Waters Open Access Systems

Importance of the topic

Ultra performance liquid chromatography in an open access format enables analytical laboratories to share high-end separation and detection capabilities with non-expert users while maintaining data integrity and throughput. Such systems accelerate method development, routine analysis, and biopharmaceutical characterization by offering flexible solvent delivery, automation, and integrated mass spectrometry options.

Objectives and overview

This article presents the design and performance of Waters Open Access UPLC systems, highlighting their adaptability to diverse workflows, ease of use for chemists, and centralized control for administrators. It covers hardware configurations, software tools, and real-world applications in quantitation, purification, and biomolecule analysis.

Methodology and instrumentation

• Quaternary ACQUITY UPLC H-Class with Column Manager: supports up to six columns, flexible solvent and modifier blending, automated gradient formulation.
• Binary ACQUITY UPLC: simplified solvent mixing for labs requiring a limited set of methods and high throughput sample confirmation.
• Open Architecture UPLC with flatbed Sample Manager (2777): industry-standard autosampler for high-capacity walk-up operation.
• Detectors and mass spectrometers: single-quadrupole, tandem quadrupole (Xevo TQ-S), high-resolution QTof (Xevo G2) for nominal and exact mass workflows.
• Software suite: OpenQuan and QuanOptimize for automated MRM method generation, OpenLynx Open Access Application Manager with OALogin, OAToolkit, Remote Status Monitor, and IntelliStart for system QC and monitoring.

Main results and discussion

Open Access UPLC systems enable rapid method scouting, unattended runs, and multiuser operation. Automated software wizards guide non-specialists through sample login, method selection, and result retrieval. Tandem quadrupole and high-resolution workflows provide robust quantitation and molecular formula assignment without expert intervention. Centralized administration tools manage user access, data routing, and project directories to ensure security and traceability.

Benefits and practical applications

• Walk-up quantitation workflows allow single-shot or batch analysis with minimal training.
• Flexible hardware choices accommodate routine compound confirmation, library screening, and fraction purity checks.
• Integrated autopurification and biopharmaceutical characterization streamline protein and peptide analysis in an open access environment.
• Remote monitoring and automated QC reduce instrument downtime and maintain consistent performance.
• Data integration with NuGenesis SDMS centralizes results for enterprise-wide access and reporting.

Future trends and potential applications

Advances in artificial intelligence and cloud connectivity will further simplify method development and system maintenance. Expanded integration with laboratory information management systems and real-time remote analytics will support decentralized research and quality control. Continued automation of biopharmaceutical workflows, including intact protein profiling, will drive broader adoption in regulated environments.

Conclusion

Waters Open Access UPLC systems democratize high-performance chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis, offering versatile hardware configurations and intuitive software for both chemists and administrators. By reducing reliance on specialized operators and enhancing throughput, these solutions meet the evolving demands of pharmaceutical discovery, quality control, and academic research.

Used instrumentation

• ACQUITY UPLC H-Class System with Column Manager
• Binary ACQUITY UPLC System
• Open Architecture UPLC System with 2777 Sample Manager
• Xevo TQ-S tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer
• Xevo G2 QTof mass spectrometer
• OpenQuan, QuanOptimize, OpenLynx Open Access, OAToolkit, OALogin, Remote Status Monitor, IntelliStart
• NuGenesis Scientific Data Management System