<p>In the world of chromatography data systems (CDS), the future waits for no one. Regulations tighten, technology evolves, and the demand for data integrity grows faster than a lab manager’s coffee consumption. So, the million-dollar question is: <i>Is your CDS future-ready?</i></p><p>For many labs, the debate boils down to two options: <strong>upgrade your existing system</strong> or <strong>make the leap to a new CDS vendor</strong>. Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and eyebrow-raising surprises each path might hold.</p><h3><strong>Option 1: Upgrading your existing CDS</strong></h3><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Are_You_Future_Ready_Upgrading_Your_CDS_vs_Swapping_Vendors_2_6f879fffdd.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Are You Future Ready? Upgrading Your CDS vs. Swapping Vendors" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Are_You_Future_Ready_Upgrading_Your_CDS_vs_Swapping_Vendors_2_6f879fffdd.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="3840" height="1236"></p><p>Ah, the classic safe “stick with what you know” approach. Upgrading your current system to its latest version can feel like slipping into a newer, comfier version of your favorite lab coat. But is it the right move?</p><h5><strong>Pros:</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>Familiarity breeds efficiency:</strong> Your team already knows the system. No steep learning curves or eye-twitch-inducing training sessions.</li><li><strong>Less downtime:</strong> Upgrades are often smoother than full system replacements, keeping your lab running (almost) seamlessly.</li><li><strong>Compliance confidence:</strong> Most vendors ensure their updates align with the latest regulations—goodbye, sleepless nights over audits.</li></ul><h5><strong>Cons:</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>Old dog, new tricks?</strong> Even with upgrades, legacy systems can struggle to keep pace with cutting-edge analytics and integrations.</li><li><strong>Hidden costs:</strong> Licenses, hardware tweaks, or specialized support for the upgrade might nibble away at your budget.</li><li><strong>Patchwork problems:</strong> If your system is a Frankenstein’s monster of add-ons and workarounds, upgrading might only prolong the inevitable switch.</li></ul><blockquote><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://assets.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/CMD/Reference-Materials/cs-003371-cds-chromeleon-updater-service-ifpen-cs003371-na-en.pdf">Learn how IFP Energies Nouvelles solved their challenges around CDS upgrades</a></p></blockquote><h3><strong>Option 2: Swapping to a new CDS vendor</strong></h3><p>The “grass is greener” approach might sound appealing—especially if your current system is held together with duct tape and hope. But starting fresh comes with its own set of trade-offs.</p><h5><strong>Pros:</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>Modern marvels:</strong> Newer systems boast advanced features like AI-driven analytics, better user interfaces, and faster processing.</li><li><strong>Future-proofing:</strong> Switching vendors can prepare your lab for the next decade (or two) of innovation.</li><li><strong>Reduced hardware (IT):</strong> Say goodbye to server management and hello to cloud-based or hybrid solutions.</li></ul><h5><strong>Cons:</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>The training gauntlet:</strong> Even the most intuitive systems require staff retraining, which can lead to productivity dips (and a few grumbles).</li><li><strong>Compatibility chaos:</strong> Migrating data from one system to another can be trickier than navigating a regulatory audit.</li><li><strong>Cost considerations:</strong> A new CDS is an investment—make sure your CFO is ready to back the budget.</li></ul><h3><strong>Key considerations for both paths</strong></h3><ol><li><strong>Compliance is king:</strong> Whether you upgrade or switch, ensure your CDS meets the latest regulatory standards (think ALCOA+ principles).</li><li><strong>Hardware matters:</strong> If your current system needs hardware upgrades just to keep up, a vendor switch might give you more bang for your buck.</li><li><strong>People power:</strong> Even the best technology won’t help if your team isn’t on board. Training, support, and usability should weigh heavily in your decision.</li></ol><h3><strong>The bottom line: To upgrade or to switch?</strong></h3><p>If your existing CDS is still reliable, upgrading might buy you the time you need to strategize for a bigger leap later. But if it’s holding your lab back—think slow processing, limited features, or constant maintenance headaches—then maybe it’s time to consider a modern solution.</p><p>The future waits for no one, and neither should your lab. After all, the right CDS can be the difference between staying compliant or scrambling at the eleventh hour. So, ask yourself: <i>Is it time for a fresh start?</i></p><p>And remember, future-ready doesn’t just mean keeping up; it means setting the pace. For more information, take a look at our webinar on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4829"><strong>Migration and Update of the Chromatography Data System</strong></a></p><blockquote><p>Visit us on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a> #Chromeleon #CDS #ChromatographyDataSystem</p></blockquote>

Are You Future Ready? Upgrading Your CDS vs. Swapping Vendors

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezLCMS Library in the week of 15th September 2025? Check out new documents from the field of liquid phase, especially HPLC and LC/MS techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT LCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezGCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezICPMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application notes by <strong>Agilent Technologies, Shimadzu </strong>and <strong>Waters Corporation </strong>and<strong> </strong>poster by <strong>Thermo Fisher Scientific / HPLC Symposium!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: A Direct Aqueous Injection Method for Contaminants in Drinking and Nonpotable Water</strong></h3><p><strong>Analysis of acrylamide, haloacetic acids, and β-estradiol in water with an Agilent 6495D LC/TQ</strong></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_aquesous_injection_method_water_6495d_lc_tq_5994_7973en_agilent_1_24e3a63a15.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Recent regulations, such as EU 2020/218, have included the addition of new emerging contaminants in drinking water and raw waters, which supply water-treatment works. Some of these new contaminants to be analyzed include acrylamide, HAAs, and β-estradiol. However, acrylamide and HAAs can be difficult to analyze due to their high polarity and high interferences from hard water samples. Additionally, β-estradiol requires a very low level of detection (1 ng/L) compared to the other compounds (acrylamide 0.1 µg/L and HAAs 60&nbsp;µg/L). The analysis uses a&nbsp;1290 Infinity II LC coupled to a&nbsp;6495D LC/TQ for analysis of water samples.</p><h4><strong>Experimental</strong></h4><h5><strong>Instrumentation&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>Chromatographic separation was performed using an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=InfinityLab+Poroshell+120+Aq-C18"><strong>Agilent&nbsp;InfinityLab Poroshell 120 Aq-C18</strong></a>, 3.0 × 150&nbsp;mm, 2.7&nbsp;µm (part&nbsp;number 693675-742) installed on the&nbsp;1290&nbsp;Infinity II LC system. The individual modules of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=1290+Infinity+II+LC"><strong>1290 Infinity II LC system</strong></a>&nbsp;included:</p><ul><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity II high‑speed pump (G7120A)&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity II autosampler (G7167B)&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity II multicolumn thermostat (G7116B)&nbsp;</li></ul><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=6495+LC%2FTQ"><strong>6495 LC/TQ</strong></a> with an Agilent&nbsp;Jet Stream (AJS) electrospray ion source was operated in dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (dMRM) mode. This mode allows more MRM transitions if future development is required for additional compounds. The LC/TQ autotune was performed in both unit and wide modes. All data acquisition and processing were performed using Agilent&nbsp;MassHunter software (version&nbsp;12).</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>This application note describes a highly sensitive and reproducible method for the fast and reliable quantitation of the listed compounds in water by direct injection. The dMRM method was created and optimized using Agilent MassHunter software and allows the addition of more MRM transitions if future development is required for additional compounds. An Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC coupled to an Agilent 6495D LC/TQ was used for the analysis. The 12-minute LC gradient method using an Agilent Aq-C18 column offered good chromatographic separation and RT distribution of all targets. The LC/TQ data acquisition was in dMRM mode with fast polarity switching for the most efficient use of instrument cycle time. The method performance was verified based on requirements for calibration curve linearity, instrument LOD, recovery, and precision. The results demonstrate the ability of the quantitative analytical method for emerging contaminants in water by direct injection.</p><h3><strong>2. Shimadzu: Short-Chain Oligonucleotide Analysis Using Supercritical Fluid Chromatography</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ap_aplnote100_en_23b7bffc7e.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Oligonucleotide therapeutics are drugs in which oligonucleotide is the active ingredient. Oligonucleotide therapeutics are manufactured through chemical synthesis, but impurities are produced during the process, so measurement and characterization of the impurities are required. Currently, reversed-phase ion-pair chromatography is often used for this analysis, but it is difficult to separate some impurities that are structurally similar to the target product. Therefore, a separation method with selectivity different from existing methods is required.