Waters Launches First-of-its-Kind Biocompatible UPLC Platform

The new ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Bio System from Waters advances macromolecule analysis through multiple-mode chromatographic capability, automated solvent blending, and use of corrosion resistant inert materials. This enables macromolecule analysis by optimizing characterization of biomolecule structures supporting their progression to viable biotherapeutics.

"By nature of their complexity, large biomolecules present significant analytical challenges that have been uniquely addressed by the new ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Bio System," said Dr. Jeff Mazzeo, Biopharmaceutical Business Director for Waters Division. "During the recent introduction of Waters H-Class system, it became clear that the H-Class technology was not only the missing link between UPLC and HPLC, but it also had far reaching potential to address specific challenges in biotechnology. To that end, Waters purposefully built upon the engineering successes of the quaternary-based H-Class technology targeting biotech labs that want the performance of UPLC separations along with the flexibility to work with stock solvents. The new ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Bio System provides the ultimate in large molecule characterization enabling organizations to gather information on the true value of their possible therapeutic products."

Powered by the ACQUITY UPLC H-Class platform with a flow-through-needle sample manager and quaternary solvent manager, the new system performs multiple chromatographic techniques that are needed to characterize complex biomolecules. Additionally, it features an inert flow path, and leverages Waters Auto•Blend Plus™Technology to optimize the analysis of proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and glycans.

Because of the complexity of any given large molecule, biochemists often must employ one or more chromatographic techniques to accurately separate and characterize any given sample. Powered by proven, reliable and robust UPLC capabilities, the ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Bio System has the flexibility to perform four chromatographic modes on a single system: reversed phase, ion exchange (IEX), size exclusion (SEC), and hydrophilic interaction (HILIC). Scientists can now perform all required assays for robust protein characterization on a single UPLC system.

For example, the ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Bio System is ideally paired with Waters’ new bioseparations technology columns: the ACQUITY UPLC BEH200 SEC column, the first UPLC analytical size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) solution for the characterization of proteins and their aggregates, and the Protein-Pak™Hi Res IEX column, designed for the analysis of biomolecules including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, DNA/RNA, and vaccine components. These proprietary columns combine with the system to provide orthogonal analytical separations necessary to fully characterize a protein therapeutic.