HPLC, MS, and CDS: The New Products to Watch—from Pittcon and Beyond

This article describes newly introduced high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), chromatography data systems (CDS), and related products in 2022–2023. It summarizes their unique features and significant user benefits, including relevant technical specifications.

This article marks my 10th anniversary as a columnist for LCGC North America’s “Perspectives in Modern HPLC,” a magazine column published four times yearly. I recall my first column contribution was after Pittcon 2013 in Philadelphia. Now 10 years (and 42 articles) later, I revisited Philadelphia on March 19–22, 2023, the first in-person Pittcon after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic.

Much has changed in the last few decades as we witnessed a decline in Pittcon’s preeminence from a pre-internet peak of 20,000+ attendees. Post-pandemic travel restrictions, high inflation, and economic downturns further accentuated the uncertainties of Pittcon’s future. Nevertheless, I sensed an upbeat mood at Pittcon 2023, as the conferees were happy to be back. The attendance rebounded from Pittcon Chicago 2020 to ~9,000 registrants (estimated). I counted 450+ exhibitors at the 3-day exposition, and observed busy floor traffic on the first two days, despite the absence of major manufacturers, such as Agilent, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Sciex.

Megatrends of HPLC and MS instruments and Applications

Let us start with a general discussion of the megatrends of separation science equipment (both high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC] and mass spectrometry [MS]) and their applications in recent years.

The four major manufacturers of HPLC equipment (Agilent, Shimadzu, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Waters) continued to dominate the instrumental market with a total of approximately 85% of the HPLC market share reported in 2018 (1,2). The migration of HPLC to ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) was essentially complete as manufacturers continued to expand their HPLC product lines by increasing offerings in terms of pressure ratings (three categories: UHPLC (>15.000 psi), intermediary-pressure (9,000–12,000 psi), and HPLC (<6000 psi)), sample scales (analytical, semi-preparative, preparative, micro/nano LC), additional system capabilities (dual-path, bio-inert, 2D-LC), and application-specific analytical systems (analysis of cannabis, amino acids, biopharmaceutical quality control, and clinical diagnostics) (2,3).

For mass spectrometers, the equipment market is dominated by the big four HPLC manufacturers in addition to Sciex (Danaher) and Bruker. There is a definitive trend towards more compact MS single-quadrupole (SQ) and triple-quadrupole (TQ) MS coupled to CDS, high-resolution MS, such as time-of-flight (TOF) or hybrids (Q-TOF), and ion mobility MS (IMS) for resolving isobaric compounds. Applications of LC–MS continue to push the frontiers in bioscience research (in proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, glycomics, and the discovery of disease biomarkers), bio-pharmaceutical developments (new drug modalities, antibody-drug conjugates, mRNA vaccines, oligonucleotides, virus, and lipid nanoparticles for gene delivery), and clinical diagnostics and imaging (4,5).

HPLC and MS New Product Introduction 2022-2023

Table I lists new product introductions ordered alphabetically by the vendor’s name from 2022 to 2023, categorized as HPLC systems, modules, MS, CDS, and other software. The HPLC system category includes ion chromatography (IC), LC–MS, and capillary electrophoresis (CE) instruments. Each product’s features and benefits are briefly described, including a summary of specifications (including, but not limited to, pressure and flow rate ranges, mass range, resolution, and scan rates). The footnotes of Table I define the common acronyms used in the text.

HPLC/UHPLC Systems (Including IC, CE, LC–MS, and Preparative LC)

This section describes new HPLC, UHPLC, IC, CE, and LC–MS systems and their salient features, benefits, and technical specifications.

Agilent 1290 Infinity II Bio 2D-LC System

The 1290 Infinity II Bio 2D-LC is a biocompatible system with easy-to-use software for complex separations based on the InfinityLab LC series. It supports a wide range of LC modules withstanding high salt and pH conditions for biomolecule analysis. It can operate in either comprehensive or heart-cutting modes under two software platforms (OpenLab CDS for UV and SQMS with mass selective detector [MSD] or MassHunter for QTOF and TQMS).