&nbsp;</p><p>SFC is an analytical method that employs carbon dioxide as the mobile phase at temperatures and pressures above the respective critical points. Compared to liquids, carbon dioxide is reported to have high resolution and special selectivity as a component of SFC mobile phase because of its low viscosity and high diffusivity.&nbsp;</p><p>On the other hand, since the mobile phase containing carbon dioxide has low polarity, SFC was considered unsuitable for the analysis of highly polar compounds. However, in recent years, the composition of the modifier mixed with carbon dioxide and the choice of stationary phase have made it possible to analyze highly polar compounds,such as peptides and nucleotides2).&nbsp;</p><p>In this study, we evaluated the applicability of SFC to oligonucleotide analysis. Single-strand oligonucleotides of around 20-mer are often used as oligonucleotide therapeutics, but due to the extremely high polarity of the molecules and the difficulty of analysis, we first used 4-mer oligonucleotides for evaluation and investigated their basic retention behaviors.</p><h4><strong>Experimental</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>System:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=LCMS-9030"><strong>LCMS-9030</strong></a></li></ul><h4><strong>Conclusions&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>To evaluate the applicability of SFC for oligonucleotide analysis, we developed a separation method using 4-mer oligonucleotides with varying PS contents as model compounds and investigated their basic retention characteristics. First, we identified conditions that allowed oligonucleotides to elute, finding that a methanol-water mixture containing 50 mmol/L ammonium formate enabled elution and peak detection. Using these conditions, we analyzed T4 with varying PS contents on 12 columns, finding good separation with the Diol II column. To apply this method to more polar sequences, we re-evaluated modifier conditions and found that adding aminoethanol improved peak shape. Applying the optimized method to 14 oligonucleotide sequences showed that sequences with two or fewer G or C bases were suitable for this method. Additionally, higher-polarity sequences showed stronger retention, while oligonucleotides with varying PS contents showed weaker retention with higher polarity, indicating unique retention behavior for PS modifications. The high selectivity for sequences with different PS contents suggests that SFC can be applied to separating impurities with a PS linkage replaced by a PO linkage that can be included in PS-modified oligonucleotides in the synthesis process.&nbsp;</p><p>In the future study, the applicability of SFC to longer oligonucleotidesthan 4-mer will be evaluated.</p><h3><strong>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific / HPLC Symposium: Sensitive LC-MS method for the quantitative analysis of semaglutide and liraglutide in human plasma</strong></h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_sensitive_lc_ms_method_quantitative_analysis_semaglutide_po_en_592e7dcc4a.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>GLP-1 analogs have emerged as pivotal therapeutic agents in the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These analogs mimic the physiological actions of endogenous GLP-1, including enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, delaying gastric emptying, and promoting satiety. Given their significant clinical utilities, accurate detection and quantification of GLP-1 analogs in human plasma are essential for pharmacokinetic studies, therapeutic monitoring, and ensuring patient safety. This study aims to develop a sensitive LC-MS method for the detection and quantitation of semaglutide and liraglutide in human plasma.</p><h4><strong>Materials and methods</strong></h4><h5><strong>Mass Spectrometry</strong></h5><p><span>&nbsp;</span>See Table 2 for detailed MS source and scan settings for the analysis GLP-1 analogs on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/404"><strong>TSQ Altis Plus MS</strong></a>.&nbsp;</p><h5><strong>Data Analysis&nbsp;</strong></h5><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/74"><strong>Thermo Scientific Enterprise </strong></a>compliance ready Chromeleon CDS 7.3.2 software was used for all instrument control, data acquisition, processing, and reporting.