AZURA® System Selection Guide

Significance of the topic

The availability of a comprehensive system selection guide is critical for laboratories and industry professionals seeking to match chromatography requirements with optimal instrumentation. By consolidating predefined configurations and technical data, users can streamline decision-making, reduce method development time, and ensure high reproducibility in analytical and preparative workflows.

Study Objectives and Overview

This guide presents KNAUER’s AZURA® portfolio for liquid chromatography, covering bio-inert HPLC/UHPLC, FPLC, preparative LC, and sample preparation systems. It is structured into system families (analytical, bio-purification, preparative, and cleanup) and includes conversion tables, sketches, and ordering details. The aim is to illustrate key specifications, modular options, and application examples for each system category.

Used Instrumentation

• AZURA® (U)HPLC Systems: from compact isocratic modules with UV or UV/RID detection to gradient HPLC and UHPLC configurations equipped with HPG/LPG pumps, MWD or DAD detectors, autosamplers, and column thermostats.
• AZURA® FPLC Systems: isocratic and gradient biochromatography platforms for size exclusion, ion exchange, affinity, and mixed-mode separations; features include multiple buffer/sample selection valves, conductivity and pH monitors, fraction collectors, and PurityChrom® software.
• AZURA® Preparative LC Systems: semi-prep and prep-pilot systems with low-pressure (LPG) and high-pressure (HPG) gradient pumps, large-volume injection via valves or autosamplers, integrated detectors, and solvent recycling or peak recycling options for milligram to gram production.
• AZURA® Sample Preparation: automated GPC cleanup for matrix removal and online SPE assistant for direct concentration and cleanup prior to HPLC analysis; both controlled via Mobile Control software.

Main Features and Discussion

KNAUER’s modular design allows stacking of assistant, pump, detector, and valve blocks to build fully automated workflows in minimal bench space. Pressure ratings range up to 1000 bar for UHPLC, with biocompatible flow paths down to 1/16″ tubing or metal-free option for sensitive applications. Detection options include single-wavelength UV/VIS, multichannel UV, DAD, RI, fluorescence, conductivity, and light scattering, all integrated into ClarityChrom®, OpenLAB®, or PurityChrom® software.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High flexibility: freely exchangeable modules and customizable valve configurations adapt to routine analysis, method development, bio-purification, or preparative scale tasks.
• Compact footprint: stackable elements conserve bench space and facilitate ergonomic system layouts.
• Enhanced reproducibility: precise gradient formation, temperature control via Peltier column ovens, and integrated leak protection ensure reliable performance.
• Scalability: platform extends from small-scale educational systems to pilot-scale production capable of extracting up to kilograms of product annually.
• Software integration: intuitive touch-based Mobile Control for maintenance, comprehensive data handling with major chromatography packages, and method templates accelerate workflow setup.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include deeper integration with machine-learning algorithms for real-time method optimization, greener solvents and microfluidic flow paths to reduce waste, and expanded inline coupling with mass spectrometry for enhanced compound identification. Automation could evolve toward fully autonomous platforms that combine sample preparation, separation, and detection in a single workflow. The rise of remote monitoring and cloud-based data analytics will further streamline quality control and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

KNAUER’s 2018/2019 system selection guide offers a clear roadmap for choosing and configuring liquid chromatography systems across analytical, bio-purification, preparative, and sample preparation domains. Its modular approach, broad pressure and flow ranges, diverse detection capabilities, and integrated software support position AZURA® platforms as versatile solutions for modern laboratory challenges.