ISC 2026 - Day 2

<h4>What if you could compress 179 days of grueling laboratory workflow into just 14 hours?</h4>In this episode of ‪ChromatographyTalk‬, ‪Organomation‬ General Manager David Oliva sits down with analytical chemist Laura Penabad to discuss her groundbreaking new research in biocatalysis and high-throughput screening. Evolving engineered enzymes typically requires checking thousands of variants—a massive bottleneck when traditional Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) runs take minutes per sample. Laura reveals how her team built a modular screening platform that shatters this limitation, running samples 128 times faster than standard methods without sacrificing analytical accuracy.Laura breaks down the "orchestra" of technologies making this possible, including coupling nanoliter droplet microfluidics with Cyclic Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry (cIM-MS) to separate complex chemical isomers in milliseconds. She also shares the chaotic but triumphant behind-the-scenes stories of her PhD journey—from presenting a "comically bad" early poster at ASMS to recruiting an undergraduate mechanical engineer to build custom automation software from scratch.If you are an early-career researcher, a mass spec enthusiast, or curious about the future of synthetic biology and machine learning in chemistry, this episode is packed with invaluable intuition and advice.<h3>Video Transcription</h3><h4>From Months to Hours: Droplet Ion Mobility–MS for Biocatalysis Screening</h4>High-throughput screening is central to directed enzyme evolution, but conventional analytical workflows can create a difficult compromise: extremely fast screens often provide limited structural information, while techniques such as LC-MS offer much richer chemical insight at the cost of throughput. In a recent interview, analytical chemist Laura described how her work with droplet-based cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry is helping bridge that gap—providing rapid analysis while retaining the ability to distinguish structurally similar products.Her research grew from an initially modest proof of concept into a screening platform capable of analyzing a 96-well plate in roughly ten minutes. The resulting workflow was approximately 128 times faster than a conventional three-minute LC-MS analysis, opening new possibilities for directed evolution campaigns in which thousands of enzyme variants need to be evaluated.<h4>Directed evolution needs better analytical screening</h4>Biocatalysis takes advantage of enzymes as highly selective catalysts capable of performing reactions under relatively mild conditions. Directed evolution extends those capabilities by deliberately modifying enzyme sequences, expressing large numbers of variants, screening their activity, and using the best-performing mutants as starting points for subsequent rounds of evolution.The process can be repeated multiple times, progressively steering an enzyme toward improved activity, altered substrate specificity, or even chemistry that does not occur naturally.But the effectiveness of directed evolution depends heavily on the screening step. The more variants that can be analyzed—and the more useful chemical information that can be collected for each one—the more effectively researchers can explore the enormous sequence space available to an enzyme.For Laura, this created a clear analytical challenge: develop a screening platform that was substantially faster than conventional chromatographic analysis without sacrificing the structural discrimination needed for chemically similar products.<h4>From an imperfect first experiment to a working platform</h4>The project did not begin with a polished high-throughput workflow.Laura recalled looking back at her 2023 ASMS poster, where the early system was still working with standards rather than true isomeric samples. Droplet introduction was slow—around six seconds per droplet—and the signals were far from the ideal reproducible, square, flat-topped profiles expected from replicate droplets.Nevertheless, simply producing a droplet signal represented an important first milestone.The decisive change came when the project stopped being treated merely as a demonstration that droplet ion mobility–MS could work and instead became a deliberate effort to build a robust screening platform.Laura approached the problem in modules. First came reliable droplet introduction. Then the ion mobility separation method. Quantification became another independent component. Matrix effects were introduced later, gradually making the system resemble the conditions expected with real screening samples.Each layer was tested before another was added.This stepwise strategy became one of the central principles of the project: rather than attempting to optimize the entire system simultaneously, individual components were developed, challenged, and then assembled into an increasingly realistic workflow.<h4>Finding the middle ground between speed and structural information</h4>One of the biggest analytical problems in high-throughput screening is distinguishing products with the same nominal or exact mass.Constitutional isomers may contain the same atoms and therefore generate the same mass-to-charge ratio, while differing only in how functional groups are arranged within the molecular structure. Very rapid optical or mass-based screens may therefore struggle to distinguish them.Traditional LC-MS can solve many of these problems through chromatographic separation, but a several-minute analysis rapidly becomes impractical when thousands of enzyme variants must be screened.Ion mobility offered Laura’s team another option.Rather than separating compounds on a chromatographic timescale, ion mobility can differentiate ions according to their gas-phase behavior on a much shorter timescale. In the workflow described in the interview, this created a useful compromise: not the kilohertz throughput possible with some simple screening technologies, but dramatically faster structural differentiation than conventional LC-MS.The goal was therefore not simply to achieve the fastest possible screen, but to find a middle-throughput analytical regime with enough resolving power to answer chemically meaningful questions.<h4>A 96-well plate in about ten minutes</h4>That strategy eventually produced one of the most striking results of the project.The droplet cyclic ion mobility–MS platform processed a 96-well plate in roughly ten minutes, while maintaining quantitative results comparable with the conventional LC-MS workflow used for comparison. According to the interview, this represented an approximately 128-fold increase in analysis speed relative to a three-minute LC-MS run.Laura described the successful plate experiment less as a surprise than as confirmation that the modular development strategy had worked.Before reaching that point, the workflow had already been challenged through a sequence of increasingly demanding experiments: droplet formation, ion mobility separation, calibration, matrix-containing calibration, and cross-testing analytes at different concentrations. By the time the complete plate was analyzed, each individual part of the analytical system had already been tested under progressively more realistic conditions.<h4>What does that speed mean for directed evolution?