Shimadzu

 is designed to push the limits of LC/MS/MS quantitation for applications requiring the highest sensitivity and robustness while delivering a meaningful solution for routine LC/MS/MS analyses. It detects substances at ultra-trace level as they occur in complex matrices, for example, or in smallest sample concentrations which have to be diluted in order to avoid matrix effects.

A real difference to working better and faster

 is a member of Shimadzu’s UFMS (Ultra-Fast Mass Spectrometry) family and part of the Shimadzu mass spectrometry platform of MS/MS systems with ultra-fast technologies. It underlines Shimadzu’s role as one of the world’s fastest-growing mass spectrometry companies. The system combines a heated ESI source with all UF technologies including UFsweeper III, a collision cell filled with argon gas. Through its high speed technology, UFsweeper III achieves dwell times of 0.8 ms per MRM. With new UF Qarray ion guide technology increasing ion production and signal intensity, the LCMS-8060 introduces a new level of sensitivity and makes a real difference to working better and faster.

Highest sensitivity, fastest speed, outstanding durability


	With a data acquisition scan speed of 30,000 u/sec and a polarity switching time of 5 msec the 

 brings new levels of data quality and confidence at the highest sensitivity.
	

 The newly developed UF-Qarray boosts ion sensitivity while suppressing noise. By improving the ion sampling device, ion guide and vacuum efficiency, Shimadzu has achieved an unprecedented sensitivity in LCMS.

 Shimadzu’s proprietary technologies allow acquisition of up to 555 MRM channels per second, ultra-fast polarity switching and ultra-fast scanning, all with highest data quality.

 Robustness of the LCMS-8060 and modified ion optics was assessed by injecting 2,400 samples of femtogram levels of alprazolam spiked into protein-precipitated human plasma extracts over a six day period (over 400 samples were injected each day). RSD of peak area response was 5 % over this test period, and use of a deuterated internal standard (alprazolam-d5) led to RSD of 3.5 %. As part of the robustness test the vacuum system was vented to model a transient power failure, with however no effect on signal response or baseline noise level.

Articles

Changes Everything – LCMS-8060 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer expands UFMS family

 expands the product line and improves performance and user-friendliness. With i-Series Plus, pretreatment operations have been automated, such as the processes to dilute samples and add reagents. This results in better reproducibility and measurement accuracy by minimizing human error, to ensure reliable data in the analysis of pharmaceuticals and foods. 

 also offers new features that satisfy data integrity requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. The 

 consists of the compact HPLC Prominence-i and UHPLC system Nexera-i.

Significantly improved analytical productivity with automated pretreatment operations


	Shimadzu’s Prominence Inert LC system, a metal-free instrument, is ideal for analyzing aggregates or other biological macromolecules in biopharmaceuticals. 

 uses PEEK resin and other non-metal materials for all surfaces of the flow lines in contact with sample solutions and mobile phases. This ensures reproducible analysis even of components at risk of their activity changing due to contact with metal.


	Biopharmaceuticals are based on biologically-derived proteins which can denature, triggered by a wide variety of factors during their manufacturing process. If the microparticles in biopharmaceuticals combine to form aggregates due to elapsed time, mechanical stimulation, temperature changes or other factors, this can not only decrease drug efficacy but even cause serious adverse effects. Analysis of these aggregates during new biopharmaceutical development is therefore critical.

	As the mobile phases for such analytical and preparatory processes for biological macromolecules use high concentrations of sodium chloride or other halogen salts, stainless steel surfaces in the instrument or flow lines can cause several problems. These include corrosion that interferes with analysis, or combination of the proteins with dissolved metals, thereby losing their original characteristics and functionality. Consequently, there is an increase in demand for metal-free LC systems for biopharmaceutical development and quality control.

High resistance to corrosion by halogen ions


	By using inert (resin) materials for all flow line surfaces in contact with sample solutions and mobile phases, the 

 offers high resistance to corrosion by halogen ions during aggregate analysis. At the same time, it also features the high reliability, robustness and expandability that are characteristic of Prominence high-performance liquid chromatography systems. It can be used with mobile phases having high salt or acid concentrations while inhibiting the adsorption of samples with a high affinity for metals.

Inert solvent delivery pump enables highly reproducible aggregate analysis results

. The LC-20Ai features a newly improved delivery control mechanism reducing baseline detector noise while achieving precise solvent delivery performance in order to enable highly reproducible aggregate analysis results. The LC-20Ai provides stable solvent delivery performance for flow rates ranging from 0.001 to 10.00 mL/min and improved operability with features such as VP functionality for supporting instrument validation and maintenance procedures.

	When used in analysis of bromic acid or combined cyanide/bromic acid, the LC-20Ai can significantly reduce baseline noise caused by pulsation when delivering post-column reaction solution. This increases the reliability and quantitative accuracy of high-sensitivity analysis.

Prominence Inert LC system

 brings new levels of data quality and confidence at the highest sensitivity.
	   •   

 The newly developed UF-Qarray boosts ion sensitivity while suppressing noise. By improving the ion sampling device, ion guide and vacuum efficiency, Shimadzu has achieved an unprecedented sensitivity in LCMS.
	   •   

 Shimadzu’s proprietary technologies allow acquisition of up to 555 MRM channels per second, ultra-fast polarity switching and ultra-fast scanning, all with highest data quality.
	   •   

 ultra-fast multianalyte LC-MS system offers up to double the sample processing capability of the conventional approach. The Nexera MX features two analytical flow lines in a single LC-MS system. This setup maximizes operating efficiency by alternating between the two lines for injecting of samples. Capable of rapidly processing large numbers of samples, the 

 will help to improve the workflow of customers. The 

 system also includes the LabSolutions Insight software, providing assistance with quantitative analysis of large volumes of data.

	Shimadzu Europa GmbH
	Albert-Hahn-Strasse 6-10
	47269 Duisburg, Germany
	phone: +49 (0) 203-7687-0
	E-mail:

Nexera MX  Accelerates workflow and improves analytical efficiency

	Shimadzu’s Nexera Method Scouting system provides an outstanding platform for efficient HPLC method development and implementation. It is based on the 

 next-generation ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph, an all-round LC system for ultra-high-speed analysis.

 is equipped with two quaternary solvent pumps, a high pressure resistant column switching valve and the dedicated Method Scouting Solution control software to enable automated, quick and simple column and solvent screening. With its solvent blending capability and automated workflow, the system reduces preparation time and the risk of human error to a minimum when setting up the method and analysis schedule manually.

 systems can be used for a wide range of applications, from verifying the purity of synthetic compounds to quantifying their impurities, e.g. in pharmaceutical CMC and drug development/synthesis. In combination with the SPD-M30A photodiode array detector, Nexera X2 offers highly sensitive detection and a large dynamic range for quantification of high and low concentrations in a single experiment.

 Solution is the system’s dedicated control software which supports fast and secure operation of the Nexera Method Scouting System. It offers a graphical user interface to simplify the system set up as well as pre-configured system settings conforming to laboratory policies to provide reliable data while minimizing the risk of human error. Connecting between 

4 HPLC modeling software for strategic method optimization enables fast and efficient setup of methods as well as easy calculation and visualization of the design space. In combination with the VALIDAT

 toolbox for method validation, the Nexera Method Scouting system provides an all-round solution for highly effective HPLC method development and implementation.

 4 is a registered trademark of Molnar Institute of Applied Chromatography
	Validat