Shimadzu Europa

The MALDImini-1: Entering the Digital Age in MS

digital ion trap mass spectrometer targets comprehensive structural analyses applications. It is the only device capable of MALDI-MSn on the compact footprint of an A3-sized paper.

The DIT technology is a useful tool in inferring the structure of unknown compounds with MS/MS and MS3 analysis. For example, this covers protein digests, peptides, peptides with posttranslational modifications, and glycans. The MS/MS and MS3 functionality of the digital ion trap allows researchers to carry out analysis with ease. The 

For seamless analysis, the software provides switching quickly between MS, MS/MS, and MS3 modes. The system’s simple setup allows for a more convenient workflow. Its space-saving lightweight design fits anywhere.

 benefits research facilities, educational organizations, and private businesses.

Articles

The first-of-its-kind MALDImini-1 digital ion trap mass spectrometer targets comprehensive structural analyses applications. It is the only device capable of MALDI-MSn on the compact footprint of an A3-sized paper. 

 Preparative Purification Liquid Chromatograph (LC) provides better prep processes for extraction of functional and impurity components, as well as purification of target compounds in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries. This product dramatically improves productivity via flexible scalability and an efficient, user friendly preparative workflow.

Customer- and application-specific solution

 consists of multiple related products with the LC units as the core. Users select a pump, autosampler, and detector to build a system according to the purpose of the preparative work. Systems can be configured using related products such as the LH-40 Liquid Handler, FRC-40 Fraction Collector, Shim-pack Scepter LC Column for Analysis and Preparative Work, and Column Hub.

Preparative purification is generally performed following a multi-step workflow, which requires experience and time:

Selection of system configuration and preparative column size based on the amount of purified sample or injection volume required

Selection of fraction collector and container size according to the intended purpose

Investigation of separation conditions in analytical scale

Optimization of preparative LC conditions

Confirmation of the purity of collected fractions

In addition to these steps, in some cases salts need to be removed or solvent needs to be evaporated after purification, requiring additional time and effort.

Time-saving by simplified, fast operation

 reduces the time spent on examining conditions using the software’s fractionation simulation function. It also enables simplified, fast operation in transition from analytical to preparative scale, with a column portfolio that covers a wide range of sizes. Furthermore, Shimadzu’s unique UFPLC (Ultra Fast Preparative and Purification LC) high-purity purification system reduces the time required for powderization via the elution of desalted target components with an organic solvent. This product satisfies a number of user demands, such as efficient desalting and powderization, multi-sample and multi-fraction analysis, effective separation at low cost, and the ability to check the purity.

Specifically, the product can be used for the following purposes:

Concentration and purification of immunosuppressive agents

Preparative work for impurities in degradants of medicinal agents

Separation and purification of functional components from natural materials

Consecutive analysis to separate and purify polymers and their additives and confirm the purity

 System provides new features to simplify the preparative workflow:

Reduces the time required for investigating conditions


With the fractionation simulation function of the LabSolutions analysis software and the Shim-pack Scepter LC column for analytical and preparative HPLC, which offers excellent scalability, the product reduces the time required for investigating preparative work conditions. The LH-40 Liquid Handler can be used both, as a fraction collector and as an autosampler for large-volume injection with liquid surface detection function (option). It also enables seamless purity checks through re-injection (option) of collected sample after fractionation. Additional features including a sample rescue protocol to collect the sample from the system if an error occurs after an injection, a function to automatically extract the target peaks only, and high-purity preparative purification using detector signals from up to four channels, enable more efficient operation.


Samples must be in a state of concentrated solution or dry powder to analyze their structure or to store them. When a solution contains water, it takes time to dry and concentrate it. When a salt such as trifluoroacetate has been added, it remains in the crystal of the compound, lowering the purity and negatively influencing pharmacokinetic studies and other tests. Shimadzu’s unique, automated UFPLC purification system introduces fractions containing the target compound, separated in a preparative column, into a trap column. Salt and water are then washed off and elution is induced with an organic solvent. This reduces the time required for drying, providing compounds with a high level of purity.