</h4>The impact becomes even clearer when the workflow is considered at the scale of an entire directed-evolution campaign.Laura’s manuscript estimated that a five-round campaign involving 5,000 variants would require approximately 179 days using the conventional LC-MS workflow but only about 14 hours using the new platform.Compressing months of analytical work into less than a day has consequences beyond laboratory productivity.It allows researchers to screen more enzyme variants and therefore sample a larger portion of sequence space. But the resulting datasets may also become increasingly valuable for computational approaches.Rather than retaining information only about the best-performing enzyme variant, researchers can preserve data describing variants that performed poorly as well as those that succeeded. When genotype and phenotype information remain linked through the well-plate workflow, these larger datasets can potentially provide richer input for machine-learning models designed to guide subsequent rounds of enzyme evolution.Faster analysis therefore does more than accelerate an existing experiment—it can change the scale and design of the experiment itself.<h4>Balancing ion mobility resolution and signal</h4>Increasing cyclic ion mobility separation time can improve resolution, but it also introduces an important trade-off: additional passes can reduce signal.Laura optimized this balance experimentally by continuously infusing mixtures containing both isomers and progressively adjusting the ion mobility conditions. After tuning parameters such as wave height and velocity, increasing the separation to three passes provided baseline resolution at the high analyte concentrations used during method development.<blockquote>Concentration, however, also mattered.</blockquote>At higher ion populations, space-charge effects could broaden peaks and reduce the baseline separation. This meant that the optimal number of passes could not be selected independently of the concentration range required by the final assay.Her broader advice for optimization is therefore application-driven: decide first what the analytical method actually needs to accomplish.More speed will almost always require sacrificing something—resolution, signal intensity, quantitative precision, or another performance parameter. The key is to identify which compromise the application can tolerate and then optimize the system around that requirement.<h4>Solving droplet carryover with a practical compromise</h4>Droplet-based workflows present their own engineering challenges, including carryover between neighboring samples.In Laura’s system, analytes showed little tendency to partition into the fluorinated oil separating aqueous droplets within the Teflon tubing. The more troublesome carryover occurred closer to electrospray ionization, where a small amount of sample could remain associated with the interface and appear when the next droplet arrived.Rather than adding excessive engineering complexity to an already elaborate platform, the researchers adopted a pragmatic solution: a sacrificial wash droplet between analytical samples.It is an example of a recurring theme throughout the project. The objective was not to construct the theoretically most sophisticated droplet system, but to create a screening workflow that remained sufficiently robust, reproducible, and practical for large numbers of samples.<h4>High-throughput analysis also requires high-throughput data processing</h4>Accelerating the mass spectrometry experiment created another bottleneck: the data.The instrument produced a continuous intensity-versus-time trace rather than a neatly organized well-plate dataset. With small experiments, Laura could manually identify individual droplets and process the results in spreadsheets. That approach quickly became unrealistic as sample numbers increased.The solution emerged through collaboration with an undergraduate mentee, Aiden, who helped develop a dedicated software tool for processing the continuous traces.Laura defined how the software should behave and how the analytical information should be organized, while Aiden developed the computational implementation. The workflow itself was subsequently adjusted to make automated data processing more reliable—for example, by introducing marker columns that allowed the software to recognize the end of each plate row.The resulting tool can accept the acquired traces together with information about plate dimensions and replicates and automatically return parameters including peak identity, duration, and the corresponding well position. A later version also generated an automatically populated heat map.The experience illustrates how improving analytical throughput often requires simultaneous development of instrumentation, experimental design, and informatics. Making the measurement faster is useful only if the resulting data can be processed at a comparable speed.<h4>Mentoring became part of the scientific process</h4>The software project also reflects another theme Laura emphasized throughout the interview: the value of mentoring.Several younger researchers contributed directly to the development of the final platform. Laura described mentees not simply as additional hands in the laboratory but as scientists capable of proposing their own hypotheses and experimental ideas.Working with undergraduate researchers also influenced the way she organized experiments.Because their available laboratory time was limited, each task needed to have a clear purpose. That encouraged a more disciplined approach to experimental planning: instead of performing experiments simply because they could be done, the team had to ask which experiment would most efficiently answer the next important question.In that sense, mentoring became another mechanism for improving the research itself.<h4>The next step: continuous, automated screening</h4>Despite the dramatic increase in analytical speed, the current workflow still includes manual operations such as loading tubing and connecting the sample stream to the mass spectrometer.The next engineering challenge is therefore automation.Laura described ongoing work using the Venturi effect to pull samples directly from wells into the droplet system. Building on previous work in the laboratory with 96-well plates, she has already tested this approach with as many as 2,000 samples.The long-term direction is clear: continuous and robust droplet generation, automated handling of thousands of samples, rapid ion mobility separation, mass spectrometric detection, and automated reconstruction of the resulting data into plate-based outputs.Combining those elements could move the system closer to the type of large-scale screening required for increasingly ambitious biocatalysis campaigns.<h4>Learning mass spectrometry one problem at a time</h4>Laura also reflected on the broader experience of developing the platform during her PhD.Ion mobility and mass spectrometry initially appeared intimidating, particularly because they combine concepts from analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, separations, instrumentation, and electrical engineering. What eventually changed was not simply learning more facts, but developing the ability to move repeatedly between theory and experiment.An unexpected result sends the researcher back to the underlying theory. A better understanding suggests a modified experiment. That experiment creates another observation, gradually building intuition about how the system behaves.Her advice to early-career scientists is therefore to accept that this process takes time.Advanced analytical techniques may initially appear overwhelming, but understanding develops incrementally through repeated interaction between theory, experimentation, failure, and refinement. Equally important, she emphasized the role of the supportive ion mobility–mass spectrometry community in making a technically demanding field more approachable for young researchers.From the first inconsistent droplets to a platform capable of processing thousands of samples, that iterative mindset ultimately shaped the entire project.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