Bruker Scientific NanoElute 2

The NanoElute 2 is a nanoflow capillary LC for applications from a single cell to high throughput proteomics, biomarker discovery, intact protein characterization, glyco- and phosphor-proteomics. The system uses two syringe pumps (1550 μL) at a 20–2000 nL/min flow rate.

Knauer Azura Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)

Knauer Azura SEC is a line of gel permeation chromatography (GPC)/SEC systems for polymer and biopolymer analysis. Four configurations are available: SEC Compact, SEC Lab with multiple detector options, SEC semi-prep (up to 50 mL/min), and GPC cleanup. The system is compatible with ClarityChrom or PurityChrom CDS.

PDR-Separations AutoPREP

Automated Preparative Liquid Purification System can be used in HPLC, supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), countercurrent chromatography (CCC), centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), and simulated moving bed (SMB) applications with many advanced features. It includes an injector/collector module or universal remote valve control module, and allows for changes without stopping the method, thus recalculating a test run to optimize collection settings.

PDR-Separations AutoMDS

The Automated Method Development System is typically used with the Agilent HPLC. It includes software, a 20-bottle gradient mixer, a 24-column selector, and custom methods and sequences for your application. A data processing tool quickly screens results to show only those chromatograms exhibiting appropriate separations.

Shine Qingdao Shenghan Chromatograph Technology CIC-D500+ IC

The CIC-D500+ Ion Chromatograph is a new multifunctional, dual-channel IC with expansion capabilities to four channels and three detectors (conductivity, UV, and pulsed amperometry). Applications supported include analysis of anions, cations, chemicals, and sugars.

Shimadzu Nexera Lite Inert

Nexera Lite Inert is a bio-inert HPLC designed for high-salt mobile phases, which are needed for many proteins and biopharmaceutical applications by preventing corrosion and sample adsorption. The maximum pressure is 30 MPa, and flow path materials are based on polyether ether ketone (PEEK), ruby, sapphire, perfluoroelastomer, and polyethylene with a pH compatibility range of 1–14.

Shimadzu Nexera-e

The Nexera-e is a comprehensive 2D-LC instrument with a dual-loop/dual-valve design for complex separations using UV/MS detection by combining low flow on the first dimension and ultrafast separations on the second dimension. The system uses LabSolutions CDS for system control and data handling and the ChromSquare software to analyze photodiode-array (PDA) data.

Thermo Scientific AccelerOme

The AccelerOme is an automated sample preparation platform for LC–MS in proteomics research. It uses factory-supplied reagents and kits, and comes with instructions for Orbitrap MS workflows.

Thermo Scientific LC–MS Medical Devices for In Vitro Diagnostics

Designed for versatility and accuracy, LC–MS medical devices (MD) are configured for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use. The portfolio consists of an HPLC (Thermo Scientific Vanquish MD HPLC system) and two MS (Thermo Scientific TSQ Altis MD series and Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantis MD series) instruments, differentiated by sensitivity. The systems are for in vitro diagnostic use only.

Thermo Scientific SeqStudio Flex Genetic Analyzer

The SeqStudio Flex Genetic Analyzer from Applied Biosystems is a medium throughput instrument (8- and 24-capillary configuration) for Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis. Designed for genomics research with a single base resolution, the system’s flexibility includes continuous plate loading and four-plate capacity, and it has improved connectivity and serviceability options.

