HPLC columns are a critical component of chromatographic systems for the effective separation and analysis of components across a wide range of applications. Each HPLC column has a limited lifespan, and to maximize its utility, proper care is essential, which can extend its usage time. It is recommended to regularly monitor the column's efficiency and separation capabilities using standards. If you plan to store the column for an extended period, use a mobile phase that inhibits microbial growth (such as mobile phases containing sodium azide or higher concentrations of methanol, acetonitrile, etc.).To achieve optimal HPLC column performance and longevity, follow these recommendations:<ul><li>#1 Check the column‘s efficiency on a regular basis.</li><li>#2 Always sure that both mobile phases are well miscible when changing them.</li><li>#3 Avoid salts from precipitation in the column, e.g. high content of the organic component in the buffer.</li><li>#4 Use only perfectly filtered and degassed mobile phases.</li><li>#5 Keep the column from drying out. Close securely when not in use.</li><li>#6 For long-term preservation, use a mobile phase to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria, for example, by adding NaN3.</li><li>#7 Use the column according in direction on the label. Reverse flow of 5 - 10 column volumes can assist in clearing a clogged inlet frit when there is a significant column backpressure.</li><li>#8 Use guard column to protect your analytical column from particulates, solvent impurities and retained sample components.</li></ul>The right column choice is as essential for successful analysis as is its subsequent care. Watrex Praha offers a broad portfolio of HPLC columns, which they prepare in-house at their laboratory.<h3>Types filling of and Applications for HPLC Columns</h3><h4>1. Reversed Phase</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?s=deltasil+100+c18&amp;post_type=product&amp;dgwt_wcas=1?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex reversed-phase columns</a> use high-quality silica-based stationary phases modified with C18 alkyl chains, with effective endcapping to deactivate residual silanol groups.They are ideal for the separation of slightly polar to nonpolar compounds across a wide range of products, including components of medicines, food products and supplements, environmental pollutants or other natural products.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Figure_1_Chromatogram_1_Column_Watrex_Ion_Plus_TM_CS_19_200x4mm_36d35a09a4.jpg" alt="Watrex: Figure 1: Chromatogram 1 - Column: Watrex IonPlus CS19, 200x4mm; Mobile phase: 4mM HNO3; Flowrate: 1.0 ml/min; Detection: Conductivity without suppression. Chromatogram 2 - Column: Watrex IC Anion I; Mobile phase: 4mM Na 2 CO 3 + 1mM NaHCO 3 + 0.1mM NaSCN; Flowrate: 1,2 ml/min; Pressure: 54 bar; Detection: Conductivity with suppression; Injection: 20 μl." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Figure_1_Chromatogram_1_Column_Watrex_Ion_Plus_TM_CS_19_200x4mm_36d35a09a4.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2419" height="1181"><ul><li>Column Dimensions: Depending on customer requirements – from standard analytical columns (2.1 - 4.6 mm diameter, typical lenght 100 mm to 250 mm) packed with strictly monodisperse particles sized 3 or 5 μm. Preparative columns suitable for the separation and purification of biomolecules (peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, etc.) with larger porosity are available in semi-preparative (8 mm diameter) and preparative (20 mm diameter) formats.</li><li>Example Applications: Analysis of pharmaceuticals, environmental analyses, food composition.</li></ul><h4>2. Ion-Exchange Columns</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?s=ionplus&amp;post_type=product&amp;dgwt_wcas=1?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex ion-exchange columns</a> are designed for the separation of ionic compounds, based on interactions between ions in the stationary phase and analytes. These columns are suitable for the separation of inorganic ions, amino acids, or proteins.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Figure_2_Chromatogram_3_Column_Watrex_Deltasil_100_C18_258df30fcd.jpg" alt="Watrex: Figure 2: Chromatogram 3 - Column: Watrex Deltasil 100 C18; Mobile phase: 85% ACN; Flowrate:0.65 ml/min; Pressure: 54 bar; Detection: 254 nm; Injection: 2 μl." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Figure_2_Chromatogram_3_Column_Watrex_Deltasil_100_C18_258df30fcd.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2419" height="1181"><ul><li>Column Dimensions: Columns available in various dimensions.</li><li>Example Applications: Analysis of ions, biomolecules, peptide separation.</li></ul><h4>3. Ion-Exclusion Columns</h4>These <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?s=polymer+iex&amp;post_type=product&amp;dgwt_wcas=1?