The Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis in the Pharmaceutical Laboratory

Importance of the Topic

Modern analytical laboratories, especially in pharmaceutical and quality control environments, require robust and compliant spectroscopy solutions. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry remains a cornerstone technique for quantifying and characterizing chemical substances in liquids and solids. Ensuring instrument reliability, data integrity and regulatory compliance is critical for meeting international pharmacopeia standards and internal quality requirements.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study examines the Agilent Cary 60 UV-Visible Spectrophotometer and its role in regulated laboratory environments. Key objectives include:

• Evaluating compliance features for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11.
• Assessing instrument performance characteristics such as spectral resolution, stability, and photometric accuracy.
• Outlining practical workflows and benefits for pharmaceutical and QA/QC laboratories.

Methodology

The Cary 60 UV-Vis system is manufactured under an ISO 9001 quality management framework. Compliance is supported by integrated software modules offering:

• Electronic records and audit trails for method files and results.
• Configurable user access levels and electronic signatures.
• Built-in performance tests for wavelength accuracy, photometric precision, stray light evaluation, noise and baseline flatness.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent Cary 60 UV-Visible Spectrophotometer with xenon flash lamp source
• Optional fiber optic probe for direct sample immersion
• Multicell holders (ambient and water thermostatted)
• Peltier single-cell holder and temperature probe
• Rapid mix and stopped flow accessories
• Variable pathlength and microvolume tray cells

Main Results and Discussion

The Cary 60 delivered high-quality data across the full UV-Vis range. Key findings include:

• Xenon flash lamp prevents photobleaching and provides consistent flash-to-flash intensity, with a projected lifetime of 3 billion flashes (≈10 years).
• Instant-on operation eliminates warm-up time, reducing energy consumption and maintenance.
• Room-light immunity allows accurate measurements with an open sample lid—beneficial for fiber optic and high-throughput workflows.
• Fixed 1.5 nm spectral bandwidth meets pharmacopeia requirements for liquids and solids.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced compliance: integrated validation software and optional 21 CFR Part 11/EU Annex 11 modules for secure data management.
• Cost-effective operation: long lamp life and low energy use minimize ownership costs.
• Versatile sampling: fiber optic probes and temperature-controlled holders enable diverse analytical workflows.
• High throughput: rapid measurement cycles suited for QA/QC labs in pharmaceutical and industrial settings.

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for end-to-end data tracking.
• Advanced automation and robotics for unattended high-throughput screening.
• Miniaturization and microfluidic sample handling to reduce reagent consumption.
• Implementation of AI-driven spectral analysis for faster decision-making and method optimization.

Conclusion

The Agilent Cary 60 UV-Visible Spectrophotometer combines high performance, regulatory compliance and cost efficiency, making it an ideal solution for modern analytical laboratories. Its robust design and comprehensive software support ensure reliable results while meeting stringent quality and compliance standards.

References

1. Agilent Technologies, Inc. Innovative Spectroscopy Solutions for Laboratory Compliance. USA, April 1, 2015. Document No. 5991-5597EN.