Thermo Scientific Vanquish Neo UHPLC system

Importance of the Topic

Low flow rates in liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry improve electrospray efficiency and enhance sensitivity and resolution. These capabilities are critical in proteomics lipidomics metabolomics and clinical research to detect low abundance analytes and to ensure robust quantification across large sample cohorts.

Study Objectives and Overview

• Evaluate performance of a unified nano capillary and micro flow UHPLC system under diverse LC MS workflows
• Assess key metrics including sensitivity throughput retention time precision and system reproducibility
• Demonstrate compatibility with direct and trap and elute injection modes without hardware changes

Methodology and Instrumentation

The system employs active flow control via ProFlow XR high precision split loop autosampler with split sampler NT for minimal dispersion and low gradient delay volume. A settable flow range from 1 nL per minute to 100 microliters per minute supports gradient and isocratic runs. An optional temperature controlled column compartment stabilizes linear capillary and trap columns. Automated sample loading column washing and equilibration routines maximize mass spectrometer utilization and reduce overhead time.

Instrumentation Used

• Thermo Scientific Vanquish Neo UHPLC system
• ProFlow XR active flow control module
• Split Sampler NT autosampler with vial bottom detection and multi wash routines
• Optional heated column compartment
• C18 PepMap Neo nano capillary and micro flow columns
• Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris and Orbitrap Tribrid mass spectrometers
• Viper and nanoViper zero dead volume fittings

Main Results and Discussion

• Flow rates from 1 nanoliter to 100 microliters per minute yielded up to ten fold sensitivity gain relative to conventional micro flow
• Retention time precision better than 0.2 percent RSD across 1600 injections over six months
• Throughput increased by 18 to 81 percent using fast sample loading and accelerated equilibration protocols
• Injection volume linearity demonstrated from 0.1 to 1.0 microliters with high precision and minimal carryover below 0.1 percent
• Reproducible protein and peptide identifications across six independent systems

Benefits and Practical Applications

The unified low flow UHPLC platform streamlines method transfer and reduces maintenance downtime. It supports discovery proteomics high throughput clinical assays and quantitative workflows in pharmaceutical environmental and food analysis. Enhanced usability is provided by an intuitive user interface automated diagnostics and remote operation capabilities.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Future developments may include integration of artificial intelligence for method optimization multidimensional LC MS coupling single cell and spatial omics analyses as well as novel stationary phase chemistries for improved selectivity. Expansion into regulated environments and clinical laboratories will further drive adoption.

Conclusion

The Vanquish Neo UHPLC system redefines low flow chromatography by combining highest sensitivity robust long term performance and intuitive operation across nano capillary and micro flow regimes enabling reliable high quality data for a wide range of analytical challenges.