Droplet Cyclic Ion Mobility Mass Spec: Compressing Months of Enzyme Screening Into Just 14 Hours

ISC 2026 - Day 3

Article

Events

Video

Scientists

Interview

The International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC) represents the oldest conference series focussing on separation science. ISC symposia have been organised since 1956 in each even year. ISC is internationally recognised as one of the premier meeting series for discussion of all modes of chromatography and separation science with a broad coverage of techniques and applications.

International Symposium on Chromatography - (ISC)

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

Organomation

KNAUER AZURA HTQC UHPLC System

KNAUER AZURA HTQC UHPLC (1240 bar) enables high-throughput QC with parallel analysis and column re-equilibration for faster workflows.

The KNAUER AZURA HTQC UHPLC (1240 bar) is a high-performance UHPLC system designed for high-throughput quality control (QC) where speed, robustness, and reproducibility are essential.The system features a unique concept of parallel analysis and offline column re-equilibration, significantly increasing productivity. With two gradient pumps, one column performs the analytical run while the second is re-equilibrated in backflush mode.This architecture enables:<ul><li>≥30% reduction in cycle time</li><li>increased sample throughput</li><li>column protection from matrix contamination</li><li>consistent retention times</li></ul>It is ideal for pharmaceutical QC laboratories requiring automation and validated workflows.<h4>Key Features</h4><ul><li>UHPLC system up to 1240 bar (124 MPa)</li><li>Dual gradient pumps (HPG + LPG)</li><li>Parallel analysis and column re-equilibration</li><li>Backflush mode for column protection</li><li>≥30% faster analysis cycles</li><li>High flow reproducibility</li><li>Autosampler with cooling</li><li>Column thermostat (Peltier)</li><li>Fully automated modular system</li><li>MS detector compatibility</li></ul><h4>System Configuration</h4>Included components:<ul><li>Eluent tray E 2.1L</li><li>Pump P 8.1L (HPG)</li><li>Pump P 6.1L (LPG)</li><li>Liquid handler LH 8.1 + Robotic Cooler</li><li>Column thermostat CT 2.1</li><li>Column switching &amp; backflush valve</li><li>Accessories and tools</li></ul><h3>Technical Specifications</h3><h4>Pumps</h4><h5>P 8.1L (HPG – analytical pump):</h5><ul><li>Max pressure: 1240 bar</li><li>Flow rate: up to 5 mL/min</li><li>Adaptive pulsation compensation</li><li>Degasser + binary solvent selection</li><li>Low baseline noise</li></ul><h5>P 6.1L (LPG – re-equilibration):</h5><ul><li>Quaternary gradient</li><li>Integrated degasser</li><li>Low dwell volume</li><li>Inline filter</li></ul><h4>Autosampler</h4><h5>LH 8.1:</h5><ul><li>XYZ autosampler</li><li>Capacity: up to 390 samples</li><li>Temperature: 4–40 °C</li><li>Low carryover</li></ul><h4>Column Thermostat</h4><h5>CT 2.1:</h5><ul><li>Peltier controlled</li><li>Above and below ambient operation</li><li>High precision</li></ul><h4>Valve System</h4><ul><li>Column switching + backflush</li><li>Up to 1200 bar</li><li>Parallel column operation</li></ul><h4>Detection</h4><ul><li>Compatible with all HPLC detectors</li><li>Ideal for LC-MS coupling</li></ul><h4>HTQC Concept</h4><ul><li>Independent flow paths (analysis vs re-equilibration)</li><li>Backflush re-equilibration</li><li>Parallel operation</li><li>Increased throughput without compromise</li></ul><h4>Typical Applications</h4><ul><li>Pharmaceutical QC</li><li>Routine validated workflows</li><li>High sample throughput environments</li><li>Reversed-phase HPLC</li></ul>

KNAUER High Precision AZURA P 6.1L HPLC Pump

KNAUER AZURA P 6.1L HPLC pump with up to 1000 bar, precise gradient control, and low pulsation for reliable UHPLC workflows.

