Discover the Viper capillary kits

Importance of the Topic

Liquid chromatography workflows depend on reliable low-dead-volume connections to maintain peak integrity, reproducibility, and sensitivity. Thermo Scientific Viper and nanoViper fingertight fittings address these needs by minimizing dead volume and simplifying fluidic path assembly for both LC and LC-MS applications.

Study Objectives and Overview

This document reviews the range of capillary kits designed for Thermo Scientific Vanquish and UltiMate 3000 liquid chromatography systems. It covers standard and application-specific configurations—including method transfer, tandem LC, inverse gradient, automated method scouting, and online solid-phase extraction (SPE)—to support diverse analytical workflows.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Use of Viper and nanoViper fingertight fittings compatible with all standard LC modules, valves, and columns
• Capillaries in stainless steel (SST), corrosion-resistant MP35N alloy, and PEEK-shielded fused silica with internal diameters from 0.10 mm to 0.18 mm
• Integration of passive and active pre-heaters, post-column coolers, and high-pressure switching valves
• Color-coded markers and clips for clear identification of fluidic lines during setup
• Support for direct coupling to mass spectrometers and high-performance UHPLC conditions

Main Results and Discussion

Key observations from the kit portfolio include:

• Consistent low dead-volume performance yielding sharp peaks and high reproducibility across system variants
• Rapid installation facilitated by dedicated guides and preconfigured capillary lengths
• Efficient method transfer between core HPLC and UHPLC platforms via specialized loop and valve assemblies
• Adaptation to complex workflows such as heart-cut 2D-LC, automated method scouting, and inverse gradient separations
• Provision of biocompatible capillaries and unions for protein and peptide analyses

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Reduced system downtime and simplified maintenance through standardized, fingertight connections
• High flexibility for scaling from analytical HPLC to nano- and microflow LC-MS
• Enhanced robustness across wide pressure (up to UHPLC) and flow rate ranges
• Modular solutions tailored for multidimensional separations and automated workflows

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Growth of fully automated method development using integrated scouting and selection valves
• Increased demand for biocompatible low-volume capillaries in proteomics and biologics analysis
• Integration of online SPE and multidimensional separations in regulated QA/QC environments
• Further miniaturization and automation to support high-throughput omics and clinical research platforms

Conclusion

Thermo Scientific Viper and nanoViper capillary kits deliver a comprehensive, modular approach to fluidic management in LC and LC-MS. By combining minimal dead volume, ease of installation, and compatibility with a broad range of workflows, these kits enhance analytical performance and operational efficiency across laboratories.

References

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