Both the LH-40 Liquid Handler and FRC-40 Fraction Collector are designed to save installation space, requiring only half the space of other vendors’ products. They support containers of a form and size suitable for the recovered quantity. Up to six units can be connected, so up to 3240 10 mm diameter test tubes can be placed. Using the new Column Hub, up to six columns and four flow-line switching valves can be installed, enabling the compact configuration of various systems.

Shimadzu’s Nexera Prep Series Preparative Purification Liquid Chromatograph (LC) provides better prep processes for extraction of functional and impurity components, as well as purification of target compounds in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries.

Shimadzu's Nexera Prep Series

Shimadzu's “Advanced i-Series” liquid chromatographs are consisting of the Prominence-i HPLC and Nexera-i UHPLC systems featuring pressures of 50 MPa or 70 MPa respectively and can be combined with a variety of detectors. The 

 meets user demands for analyzing a large number of samples or quickly re-processing data even when working from home.

Retaining the excellent basic functions of the compact “i-Series” instruments, the 

 boasts increased pressure resistance and additional functions to support remote work. Both the system itself and the dedicated software enable reliable data acquisition for all users, with automation to replicate the handling of expert operators.

The “Advanced i-Series” applies Analytical Intelligence automated features such as mobile phase monitoring for continuous analysis, a mobile phase flowrate control function, and i-PeakFinder for automatic peak integration. Analytical Intelligence relieves operators from organizational, input, and processing works as it allows systems to detect and resolve issues automatically, enabling users to easily review instrument status, optimize resource allocation and achieve higher throughput. Analytical Intelligence makes lab management simple and enables higher productivity, maximum reliability, and better connectivity.

Since its release in 2014, the original i-Series liquid chromatograph has achieved sales of over 20,000 units. It combines superior basic functions and high-speed analysis in a compact table-top system, and its excellent usability significantly reduces the burden on the operators. These features have led the i-Series to be adopted worldwide for quality control, specification testing, and R&D purposes in a wide range of fields such as food and environmental science, chemistry, and particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.

The new, integrated i-Series LC system keeps the excellent performance of its predecessor, but also addresses the demands of an increasingly varied range of users, locations and approaches to analysis while always delivering highly reliable analytical results. Today, times also call for the possibility of an analytical environment that can deliver identical results regardless of whether the analyst is present in the laboratory, an expert user, or new to the operating procedures. Use of the 

 is intuitive and user-friendly, for reliable, reproducible data, independent of the analyst’s experience level.

Innovative, intelligent, intuitive key features

The Prominence-i HPLC instruments are available with UV and PDA detectors, or as detector-less version. The user can also choose between models with or without a sample cooling function. In addition to UV and PDA equipped versions, Nexera-i UHPLC is available as a method transfer (MT) system, featuring two flow paths for running UHPLC and HPLC methods on one instrument. Key features of the i-series include innovative, intelligent and intuitive characteristics increasing work efficiency, data reliability through software integration, and ease-of operation and maintenance:

Remote operation and monitoring to reduce time in the lab by 60 %


The workflow from start-up to the end of analysis can be carried out remotely. The great reduction in lab-based work means that, for example, an employee who previously needed to commute to the lab five days a week for routine work can now come in for just two days.


Stable data acquisition is supported by automation features throughout the workflow from start-up to the end of analysis, as well as a mobile phase monitor to prevent depletion of solvents during continuous analysis. Accurate data processing is also ensured, independent of user expertise.



Simple analysis workflow even for non-experts


With a built-in, intuitive touch panel, the status of the instrument and the analysis can be checked easily in real time. Providing advantages such as a stable baseline, resistant to temperature changes, the Advanced i-Series contributes to routine high-performance analysis.

Shimadzu's “Advanced i-Series” liquid chromatographs are consisting of the Prominence-i HPLC and Nexera-i UHPLC systems featuring pressures of 50 MPa or 70 MPa respectively and can be combined with a variety of detectors.

New Advanced i-Series

Nexis GC-2030: Excellent operability and easy maintenance

Shimadzu’s next-industry-standard Nexis GC-2030 gas chromatograph (GC) is based on the concept of superior usability and expandability for a wide variety of analytical applications. For these purposes, the 

 can be equipped with various high-sensitivity detectors. The system provides the world's highest sensitivity and reproducibility and outstanding analysis productivity. The LabSolutions software ensures compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and supports the laboratory management workflow. Due to a full-color LCD touch panel, the Nexis GC-2030 can be operated intuitively.

