Thermo Scientific Vanquish System

Significance of the Topic

High-performance liquid chromatography remains a critical tool in analytical chemistry for applications across pharmaceutical, life science, environmental and industrial fields. Continuous improvements in resolution, sensitivity and throughput directly impact the ability to detect trace impurities, accelerate method development and enhance laboratory productivity.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This whitepaper presents the design and performance of the Thermo Scientific Vanquish UHPLC system. The goal is to overcome limitations of conventional UHPLC by offering higher operating pressures, faster flow rates, improved robustness and seamless user experience, ultimately enabling scientists to achieve more reliable and informative chromatographic separations with minimal method development effort.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The Vanquish system was engineered from the ground up, integrating three decades of chromatographic expertise. Key design features include a parallel dual-piston pump capable of 1500 bar pressure and up to 5 mL/min flow, advanced sample handling with large automation capacity, and a novel column thermostatting approach. Fluidic connections are tool-free and biocompatible, while software integration leverages the gold-standard Chromeleon CDS.

• Vanquish Binary Pump: 1500 bar, 2×3 solvent channels, ultra-low dispersion
• Vanquish Split Sampler: automated barcode, sample pre-compression, 4–40 °C control
• Vanquish Charger Module: robotic plate handling for up to 9000 samples, temperature-controlled
• Vanquish Column Compartment: active preheating, 5–120 °C range, up to three compartments
• Vanquish Diode Array Detector: LightPipe technology, dynamic range to 3000 mAU, low noise

Main Results and Discussion

Performance evaluations demonstrate exceptional sensitivity, with impurity detection limits down to 0.008 % of an API and linearity (R2>0.9998) over a wide concentration range. Throughput was doubled at equivalent flow rates, achieving sub-minute separations while maintaining impurity quantitation below 0.05 %. Retention time reproducibility reached as low as 0.0033 % RSD and area reproducibility as low as 0.019 % RSD. High pressure operation exploited up to 1370 bar for long-column separations, and faster MS-compatible methods were implemented with generic gradients, reducing development time.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Vanquish system offers significant advantages for routine and exploratory analyses. Its high pressure and fast flow capabilities enable rapid QC workflows and generic MS methods. Automated sample handling and large plate capacity reduce manual intervention and increase throughput. Robust fluidics and easy maintenance enhance uptime, while integrated software and MS interfaces streamline method transfer and data processing.

Future Trends and Applications

Looking ahead, remote system control via mobile applications, advanced data processing and virtualization are expected to expand user accessibility. Continued innovation in column chemistries and AI-driven method optimization will further simplify complex separations. Integration with high-resolution mass spectrometry and digital lab ecosystems will drive next-generation analytical workflows.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific Vanquish UHPLC system sets a new benchmark in chromatographic performance by combining unparalleled pressure capability, speed, sensitivity and ease of use. It enables faster insights, higher throughput and greater confidence in analytical results, supporting diverse applications across research and quality control laboratories.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific Vanquish Binary Pump (1500 bar, 2×3 solvent channels)
• Thermo Scientific Vanquish Split Sampler (automated sample handling, 4–40 °C)
• Thermo Scientific Vanquish Charger Module (up to 9000 samples, temperature controlled)
• Thermo Scientific Vanquish Column Compartment (active preheating, 5–120 °C)
• Thermo Scientific Vanquish Diode Array Detector (LightPipe, 3000 mAU dynamic range)