Detectorless UHPLC offers flexibility – Shimadzu
The Prominence-i LC-2030 LT comes without the integrated UV or Photodiode Array (PDA) detector, enabling selection of detectors such as fluorescence, Refractive Index Detector (RID) or LC-MS.
The firm said the operation of the system allows inexperienced operators to get high quality data easily.
Potential of choice
Dr Gesa Schad, product manager HPLC at Shimadzu Europa, said the benefit of a detectorless model was the flexibility.
“You don’t buy a UV or PDA detector that you don’t need, but invest in a detector of their choice such as the LCMS-2020, RID, ELSD or Fluorescence detector,” she told FoodQualityNews.
“It is not only for food applications, but that is one area where the high performance standard system with a flexible choice of detectors is advantageous.
“It is for HPLC analysis up to 440 bar. With its high sample capacity and fast auto-sampler it can be used routinely for low, medium or high throughput as required.
“Not every analyst in the lab is an expert on everything. Ease of use of the system is a major aspect in facilitating routine analytical work and minimizing errors due to a complicated workflow.”
Combination for food analysis
The combination with the LCMS-2020 single quadrupole mass spectrometer provides qualitative capacities, enabling quantitative and qualitative analysis.
LC-MS is capable of separation by mass and the identification of components from MS spectral information so is used widely in food analysis. This includes looking at a range of analytes, from effective to toxic components.
Schad said the resolution and sensitivity of the system depends on the analytes and analytical method.
The data it generates runs under LabSolutions, the Shimadzu data system, but can also be controlled under other chromatography data systems (CDS).
Shimadzu said the i-Series (U)HPLC systems help users improve workflow with automation, high throughput features and compatibility with mobile devices while maintaining adaptability with existing methods for transfer.
The i-Series provides a 14 second injection cycle time and 1,536 continuous, unattended analyses utilizing 4 x 384 well micro plates.
Shimadzu claims this is ‘at least three hours faster’ than existing models and competitor products.
Options such as a column switching valve, mobile phase selection valves and a choice of detectors make it possible to run a large number of assays continuously while enabling multiple operators to share one system without compromising productivity, said the firm.