The KNAUER AZURA P 6.1L is a high-precision analytical HPLC pump designed for accurate and reproducible solvent delivery in both HPLC and UHPLC applications.The pump combines essential features of a modern pumping system, including low pulsation, high pressure capability, precise gradient formation, and flexible configuration. It is available in both HPG (high-pressure gradient) and LPG (low-pressure gradient) versions, with a flow range up to 50 mL/min.The system uses a dual serial piston mechanism with active pulsation compensation, ensuring excellent flow stability under all conditions. A low-dead-volume microfluidic mixer enables efficient and precise solvent mixing.Different pump heads are available:<ul><li>up to 10 mL/min at 862 bar</li><li>up to 5 mL/min at 1000 bar</li></ul>Optional configurations include biocompatible materials (PEEK, ceramic, titanium) and specialized setups for normal phase applications (e.g., hexane, heptane).<h4>Key Features</h4><ul><li>High-precision analytical HPLC/UHPLC pump</li><li>Pressure up to 1000 bar</li><li>Flow rates up to 50 mL/min</li><li>Dual piston system with low pulsation</li><li>Active pulsation compensation</li><li>HPG and LPG gradient configurations</li><li>Microfluidic mixer (50–600 µl)</li><li>RFID pump head detection</li><li>Optional degasser</li><li>Biocompatible configurations available</li><li>Robust operation with demanding solvents</li></ul><h3>Technical Specifications</h3><h4>Solvent Delivery</h4><ul><li>Pump type: analytical HPLC pump</li><li>Mechanism: dual serial piston</li><li>Flow range: 0.001 – 50 mL/min</li><li>Max pressure: up to 1000 bar</li><li>Flow accuracy: ± 0.25%</li><li>Precision: ≤ 0.04% RSD</li></ul><h4>Gradient</h4><ul><li>Range: 0–100% (0.1% steps)</li><li>HPG accuracy: ± 0.3%</li><li>HPG precision: &lt; 0.1% RSD</li><li>LPG accuracy: ± 0.3% to ± 2%</li><li>LPG precision: &lt; 0.5% RSD</li></ul><h4>Mixing</h4><ul><li>Microfluidic mixer</li><li>Volumes: 50 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 600 µl</li><li>Low dead volume</li></ul><h4>Degasser (optional)</h4><ul><li>2–4 channels</li><li>Max flow: 10 mL/min per channel</li><li>Residual O₂: &lt; 0.5 ppm</li><li>Membrane: fluoropolymer</li></ul><h4>Materials</h4><ul><li>PEEK, Tefzel®, Systec AF</li><li>Optional biocompatible materials (titanium, ceramic)</li></ul><h4>Control &amp; Communication</h4><ul><li>LAN, analog inputs</li><li>Event outputs (TTL, relay)</li><li>Optional mobile control</li><li>RFID pump head detection</li></ul><h4>Operating Conditions</h4><ul><li>Temperature: 4–40 °C</li><li>Humidity: &lt; 90% non-condensing</li></ul><h4>Dimensions &amp; Power</h4><ul><li>Dimensions: 361 × 208 × 523 mm</li><li>Weight: 14.1 kg</li><li>Power supply: 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz</li><li>Power consumption: max 100 W</li></ul>

KNAUER High Precision AZURA P 8.1L UHPLC Pump

KNAUER AZURA P 8.1L UHPLC pump with up to 1240 bar, adaptive pulsation compensation, and high precision for demanding UHPLC applications.

The KNAUER AZURA P 8.1L is a high-performance UHPLC pump designed for ultra-fast and high-resolution chromatographic applications. With a maximum pressure of 1240 bar (124 MPa) and flow rates up to 5 mL/min, it meets the demands of modern UHPLC workflows.The pump features a dual serial piston mechanism combined with adaptive pulsation compensation, which operates independently of flow rate, pressure, and solvent type through real-time monitoring of eluent compressibility and variable piston stroke.Together with KNAUER’s advanced piston drive technology, this results in exceptional flow reproducibility under all operating conditions. High-precision in-house manufacturing ensures long piston seal lifetime and maximum system uptime.<h4>Key Features</h4><ul><li>UHPLC pump up to 1240 bar</li><li>Flow rates up to 5 mL/min</li><li>Dual serial piston system</li><li>Adaptive pulsation compensation</li><li>Excellent flow reproducibility</li><li>HPG gradient capability</li><li>Integrated 4-channel degasser</li><li>RFID pump head detection</li><li>Low baseline noise</li><li>High durability and long lifetime</li><li>Compatible with UHPLC and LC-MS systems</li></ul><h3>Technical Specifications</h3><h4>Solvent Delivery</h4><ul><li>Pump type: analytical UHPLC pump</li><li>Mechanism: dual serial piston</li><li>Max pressure: 1240 bar</li><li>Flow rate: up to 5 mL/min</li><li>Flow accuracy: ± 0.25%</li><li>Precision: ≤ 0.04% RSD</li></ul><h4>Gradient</h4><ul><li>Type: HPG (high-pressure gradient)</li><li>Range: 0–100% (0.1% steps)</li><li>Accuracy: ± 0.3%</li><li>Precision: &lt; 0.1% RSD</li></ul><h4>Degasser</h4><ul><li>Channels: 4</li><li>Max flow: 5 mL/min per channel</li><li>Residual O₂: &lt; 0.5 ppm</li><li>Technology: fluoropolymer membrane</li></ul><h4>Connections</h4><ul><li>Inlet: UNF 1/4-28 (1/8” tubing)</li><li>Outlet: UNF 10-32 (1/16” capillary)</li></ul><h4>Materials</h4><ul><li>PEEK, Tefzel®, Systec AF</li><li>Compatible with most solvents (except HCl and halogenated hydrocarbons)</li></ul><h4>Control &amp; Communication</h4><ul><li>LAN, analog inputs</li><li>Event outputs (TTL, relay)</li><li>Optional mobile control</li><li>RFID pump head detection</li></ul><h4>Safety &amp; Operating Conditions</h4><ul><li>Leak sensor</li><li>Soft start and programmable pressure limits</li><li>Temperature: 4–40 °C</li><li>Humidity: &lt; 90% non-condensing</li></ul><h4>Dimensions &amp; Power</h4><ul><li>Dimensions: 361 × 208 × 523 mm</li><li>Weight: 26.7 kg</li><li>Power supply: 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz</li><li>Power consumption: max 310 W</li></ul>

