Straightforward transfer of routine methods from a legacy HPLC system to a modern HPLC system

Importance of the Topic

Modernizing analytical platforms is critical in food and ingredient testing laboratories to maintain high productivity and data reliability. Transferring established HPLC methods to a new system with minimal downtime ensures continuity of quality control workflows while leveraging advances in fluidics, detection and software integration.

Study Objectives and Overview

The primary goal was to demonstrate a straightforward transfer of routine refractive-index HPLC methods from a legacy Waters system to the Thermo Scientific™ Vanquish™ Core HPLC platform. A head-to-head comparison was conducted on three key assays: oligosaccharide distribution, soluble dietary fiber content, and molecular weight determination by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

Methodology

Samples of maltodextrin and water-soluble dietary fibers (samples A–D) were analyzed to mimic typical food ingredient testing. Three analytical approaches were applied:

• Oligosaccharide profiling using isocratic HPLC-RID on Aminex™ HPX-87N and HPX-42A columns to separate sugars by degree of polymerization (DP).
• Soluble dietary fiber quantification following enzymatic-gravimetric sample preparation and precipitation, measured by HPLC-RID with internal calibration.
• Molecular weight determination via GPC-RID using Shodex™ pullulan standards (180–788 000 Da) for column calibration and slice integration for unknowns.

Used Instrumentation

Thermo Scientific™ Vanquish™ Core HPLC:

• System Base Vanquish Core
• Vanquish Quaternary Pump C
• Vanquish Split Sampler CT
• Vanquish Column Compartment C (2×)
• Passive pre-heater (0.10 × 680 mm)
• Vanquish Refractive Index Detector

Legacy Waters HPLC-RID:

• 717 Autosampler
• 510 Pump
• Temperature Control Module II and Column Heater Module
• 2410 Differential Refractometer Detector

Chromeleon™ CDS v7.3.1 was used for control, data acquisition and advanced GPC analysis.

Key Results and Discussion

Oligosaccharide profiles for samples A and B showed consistent DP distributions between legacy and Vanquish systems, with absolute differences below 1% for DP1–DP10 fractions. Soluble fiber content across seven test samples differed by less than 1% between instruments. GPC molecular weight calibration and QC checks yielded Mn and Mw deviations below 5%. Analysis of a real sample (C) demonstrated comparable chromatographic profiles and calculated molecular weights within 5% of legacy results.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Simplified method transfer with minimal revalidation effort.
• Integrated leak sensors and optimized fluidic paths reduce downtime.
• Single-point intelligent control and intuitive Chromeleon CDS streamline training and data handling.
• Enhanced throughput and reliability for routine carbohydrate and fiber analysis in food, nutrition and quality control laboratories.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Continued instrument modernization will focus on increased automation, broader multi-detector configurations (e.g., coupling RID with mass spectrometry), and cloud-based data management. Advances in software analytics, including AI-driven peak integration and method scouting, promise further gains in lab efficiency and method robustness.

Conclusion

The Vanquish Core HPLC platform enabled a rapid and accurate transfer of legacy HPLC-RID methods. Comparable performance across oligosaccharide distribution, fiber quantification and GPC-based molecular weight assays was achieved with differences within 5% of established procedures. The modernized system offers operational advantages that facilitate seamless adoption in routine food analysis laboratories.

References

• 1. Roquette Frères corporate information, www.roquette.com.
• 2. AOAC Official Method 2001.03. Dietary fiber containing supplemented resistant maltodextrin (RMD).