Waters Alliance iS HPLC System

The Waters Alliance iS (intuitive simplicity) is a next-generation UV-based integrated HPLC System with built-in intelligence designed specifically for pharmaceutical QC laboratories. The system consists of the Alliance iS HPLC system, Empower CDS version 3 Feature Release 4, and eConnect HPLC columns. The system intelligence helps prevent operational errors by up to 40% using an intuitive touchscreen, offering guided workflows, system status, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures. The new Alliance iS HPLC System has intuitive real-time monitoring of system operational status and uses eConnect-enabled HPLC columns. The injector has a flow-through needle design (split-loop) with reduced carryover. The maximum operating pressure is upgraded to 9500 psi with a usable pH range of 1–13. The new Alliance iS HPLC System is equipped with a tunable UV detector and features tool-free, finger-tightened fittings tested to 300 re-uses.

HPLC Module

PDR-Separations Digital Advanced Laser Polarimeter

The Digital Advanced Laser Polarimeter is a universal optical activity detector with no interferences and no chromophore required. New all-digital processing rejects non-flow-related noise, is highly accurate, and has automatic calibration. Sensitivity is a few micro degrees with applications in HPLC, UHPLC, SFC, CCC, CPC, and SMB.

Knauer Azura P8.1L UHPLC Pump

The new Azura P 8.1L UHPLC pump offers a maximum delivery pressure of 18,000 psi (1240 bar), and a flow rate range of up to 5 mL/min for ultra-fast and high-resolution applications. The pump has adaptive pulsation compensation independent of flow rate, backpressure, and eluent type through real-time eluent compressibility monitoring, variable piston stroke, and proprietary advanced piston drive technology. It is recommended for demanding applications, such as with TFA containing mobile phases, or with a gradient starting at a low percentage of organic solvents.

Knauer Liquid Handler LH 8.1

A versatile LC autosampler for high-throughput applications and can automate complex liquid handling tasks with high precision and flexibility.

Mass Spectrometers (MS)

Agilent 6475 TQ-MS

The 6475 TQ-MS has productivity and validation features for easier quantitation, linearity calibration, and maintenance procedures. It supports ESI, AJS, and APCI sources with a mass range of 5–3000 m/z, a resolution of 0.4–2.5 Da (FWHM), and a scan speed of up to 18,700 Da/s. It uses MassHunter CDS for control and data handling.

Bruker Scientific timsTOF HT LC–MS

The timsTOF HT LC–MS is a hybrid MS based on a trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometer and a Q-TOF MS. It has a mass range of up to 20,000 m/z, a mass resolution of up to 60,000, and a sensitivity of 1 pg.

Shimadzu LC–MS-2050

The LC–MS-2050 is a compact SQMS with a new dual-heated ion spray source (ESI+APCI). It has a mass accuracy of 0.05 Da, fast scanning up to 15,000 u/s, and fast polarity switching of 10 ms. The LC–MS instrument is compatible with LabSolution CDS with enhanced data integration to UV data in pharmaceutical and quality control applications.

Shimadzu LC–MS-9050

The LC–MS-9050 is a new floor-standing Q-TOF designed for accelerated drug discovery using a stable high-speed polarity switching system coupled with a high-resolution TOF-MS (with low-ppm mass accuracy). The MS is compatible with Shimadzu’s HPLC frontends or direct probe analysis.

Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Ascent Tribrid MS

Scale up your science with new capabilities for multiplexed quantitative proteomics and native protein characterization on the Orbitrap Ascend Tribrid mass spectrometer, which delivers ultimate experimental throughput, versatility, and ease of use.

Thermo Scientific Q Exactive UHMR Hybrid

The Q Exactive UHMR Hybrid MS operates under Thermo Scientific’s Direct Mass Technology mode with a mass range of up to 80,000 m/z, a resolution of up to 200,000 fwhm, a quadrupole isolation range of 25,000 m/z, and a mass accuracy of 1–3 ppm. Add on Thermo Scientific Direct Mass Technology mode to enable simultaneous charge detection.

Waters G3 QTOF

The Xevo G3 QTOF is designed to analyze complex biologics with a high mass range of 16,000 m/z and enhanced transmission of mass at a low m/z. Applications supported include peptide MAM, intact mass analysis, and confirming sequence information. The MS connects with UNIFI or MassLynx software which supports workflows for biopharma characterization applications.

