Shim-pack NovaCore C18-HB [Reversed phase column]

Significance of Topic

The Shim-pack NovaCore C18-HB column offers high performance in reversed-phase HPLC and UHPLC analyses. It supports a broad pH range (1–12) and temperatures up to 60 °C, making it versatile for pharmaceutical, environmental, and biochemical applications. Its core–shell silica hybrid design delivers sharp peaks, high efficiency, and extended lifetime under demanding conditions.

Objectives and Overview

This instruction manual aims to guide users in the correct installation, operation, and maintenance of the Shim-pack NovaCore C18-HB column to achieve stable and reproducible chromatographic results. It covers column specifications, installation procedures, flow rate guidelines, sample handling, and cleaning protocols.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Shim-pack NovaCore C18-HB column is built upon a 10 nm pore size core–shell silica hybrid matrix with an octadecylsilyl (ODS) functional group. Key features include:

• Surface area: 200 m2/g
• Carbon content: 11%
• Endcapping: yes
• Usable pH range: 1–12
• Operating temperature: 20–40 °C (max 60 °C)

Recommended system setup:

• HPLC or UHPLC system capable of up to 60 MPa (1.7 µm) or 130 MPa (UHPLC fittings)
• PEEK or stainless-steel tubing (0.25–0.3 mm ID for HPLC; 0.1–0.2 mm ID for UHPLC)
• Male nuts or fittings compatible with Shimadzu columns
• UV or PDA detectors with semimicro or micro flow cells
• Membrane filters (0.2–0.45 µm) for mobile phases and samples

Key Findings and Discussion

Installation and flow direction:

• The column label arrow indicates the required flow direction.
• Use the shortest tubing to reduce dead volume and peak broadening.

Flow rate guidelines for a 150 × 4.6 mm column:

• 1.7 µm: 1.8 mL/min at 4.6 mm ID
• 2.6 µm: 1.8 mL/min at 4.6 mm ID
• 5 µm: 1.3 mL/min at 4.6 mm ID

Sample and mobile phase considerations:

• Dissolve samples in a solvent matching the initial mobile phase composition to avoid precipitation and peak distortion.
• Filter mobile phases and samples to prevent particle-induced clogging.
• When switching between aqueous and nonaqueous phases, use intermediate polarity solvents (e.g., isopropanol) for conditioning.

Cleaning and storage procedures:

• Flush with organic solvent (up to 100%) or water/organic mixtures five times the column volume.
• Avoid pure water cleaning after high pH usage; use 60% acetonitrile/water.
• For difficult matrix components, consider sample pretreatment.
• Store in Acetonitrile/Water (45:55) with the shipping plug in a cool, dark place.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Shim-pack NovaCore C18-HB column delivers high theoretical plates and reproducibility, enhancing separation quality for small molecules, peptides, and complex mixtures. Its robust construction and wide operational window reduce downtime and maintenance costs in QA/QC, research, and production laboratories.

Future Trends and Applications

Advancements in core–shell and hybrid silica technologies will drive further reductions in particle size, improved mass transfer, and compatibility with mass spectrometry. Emerging applications include ultra-high-throughput pharmaceutical screening, metabolomics, and green chromatography with sustainable solvents.

Conclusion

Proper installation, careful sample and mobile phase preparation, and routine cleaning are essential for maximizing the lifetime and performance of the Shim-pack NovaCore C18-HB column. Following the guidelines in this manual ensures reliable and high-resolution chromatographic results.

Použitá instrumentace

• Shim-pack NovaCore C18-HB core–shell reversed-phase HPLC/UHPLC column
• HPLC/UHPLC system (up to 60–130 MPa)
• PEEK and stainless-steel tubing and fittings
• UV or PDA detectors with micro flow cells
• 0.2–0.45 µm membrane filters