Shimadzu’s next-industry-standard Nexis GC-2030 gas chromatograph (GC) is based on the concept of superior usability and expandability for a wide variety of analytical applications. 

Nexis GC-2030: Excellent Operability and Easy Maintenance

, a Preparative Supercritical Fluid Chromatography system, provides the pharmaceutical industry with reliable high-performance semi-prep purification. The system has been awarded a Pittcon 2019 Gold Excellence Award, recognizing ingenuity and innovation.

Shimadzu’s Semi-Prep SFC is the fruit of a collaborative effort by pharma and private industry, serving as the model for future product design with impact. The company has worked closely together with the Enabling Technologies Consortium (ETC). This group of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies has allied to speed up the process of creating technologies necessary for their projects. They work with third parties to discuss ideas, share information, and collaborate on the development of new enabling technologies.

Unparalleled performance, unparalleled flexibility

 resolves a number of issues in preparative tasks, reducing labor, and improving efficiency while fitting into pre-existing workflows. It provides flexible system configurations in a compact design, requiring low installation space and enabling maximum use of lab resources.

 is part of Shimadzu’s Nexera UC platform, which accommodates a wide variety of analyses and purifications. A Nexera UC Prep system can be configured according to user specifications for optimum performance of the desired purification function, including chiral or achiral purifications, single injections, stacked injections, and fraction collections from several microliters to liters.

This complete SFC solution reduces the need for costly and hazardous solvents used in normal phase prep LC, while shortening purification run time and dry down time. Innovative technologies include a flexible format, combination injector/fraction collector, and CO

 pump with integrated chiller requiring less lab space, thereby enabling benchtop use.

The novel and patented “LotusStream” gas-liquid separator technology ensures higher recovery and lower carryover than earlier prep SFC systems. Its elegant design reduces the total size of the recovery system and allows for easy rinsing compared to earlier cyclone-style or centrifugal type gas-liquid separating systems.

The newly developed, easy-to-use “Prep Solution” software streamlines operations. It simplifies configuration of parameter settings and greatly increases efficiency of the preparative workflow.

Cooperation with the ETC; a prep SFC to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical industry

 system is an improved purification instrumentation that meets the specifications and requirements of SFC users across the pharmaceutical industry” said Mirlinda Biba, PhD, principal scientist, Merck & Co. Inc., and ETC lead for this project. “This new generation system provides improved hardware and software features that answer the pharmaceutical industry’s demand for an efficient and robust prep SFC system.”

“Working with the Enabling Technologies Consortium, and hearing the voice of the pharmaceutical industry, has been an incredibly valuable learning experience for us at Shimadzu,” said Patrick Fromal, vice-president, Sales, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, based in Columbia, Maryland, USA. “Their insight into what’s truly needed by the industry drove this project forward, and we are very grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing team.”

Recognizing that in many companies SFC equipment is aging and many systems are no longer available, the ETC kicked off an initiative in 2015 to develop a new technology. Based on Shimadzu’s demonstrated success in the development of analytical and measuring instruments, technical expertise, resources, timeliness, and collaborative spirit, ETC selected Shimadzu as its dedicated partner to develop and commercialize this improved SFC system.

Shimadzu’s Nexera UC Prep, a Preparative Supercritical Fluid Chromatography system, provides the pharmaceutical industry with reliable high-performance semi-prep purification. The award-winning system resolves a number of issues in preparative tasks, reducing labor and improving efficiency while fitting into pre-existing workflows. 

Prep for the Future!

Nexera series LC-40 - Groundbreaking technology

 Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph series, incorporates artificial intelligence as analytical intelligence, allows systems to detect and resolve issues automatically. The Nexera series makes lab management simple by integrating IoT and device networking, enabling users to easily review instrument status, optimize resource allocation, and achieve higher throughput.

 series 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.

 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.

 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, allows systems to detect and resolve issues automatically. 