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex Polymer IEX HPLC columns</a> are suitable for the separation of weak organic acids and carbohydrates, based on ion exclusion principles. The basis is polymer monodisperse particles with a size of 8 μm modified by sulfonation and supplied in various ionic forms.<ul><li>The H-form is intended for the determination of weak organic acids in food or agricultural and veterinary products.</li><li>The Ca- and Pb-forms are typically used for the determination of mono-, di- and oligosaccharides in the food industry.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Figure_3_Chromatogram_4_Column_Watrex_Polymer_IEX_Ca_250x8mm_Chromatogram_5_Column_Watrex_Polymer_IEX_H_c3818e4cc1.jpg" alt="Watrex: Figure 3: Chromatogram 4 - Column: Watrex Polymer IEX Ca 250x8mm; Eluent: H2O; Flow-rate: 0.5 ml/min; Pressure: 26 bar; Inj. Volume: 20 μl; Concentration: 20 ppm; Temperature: 90 °C; Detection: RI. Chromatogram 5 - Column: Watrex Polymer IEX H 250x8mm; Eluent: 9mM H2SO4; Flow-rate: 0.5 ml/min; Pressure: 45 bar; Inj. Volume: 20 μl; Concentration: 20 ppm; Temperature: ambient; Detection: UV 210 nm." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Figure_3_Chromatogram_4_Column_Watrex_Polymer_IEX_Ca_250x8mm_Chromatogram_5_Column_Watrex_Polymer_IEX_H_c3818e4cc1.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2419" height="1181"><ul><li>Column Dimensions: 8 mm diameter and lengths of 250 or 300 mm.</li><li>Example Applications: Analysis of organic acids in food products, fermentation processes.</li></ul><h4> 4. Gel Permeation/Size Exclusion Chromatography (GPC/SEC) Columns</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?s=deltagel&amp;post_type=product&amp;dgwt_wcas=1?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex gel permeation chromatography (GPC) columns</a> are used for separating highmolecular-weight compounds, typically synthetic or water-soluble polymers, based on molecule size. Smaller molecules penetrate more deeply into the porous structure of the sorbents and thus elute later than larger molecules.According to the type of stationary phase, the columns are usually divided into Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) columns used in the separation of synthetic polymers with organic mobile phases (e.g. tetrahydrofuran, THF, DMF, toluene THF) on polystyrene - divinylbenzene sorbents with defined porosity.In contrast, the term Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) typically refers to columns for the separation of water-soluble polymers, biomacromolecules (e.g. peptides or proteins), which occur in buffered aqueous phases on porous hydrophilic sorbents (e.g. based on agarose or methacrylate particles modified with hydrophilic groups).<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Figure_4_Chromatogram_6_Delta_Gel_TM_Mixed_C_Chromatogram_7_Delta_Gel_TM_Mixed_D_541ef2ed25.jpg" alt="Watrex: Figure 4: Chromatogram 6 - DeltaGelTM Mixed C. Chromatogram 7 - DeltaGelTM Mixed D." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Figure_4_Chromatogram_6_Delta_Gel_TM_Mixed_C_Chromatogram_7_Delta_Gel_TM_Mixed_D_541ef2ed25.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2419" height="946"><ul><li>Column dimensions: Watrex GPC/SEC columns are available in analytical (8x250 mm or 8x300 mm) and preparative configurations (20x300 mm).</li><li>Examples of use: Separation of synthetic polymers, peptides, proteins, polysaccharides.</li></ul><h3>Advantages of Watrex HPLC columns</h3>Columns manufactured directly in the Watrex laboratory provide several fundamental advantages:<ul><li>High quality at friendly prices. Thanks to the fact that they produce the columns themselves, they can offer top quality at very affordable prices.</li><li>A wide range of sizes and types. It offers columns adapted to various chromatographic techniques, including analytical and preparative applications.</li><li>Flexibility in applications. Watrex columns are compatible with a variety of mobile phases and can be used for the separation of ionic compounds, organic acids, polymers and biomolecules.</li></ul><h3>Conclusion</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=48&amp;distributorItems=59&amp;manufacturerItems=93">Watrex HPLC and GPC/SEC columns </a>are a highly reliable solution for a wide range of chromatographic applications and combine high quality with a favorable price. Whether you need columns for reverse phase, ion exchange, ion exclusion, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) or gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Watrex products guarantee you excellent separation properties and reproducible results.For more information, feel free to contact Watrex <a href="(watrex@watrex.com">(watrex@watrex.com</a>) or visit their website (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/cs/uvod/?utm_source=labrulez">www.watrex.com</a>).

