Agilent InfinityLab LC Method Development Solution

Significance of the topic

The development of reliable and efficient liquid chromatography (LC) methods is critical for pharmaceutical, environmental and industrial analytics. Automated method development and seamless transfer between systems accelerate workflows, reduce human error and improve reproducibility in quality control and research laboratories.

Goals and overview

This study presents the Agilent InfinityLab LC Method Development Solution, an integrated platform for automated screening, optimization and transfer of LC separation methods. The solution combines hardware, column chemistries, software and services into a unified workflow to maximize analytical, instrument and laboratory efficiency.

Methodology and instrumentation

The core of the solution comprises two system configurations:

• 1260 Infinity II Method Development System: up to 600 bar, 15 solvents, 4 columns, bio-inert path option.
• 1290 Infinity II Method Development System: up to 1 300 bar, 26 solvents, 8 columns, high-throughput screening with 1.9 µm Poroshell columns.

Key components include InfinityLab Poroshell 120 columns (12 chemistries, superficially porous particles), Quick Change valves, Quick Connect heat exchangers, solvent bottles with Stay Safe caps, column ID tags and Flex Bench racks. Method Scouting Wizard automates campaign design and reporting, while ISET (Intelligent System Emulation Technology) enables on-the-fly emulation of target LC systems for reliable method transfer.

Main findings and discussion

Automated screening campaigns covering hundreds to thousands of conditions can run unattended overnight, reducing manual intervention and shortening development by days. Bubble-plot reporting and resolution mapping guide rapid identification of optimal conditions. ISET demonstrated consistent retention and resolution when transferring methods to 1100 Series, 1200/1260 Infinity II and Waters Acquity H-Class systems, preserving chromatographic performance across platforms.

Benefits and practical applications

• Significant time savings through unattended operation and automated solvent/column changes.
• Improved method robustness and reproducibility via consistent temperature control and record-keeping with column ID tags.
• Seamless transfer of methods across laboratory LC systems and brands using ISET.
• Scalability from routine screening to high-pressure, high-resolution development.

Future trends and possibilities for use

Emerging opportunities include integration with quality-by-design software for systematic optimization, incorporation of machine learning for predictive method selection and expansion of column chemistries to address challenging analytes. Further automation in sample preparation and real-time data analysis will extend the efficiency gains throughout the analytical workflow.

Conclusion

The Agilent InfinityLab LC Method Development Solution offers a comprehensive, end-to-end approach for rapid LC method development and transfer. Its modular hardware, advanced column technologies, intuitive software and ISET capabilities deliver high throughput, reproducibility and seamless cross-platform compatibility, meeting the demands of modern analytical laboratories.

Reference

• Agilent Technologies. Agilent InfinityLab LC Method Development Solution, publication number 5991-7227EN, March 2017.
• Agilent Technical Overview 5991-5934EN.
• Agilent Technical Overview 5991-6938EN.
• Agilent Application Note 5991-7794EN.