</p><h4><strong>Conclusions&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>We demonstrated a comprehensive LCMS solution for highly sensitive quantitation of GLP-1 analogs in human plasma using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/744"><strong>Vanquish UHPLC</strong></a> coupled to TSQ Altis Plus MS. The solution enables:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Robust quantitation of semaglutide and liraglutide with a LOQ of 0.1 ng/mL&nbsp;</li><li>Excellent precision and accuracy across 3 orders of LDR for the analysis of GLP-1 analogs&nbsp;</li><li>Minimal carryover observied with post-injection signals remaining below 10% of the LOQ for semaglutide and below 14% for liraglutide following the highest concentration injection (100 ng/mL)</li></ul><h3><strong>4. Waters Corporation: Method Migration of a Reversed Phase TFAAcetonitrile Gradient Method From a Binary to a Quaternary System: Impact of Mixing</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/720008689_en_51b4c42ae8.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Solvent mixing is critical to obtaining optimal gradient LC separations. The most commonly available pump mixing designs for reversed phase gradient HPLC separations are high pressure (typically binary) and low pressure (quaternary) systems. High pressure systems use independent pumps to deliver different solvents. Mixing occurs at high pressures with solvent composition controlled by the flow rates of the pump heads. In low pressure systems, solvent composition is controlled by a gradient proportioning valve. Each solvent is delivered in packets (based on the gradient specified in the method) which are mixed as they go through the pump head. High pressure systems have reduced dwell volumes and generally have improved compositional accuracy (leading to better retention time precision) over low pressure systems. Both high- and low-pressure systems are subject to mobile phase composition fluctuations. Mixers of various volumes and designs are utilized to help minimize these composition fluctuations by reducing baseline noise and oscillations in mobile phase composition.&nbsp;</p><p>The use of certain mobile phase modifiers is known to impact chromatographic baselines. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a commonly used ion-pairing reagent used in combination with acetonitrile for many gradient reversed phase applications. TFA absorbs strongly at wavelengths below 250 nm. Additionally, TFA is slightly retained on reversed phase columns which results in fluctuations in TFA concentration as the acetonitrile gradient passes through the column. In combination, these factors result in significant baseline disturbances (ripples) when TFAacetonitrile gradients are used at low wavelengths. These baseline ripples may make peak integration difficult and can impact the sensitivity along with peak area precision and retention time precision of the method.&nbsp;</p><p>Most modern HPLC systems typically include a standard mixer in the pump design. Additionally, different mixers may be available to improve mixing performance for specific applications. The effect that mixers have on chromatographic performance was demonstrated during the migration of a reversed phase TFA-acetonitrile gradient method from a binary system to the quaternary Alliance iS HPLC System.</p><h4><strong>Experimental</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>LC systems: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/717"><strong>Alliance iS HPLC System</strong></a> Comparable Binary HPLC system (System X)&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Detection: </strong>UV Detector with 10 mm HPLC flow cell</li><li><strong>Column: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1823"><strong>XBridge™ C18 Column</strong></a>, 5 µm 4.6 x 250 mm (p/n: 186003117)</li></ul><h5><strong>Data Management&nbsp;</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>Chromatography data system: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/627"><strong>Empower™ 3.8.0.1</strong></a></li></ul><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The differences in mixing performance between binary and quaternary HPLC Systems may impact method migration. Mixing performance is particularly important when migrating gradient TFA-acetonitrile methods at low wavelengths, as these methods are known to produce significant baseline noise (ripple). In this study, effect of mixers on chromatographic performance was demonstrated through the migration of the USP Tryptophan Organic Impurities method from a binary system to the quaternary Alliance iS HPLC System. The results show that the characteristic baseline ripple associated with TFA-Acetonitrile gradients at low wavelengths is impacted by the choice of mixer. The Alliance iS HPLC System with the 690 µL Ti diffusion bonded mixer displayed a significant reduction of baseline noise when compared against both the binary and quaternary systems equipped with their respective standard mixers. This resulted in easier peak integration, improved peak area and retention time reproducibility, and increased method sensitivity.</p>

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News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 38, 2025

Are You Future Ready? Upgrading Your CDS vs. Swapping Vendors

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