8 points on how to care for HPLC columns

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is one of the key techniques in modern analytical chemistry for pre-concentrating analytes prior to chromatographic analysis. However, traditional manual SPE procedures are often time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to reproduce. In response to laboratories’ increasing demand for automation and efficiency, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Watrex Praha</a> introduces the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/obchod/laboratory-automation/streamline-ole-200/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Streamline OLE 200</a> – an advanced system for online SPE.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Ole_uvod_oprava_bd77e4d8c2.jpg" alt="Watrex: Streamline™ OLE 200" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Ole_uvod_oprava_bd77e4d8c2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1599" height="900"><h4>Comprehensive Automation of SPE&nbsp;</h4>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/obchod/laboratory-automation/streamline-ole-200/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Streamline OLE 200</a> is a fully automated solid-phase extraction unit designed for direct integration into HPLC systems. It enables efficient pre-concentration of up to eight different samples, minimizes the need for manual handling, and significantly boosts laboratory productivity.<h4>Advantages of SPE Automation with OLE 200&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Increased laboratory throughput: Automatic processing of up to 8 samples without the need for operator intervention.&nbsp;</li><li>Reduced manual errors and improved result reproducibility.&nbsp;</li><li>Flexible integration: Compatible with any HPLC system, allowing implementation across various laboratory settings.&nbsp;</li><li>Time savings: Eliminates the need to manually transfer samples between the SPE and HPLC steps.&nbsp;</li><li>Multimodal selection of SPE cartridges based on analytes and matrix complexity.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Technical Specifications and System Design&nbsp;</h4>At the heart of the system is a high-pressure pump, ensuring precise dosing of both samples and solvents. The system’s design features three key valves:&nbsp;<ul><li>A 10-port selection valve for sample and wash solvent selection.&nbsp;</li><li>A high-pressure SPE cartridge selector, allowing switching between up to five different SPE cartridges.&nbsp;</li><li>A standard injection valve, connecting the device to any HPLC system.</li></ul>This setup ensures that each sample is precisely processed: drawn into an SPE cartridge, washed with one or two eluents, and then eluted directly into the chromatograph.&nbsp;<h4>Functional Diagram&nbsp;</h4><ol><li>The sample is drawn by the pump through the 10-port valve to the selected SPE cartridge.&nbsp;</li><li>The cartridge is washed with one or two eluents to remove interferences.&nbsp;</li><li>Analytes are then eluted with a selected solvent and delivered directly into the HPLC system via the injection valve.&nbsp;</li></ol><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_OLE_clanek_obr_2_36588f90b9.jpg" alt="Watrex: Fig. 2 - Streamline™ OLE 200 Schematic" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_OLE_clanek_obr_2_36588f90b9.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1700" height="957"><h4>Efficiency, Reproducibility, and Flexibility&nbsp;</h4>Automation of the entire SPE process leads to greater reproducibility and reduces the risk of contamination or human error. The system allows sequential processing of multiple samples, each of which can be analyzed following a specific protocol. Thanks to its open design, the OLE 200 is compatible with any HPLC system, making it easy to integrate into existing lab workflows without major modifications.&nbsp;<h4>Application Potential&nbsp;</h4>The OLE 200 system is particularly suitable for:&nbsp;<ul><li>Pesticide and pharmaceutical residue analysis in water&nbsp;</li><li>Clinical and pharmaceutical analysis of biological fluids&nbsp;</li><li>Food safety and environmental monitoring&nbsp;</li><li>Forensic and toxicological analyses&nbsp;</li></ul>Thanks to its modular design and the ability to select various SPE cartridges based on polarity and interactions, the device can be easily adapted to specific applications.&nbsp;<h4>Operation and Software&nbsp;</h4>The system's user-friendly interface enables easy setup of each SPE step, including cartridge selection, volumes, elution solvents, and wash sequences. The entire process can be fully programmed, minimizing the need for operator involvement during analysis.&nbsp;<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/obchod/laboratory-automation/streamline-ole-200/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Streamline OLE 200</a> from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Watrex Praha</a> prepresents a modern and powerful tool for automated sample pre-concentration that significantly enhances efficiency, reliability, and accuracy in analytical laboratories. Its flexibility, robust design, and easy integration with existing systems make it an ideal solution for demanding applications in environmental analysis, pharmaceutical research, and routine quality control.&nbsp;<blockquote>Want to learn more? Visit our website at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=linkedin&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=linkedin_clanky">www.watrex.com</a> or email us at watrex@watrex.com.</blockquote>

Flawless and Effortless: How the Streamline™ OLE 200 Transforms Sample Preparation for HPLC? 

