2019/2021 Chromatography Consumables Catalog - LC columns and accessories

Importance of the Topic

Chromatography is a cornerstone of analytical workflows in biopharma, food and beverage, environmental and clinical testing.
Reproducible results and high throughput depend on seamless integration of sample preparation, column separation and vial handling.
Optimizing each consumable and its connection ensures sample integrity, reduces costly reanalysis and maximizes instrument uptime.

Objectives and Study Overview

This overview presents a connected chromatography consumables portfolio that spans sample prep tools, column chemistries across modes, and vial closures.
It highlights how choosing matched consumables—from SPE plates and cartridge holders to UHPLC columns and vials—supports end-to-end productivity and consistent data quality.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

• Sample preparation: SPE plates, SPE cartridges, QuEChERS, SPME arrows, SLE plates, syringe filters.
• Chromatographic separation: Solid-core and fused-core UHPLC columns, HPLC columns across C18, C8, biphenyl, polar, HILIC, ion exchange and specialty phases.
• Detection compatibility: UV, MS, CAD, ELS, RI and data processing software.
• System integration: Fingertight fittings (Viper), in-line filters (Javelin, Uniguard), MP35N capillaries, PEEK tubing.

Main Results and Discussion

• Solid-core 1.5 µm UHPLC columns demonstrated up to 70 % faster separations and 30 % lower backpressure versus larger cores.
• Biphenyl, phenyl-hexyl and PFP chemistries resolved challenging isomer pairs not separable on C18.
• Polar-embedded and HILIC phases retained highly polar analytes without ion-pair reagents.
• Mixed-mode and ion-exchange columns enabled simultaneous analysis of APIs with counterions, or anionic/cationic species in single runs.
• Graphitic and polymeric phases expanded pH range to 0–14 for difficult acidic or basic separations.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Improved reproducibility: matched consumables reduce variability across columns and instruments.
• Higher productivity: low-dispersion fittings and fast-flow UHPLC columns deliver more injections per day.
• Broad application support: tailored chemistries cover small molecules, large biologics, pesticides, veterinary drugs, glycan analysis, proteomics.
• Seamless connectivity: tool-free assemblies and robust hardware simplify method setup and maintenance.

Future Trends and Applications

• Greater automation: further integration of sample prep, cartridge switching and online SPE for unattended operation.
• Digital workflows: cloud-based method libraries and AI-driven column selection tools.
• Sustainable consumables: reduced solvent usage via higher-efficiency columns, recyclable hardware.
• Expanding multi-omics: coupled LC-MS/MS and high-resolution MS for deeper biomarker profiling.

Conclusion

A connected consumables ecosystem—from sample prep to columns to vials and fittings—enables reproducible, high-throughput chromatography across diverse workflows.
Choosing compatible, high-performance components reduces reanalysis, maximizes data quality and supports evolving analytical challenges.

References

2019/2021 Chromatography Consumables Catalog, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. AD72973-EN 0419S