Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC

Importance of the Topic

The rapid growth of complex sample analysis in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring and chemical research demands chromatographic systems capable of delivering unparalleled speed, resolution and robustness. Ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography platforms, such as the Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC, set new performance benchmarks by minimizing band broadening, increasing throughput and ensuring high data integrity. Investing in next-generation UHPLC technology directly enhances laboratory productivity, data reliability and decision confidence.

Study Objectives and Overview

This document provides an expert review of the Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC system, describing its breakthrough technologies and integration within modern laboratory workflows. Key objectives include maximizing analytical efficiency, optimizing instrument utilization, and enabling seamless method transfer from legacy HPLC and UHPLC systems.

Methodology

The design strategy focuses on reducing extra-column volume and improving fluidic precision. Core innovations comprise high-pressure flow paths rated to 1300 bar, multiwash multisampler technology to achieve carryover below 9 ppm, and dual-needle injection to overlap load and run cycles. The system supports gradients at up to 2 mL/min with data acquisition rates to 240 Hz, enabling ultrafast separations without loss of resolution.

Instrumentation

• Agilent 1290 Infinity II UHPLC modules: High Speed Pump, Flexible Pump and Multisampler with single- and dual-needle options.
• InfinityLab Poroshell 120 columns in particle sizes 1.9, 2.7 and 4.0 µm with built-in RFID tags.
• Detectors: 1290 Infinity II Diode Array Detector with 60 mm Max-Light flow cell, Evaporative Light Scattering Detector offering 90× dynamic range, and optional variable wavelength detectors.
• InfinityLab Quick Connect column fittings and heat exchangers, multicolumn thermostat accommodating up to eight columns, and Quick Change valves for automated switching.
• Software: Agilent OpenLAB CDS and MassHunter for instrument control, data acquisition, advanced reporting and legacy system emulation.

Main Results and Discussion

The system achieves chromatographic efficiencies above 13 000 theoretical plates for 2.1 mm and 3.0 mm columns, with retention time precision below 0.005 % RSD. Carryover is reduced to under 9 ppm via multiwash and needle-seat backflushing. High throughput is demonstrated by a 16-plate capacity multisampler handling up to 6144 samples within a standard LC stack footprint. Intelligent System Emulation Technology enables exact transfer of legacy methods across major vendor platforms while leveraging UHPLC performance.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages include accelerated method development, higher confidence in quantitation at trace levels, and automated sample preparation routines. Laboratories can consolidate platforms by retiring older HPLC instruments, reducing maintenance overhead and footprint. The system’s modular design and software interoperability support regulated environments, QA/QC pipelines and high-volume screening tasks.

Future Trends and Applications

Advancements in two-dimensional UHPLC, integration with high-resolution mass spectrometry and AI-driven data analysis are poised to further expand analytical capabilities. Remote diagnostics, cloud connectivity and automated decision algorithms will enable more proactive maintenance, real-time workflow optimization and seamless lab orchestration.

Conclusion

The Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC represents a paradigm shift in UHPLC, delivering unmatched analytical performance, instrument efficiency and laboratory throughput. Its combination of precision fluidics, robust hardware modules and versatile software tools addresses the evolving demands of modern analytical laboratories.

References

Agilent Technologies. Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC Brochure. Published November 2017. 5991-7456EN.