UHPLC Nexera series - Specifications

Importance of Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) has transformed separations in analytical chemistry by delivering higher resolution, faster run times and lower solvent consumption compared with conventional HPLC. Its relevance spans pharmaceutical development, environmental analysis, food safety and biopharmaceutical quality control, where rapid, sensitive and reproducible quantitation of complex mixtures is critical.

Objectives and Overview of the Specification Document

This document presents the specifications of the Shimadzu Nexera series UHPLC platform. It aims to highlight key design features, performance metrics and optional modules that together enhance throughput, reliability and operational ease in modern analytical laboratories.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

The Nexera series consists of modular components that can be configured to suit diverse analytical needs:

• System Controller: The SCL-40/CBM-40 touch-panel controller offers a graphical UI for PC-free operation and supports up to 12 connectable units.
• Solvent Delivery Pump: LC-40 series pumps (B XR, B X3, D XR, D X3) provide pressures up to 130 MPa, ultra-low gradient delay volumes and quaternary or high-pressure gradient capabilities.
• Autosampler: SIL-40 family autosamplers deliver ultra-low carryover (< 0.0003 %), rapid injection cycles and optional dual-injection for parallel workflows.
• Plate Changer: Compact changers support up to 44 microtiter plates (384-well) or thousands of vials, enabling unattended large-batch analyses.
• Column Oven: CTO-40 series ovens accommodate columns up to 300 mm long, with active preheating and precise temperature control to 100 °C.
• Detectors: A range of detectors includes UV-VIS (SPD-40/40V), Photodiode Array (SPD-M40), Fluorescence (RF-20 series), Refractive Index (RID-20A), Conductivity (CDD-10Avp) and Evaporative Light Scattering (ELSD-LT II).

Main Performance Highlights and Discussion

Key enhancements include:

• Improved baseline stability and linearity across detectors, even under temperature fluctuations.
• Dual-pump configurations (XR, X3) that minimize gradient delay and support ultra-fast high-pressure gradients.
• Real-time mobile phase monitoring (MPM-40) to prevent run interruptions and ensure sufficient solvent supply.
• Extensive automation: up to 12 instrument modules controlled from a single interface and large sample capacities for high throughput.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Platform

The Nexera UHPLC system delivers:

• Accelerated method development and routine analysis through rapid gradient transitions and minimal carryover.
• Enhanced data quality via precise temperature control of columns and flow cells.
• Reduced downtime and user intervention by integrating degassing, pre-heating and solvent monitoring.
• Scalability from micro-volume bioanalytical assays to preparative separations using optional flow cells.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Looking ahead, UHPLC systems will further integrate remote monitoring, artificial-intelligence driven method optimization and increased multiplexing. Advances in microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip may lead to even smaller footprints and lower sample requirements. Continued development of greener solvents and energy-efficient components will support sustainable laboratory practices.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu Nexera series represents a versatile UHPLC solution combining high pressure capability, robust automation and modular design. It addresses the demands of high-throughput environments while assuring analytical precision and operational reliability.

Reference

No external literature references were provided in the original specification document.