Shim-pack Velox LC Columns

Importance of the Topic

High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) remains a cornerstone technique in analytical chemistry for separating, identifying and quantifying complex mixtures. Recent advances in column technology, in particular core–shell or superficially porous particles, have offered significant gains in resolution, speed and robustness. Shimadzu’s Shim-pack Velox series exemplifies this trend, delivering rapid analyses, enhanced throughput and extended column life across a variety of chemistries. These improvements benefit pharmaceutical development, food and environmental testing, clinical diagnostics and quality control laboratories.

Study Objectives and Overview

This whitepaper presents the design features and performance characteristics of Shim-pack Velox core–shell columns. Key goals include demonstrating:

• Enhanced chromatographic efficiency and resolution compared with fully porous phases.
• Increased sample throughput through faster gradients and shorter columns.
• Robustness under challenging conditions, including low pH mobile phases and complex sample matrices.
• Versatility across multiple stationary phase chemistries (C18, SP‐C18, biphenyl, PFPP, HILIC).

Methodology

Shim-pack Velox columns combine a solid silica core with a porous shell functionalized by various ligands. Particle sizes of 1.8, 2.7 and 5 μm and pore diameters near 90 Å optimize mass transfer. Surface chemistries include:

• SP‐C18 (sterically protected C18) for low‐pH stability and LC/MS(/MS) applications.
• End-capped C18 for general reversed‐phase separations.
• Biphenyl for enhanced aromatic selectivity.
• Pentafluorophenylpropyl (PFPP) for halogenated compounds and positional isomers.
• HILIC for polar analytes with orthogonal selectivity to reversed phase.

Typical method development includes selection of particle size, column dimensions (ID and length) matching instrument dispersion and pressure limits, and gradient optimization for target analytes.

Used Instrumentation

• Shimadzu Nexera UHPLC systems (Nexera, Nexera XR, Nexera XS, Nexera X3).
• i-Series HPLC systems (LC-2050, LC-2060).
• LCMS-8050 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer for bioanalytical assays.

Main Results and Discussion

Core–shell Velox columns deliver:

• Up to 80 % increase in theoretical plates versus fully porous counterparts when transferring USP methods (e.g., cyanocobalamin assay).
• Stable retention under pH 1 conditions for over 90 h using SP‐C18, with less than 10 % loss in k.
• Simultaneous separation of 22 common preservative agents in food/cosmetic matrices within 10 min on SP‐C18, maintaining baseline resolution.
• Resolution of structural isomers (amobarbital vs. pentobarbital) in human urine within a 10 min LC/MS(/MS) method using biphenyl phases.
• Effective separation of cis/trans stilbene isomers on PFPP columns and retention of nucleosides on HILIC phases.
• Consistent lot‐to‐lot performance, ensuring reproducible retention times and peak areas across multiple production batches.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Shim-pack Velox series offers:

• Improved laboratory productivity through faster analysis times and higher sample throughput.
• Reduced solvent consumption and operational costs by using shorter, high‐efficiency columns.
• Enhanced data quality via superior peak shape and reproducibility across column lots.
• Robust performance under harsh mobile phase conditions, supporting demanding LC/MS workflows.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Continued innovation in particle design, including smaller core–shell formats and hybrid organic–inorganic supports, is expected to further boost efficiency. Integration with high‐resolution mass spectrometry, automated sample preparation and online multidimensional separations will expand applications in proteomics, metabolomics and environmental monitoring. Advances in green chromatography, such as reduced organic solvent usage and eco‐friendly buffer systems, will align with sustainability goals.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s Shim-pack Velox core–shell columns provide a flexible toolkit for modern chromatographers seeking rapid, high-resolution and robust separations. With multiple chemistries and formats, these columns address diverse analytical challenges, from small-molecule quantitation to complex biological matrices. Their proven reproducibility and extended lifetimes make them a reliable choice for high‐throughput and quality‐driven laboratories.

Reference

No formal literature references were provided in the source document.