Comprehensive LCxLC System for Exponential Chromatography

Shimadzu has released its Nexera-e comprehensive LCxLC system, providing exponential chromatography, exponential increase of peak resolution and peak capacity using the comprehensive LCxLC technology. By combining two orthogonal separation modes, this system separates even the most complex mixtures such as structural analogues in food and natural extracts in one analysis. With a conventional 1D-LC system, this is nearly impossible to achieve.

The Nexera-e targets the food and chemical industries as well as poly¬mer and pharmaceutical industries. The new system specialises in the analysis of natural products, complex mixtures, bio-pharma¬ceuticals and new developments. 

The Nexera-e comprehensive 2D-LC system achieves the highest possible peak capacity by fractionating the 1st-dimensional eluent and, with dual-loop alternate switching design, successively injecting the entire fractions on-line to the 2nd-dimensional system. 

The Nexera-e has superior peak capacity far exceeding normal LC, and is capable of higher separation of structural analogues contained e.g. in natural extracts. A typical comprehensive 2D-LC system applies a low flow rate in the 1st-dimension and UHPLC analysis with ultra-fast cycle times in the 2nd-dimension. The LC-30AD solvent delivery unit in the Nexera-e system allows a wide range of separation parameters to be selected for both 1st- and 2nd-dimensional LC analysis. 

The Nexera-e combines continuous two-dimensional UHPLC with high-sensitive LC/MS/MS, LCMS-IT-TOF and photodiode array detection. The best-in-class sensitive LCMS-8050 triple quadrupole LC/MS/MS with ultrafast positive-negative ionisation switching function and ultrafast scanning function makes the analysis of structural analogues easy. The SPD-M30A photodiode array detector with 85 mm length flow cell provides highly sensitive analysis of trace components.

The Nexera-e data analysis software, ChromSquare, is a powerful tool for data processing and presentation. It offers an interactive user interface so as to see detailed information on each spot at a glance. ChromSquare displays contour plots (general and magnified views), high resolution MS/MS spectra and 2nd-dimensional MS chromatograms on the same screen. The LCxLC-Assist software supports creating of Nexera-e methods and includes an auto gradient function that resolves the problem of separation and peak shape for respective components in the 2nd-dimensional LC.