KNAUER AZURA Autosampler AS 6.1L

KNAUER AZURA AS 6.1L autosampler with up to 768 samples, ultra-low carryover, and fast injection cycles for HPLC/UHPLC workflows.

The KNAUER AZURA® AS 6.1L is a high-performance autosampler designed for automated sample injection in HPLC/UHPLC systems, offering high capacity, precision, and flexibility for both routine and high-throughput applications.The autosampler supports:<ul><li>up to 768 sample positions (microtiter plates)</li><li>up to 108 standard 1.5 mL vials</li></ul>A highly effective internal and external needle wash system minimizes carryover to extremely low levels. The system is also fast, with a complete injection cycle taking less than one minute, including needle washing.Three injection modes are supported:<ul><li>full loop filling (highest precision)</li><li>partial loop filling (variable volumes)</li><li>µl pickup (loss-free injection of small volumes)</li></ul>The integrated ILD™ (Intermediate Loop Decompression) valve ensures accurate high-pressure injections without sample dilution and reduces pressure spikes, protecting the column.<h4>Key Features</h4><ul><li>Autosampler for HPLC/UHPLC systems</li><li>Up to 768 sample positions</li><li>Up to 108 vials (1.5 mL)</li><li>Ultra-low carryover (&lt; 0.0003%)</li><li>Fast injection cycle (&lt; 1 min)</li><li>3 injection modes (full loop, partial loop, µl pickup)</li><li>ILD™ technology for high-pressure injection</li><li>PASA™ (pressure-assisted sample aspiration)</li><li>Optional sample cooling (4–40 °C)</li><li>Missing vial/plate detection</li><li>Supports precolumn derivatization</li></ul><h3>Technical Specifications</h3><h4>Sample Injection</h4><ul><li>Injection volume range: 0.1 µl – 10 mL</li><li>Precision:<ul><li>Full loop: &lt; 0.3% RSD</li><li>Partial loop: &lt; 0.5% RSD</li><li>µl pickup: &lt; 1.0% RSD</li></ul></li><li>Accuracy: 0.2 µl (250 µl syringe)</li></ul><h4>Performance</h4><ul><li>Carryover:<ul><li>&lt; 0.0015% (standard)</li><li>&lt; 0.0003% (extended wash)</li></ul></li><li>Injections per vial: max. 9</li><li>Cycle time:<ul><li>7 s (same vial)</li><li>14 s (different vials)</li><li>&lt; 60 s total</li></ul></li></ul><h4>Capacity &amp; Compatibility</h4><ul><li>Microtiter plates: ANSI SLAS standard</li><li>Max vial/plate height: 47 mm</li></ul><h4>Additional Features</h4><ul><li>Headspace pressure (bubble prevention)</li><li>Precolumn derivatization</li><li>Sample tray cooling (optional, 4–40 °C)</li><li>Vial detection sensor</li></ul><h4>Materials</h4><ul><li>ETFE, PTFE, stainless steel, glass, Vespel</li><li>Wide chemical compatibility</li></ul><h4>Control &amp; Communication</h4><ul><li>LAN / Ethernet</li><li>Analog inputs</li><li>TTL inputs (start, stop, freeze)</li><li>Relay output (alarm, marker)</li></ul><h4>Operating Conditions</h4><ul><li>Temperature: 10–40 °C</li><li>Humidity: 20–80%</li></ul>

KNAUER AZURA CT 2.1 Column Thermostat

KNAUER AZURA CT 2.1 column thermostat with Peltier control (5–85 °C), high stability, and optional eluent pre-heating for precise HPLC separations.

