Shimadzu Nexera series - Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatograph

Importance of the Topic

Analytical chemistry laboratories require solutions that deliver high reliability, speed, and automation to meet demands from routine QA/QC to complex research workflows. The Shimadzu Nexera series redefines UHPLC performance by integrating AI–driven diagnostics and IoT connectivity. This approach minimizes downtime, ensures data quality, and streamlines lab management.

Goals and Overview of the Article

This document introduces the key innovations of the Shimadzu Nexera UHPLC platform, structured around three benchmarks: intelligence, efficiency, and design. It highlights how advanced automation and connected instrumentation enhance lab productivity and resource utilization.

Methodology

The brochure outlines functional tests and real-world use cases demonstrating:

• Automated self-diagnosis for pressure fluctuations and trapped bubbles
• Smart FlowPilot flow-ramping technology
• Real-time monitoring of mobile phase levels via weight sensors
• Remote status checks through IoT and cloud-based LabTotal Smart Service Net
• High-speed autosampling and plate-changer capacity
• Auto-blending of mobile phases and automated method scouting
• Enhanced detector sensitivity, linearity, and baseline stability

Instrumentation Used

The Nexera series comprises modular components that can be combined to fit varied applications:

• Solvent Delivery Unit LC-40 Series with dual pumps, auto-diagnostics, and recovery
• Mobile Phase Monitor MPM-40 for up to 12 reservoir weight sensors
• System Controller SCL-40/CBM-40 for touchscreen and remote monitoring
• Autosampler SIL-40 Series with ultra-fast 6.7 s cycle time, plate changer, and automated sample prep
• Column Oven CTO-40 Series featuring slim design, Nexlock™ quick-attach, and usage tracking
• UV-VIS Absorbance Detector SPD-40/40V and Photodiode Array SPD-M40 with Advanced TC-Optics
• Shim-pack™ and Shim-pack Velox™ columns covering superficially porous, high-pressure, and HPLC ranges
• LabSolutions Software with i-PeakFinder, i-PDeA II, i-DReC, and Method Scouting Solution

Main Results and Discussion

Performance benchmarks demonstrate:

• Fully unattended startup, sequencing, and shutdown with scheduled purging and baseline checks
• Auto-diagnosis of air bubbles, automatic pause, purge, and retry functions
• FlowPilot ramping to protect column integrity during pump starts and stops
• Mobile phase level alerts and consumption prediction to avoid mid-run shortages
• Column Management Device (CMD) for ID tagging and history logging of any column brand
• Web-based monitoring of instrument status and real-time chromatograms
• Up to 6.7 s injection cycle time and continuous analysis of 44 microtiter plates
• Automated gradient blending and multi-column method scouting for rapid development
• Detector linearity up to 2.5 AU, stray light reduced to one-third, and baseline noise down 40 %
• Ultra-low carryover via dead-volume elimination in the autosampler flow path
• Compact chassis occupying two-thirds the footprint and 68 % standby power reduction

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages include:

• Enhanced throughput through unattended, high-speed injections
• Lower downtime via proactive diagnostics and automated recovery
• Reduced method-development cycles using auto-scouting and software optimization
• Improved data integrity from traceable consumable and column tracking
• Centralized lab oversight with IoT-enabled monitoring and utilization analytics
• Energy savings and space efficiency support sustainable, high-volume labs
• Scalable architecture suitable for single instruments to large multi-system networks

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging directions include:

• Machine learning–powered predictive maintenance and real-time method tuning
• Expanded cloud analytics for cross-instrument performance benchmarking
• Self-optimizing workflows reducing manual intervention
• Deeper LIMS integration for comprehensive data governance
• Ongoing sensor, detector, and column technology advancements for complex analyses

Conclusion

The Shimadzu Nexera series establishes a new standard in UHPLC by merging AI intelligence, operational efficiency, and inventive design. These systems deliver reproducible, high-quality data, reduce total cost of ownership, and empower laboratories to focus on scientific discovery rather than instrument maintenance.

Reference

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Shimadzu Corporation. First Edition: March 2019, Printed in Japan.