The Xevo G3 QTOF mass spectrometer is designed for biological, forensic, metabolite identification, and extractables and leachables analysis. The instrument features a high mass range of 16,000 m/z and enhanced transmission of low-mass, labile species. Applications supported include peptide MAM, intact mass analysis, and confirming sequences. The Xevo G3 connects with compliant-ready workflows on the Waters_connect software platform or Waters MassLynx software, which supports workflows for bio-pharma characterization applications.

Chromatography Data System (CDS) and Other Software

The CDS marketing landscape and other technical information have been described elsewhere (6).

Agilent OpenLab CDS

The latest update to OpenLab CDS offers innovations focused on driving productivity to a higher level, particularly in the chemical, energy, and pharmaceutical markets. The new version allows customers to adopt OpenLab CDS for specific analytical methodologies commonly found in these markets and features continued improvements in data integrity, usability, and analytical support for mass spectrometry workflows. Cloud-based help and learning improves access to learning resources like “Getting Started” modules, “How To” guides, manuals, and more, making accessing the most up-to-date materials easier.

Agilent OpenLab ECM XT

A scientific data management system software that provides centralized cloud and on-premises storage of data generated by Agilent and non-Agilent data systems.

Agilent SLIMS 6.9

A web-based software solution installed either on-premises or cloud-hosted. SLIMS manages samples, procedures, and results in a single place. It brings the best of LIMS and ELN to provide workflow solutions ready for com- pliant environments. Recent releases include better support of MS and quality control data.

Agilent MassHunter BioConfirm 12.0

BioConfirm software enables routine characterization of biomolecules for oligo-nucleotide analysis, intact protein analysis, peptide mapping, and routine glycan profiling. BioConfirm is part of the Agilent biopharma workflow, including automated sample preparation, LC separation using the 1290 Infinity II LC, mass spectrometry detection with the 6545XT AdvanceBio LC/QTOF, and full analysis and reporting using BioConfirm biopharmaceutical software.

Cerno Bioscience SAMMI

SAMMI is an MS software for analyzing large biomolecules (peptides, oligos, proteins, and other large molecules). It calculates molecular weights using first principles and accounts for modifications, adducts, impurities, and isotope labels.

DataApex Clarity 8.5

This version of Clarity includes tablet display mode options, compatibility with AIA file formats, and system control of YoungIn Chromass HPLC from Korea.

Knauer PurityChrom 6

PurityChrom 6 is the new generation of Knauer ́s purification software, including a modern interface, new features like an ani- mated flow path, method writing via clicks into system visualization, the configuration of multiple systems, and extended functions for user administration (grouping of users, Windows SID login, SQL server synchronization). PurityChrom 6 meets the standards of GAMP 5 and 21 CFR part 11.

Molnár-Institute DryLab V. 4.6 for HPLC Method Development

Version 4.6 of the popular HPLC method development Software DryLab has a new feature of multi-attribute modeling, which allows the fulfillment of multiple analytical target profiles. Version 4.6 includes an option for a virtual combination of samples (for forced degradation or detection methods) and a direct connectivity to Waters Empower CDS, which enables DryLab to create Sample Set Methods and acquire results back into DryLab.

S-Matrix Fusion QbD Method Development Software v.9.92

The newest version has enhancements in data integrity/importing functions, method development efficiency, peak tracker, robustness simulation, and method validation. It also offers forced degradation study automation support for robustness evaluation and method optimization.

Restek Pro EZLC Chromatogram Modeler

The Pro EZLC Chromatogram Modeler is a free simulation software program offered by Restek based on chromatographic modeling to assist users in developing LC–MS methods for critical separations.