The KNAUER AZURA CT 2.1 is a cost-effective column thermostat designed for precise and stable temperature control in HPLC applications.The instrument uses a microprocessor-controlled Peltier element, enabling both heating and cooling in the range of 5–85 °C. Its high temperature stability allows for programming linear and non-linear temperature gradients, improving separation performance.For advanced applications, the system can be optionally equipped with an eluent pre-heating cartridge, ensuring consistent temperature conditions, improved selectivity, and better peak shapes.Its compact design supports flexible integration and accommodates multiple columns.<h4>Key Features</h4><ul><li>Column thermostat for HPLC applications</li><li>Temperature range 5–85 °C</li><li>Peltier technology (heating and cooling)</li><li>High temperature stability (±0.1 °C)</li><li>Accurate temperature control (±0.2 °C)</li><li>Programmable temperature gradients</li><li>Optional eluent pre-heating</li><li>Supports multiple columns</li><li>Compact and robust design</li><li>Built-in safety features</li></ul><h3>Technical Specifications</h3><h4>Thermostatting</h4><ul><li>Technology: Peltier (heating &amp; cooling)</li><li>Temperature range: 5–85 °C</li><li>Heating/cooling rate: 2 °C/min</li><li>Accuracy: ± 0.2 °C</li><li>Stability: ± 0.1 °C</li><li>Air circulation: fan-assisted bidirectional flow</li></ul><h4>Column Compartment</h4><ul><li>Max number of columns: up to 8</li><li>Max length: 325 mm</li><li>Max diameter: 35 mm</li><li>Compatibility:<ul><li>125 mm × 4.6 mm ID (with precolumn)</li><li>300 mm × 4.6 mm ID</li><li>300 mm × 16 mm ID</li></ul></li></ul><h4>Internal Dimensions</h4><ul><li>90 × 390 × 47 mm</li></ul><h4>Safety</h4><ul><li>Self-check and auto-calibration at startup</li><li>Adjustable shut-off temperature</li><li>Leak sensor with acoustic alarm</li></ul><h4>Control &amp; Communication</h4><ul><li>LAN interface</li><li>Optional Mobile Control (stand-alone operation)</li></ul><h4>Power &amp; Dimensions</h4><ul><li>Power supply: 90–230 V, 50–60 Hz</li><li>Power consumption: 100 W</li><li>Dimensions: 150 × 470 × 310 mm</li><li>Weight: 8.4 kg</li></ul><h4>Optional Accessories</h4><ul><li>Eluent pre-heating cartridge<ul><li>for capillaries 0.1 mm / 0.18 mm ID</li></ul></li></ul>

KNAUER AZURA Valve Unifier VU 4.1

KNAUER AZURA VU 4.1 valve drive enables fast automated valve switching with RFID identification for HPLC/UHPLC systems.

The KNAUER AZURA VU 4.1 Valve Unifier is a compact valve drive unit designed for automated valve switching in HPLC/UHPLC systems. It enables precise and fast control of liquid flow paths, which is essential for applications such as column switching, sample injection, eluent selection, and fractionation.Due to its ultra-fast switching speed, the flow path is interrupted only briefly, significantly reducing pressure spikes and improving system stability.The device uses RFID technology for automatic valve identification, ensuring easy and error-free valve exchange. Integrated GLP data monitoring simplifies maintenance tasks such as rotor seal replacement.The unit can be operated:<ul><li>stand-alone via display</li><li>via software</li><li>through LAN or analog I/O</li></ul>This makes it easy to integrate into almost any LC system.<h4>Key Features</h4><ul><li>Universal valve drive for &gt;40 valve types</li><li>Ultra-fast switching (minimal pressure spikes)</li><li>RFID valve identification</li><li>GLP data monitoring for maintenance</li><li>Standalone operation via display</li><li>Integration into LC systems (LAN, analog, software)</li><li>Compact design</li><li>Easy maintenance and valve exchange</li><li>Flexible use in LC and industrial applications</li></ul><h3>Technical Specifications</h3><h4>Communication &amp; Control</h4><ul><li>Interfaces: LAN, display, terminal strip</li><li>Control:<ul><li>display (stand-alone)</li><li>software</li><li>event control</li></ul></li><li>Inputs:<ul><li>Home</li><li>Backward/Inject</li><li>Forward/Load</li><li>Start</li></ul></li><li>Outputs:<ul><li>Trigger out</li><li>Event output</li></ul></li></ul><h4>Performance &amp; Features</h4><ul><li>Ultra-fast valve switching</li><li>Reduced pressure peaks</li><li>Supports &gt;40 valve types</li><li>RFID valve recognition</li><li>GLP maintenance tracking</li></ul><h4>Operating Conditions</h4><ul><li>Temperature: 4–40 °C</li><li>Humidity: &lt; 90% non-condensing</li></ul><h4>Power &amp; Dimensions</h4><ul><li>Power supply: external 24 V DC</li><li>Power consumption: 65 W</li><li>Dimensions: 80 × 123 × 192 mm</li><li>Weight: 1.9 kg</li></ul><h4>Typical Applications</h4><ul><li>Column switching</li><li>Eluent selection</li><li>Sample injection</li><li>Fraction collection</li><li>LC workflow automation</li><li>Dosing systems in chemical industry</li></ul>

KNAUER Sepapure oliGO 120-3 Column

KNAUER Sepapure oliGO 120-3 column for oligonucleotide analysis in RP and IP-RP modes with UHPLC performance and low back pressure.

