Agilent 7100 Capillary Electrophoresis System - Data Sheet

Significance of the Topic

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) remains a pivotal technique for high-resolution separation of charged analytes across environmental, pharmaceutical, forensic, food safety, and life science applications. The Agilent 7100 CE system enhances analytical performance by combining HPLC-like sensitivity with orthogonal complementarity to liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, enabling rapid method development and high-throughput workflows. Its compact footprint, flexible separation modes, and automated replenishment features address modern laboratory demands for efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Overview of the System

This summary aims to present the design, performance, and application scope of the Agilent 7100 Capillary Electrophoresis System. Key objectives include demonstrating its market-leading sensitivity, unattended high-throughput capability, easy maintenance, and seamless integration with Agilent MS platforms. An overview of the system’s features and benefits guides users in selecting appropriate workflows for charged-sample analysis.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The Agilent 7100 CE system integrates several core components:

• Pressure-driven sample handling: Programmable –100 to +100 mbar for injection and 2–12 bar for flushing and vial pressurization, supporting continuous operation.
• Electrokinetic injection: –30 to +30 kV for precise sample introduction with self-correcting injection from inlet or outlet.
• Autosampler and fraction collector: 50-position carousel with external waterbath control (10–40 °C) and satellite station for automated buffer replenishment.
• Capillary cassette: Peltier-based forced-air cooling (10 °C below ambient to 60 °C) for stable capillary temperature.
• Detection: UV–Visible diode array detector (190–600 nm) with up to eight simultaneous signals, full spectral acquisition, and sensitivity >6 S/N for µM-level analytes.
• System control and diagnostics: CE-specific software supporting mobility and pI calibration, time-corrected area integration, automated maintenance feedback (RFID-tagged lamps), and regulatory compliance tools.

Main Results and Discussion

The Agilent 7100 CE system achieves best-in-class analytical performance, rivaling HPLC in signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range (1×10^4). Automated replenishment and unattended operation significantly boost throughput and uptime. Its versatile separation modes, including capillary electrochromatography, enable tailored solutions for diverse sample matrices. Integrated diagnostics and compliance tools simplify method validation and routine QA/QC, while plug-and-play MS connectivity enhances structural elucidation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Agilent 7100 CE system offers:

• Unmatched sensitivity for trace-level detection in environmental, pharmaceutical, and forensic analyses.
• High-throughput, unattended workflows via automated sample handling and buffer replenishment.
• Reduced downtime through easy maintenance and integrated diagnostic feedback.
• Flexible modular design supporting orthogonal CE/MS methods and various detector options.
• A compact footprint ideal for space-constrained laboratories.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Future developments in CE will focus on microfluidic integration, further miniaturization, and enhanced CE/MS coupling for proteomics and metabolomics. Advances in detection technologies such as laser-induced fluorescence and electrochemical sensors will expand analytical sensitivity and selectivity. The adoption of automated method scouting and AI-driven data analysis promises to accelerate method development and real-time monitoring in diverse fields, including personalized medicine and bioprocess control.

Conclusion

The Agilent 7100 Capillary Electrophoresis System represents a state-of-the-art platform combining high sensitivity, productivity, and flexibility. Its automated features, robust diagnostics, and seamless MS integration make it a comprehensive solution for charged-sample analysis across multiple industries, supporting both current analytical needs and future innovations.

Reference

Agilent Technologies Inc. Agilent 7100 Capillary Electrophoresis System; Publication Number 5990-3962EN; April 2015.