Agilent Instrument Control Framework and Agilent 1260 Infinity Bio-inert Quaternary LC with Thermo Fisher Chromeleon

Importance of the topic

The capability to integrate Agilent liquid chromatography systems with third-party data acquisition and processing software is critical for modern analytical laboratories. By enabling broad instrument control through standardized drivers, the Instrument Control Framework (ICF) reduces development effort, accelerates method deployment, and ensures consistent performance across platforms.

Goals and study overview

This study demonstrates the integration of an Agilent 1260 Infinity Quaternary Bio-inert LC system with Thermo Fisher Chromeleon 7.2 software using Agilent ICF A.01.05 SP1. The main objective was to verify that full instrument functionality could be accessed, and performance metrics met Agilent specifications when controlled through Chromeleon.

Methodology and instrumentation

The experimental setup combined Agilent ICF drivers with Chromeleon 7.2. A glycan mapping method was performed using an AdvanceBio Glycan Mapping column (2.1 × 150 mm, 2.7 µm) and a quaternary Bio-inert LC configuration. Key modules included:

• 1260 Infinity Quaternary Bio-inert Pump
• 1260 Infinity High-performance Bio-inert Autosampler
• 1290 Infinity Thermostat and Thermostatted Column Compartment with bio-inert heat exchangers
• 1260 Infinity Fluorescence Detector (Ex 260 nm, Em 430 nm)

Mobile phase A was acetonitrile; mobile phase B was 100 mM ammonium formate (pH 4.5). A gradient from 15% to 100% B over 43 minutes was used at flow rates varying between 0.25 and 0.5 mL/min. Injection volume was 2.5 µL, column temperature 60 °C, and a total run time of 71 minutes.

Main results and discussion

By leveraging the Agilent ICF, all instrument functions—such as injector programming, external needle wash, alternating column regeneration, and multi-wavelength diode array detection—were fully accessible in Chromeleon 7.2. Precision testing on a set of 2-AB-labeled glycan standards showed retention time RSDs below 0.5% and peak area RSDs between 1.3% and 5.9% for three consecutive injections. These values meet or exceed performance expectations for high-precision glycan analysis.

Benefits and practical applications

• Rapid development of control interfaces for Agilent LC systems within non-native software.
• Streamlined workflow by unifying instrument setup, data acquisition, and processing in Chromeleon.
• Improved method reproducibility and system monitoring through online status screens and module-specific controls.

Future trends and possibilities

Expanding ICF support to emerging LC modules and detectors will enable broader interoperability. Future developments may include advanced automation features, cloud-based system monitoring, and AI-driven method optimization to further reduce setup time and enhance data quality.

Conclusion

The Agilent Instrument Control Framework successfully extends full operational control of the 1260 Infinity Quaternary Bio-inert LC to Thermo Fisher Chromeleon 7.2, delivering performance on par with Agilent’s native software. This integration offers laboratories a versatile, efficient solution for method development, routine analysis, and data processing across diverse software environments.

References

1. Anonym. The Agilent Technologies Instrument Control Framework. Agilent Technologies Technical Overview, Publication 5990-6504EN, 2010.
2. Anonym. The Agilent Instrument Control Framework (ICF): A short introduction for end users and third-party providers. Agilent Technologies Data Sheet, Publication 5990-5756EN, 2010.