New Technology UHPLC and nLC

Significance of Topic

High-performance liquid chromatography has evolved into ultrahigh-pressure (UHPLC) and nanoscale liquid chromatography (nLC) to meet growing demands for faster separations, higher resolution and lower sample consumption. These advances are critical in pharmaceutical analysis, proteomics, environmental monitoring and quality control, where sensitivity, throughput and reproducibility are essential.

Objectives and Article Overview

The provided material presents the latest Thermo Scientific UHPLC and nLC platforms, detailing their configurations, performance specifications and accessory modules. The goal is to highlight system capabilities across pressure ranges, flow rates and detector compatibility, illustrating integrated solutions for diverse analytical workflows.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific Dionex UltiMate 3000 series (Basic, Standard, x2 Dual RSLC, RSLCnano)
• Detectors: 100–200 Hz VWD, MWD, DAD; FLD; Dionex Coulochem III; Corona ultra RS charged aerosol detector
• Accela 1250 and Accela 600 systems (up to 1250 bar, quaternary pump, Force Feedback Control)
• EASY-nLC II and EASY-nLC 1000 systems (300–1000 bar, 1D/2D capabilities)
• Dionex Viper™ and nanoViper™ fingertight fitting systems
• Chromeleon™ 7 Chromatography Data System

Main Results and Discussion

The UltiMate 3000 line now supports true UHPLC performance up to 1000 bar (and 800 bar for nano), enabling sub-2-µm separations with precision oven temperature control (5–110 °C). The x2 Dual configurations combine two independent pump channels for parallel or tandem LC, online SPE and automated method scouting. Accela instruments extend high-pressure capabilities to more routine labs, with the 1250 bar variant offering low dwell volume and gradient accuracy. EASY-nLC systems streamline nanoscale separations with tool-free maintenance and seamless MS integration. The Viper™ fittings eliminate dead volume and reduce connection errors, crucial for nano-flow stability.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced separation speed and resolution for complex sample matrices
• Scalable flow rates from 20 nL/min to 5 mL/min across a single platform
• Improved method reproducibility via precise pressure and temperature control
• Modular adaptability for routine QC, proteomics, metabolomics and online sample preparation
• Intuitive software integration with Chromeleon™ 7 for streamlined data handling

Future Trends and Possibilities

The next frontier includes deeper integration of multidimensional separations, microfluidic interfacing, AI-driven method optimization and continued miniaturization. Expanding UHPLC to higher pressures beyond 1500 bar and coupling to emerging detectors will further boost sensitivity. Greater automation and remote diagnostics are expected to enhance uptime and reproducibility across decentralized lab networks.

Conclusion

Thermo Scientific’s comprehensive UHPLC and nLC portfolio addresses the full spectrum of modern chromatographic needs, combining high pressure resilience, versatile flow ranges and seamless detector compatibility. These platforms deliver robust performance for advanced research and routine analysis alike, while accessory innovations like Viper™ fittings and Chromeleon™ 7 software ensure user-friendly operation and data integrity.

References

No references were provided in the source material.