tip—helping reduce clog risk, minimize downtime and reruns, and keep workflows running smoothly.

Constant bore explained

Consistent performance for demanding workflows

Trajan CB Emitters don’t just reduce clogging – they’re precision-engineered in-house to deliver the sensitivity, accuracy and consistency essential for high-performance proteomics. Every detail is designed to keep workflows moving and results reliable. Trajan CB Emitters deliver stable Nano ESI performance and the reliability needed for demanding workflows.

Explore key benefits

Coating options

Choosing the Trajan CB Emitter with the right coating ensures optimal spray stability and compatibility with your LC-MS setup. Here’s what each option offers:

Uncoated

For source configurations where voltage is applied to the liquid junction. This is the simplest configuration, suitable for standard workflows where electrical contact at the junction is sufficient.

Gold tip coated

For source configurations where voltage is applied to the emitter body, this option enhances spray stability and improves efficiency for non FAIMS applications.

Gold distal coated

Features a non-conductive tip that eliminates arcing in FAIMS systems. This design allows closer positioning to the FAIMS interface for a more stable spray and improved ion transmission.

Constant bore explained

A constant bore emitter maintains a uniform internal diameter right to the tip, eliminating abrupt constrictions that can disrupt fluid dynamics. This streamlined design promotes smooth, laminar flow, minimizes turbulence, and reduces sites for particle buildup — significantly lowering the risk of clogging.

The outcome is fewer interruptions, fewer reruns, and consistently higher throughput for demanding workflows.

Constant bore LC-MS emitter technology

A constant bore fused silica emitter maintains a uniform internal diameter right to the tip, eliminating abrupt constrictions that can disrupt fluid dynamics. This streamlined design promotes smooth, laminar flow, minimizes turbulence, and reduces sites for particle buildup — significantly lowering the risk of clogging.

The outcome is fewer interruptions, fewer reruns, and consistently higher throughput for demanding workflows.

“Because these emitters have a completely straight internal bore with no taper, they very rarely clog if you’re careful with them. In fact, it’s almost impossible to block them.”

Dr. Matt Padula
Director, Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform, University of Technology Sydney, Australia

“In the laboratory, our core objective is to deliver high-quality results to all of our collaborators on time. Trajan CB Emitters have demonstrated exceptional robustness in our non-integrated emitter column configurations, often lasting through hundreds of injections.”

Proteomics Lab Manager
Metabolomics and Proteomics Facility

"We have performed hundreds of runs using Trajan CB Emitters, and the spray quality has proven to be very robust and reproducible. When using other emitters, we found that despite sample cleaning processes, certain samples or matrices interfered with the spray - and in extreme cases, caused blockages. These issues result in significant LC-MS downtime and delays in project deliverables."

Dr. Gagan Deep Jhingan
VProteomics, India

“We consistently observe excellent spray stability and minimal emitter-to-emitter variability, which ensures intra-batch consistency, reduces the need for reacquisitions, and safeguards data integrity. These qualities make Trajan CB Emitters a critical component in maintaining reliability and efficiency across many of our workflows.”

Proteomics Lab Manager
Metabolomics and Proteomics Facility

FAQs

What materials are Trajan CB Emitters made from?

Trajan CB Emitters are made from pure synthetic fused silica with a durable polyimide coating.

Are there different metallized coatings available?

Trajan CB Emitters are available either uncoated, or with gold coating (tip or distal coated).

What is the emitter coated with, and what advantages are offered when using an emitter with tip coating versus distal coating?

Gold coating is applied to emitters for source configurations where voltage is applied directly to the emitter.

Tip coated emitters have gold coating all the way to the tip.

Distal coated emitters are gold coated on the body only, with uncoated non-conductive tips, eliminating arcing associated when using stainless steel emitters.

Uncoated emitters do not have any metal coating applied.

What voltage is typically applied to Trajan CB Emitters? Trajan CB Emitters operate between 1.6 kV to 2.5 kV for typical proteomic workflows; however voltage depends on solvent composition and distance to the MS inlet. We recommend operating at a few hundred volts higher than the onset voltage (minimum voltage to initiate the spray).

What flow rates are typically set for Trajan CB Emitters? Trajan CB Emitters are typically operated at 250-500 nL/min for optimal spray stability and sensitivity.

What internal diameter (ID) is recommended? We recommend a Trajan CB emitter with 10 µm internal diameter (ID) for lower flow rate (<200 nL/min) and for clean samples that require high sensitivity. We recommend 20 µm ID for higher flow rate (>200 nL/min) and for more complex samples, as well as routine experiments that prioritize robustness.

How long do Trajan CB Emitters typically last? Emitter longevity depends on sample cleanliness, solvent composition, operating voltage and flow rate. If a drop in performance is observed, please refer to the troubleshooting section in our quick guide.

Are Trajan CB Emitters reusable? Trajan CB Emitters are reusable if they are handled carefully and cleaned properly. However, it's our recommendation to dispose of the emitter to avoid the risk of cross contamination and performance variability.

Why does my nanoLC emitter spray become unstable?

Common causes of spray instability include:
• Clogged or partially blocked emitter tip
• Air bubble in LC pathway
• Incorrect or not optimized spray voltage
• Too high or too low flow rate

You can refer to our Emitter Selection Tool or contact us for help selecting suitable emitters for your application.

For assistance with installed emitters, please refer to the troubleshooting section in our quick guide or contact technical support for further assistance.

Which mass spectrometry emitters fit with which instrument and ion source? Please refer to our Emitter Selection Tool or contact us for help selecting suitable emitters.

What sizes are available?

Trajan CB Emitters have a 360 µm outer diameter (OD), with either 10 µm or 20 µm internal diameter (ID). 40 mm, 50 mm, and 62.5 mm lengths are available to suit a variety of instrument configurations.

Please refer to our Emitter Selection Tool or contact us for help selecting suitable emitters.

Do you have LC-MS emitters with outer diameters (ODs) other than 360 µm, such as 200 µm OD? No. All Trajan CB Emitters have a 360 µm outer diameter (OD).

Is it possible to test your emitters first for performance, before ordering a pack? Yes. Please contact us to request a free sample pack.

Where can I buy Trajan emitters? Please contact us for a quote.

Is it possible to customize the emitter? Yes. To create custom emitters perfect for your unique workflows and applications, please contact us.

Do you have integrated column/emitters? No. Trajan does not currently offer integrated nano-LC emitter columns.

Do you have stainless steel emitters? No. Trajan does not currently offer stainless steel nano-ESI LCMS emitters.

Do you have pulled emitters? No. All Trajan CB Emitters feature a constant bore design that maintains a uniform internal diameter to the tip, reducing the risk of clogging.