Shimadzu Corporation

Supercritical fluid chromatography has received increased attention in recent years: in addition to the expanded and improved technical implementation, this is due to the interest in a faster and more environmentally friendly (greener) separation technique. The Nexera UC (Unified Chromatography) as a UHPLC/SFC switching system combines both techniques and their advantages without having to make compromises.

The setup provides the ability to use UHPLC and SFC analysis modes in a single system. It is configured by adding a supercritical carbon dioxide delivery unit and a back pressure regulator unit to a standard UHPLC system. Both the UHPLC and the SFC analysis mode can be used by changing between the delivery units (control mode ON or OFF) and switching the pressure of the back pressure regulator. Sharing the solvent delivery unit (for pumping organic solvents), autosampler, column oven and detector for both SFC and UHPLC analysis minimizes space requirements and equipment cost and reduces equipment downtime. By using the mobile phase solvent switching valve in combination with the column switching valve, mobile phase conditions can be changed automatically and continuously for up to twelve columns to enable a wide variety of conditions, improving method development efficiency.

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The Nexera UC combines possible UHPLC and SFC separation in a single system. Depending on the focused application, it can offer “green” separation but also more speed and separation power.

The Nexera UC combines possible UHPLC and SFC separation in a single system

Nexera series LC-40 - Groundbreaking technology

	Shimadzu’s Nexera Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph series, incorporates artificial intelligence as Analytical Intelligence, allows systems to detect and resolve issues automatically. The 

makes lab management simple by integrating IoT and device networking, enabling users to easily review instrument status, optimize resource allocation, and achieve higher throughput.

 maximizes reliability and uptime with fully unattended workflows that span from startup to shut-down. Operators can set the Nexera to start up at a specified time, so that it can complete auto-purge, equilibration, baseline checks and system suitability in advance, and be ready for analysis before they arrive at the lab. In addition, FlowPilot ramps up the flow rate gradually, reducing the possibility of damage to columns. The Nexera also has auto-diagnostics and auto-recovery capabilities that allow it to monitor pressure fluctuations to check for anomalies.

	With remote mobile phase monitoring and integrated consumables management, the system maximizes uptime and reliability. Real-time monitoring of mobile phase levels allows lab personnel to efficiently run batches and respond accordingly if there isn’t enough mobile phase before starting a run. In addition, Nexera tracks consumable usage and sends alerts when parts need replacing, allowing users to keep the system running at peak performance. The Nexera UHPLC series allows analysts to confirm parameters and monitor chromatograms in real time directly from a web browser on their smart device.

	The Nexera UHPLC increases efficiency by automating workflows and maximizing throughput analysis. The SIL-40 autosampler can process the entire injection cycle time in as little as seven seconds, and continuous analysis can be carried out on up to 44 MTPs (using 3 plate changers). The SIL-40’s plate changers enable non-stop temperature-controlled analysis of thousands of samples. The Nexera automatically blends mobile phases at any set ratio, which speeds up the preparation of buffer solutions and the dilution of solvents. Because it prepares the exact amounts required for analysis, the Nexera reduces waste and labor.

	The Nexera’s elegant, compact design saves valuable bench space. Because it uses over 80% less electricity when on standby, it significantly reduces running costs and supports an environmentally-friendly lab.

Shimadzu’s Nexera Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph series incorporates artificial intelligence as analytical intelligence and allows systems to detect and resolve issues automatically. Read more.

Nexera series LC-40

Significantly improved analytical productivity with automated pretreatment operations

 expands the product line and improves performance and user-friendliness. With i-Series Plus, pretreatment operations have been automated, such as the processes to dilute samples and add reagents. This results in better reproducibility and measurement accuracy by minimizing human error, to ensure reliable data in the analysis of pharmaceuticals and foods. i-Series Plus also offers new features that satisfy data integrity requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. The i-Series Plus consists of the compact HPLC Prominence-i and UHPLC system Nexera-i.

i-Series Plus integrated HPLC
Significantly improved analytical productivity with automated pretreatment operations.

i-Series Plus

 is designed to push the limits of LC/MS/MS quantitation for applications requiring the highest sensitivity and robustness while delivering a meaningful solution for routine LC/MS/MS analyses. It detects substances at ultra-trace level as they occur in complex matrices, for example, or in smallest sample concentrations which have to be diluted in order to avoid matrix effects.

	A real difference to working better and faster

 is a member of Shimadzu’s UFMS (Ultra-Fast Mass Spectrometry) family and part of the Shimadzu mass spectrometry platform of MS/MS systems with ultra-fast technologies. It underlines Shimadzu’s role as one of the world’s fastest-growing mass spectrometry companies. The system combines a heated ESI source with all UF technologies including UFsweeper III, a collision cell filled with argon gas. Through its high speed technology, UFsweeper III achieves dwell times of 0.8 ms per MRM. With new UF Qarray ion guide technology increasing ion production and signal intensity, the LCMS-8060 introduces a new level of sensitivity and makes a real difference to working better and faster.

	Highest sensitivity, fastest speed, outstanding durability

	With a data acquisition scan speed of 30,000 u/sec and a polarity switching time of 5 msec the 

 brings new levels of data quality and confidence at the highest sensitivity.

 The newly developed UF-Qarray boosts ion sensitivity while suppressing noise. By improving the ion sampling device, ion guide and vacuum efficiency, Shimadzu has achieved an unprecedented sensitivity in LCMS.

 Shimadzu’s proprietary technologies allow acquisition of up to 555 MRM channels per second, ultra-fast polarity switching and ultra-fast scanning, all with highest data quality.

 Robustness of the LCMS-8060 and modified ion optics was assessed by injecting 2,400 samples of femtogram levels of alprazolam spiked into protein-precipitated human plasma extracts over a six day period (over 400 samples were injected each day). RSD of peak area response was 5 % over this test period, and use of a deuterated internal standard (alprazolam-d5) led to RSD of 3.5 %. As part of the robustness test the vacuum system was vented to model a transient power failure, with however no effect on signal response or baseline noise level.

Shimadzu’s LCMS-8060 is designed to push the limits of LC/MS/MS quantitation for applications requiring the highest sensitivity and robustness while delivering a meaningful solution for routine LC/MS/MS analyses. It detects substances at ultra-trace level as they occur in complex matrices, for example, or in smallest sample concentrations which have to be diluted in order to avoid matrix effects.