Watrex Prague Celebrates 35 Years! From the First Peaks to Modern Laboratory Automation

Food adulteration is a phenomenon with a long history that has gained increasing importance in recent years due to the globalization of food supply chains and strong economic pressures. Whether it involves diluting olive oil with cheaper oils, adding sugar to honey, or the hidden use of substitutes in protein supplements, the result is a loss of consumer trust and, in some cases, a potential risk to health. Analytical chemistry plays a key role in this area by providing methods and technologies capable of identifying and quantifying target compounds as well as unwanted impurities in a wide range of food matrices.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Praha_Falsovani_potravin_a_jak_ho_odhali_analyticka_chemie_6912db5492.jpg" alt="Watrex: Food Adulteration and How It Is Revealed by Analytical Chemistry" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Praha_Falsovani_potravin_a_jak_ho_odhali_analyticka_chemie_6912db5492.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="900"><h4>The Role of Chromatography in Forensic Food Analysis</h4>Chromatography, particularly liquid chromatography (HPLC), is one of the most effective analytical tools for separating complex mixtures of molecules. It enables:<ul><li>qualitative identification of individual components in a sample,</li><li>quantitative determination of their concentrations,</li><li>detection of impurities and unexpected components that may indicate adulteration.</li></ul>In practice, HPLC is often combined with various types of detectors (UV/VIS, DAD, refractive index detectors) or with other techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry) to increase selectivity and sensitivity.<h4>Isocratic vs. Gradient Elution</h4>In the analysis of food samples, chromatographic methods are selected according to the analytical goal:<ul><li>Isocratic HPLC uses a constant mobile phase composition throughout the analysis. It is simple, robust, and ideal for routine determinations of well-defined target analytes (e.g., sugars or vitamins).</li><li>Gradient HPLC changes the mobile phase composition during separation, enabling better resolution of complex mixtures with a wide range of polarities (e.g., peptides or phenolic compounds).</li></ul>Gradient methods are particularly useful when analytes have very different properties and high separation efficiency is required.<h4>Watrex Praha and the Contribution of Modern Systems to Food Analysis</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky_HPLCsystemy">Watrex Praha, s.r.o.</a> is one of the leading Czech manufacturers and distributors of liquid chromatography systems and instruments, with a long tradition dating back to 1990. The company has successfully transformed from a distributor into a manufacturer of its own HPLC and related technologies, focusing on modular, robust systems suitable even for demanding analytical tasks.Their <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?manufacturerItems=93&amp;search=streamline">Streamline™ product line</a> includes several HPLC system concepts suitable for food analysis:<ul><li>Isocratic HPLC system – a simple yet precise configuration with a single pump, column thermostat, and UV/VIS detector; suitable for routine determination of known analytes (e.g., basic carbohydrates, food additives).</li><li>Binary gradient HPLC system – equipped with two pumps enabling mobile phase gradient formation, which enhances separation performance for complex mixtures (e.g., phenolic profiles of wine, components of aromatic extracts).</li><li>GPC/SEC system (Gel Permeation / Size Exclusion Chromatography) – a specialized solution for the determination of macromolecules and polymers, also relevant for the analysis of high-molecular-weight components in foods (e.g., polysaccharides).</li></ul><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_catalog_2024_ba97395f92.pdf">Product catalogue HERE</a></blockquote>Thanks to the modular nature of these systems, analysts can easily adapt the configuration to a specific analytical problem, from simple routine analyses to complex characterization of food samples.<h4>Practical Examples of Adulteration Revealed by HPLC</h4><ul><li>Detection of olive oil dilution: HPLC can separate and quantify characteristic triacylglycerols and fatty acids; unusual patterns indicate the presence of cheaper oils.</li><li>Estimation of sugar addition in honey: Isocratic HPLC with a refractive index detector can determine sugar profiles (glucose, fructose, sucrose), revealing dilution or the addition of sugar syrups.</li><li>Identification of aromatic adulterants in wine: Gradient HPLC with a PDA detector can reveal phenolic and aromatic profiles that are altered by the addition of synthetic compounds.</li></ul><h4>Conclusion</h4>Food adulteration remains a current issue that requires reliable and sensitive analytical methods. Liquid chromatography, and in particular modern HPLC systems, represent one of the most powerful tools for detecting unwanted additives, impurities, and unexpected components in complex food samples. Manufacturers such as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky_HPLCsystemy">Watrex Praha</a> provide flexible chromatographic platforms covering a wide range of analytical tasks from simple isocratic to advanced gradient and GPC/SEC applications thereby supporting analysts in ensuring food quality and consumer protection.<blockquote>Did you find this article interesting? Follow <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky_HPLCsystemy">Watrex Praha</a> on their social media (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/watrex/?viewAsMember=true">LinkedIn</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/WatrexPrague">Facebook</a>) for more engaging topics.</blockquote>

Food Adulteration and How It Is Revealed by Analytical Chemistry

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WATREX Prague is the distributor and producer of HPLC techniques in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Main Chromatografic and Related Techniques Supported: LC, GPC, IC, IEC, Automated SPE, LC Columns and special column packings, LC method development, Software development, Laboratory Robots.

Food Adulteration and How It Is Revealed by Analytical Chemistry

Watrex Prague Celebrates 35 Years! From the First Peaks to Modern Laboratory Automation

Flawless and Effortless: How the Streamline™ OLE 200 Transforms Sample Preparation for HPLC?

8 points on how to care for HPLC columns

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