Waters Prep 150 LC System

Significance of the Topic

• Preparative liquid chromatography is essential for isolating target compounds from complex mixtures in pharmaceutical, biotechnological and chemical research.
• Efficient scale-up from analytical to preparative scale supports increased throughput and reproducibility in purification workflows.
• Automated systems with intuitive software improve laboratory productivity and reduce user errors.

Objectives and Study Overview

• Present the design and performance features of the Waters Prep 150 LC System for personal and centralized purification tasks.
• Demonstrate method scale-up from analytical UPLC to preparative HPLC using OBD Preparative Columns.
• Highlight software-driven control, fraction collection optimization and system automation options.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Purification operations rely on modular components optimized for robust performance:

• Software: ChromScope data acquisition and control interface with icon-driven workflow wizards and color-coded peak-to-fraction mapping.
• Detectors: 2489 UV/Visible detector, 2998 Photodiode Array detector for spectral confirmation.
• Injection modules: 2707 Autosampler, Prep Injector Module for manual or automated sample introduction.
• Pumps: 2545 Binary Gradient Module (high-pressure mixing, up to 150 mL/min); 2545 Quaternary Gradient Module (low-pressure mixing).
• Fraction collector: Waters Fraction Collector III for timed or peak-triggered collection.

Key Results and Discussion

• Analytical-to-prep scaling: A method using 4.6 × 100 mm UPLC column at 1.4 mL/min was scaled to a 19 × 100 mm preparative column at 24 mL/min while maintaining resolution and peak shape.
• Reproducibility: Overlay of six consecutive injections under isocratic conditions showed minimal retention time drift and consistent peak areas on both binary and quaternary pump systems.
• Stacked injections: Automated sequential injections increased throughput without sacrificing separation quality, demonstrating efficient use of column capacity.
• Fraction collection optimization: ChromScope simulation tools allowed pre-run optimization of time-based collection windows, reducing solvent waste and avoiding cross-contamination.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• Versatility: Suitable for mg-to-g scale purification of small molecules, peptides and polar analytes under reversed-phase or HILIC modes.
• Scalability: Predictable performance when transferring methods from analytical UPLC to preparative HPLC using OBD column series.
• User friendliness: Intuitive software reduces training time, enables rapid method development and real-time system monitoring.
• Automation: Options for stacked injections and automated reporting streamline high-throughput workflows in QA/QC and R&D labs.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration with online mass spectrometry and real-time compound identification for targeted fraction collection.
• Expanded use of AI-driven method development to predict optimal gradient profiles and maximize productivity.
• Modular upgrades toward full AutoPurification platforms for fully unattended purification cycles and enhanced sample traceability.
• Miniaturization and greener solvent options to reduce waste and solvent consumption in preparative separations.

Conclusion

The Waters Prep 150 LC System combines flexible hardware modules with ChromScope software to address diverse purification needs. Reliable solvent delivery, precise fraction collection and straightforward method scaling make it a valuable tool for laboratories seeking reproducible isolation of target compounds at preparative scale. Future enhancements in automation and data integration will further streamline workflows and broaden application possibilities.

References

1. Waters Corporation. Prep 150 LC System Application Note. Milford, MA: Waters Corporation; January 2014.