The KNAUER Sepapure® oliGO 120-3 is a high-performance HPLC/UHPLC column optimized for oligonucleotide analysis in both reversed-phase (RP) and ion-pair reversed-phase (IP-RP) modes.The column is based on hybrid silica with advanced endcapping and hydrophobic modification, ensuring stable interactions, high reproducibility, and long lifetime, even under demanding conditions.With 3 µm particles, the column delivers UHPLC performance while maintaining low back pressure, allowing use even on standard HPLC systems.It is ideal for:<ul><li>identification</li><li>quantification</li><li>quality control (QC) of oligonucleotides.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Sepapure_oli_GO_120_3_Column_3_e306727053.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Sepapure oliGO 120-3 Column" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Sepapure_oli_GO_120_3_Column_3_e306727053.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="882" height="478"><h4>Key Features</h4><ul><li>Optimized for oligonucleotides</li><li>Supports RP and IP-RP modes</li><li>UHPLC performance with low back pressure</li><li>3 µm particles for high resolution</li><li>18% carbon load</li><li>Wide pH range (1.5–10)</li><li>High chemical stability</li><li>Compatible with standard HPLC systems</li><li>High reproducibility and robustness</li><li>Suitable for extreme pH and temperature conditions</li></ul><h3>Technical Specifications</h3><h4>General</h4><ul><li>Separation modes: RP / IP-RP</li><li>Endcapping: Yes</li><li>USP classification: L1</li><li>Connection: 1/16"</li></ul><h4>Column Parameters</h4><ul><li>Particle size: 3 µm</li><li>Pore size: 120 Å</li><li>Surface area: 300 m²/g</li><li>Carbon load: 18%</li></ul><h4>Operating Conditions</h4><ul><li>pH range: 1.5 – 10</li><li>Max pressure: 413 bar</li><li>Max temperature: 60 °C</li></ul><h3>Technology Advantages</h3><h4>Low Back Pressure</h4><ul><li>enables UHPLC performance on HPLC systems</li><li>protects instrumentation</li><li>reduces wear and clogging</li><li>minimizes oligonucleotide aggregation</li></ul><h4>IP-RP Optimization</h4><ul><li>ideal pH range: 7.0 – 9.5</li><li>combines hydrophobic and ionic interactions</li><li>enables high-resolution separation</li></ul><h4>Cost-effective Hardware</h4><ul><li>no need for inert hardware</li><li>optimized for routine analytical use</li><li>tested with no impact on performance</li></ul><h4>Typical Applications</h4><ul><li>Oligonucleotide analysis</li><li>Biopharmaceutical QC</li><li>Polar molecule analysis</li><li>Method development (extreme pH/temperature)</li></ul>

KNAUER Sepapure Laboratory Filtration

Sepapure laboratory filtration includes syringe filters, membranes, and filter units for clean, precise, and reproducible results.

The Sepapure® Laboratory Filtration range provides a comprehensive solution for laboratory sample filtration, focusing on purity, precision, and reproducibility.The portfolio includes:<ul><li>syringe filters</li><li>membrane disc filters</li><li>filter units</li><li>filter holders</li></ul>These products are designed to ensure maximum sample recovery, minimal loss, and broad compatibility across analytical, pharmaceutical, and routine laboratory applications.<h4>Key Features</h4><ul><li>High filtration purity and reproducibility</li><li>Minimal sample loss</li><li>Color-coded identification</li><li>Wide range of membrane materials</li><li>Broad application compatibility</li><li>Pressure resistance (&gt;6 bar)</li><li>Eco-friendly reusable solutions</li></ul><h3>Product Variants</h3><h4>Sepapure® Syringe Filters</h4><ul><li>Color-coded and labeled</li><li>Integrated polypropylene prefilter</li><li>Low hold-up volume → minimal sample loss</li><li>High pressure resistance (&gt;6 bar)</li><li>Wide application compatibility</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Sepapure_Laboratory_Filtration_5_00f6e96bbe.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Sepapure® Syringe Filters" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Sepapure_Laboratory_Filtration_5_00f6e96bbe.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1216" height="196"><h4>Sepapure® Membrane Disc Filters</h4><ul><li>Various membrane materials</li><li>Efficient separation for complex samples</li><li>High filtrate purity</li><li>Suitable for lab and research use</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Sepapure_Laboratory_Filtration_3_1e207905e0.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Sepapure® Membrane Disc Filters" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Sepapure_Laboratory_Filtration_3_1e207905e0.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="1000" height="1000"><h4>Filter Units (Glass Vacuum Units)</h4><ul><li>Glass vacuum filtration systems</li><li>Available volumes: 1000 mL and 2000 mL</li><li>Ground glass or rubber joints</li><li>Compatible with membrane filters</li><li>High chemical resistance and durability</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Sepapure_Laboratory_Filtration_2_86cf0cc5f8.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Filter Units (Glass Vacuum Units)" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Sepapure_Laboratory_Filtration_2_86cf0cc5f8.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="1000" height="1000"><h4>Filter Holders</h4><ul><li>Reusable and durable</li><li>Eco-friendly (waste reduction)</li><li>Versatile applications</li><li>High mechanical stability</li></ul><h4>Typical Applications</h4><ul><li>Sample preparation for HPLC/LC-MS</li><li>Mobile phase filtration</li><li>Environmental analysis</li><li>Pharmaceutical QC</li><li>Biochemical and clinical workflows</li></ul>

KNAUER Vials & Caps

KNAUER vials and caps for HPLC/UHPLC with high chemical resistance, multiple closure types, and optimized solutions for precise sample handling.

