Incorporating Analytical Intelligence into the Integrated i-Series — New Analytical Workflow Automation

Significance of the Topic

As analytical laboratories face a shrinking pool of highly experienced operators, there is a growing need for automated systems that ensure consistent data quality and operational efficiency. By embedding expert knowledge into instrument workflows, laboratories can minimize variability, protect column life, and maintain reliability even with less-skilled users.

Study Objectives and Overview

This report presents Shimadzu’s new concept of Analytical Intelligence integrated into the compact i-Series LC systems (LC-2050/LC-2060). The goal is to automate the entire liquid chromatography workflow—from start-up and column equilibration to system suitability testing, sample analysis, and shutdown—while safeguarding data integrity and instrument health.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Analytical Intelligence is implemented through a combination of hardware functions and software algorithms:

• FlowPilot auto-startup gradually increases flow rate in sync with column temperature to prevent pressure shock.
• Automated system suitability tests (SST) execute user-defined criteria and trigger conditional actions (pass/fail reporting).
• Scheduled shutdown and startup sequences enable fully unattended analytical cycles.
• Mobile phase monitoring with the MPM-40 scale-based sensor and MPMChecker software provides real-time level warnings to prevent solvent depletion.
• i-PeakFinder in LabSolutions software performs automated, high-precision peak integration even under baseline drift or low signal-to-noise conditions.
• Intelligent Peak Deconvolution Analysis II (i-PDeA II) uses PDA data and MCR-ALS algorithms to resolve overlapping peaks and confirm purity.

Main Results and Discussion

The integrated functions demonstrated:

• Smooth and safe column equilibration via FlowPilot, reducing manual intervention and prolonging column life.
• Automated SST execution at predefined batch stages, with immediate feedback and error handling.
• Reliable solvent level tracking to avoid run failures and prevent equipment damage.
• Consistent peak detection and integration across large sample sets without user adjustments.
• Effective deconvolution of co-eluting isomers and impurity peaks, enabling confident quantitation and purity assessment.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Analytical Intelligence features of the i-Series deliver:

• Enhanced data reproducibility by compensating for differences in user expertise.
• Reduced downtime and maintenance costs through proactive system checks.
• Streamlined workflows that free analysts from routine manual steps.
• Improved throughput, especially in high-demand QA/QC and regulated environments.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Future developments may include deeper integration of machine learning for anomaly detection, expanded remote monitoring and control via IoT platforms, and adaptive methods that self-optimize based on historical performance. Cross-instrument data sharing and cloud-based diagnostic services will further enhance laboratory connectivity and decision support.

Conclusion

By embedding expert decision processes into instrument operations, Shimadzu’s Analytical Intelligence on the i-Series LC systems achieves fully automated, reliable workflows. This approach bridges the skills gap, maximizes instrument utilization, and ensures consistent, high-quality data delivery across diverse laboratory settings.

Used Instrumentation

• Shimadzu integrated LC-2050 and LC-2060 i-Series modules
• PDA detection units (LC-2050C 3D, LC-2060C 3D)
• MPM-40 mobile phase monitor with MPMChecker software
• LabSolutions software with i-PeakFinder and i-PDeA II algorithms