Thermo Scientific Analytical UHPLC and HPLC columns

Importance of the Topic

Liquid chromatography is a cornerstone technique in analytical chemistry, widely employed for separating, identifying and quantifying components in complex mixtures. Advances in column technology directly impact resolution, sensitivity and throughput of HPLC and UHPLC workflows. Thermo Scientific’s broad portfolio of reversed-phase, HILIC, ion-exchange, mixed-mode and specialty columns addresses diverse separation challenges across pharmaceutical, environmental, food, and biotech applications.

Objectives and Overview of the Article

This guide presents Thermo Scientific’s analytical UHPLC and HPLC column families—Accucore, Hypersil GOLD and Acclaim. It aims to help users select optimal columns based on sample complexity, target analyte properties and instrument capabilities. Key comparisons of chemistry, particle format and performance are illustrated through application examples such as catechin isomer separations.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Column chemistries are built on two particle platforms: solid-core (Accucore) and fully porous (Hypersil GOLD, Acclaim). Particle sizes range from 1.5 µm to 5 µm with pore diameters of 80–300 Å. Reversed-phase phases include C18, C8, C4, polar end-capped aQ, phenyl, pentafluorophenyl (PFP), biphenyl and long-chain C30. HILIC, normal-phase silica, anion/cation exchange and mixed-mode phases expand selectivity. The Vanquish UHPLC system enables operation at higher pressures for sub-2 µm methods, while standard HPLC systems accommodate fully porous formats. Key instrumentation:

• Thermo Scientific Vanquish UHPLC system for high-pressure operation
• Standard HPLC and LC-MS platforms for fully porous columns
• Guard cartridge holders and Defender cartridges for column protection

Key Results and Discussion

Comparative separations of six catechin isomers on different stationary phases demonstrate selectivity trends:

• Hypersil GOLD C18: predictable elution order with sharp peaks and high efficiency
• Hypersil GOLD C8: lower hydrophobic retention, same elution order but faster runs
• Hypersil GOLD aQ: extra retention of more polar analytes via polar end-capping interactions
• Hypersil GOLD CN and PFP: reversed or altered elution of gallate-containing catechins due to polar or π-π interactions
• Hypersil GOLD Phenyl: intermediate retention with aromatic interactions enhancing resolution of substituted catechins

These examples underscore the importance of matching analyte chemistry (polarity, functional groups) with column surface functionality.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• High resolution separations for trace-level and complex mixtures
• Enhanced throughput via solid‐core particles with lower backpressure
• Broader selectivity through diverse column chemistries (reversed-phase, HILIC, ion exchange, mixed-mode)
• Robust method development starting points (Hypersil GOLD general‐purpose columns)
• Optimized sensitivity for LC-MS workflows (Accucore RP-MS and Surfactant Plus phases)

Future Trends and Applications

Next-generation trends in chromatographic separation include:

• Ultra-high-pressure systems and sub-1 µm column formats for faster, higher-resolution analyses
• Customized and hybrid stationary phases to fine-tune selectivity for emerging analytes (biologics, metabolites, environmental contaminants)
• Integration of automated method scouting and AI-driven column selection tools
• Multidimensional chromatography coupling orthogonal phases for ultra-complex sample profiling
• Miniaturized and high-throughput platforms for clinical, point-of-care and field applications

Conclusion

Thermo Scientific’s UHPLC and HPLC column portfolio offers a comprehensive set of chemistries, particle formats and pressure ratings to address separation needs from simple method scouting to demanding, high-throughput analyses. Careful selection of column family and phase functionality, informed by sample characteristics, ensures optimal resolution, sensitivity and robustness across routine and advanced applications.

References

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