Agilent 1260 Infinity II LC

Significance of the Topic

Liquid chromatography is widely employed for separation and analysis of complex mixtures across pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring and industrial quality control. Efficient, reproducible and high-throughput LC platforms reduce analysis time, enhance data reliability and support regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note presents the design and performance of the Agilent 1260 Infinity II LC system. The study aims to demonstrate everyday analytical, instrumental and laboratory efficiency through robust solvent delivery, high-resolution separations, flexible sampling and seamless integration with existing workflows.

Methodology

The platform integrates a quaternary pump delivering stable, pulse-free gradients up to 600 bar, fast ultrahigh performance columns, modular thermostats for multi-column setups, a versatile multisampler supporting various sample formats, and a broad range of detectors. Software control is achieved via Agilent OpenLAB CDS and optional MassHunter integration for LC/MS applications.

Used Instrumentation

• 1260 Infinity II Quaternary Pump (600 bar, titanium-based bio-inert version available)
• InfinityLab Poroshell 120 columns with bonded phases and Quick Connect fittings
• 1260 Infinity II Multicolumn Thermostat (4 columns)
• 1260 Infinity II Multisampler with dual-needle operation
• Detectors: Diode array, fluorescence, refractive index, evaporative light scattering, mass-selective
• Software: Agilent OpenLAB CDS, Agilent ICF, MassHunter, Buffer Advisor

Main Results and Discussion

Stable gradients yielded retention time RSDs below 0.2% for replicate analyses, ensuring high peak precision. Poroshell columns delivered fast, high-resolution separations under demanding conditions. Dual-needle sampling and valve-based column switching minimized cycle times, enabling unattended processing of large sample sets. Compatibility with existing 1100/1200 series modules facilitated stepwise upgrades.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Improved throughput through fast gradients and automated sample handling
• Enhanced data reproducibility with precise solvent delivery and robust columns
• Seamless method transfer and incremental upgrades protect prior investments
• Flexible detection options address diverse matrices from small molecules to biomolecules
• Regulatory compliance supported by audit trails and instrument tracking

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging trends include deeper integration of bio-inert flow paths for biopharmaceuticals, expansion of online SPE for trace analysis, advanced data analytics for real-time system diagnostics, and adoption of higher-pressure UHPLC technologies. Integration with laboratory information management systems and cloud-based data platforms will further streamline workflows.

Conclusion

The Agilent 1260 Infinity II LC platform offers a balanced solution for enhancing everyday analytical efficiency and confidence. Its modular design, high performance, and seamless software integration enable laboratories to meet growing demands for speed, sensitivity and reliability while protecting prior investments.