The KNAUER Vials &amp; Caps range provides a complete solution for sample preparation in HPLC/UHPLC analysis, where precision, purity, and sample integrity are critical.Selecting the correct vial and cap combination directly impacts:<ul><li>result reproducibility</li><li>contamination prevention</li><li>minimization of evaporation</li><li>autosampler performance</li></ul>KNAUER offers a wide variety of configurations including:<ul><li>glass types (clear / amber)</li><li>closure types (screw, crimp, snap)</li><li>septa (pre-slit / non pre-slit)</li><li>accessories (µ-inserts for small volumes)</li></ul><h3>Product Variants</h3><h4>Sample Vials</h4><ul><li>Neck types:<ul><li>screw neck</li><li>crimp neck</li><li>snap ring</li></ul></li><li>Materials:<ul><li>clear glass</li><li>amber glass (UV protection)</li></ul></li><li>High chemical resistance</li><li>Compatible with micro-inserts</li></ul><h4>Caps</h4><ul><li>Compatible with all vial types</li><li>Options:<ul><li>pre-slit septa</li><li>solid septa</li></ul></li><li>Optimized sealing</li><li>Suitable for automated and manual sampling</li></ul><h3>Vial Selection Guide</h3><h4>Glass Color</h4><ul><li>Amber glass<ul><li>UV protection</li><li>ideal for light-sensitive compounds (vitamins, steroids, pharmaceuticals)</li></ul></li><li>Clear glass<ul><li>maximum visibility</li><li>ideal for routine applications</li></ul></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Vials_and_Caps_glass_color_bd1238185e.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Vials &amp; Caps - Glass color" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Vials_and_Caps_glass_color_bd1238185e.jpg 155w," sizes="100vw" width="435" height="437"><h4>Closure Types</h4><ul><li>Screw Neck<ul><li>resealable</li><li>ideal for volatile samples and storage</li></ul></li><li>Crimp Neck<ul><li>tightest seal</li><li>ideal for highly volatile samples</li></ul></li><li>Snap Ring<ul><li>tool-free handling</li><li>suitable for short-term use</li></ul></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Vials_and_Caps_closure_type_c6c7a61418.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Vials &amp; Caps - Closure type" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Vials_and_Caps_closure_type_c6c7a61418.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="978" height="389"><h4>Septum Types</h4><ul><li>Pre-slit septum<ul><li>easier needle penetration</li><li>ideal for autosamplers</li><li>prevents vacuum formation</li></ul></li><li>Non pre-slit septum<ul><li>tighter seal</li><li>ideal for storage and evaporation control</li></ul></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Vials_and_Caps_septum_type_0b6afde0e9.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Vials &amp; Caps - Septum type" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Vials_and_Caps_septum_type_0b6afde0e9.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="551" height="343"><h4>µ-Inserts (Small Volumes)</h4><ul><li>Reduce sample volume requirements</li><li>Maximize recovery</li><li>Ideal for valuable or limited samples</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Vials_and_Caps_3_b697f0f41b.webp" alt="KNAUER: Vials &amp; Caps - Micro inserts" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Vials_and_Caps_3_b697f0f41b.webp 239w," sizes="100vw" width="1000" height="653">

KNAUER Capillaries & Tubing

KNAUER Capillaries & Tubing provide high-pressure LC capillaries and tubing up to 1200 bar, including MarvelXACT™ tool-free UHPLC connection systems.

KNAUER Capillaries &amp; Tubing provide a wide range of capillaries and tubing solutions for analytical and preparative HPLC, UHPLC, and FPLC applications. The portfolio includes stainless steel, PEEK, PTFE, and other tubing materials designed for reliable LC connections at pressures up to 1200 bar. The range also features innovative MarvelXACT™ capillaries with tool-free fingertight connections and a patented torque-limiting mechanism for secure and trouble-free operation.<h4>Key Features</h4><ul><li>Capillaries and tubing for HPLC, UHPLC, and FPLC</li><li>Maximum pressure up to 1200 bar</li><li>Materials include stainless steel, PEEK, PTFE, PFA, ETFE, and more</li><li>Suitable for analytical and preparative applications</li><li>MarvelXACT™ fingertight connection system</li><li>Patented torque-limiting “click” mechanism</li><li>Automatic adjustment to different port depths</li><li>More than 100 connection/disconnection cycles</li><li>PEEK capillaries for maximum biocompatibility</li><li>User-cuttable standard capillaries</li><li>Tubing for low-pressure solvent and waste lines</li></ul><h4>MarvelXACT™ Capillaries</h4><ul><li>Recommended for AZURA® Analytical systems</li><li>Tool-free installation</li><li>Flexible 1/32” OD tubing</li><li>compatible with KNAUER standard 1/16” receiving ports</li><li>Pre-installed fittings</li><li>Eliminates under- and over-tightening</li><li>Patented torque-limiting mechanism</li><li>Flexible tubing for easy routing</li><li>Bottom-port sealing without ferrules</li></ul><h4>Available Options</h4><ul><li>Stainless steel capillaries for high-pressure applications</li><li>PEEK capillaries for biocompatible workflows</li><li>PTFE, PFA, ETFE, and Tefzel® tubing</li><li>User-customizable capillary lengths</li><li>Tubing for solvent and waste connections</li></ul>

Products from KNAUER - page 2

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