Nexera MP UHPLC Front End System for LC/MS: LC/MS Analysis in Drug Detection Processes

Shimadzu, one of the worldwide leading manufacturers in analytical instrumentation, has introduced the Nexera MP UHPLC as a Front End system for LC/MS. The system premiered in Europe at the HPLC 2011 show in Budapest, Hungary, from June 19 to 23. The Nexera MP is perfect for LC/MS analysis conducted in pharmacokinetics and synthesis stages in drug detection processes.

The new SIL-30ACMP Multiplate Autosampler used in the Nexera MP is best suited for LC/MS analysis and has the industry-best micro-volume injection repeatability, the world’s highest injection speed and the lowest carryover. Combining the Nexera MP with Shimadzu’s LCMS-8030 Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer or the LCMS-2020 Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer creates a system for quick analysis of multiple samples with high accuracy.

Development Background
Pharmacokinetics and candidate compound synthesis stages in drug discovery processes need fast analysis of multiple samples using an LC/MS system with high throughput. Minimization of carryover in samples is also important for enhancement of LC/MS analysis reliability, since mass spectrometers are becoming more and more sensitive.

The synthesis stage demands a system where two or more users can share an instrument and measure samples without delay, so that candidate compounds can be checked and identified quickly for more efficient analysis. This setup also reduces power consumption, thereby lessening the burden on the environment.

Combined with high-performance accessories, the Nexera MP UHPLC Front End system achieves outstanding features:

• Efficient sample preparation
The SIL-30ACMP Multiplate Autosampler provides excellent injection repeatability with micro volume injections (e.g. 1% max. in 0.5 µL injections). The influence of sample solvents, which causes problems in analysis of deproteinized or synthetic samples, is minimized by reducing the injection volume. Samples can therefore be injected directly without dilution, streamlining the preparation process.

• Multi-sample processing with the world's fastest injection
In addition to fast separation of components, the Nexera MP uses the SIL-30ACMP Multiplate Autosampler featuring the world’s fastest injection at just 7 seconds which enables ultra-high-speed analysis cycles. In addition, up to 2304 samples can be set. Ultra-high-speed multi-sample processing is enabled, necessary in pharmacokinetics and synthesis confirmation processes. Ultra-high-speed analysis reduces consumption of both power and organic solvents used for analysis, reducing in turn the environmental burden.

• Industry-lowest level carryover
The Nexera MP provides ultra-low carryover, essential for LC/MS analysis. By incorporating the exceptional technology used in the Shimadzu prominence / Nexera Series autosamplers to effectively prohibit adsorption in the sample line, the SIL-30ACMP achieves an industry-lowest level carryover of 0.0015 % max. (no rinse). A multi-rinse function allows selection of the optimum rinse method depending on the sample. These functions ensure reliable analysis even when a high-sensitivity mass spectrometer is used.

• Two or more analyzers share one system
Two or more experimenters often share one system in the compound confirmation process. Using the Nexera MP, each can set a sample plate without delay, even during analysis. Analyses previously run in multiple systems can therefore be run on one system, saving energy and operation costs.

• Column oven setting to the MS position
To achieve ultra-high-speed analysis using LC/MS, the length of the piping connecting the HPLC and mass spectrometer needs to be minimized in order to fully exploit the separation performance. When mounting the optional CTO-30AS Column Oven to the autosampler, mounting height can be adjusted in three steps and the angle can be adjusted flexibly. As a result, the column exit can be positioned according to the height of the LC/MS interface, helping to realize ultra-high-speed, high-separation LC/MS analysis while maximizing the system’s separation performance.

The Nexera MP is controlled by Shimadzu’s LabSolutions software and major LC/MS workstations available from other companies.