Product Selection Guide

Significance of Analytical and Preparative Chromatography Solutions

Efficient and adaptable chromatography systems are vital across analytical, preparative and process applications in pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, polymers and food industries. High-resolution separations, reproducible quantifications and scalable purifications underpin research, quality control (QA/QC) and manufacturing. Modern demands favor flexible systems that accommodate diverse gradients, flow rates and column chemistries while meeting regulatory expectations (e.g., GxP, 21 CFR Part 11) and sustainability goals.

Study Objectives and System Overview

This guide presents KNAUER’s AZURA® platform covering:

• Analytical UHPLC/HPLC (P 8.1L, 6.1L pumps)
• Preparative HPLC (P 2.1L pumps)
• BIO/FPLC purification
• Specialty techniques: SEC/GPC, SMB
• Detection: DAD, MWD, UV/VIS, RID, ELSD, fluorescence, conductivity
• Auxiliary modules: autosampler, degasser, column thermostat, fraction collectors, valves

Systems support multiple solvent inlets (binary, quaternary), active pulsation compensation, degassing and in-line mixing for optimum gradient formation.

Instrumentation and Methodology

Key modules & features:

• P 8.1L UHPLC pump: 1240 bar, 0.001-5 mL/min, adaptive pulsation compensation
• P 6.1L analytical HPLC pump: up to 1000 bar, 0.001-50 mL/min, LPG/HPG gradients
• P 2.1L prep pump: dual-piston, 0.01-1000 mL/min, RT-controlled flow
• Flow cells: LightGuide™, PressureProof, multi-pathlength options
• Detectors: DAD 6.1L (190–1000 nm), MWD/UV, RID, ELSD, RF fluorescence, conductivity, pH
• Autosampler AS 6.1L: 768 microtiter or 108 vials, 0.1 µL–10 mL, PASA™, ILD™ high-pressure injection
• DZ cartridges, mixers, pulse dampers, static/dynamic mixers for low-dispersion gradients
• Fraction collectors: Foxy® R1/R2, LABOCOL Vario-4000 for versatile vial/plate formats

Communications: LAN, analog, TTL, RS-232; control software: MobileControl, ClarityChrom®, OpenLab® EZChrom, PurityChrom®, Chromeleon™.

Main Performance & Discussion

High-precision pumps achieve
±0.25% flow accuracy, <0.04% RSD; detectors record noise/drift within pharmacopeial limits. Autosampler precision:

• Full-loop <0.3% RSD
• Partial-loop <0.5% RSD
• µL pickup <1.0% RSD

UHPLC gradients exhibit ±0.3% accuracy; column thermostats maintain ±0.1 °C stability. Fraction collectors handle diverse flow rates (0.1 to 1000 mL/min) and formats.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Modular design speeds method development, routine QA/QC and scale-up from analytical to preparative. Plug-and-play modules minimize downtime for maintenance. Cross-compatibility with CDS packages ensures regulatory compliance. Biocompatible options suit protein purification.

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Integration of IoT and AI-assisted method optimization to accelerate development cycles.
• High-throughput parallel separations using multi-channel LC for accelerated screening.
• Green chromatography: micro- and nano-flow with solvent recycling.
• Continuous bioprocessing (single-use SMB platforms) for vaccines and mRNA.
• Multi-omics integration combining LC-MS, multi-dimensional separations and real-time analytics.

Conclusion

KNAUER’s AZURA® platform addresses a broad spectrum of separation challenges via scalable, modular instruments and software. High performance, automation, and regulatory compliance facilitate analytical, preparative and bio-purification workflows, while future enhancements in automation, throughput and sustainability will further expand capabilities.

Reference

Product Selection Guide 2024/2025, KNAUER Wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH