Nexera UC - Features

Ideal for simultaneous analysis of compounds with a wide range of polarities

SFC can achieve a wide variety of separation patterns. This allows comprehensive analysis of compounds over a wide polarity range not previously possible with HPLC.　Different separation methods are generally used for fatty acids, which are typically analyzed by GC, and glycerides, which are typically analyzed by HPLC. However, because supercritical carbon dioxide has properties similar to hexane, SFC is well-suited for analyzing compounds with different polarity, providing an ideal solution for the simultaneous analysis of fatty acids and glycerides.

Example of simultaneous analysis of fatty acids and triglycerides by SFC

Sensitivity results from different separation modes in HPLC vs SFC

Supercritical fluid has unique properties different from liquid. Using SFC in front of a mass spectrometer offers greater sensitivity than achieved with LC/MS/MS.

Comparison of peak intensity detected by the same MS detector.
(Sample: Prostagrandin D2 10 pg)

Ensures high-throughput method development for isomers separation

Automatically performs a variety of method scouting processes

The high-speed performance of SFC can shorten the time required for method scouting. It automatically generates a large number of methods by utilizing combinations of up to 12 columns, four modifiers, and different ratios of modifiers to mobile phase.

A screen shot of Method Scouting Solution for Nexera UC user interface.

Chiral analysis with “Nexera UC Chiral Screening System”

CHIRALPAK^® Series and CHIRALCEL^® Series columns (Daicel Corporation) for chiral analysis are capable of resolving a wide variety of compounds by showing complementary separation targets. The combination of the Nexera UC Chiral Screening System and these columns simplifies method scouting for chiral analysis.

 

Nexera UC/s UHPLC/SFC switching system

Various methods are needed to separate chiral compounds, structural isomers, and other such substances in all sorts of fields, such as pharmaceuticals, foods, and environmental testing. Because supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), which uses supercritical CO₂ as a mobile phase, exhibits different separation behavior than ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), superior separation results can be quickly obtained during method development by screening with both SFC and UHPLC separation methods.

 

Using the System for Chiral Analysis

In this example, methods were scouted for two types of chiral standard samples using both SFC and UHPLC. UHPLC and SFC parameter settings in the method scouting software can be specified by clicking a button to switch between modes.

 

A comparison of SFC/UHPLC chromatograms using three different columns indicated that UHPLC parameters provided better separation for omeprazole and SFC parameters provided better separation for imdapamide. LabSolutions software makes it easy to compare chromatograms from multiple sets of data.

 

Add fractionation capabilities to the analytical SFC system

Upgrade to Analytical Fraction System

By adding a fraction collector to the analytical scale SFC, small-volume fractionation is also possible. A complete workflow can be carried out seamlessly on one system, from method development to fractionation.

 

In preparative SFC, one factor that results in lower recovery rates is increased scattering of the eluent when the CO₂ returns from a supercritical to a gaseous state. The Nexera UC Prep’s patented gas-liquid separator, the LotusStream™ separator, successfully reduces sample dispersion and carryover, while also achieving high recovery rates. It allows fractionation of small volumes, even into vessels such as 1.5 mL vials. The optical isomers of linalool were fractionated with high purity.

 

Nexera UC on-line SFE-SFC is a revolutionary system that combines on-line SFE and SFC in a single flow path (patented technology). Target compounds are extracted from solid samples and then automatically transferred to SFC/MS so that no human intervention is required. The Nexera UC on- line SFE-SFC system reduces the time for pretreatment of samples and acquires highly accurate data. In addition, off- line supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) can simplify pretreatment over existing solvent extract ion methods

Comparison of QuEChERS sample preparation and Nexera UC in the analysis of residual pesticides

A typical sample preparation takes 35 minutes and requires several manual steps. With Nexera UC, the same sample can be ready for on-line SFE/SFC analysis in as little as five minutes with only a few simple sample preparation steps.

 

Prevent degradation of labile compounds

With conventional solvent extraction, labile compounds may react with extraction solvents or could be oxidized and/or degraded.

 

Supercritical fluid extraction of trace additives in polymers

Polymer additives are widely used to prevent optical or thermal degradation, or to enhance functionalities. An example, Irganox 1010, is insoluble in THF or Chloroform, and hard to sublime. Therefore, analysis by GPC or GC is difficult. By simply homogenizing a sample and enclosing it in the extraction vessel, Nexera UC can detect labile or trace quantities of additives.

 

Analysis of biomarkers from dried blood spots (DBS)

Customized modules for Nexera UC based on Nexera technology

Supercritical Fluid Extraction Unit SFE-30A

This unit operates at a maximum temperature of 80℃ to allow faster and more complete extractions. Two sizes of extraction vessels (5 mL and 0.2 mL) can be chosen based on the sample amount. This unit has the internal capacity to run up to four samples automatically; with the addition of an optional rack changer, it can accommodate unattended operation for up to 48 samples.

 

CO₂ Solvent Delivery Unit LC-30AD_SF / Back Pressure Regulator Unit SFC-30A

Stable baseline with low pulsation is realized by LC-30AD_SF with a built-in cooler for pump heads, which delivers mobile phases up to 5 mL/min at pressures up to 66 MPa. The low dead volume of SFC-30A (0.7 μL) allows a mass spectrometer to be directly connected to the SFC system without splitting so that higher sensitivity can be achieved.

 

Comparison of costs and consumption of organic solvent for a single analysis by conventional normal-phase LC vs. SFC is shown below. By using SFC, the total cost of analysis is reduced by 87.6% and the consumption of organic solvent is reduced by 94.2%.