Nexera Prep - Características

In order to separate multiple components, the analysis and fractionation parameters must be optimized, which involves a great deal of work.
Shimadzu provides the Method Scouting system, which investigates conditions at the analytical level. Method Scouting system fully automates method scouting in which combinations of mobile phases and columns are automatically changed, equilibrated, and evaluated, allowing efficient method development.
Further, the preparative system performs automatic simulations using the pre-preparative results, enabling optimization of the fractionation parameters.
This reduces the work involved in investigating conditions, which saves on mobile phase solvent and samples.

Significantly Reduces the Process of Setting Fractionation Parameters

Simple parameter setting by fraction simulator

LabSolutions™ software provides simulation functions that reduce the labor involved in investigating conditions for analytical and preparative work.
With the LabSolutions fractionation simulator (patent pending), specify the peak segment in the chromatogram to fractionate, and the system automatically sets the parameters required for fractionation. This reduces the time spent on setting fractionation conditions to about 1/4 the typical expenditure.

Noise skipping by new algorithm

When configuring fractionation via automatic peak recognition, noise in the chromatogram is sometimes mistaken for component peaks, resulting in an insufficient number of test tubes for intended collection or improper positioning of collected fractions. With the LabSolutions software Peak Sensitivity Determination function (patent pending), peaks are recognized from the number of data points consecutively exceeding the configured threshold value, to determine whether to fractionate.

Fraction Purity Checks（LH-40）

A fraction purity check can easily be performed with a single system. Purity checks can be performed without changing the fraction recovery container, so the workload is reduced and throughput is improved.

Sample Rescue Function Prevents the Loss of Precious Samples (LH-40, FRC-40)

Even if a problem occurs during preparative work, the sample remaining in the system can be recovered. By following the rescue instructions, the precious sample is recovered into the specified container rather than being discarded. Additionally, by using the optional waste collector, samples that cannot be recovered due to fractionation mistakes can be retained.

• Fraction Collector

Significantly Reduces the Processes Involved from Preparative Work to Purification (Free basing Treatment) and Powderization

The ultra fast preparative and purification liquid chromatograph system, Nexera UFPLC, streamlines purification operations by automating the preparative process from separation to concentration, purification, and collection.
In conventional preparative LC, the amount of fraction is diluted with the mobile phase, resulting in a huge volume, which takes time to evaporate, and post-treatment work, such as removal of salts derived from the mobile phase, is required. Nexera UFPLC concentrates target components by using a trap column. In addition, salts derived from the mobile phase and counter ions of the target compound are removed. Furthermore, because organic solvents are used to elute the target components,the time for evaporation can be significantly reduced.
Nexera UFPLC can also be used for standard preparative chromatography by collecting the fractions directly without any concentration steps.

Automation of the Preparative Purification Process

When target compounds are to be powderized, this process can be hindered by a number of factors including the presence of acids, salts, and refractory solvents. With the UFPLC Ultra Fast Preparative and Purification Liquid Chromatograph, these hindrances to powderization can be removed by flushing them out using a trap column, allowing a high purity powder of the target component to easily be obtained by anyone.

Even Trace Components Are Recovered at High Concentrations

Normally, when preparing trace quantity target components, preparative work involves injecting the sample multiple times to obtain sufficient amounts of the target. As a result, the volume of fractionation liquid ultimately obtained increases in proportion to the number of injections, increasing solvent use and dry down time. With the UFPLC Ultra Fast Preparative and Purification Liquid Chromatograph, even with multiple injections, the fraction of the target component is injected into the same trap column for enrichment. The final volume of fractionated liquid from the trap column is minimized, exchanging the weaker loading solvent for a suitable organic solvent. The target component can then be recovered at high purity levels and at high concentrations.

Purification Solution™ Simplifies Settings Related to Preparative Purification

The special Purification Solution software is equipped with peak tracking functions that enable the target peaks and fractionate and be checked at a glance.

Various Fractionation Modes

To ensure that valuable samples are fractionated, Purification Solution offers three fractionation modes.

Using MS Signal Triggers Enables Recovery with no Target Fraction Omissions

It can be difficult to prepare low UV absorptive components using just a UV signal as the trigger, so there is a risk that the fraction will be missed. By using the MS signal as the trigger, the preparative work can be performed simply, with nothing missed. By specifying the m/z of the target component, fractions can be collected with confidence. The LCMS-2050 mass spectrometer enables high-sensitivity and high-resolution detection for preparative work with no target components omitted.

Purification of Un-separated Target Components

High Purity Recovery of Target Component A
(Using two MS signals as triggers)
The MS signal that detects the target component A is used to trigger the start of the fractionation.
The MS signal that detects impurity B is used to stop the fractionation.

Two specific m/z values (from the target component and its impurity) were simultaneously used to obtain an “high-purity” fraction, even in the case of incomplete chromatographic separation.

Flow Splitter for Fractionation Triggered by LC/MS Signals

For fractionation triggered by LC/MS signals, a portion of the sample must be introduced into the LC-MS.
The dedicated flow splitter splits a small portion of the flow from the preparative stream to the MS stream. This enables the use of LC-MS detection signals for triggering fractionation while maintaining a high recovery rate.

What is the recycling separation method?

Because long preparative columns are expensive, there is a need to use comparatively lower cost short columns.
In the recycling separation method (closed valve recycling), the eluate liquid containing the target components that has eluted from the separation column is recycled into the column, enabling an equivalent separation capacity to that of a longer column.

The figure below shows the results of a seven-cycle recycling separation. In the first injection (typical separation), the separation of the two components is insufficient (red area). However, when the column eluate is returned to the column from the detector, it is separated a second time. If this recycling is repeated, the results obtained are equivalent to connecting a number of columns in series corresponding to the number of repetitions. In this example, a 4.0 or better resolution was ultimately obtained with seven recycling separation cycles (blue area).

Example of the improvement in separation by recycling : The coeluting peaks (red) are completely separated (blue).

Flowrate : 10 mL/min
Detection wavelength : 254 nm
Column : Shim-pack PREP-ODS(H) 20 mm I.D. x 250 mm L.
Mobile phase : Water/methanol = 1/9 (v/v)
Sample : Mixed 1% n-butylbenzene/iso-butylbenzene solution

Recycling Conditions are Completely Set in Three Steps

Just click three points corresponding to the recycling start, recycling stop, and automatic collection start point to complete the settings for the recycling preparation conditions. Entering complicated numerical parameters is completely unnecessary, so recycling preparative work can start easily.

* This is compatible with the FRC-10A