Shimadzu LabSolutions v.6.115

LabSolutions CDS is available in three primary versions. 1. LabSolutions CS (Client Server) for many instruments and users to support regulatory compliance; 2. LabSolutions DB (data system) with a single PC supporting up to four instruments; and 3. LabSolutions LC/GC, a CDS for controlling both LC and GC from the same software. LabSolutions also serves as the basis for individual instrument platforms.

Waters Empower 3.6.1 CDS

This newest Empower CDS version provides enhanced security, compliance, and data integration, including updated support for NuGenesis, new instrument drivers, and validation projects.

Waters_connect System Monitoring for Empower Software

The Waters_connect System Monitoring software is a cloud-native application that monitors the status of any Empower Software-controlled chromatography systems in real time at any time, from anywhere. The software’s dashboard records and displays information about each system, including its history, its real-time operating status, and usage levels.

Summary and Commentaries

This installment provides an overview of new separation science products introduced in 2022–2023. It summarizes innovative features, key benefits, and pertinent specifications of these new HPLC, MS, CDS, and other software products.

I have attended Pittcon for four decades, and Pittcon 2023 remained a rewarding and inspiring experience (7). I want to appeal to all instrument manufacturers to reconsider a return to the most prominent American laboratory conference for the benefit of laboratory scientists and consumers. I am hopeful that the Pittcon organizing committee, which did a stellar job in the past 70+ years, will continue to deliver a global conference of increased relevance to the analytical science community and instrument manufacturers alike.

Acknowledgments

The author thanks the marketing staff of all manufacturers who provided timely responses to the LCGC questionnaires. A special thanks to my reviewers for providing timely technical and editorial inputs to this article: Alice Krumenaker of Hovione, Andrea Otto of Agilent, Kevin MacLaughlin of Shimadzu, Brian Murphy of Waters, He Meng of Sanofi, Giorgia Greco of Knauer, Leon Doneski of Arcutis Biotherapeutics, and Gary Yanik of PDR-Separations.

References

(1) Guillarme D.; Dong M. W. (Eds). UHPLC: Where We Are Ten Years After Its Commercial Introduction. Trends in Anal. Chem. 2014, 63, 1–188.

(2) Dong, M.W. HPLC and UHPLC for Practicing Scientists, 2nd ed.; Wiley, 2019, pp. xxiii-xxiv, 81–116.

(3) Dong, M. W. New HPLC Systems and Related Products: A Brief Review. LCGC North Am. 2022, 39 (4), 172–178. DOI: 10.56530/lcgc.na.jw6767l7

(4) McCullagh J.; Oldham, N. Mass Spectrometry; Oxford University Press, 2019.

(5) Shi, J.; Chen, X.; Diao, J. et al. Bioanalysis in the Age of New Drug Modalities. AAPS J. 2021, 23 (3), 64. DOI: 10.1208/s12248-021-00594-w.

(6) Mazzarese, R.; Bird, S. M.; Zipfell, P.; Dong, M.W. Chromatography Data Systems: Perspective, Principles and Trends. LCGC North Amer. 2019, 37 (12), 852–865.

(7) Dong, M. W. “My Forty Years at Pittcon.” LinkedIn article, March 2, 2023, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-40-years-pittcon-michael-dong-%25E5%2594%2590%25E7%25BA%25AC%25E4%25B8%25AD/?trackingId=is6JmjqehmlCfyZGI4wUxg%3D%3D

About the Author

Michael W. Dong is a principal of MWD Consulting, which provides training and consulting services in HPLC and UHPLC, method improvement, pharmaceutical analysis, and drug quality. He was formerly a Senior Scientist at Genentech, a Research Fellow at Purdue Pharma, and a Senior Staff Scientist at Applied Biosystems/PerkinElmer. He holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from City University of New York. He has more than 130 publications and a best-selling book in chromatography. He is an editorial advisory board member of LCGC North America and the Chinese American Chromatography Association. Direct correspondence to: LCGCedit@mmhgroup.com.