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Nexera Prep – preparative and purification LC system

“Preparative HPLC” is a process in which specific substances are separated and purified from samples. The Nexera Prep series provides better prep processes for extraction of functional and impurity components as well as purification of target compounds in the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries. This product dramatically improves productivity via flexible scalability and an efficient, user-friendly preparative workflow.

It reduces the time spent on examining conditions using the software’s fractionation simulation function. It also enables simplified, fast operation in transition from analytical to preparative scale, with a column portfolio that covers a wide range of dimensions. Furthermore, Shimadzu’s unique UFPLC (Ultra-Fast Preparative and Purification LC) high-purity purification system reduces the time required for powderization via the elution of desalted target components with an organic solvent. The Nexera Prep series satisfies a number of user demands, such as efficient desalting and powderization, multi-sample and multi-fraction analysis, effective separation at low cost and the ability to check the purity.

Features to simplify the preparative workflow include:

1. 1. Reduced time required for investigating conditions

With the fractionation simulation function of the LabSolutions analysis software and the Shim-pack Scepter LC column for analytical and preparative HPLC, which offers excellent scalability, the product reduces the time required for investigating preparative work conditions. The LH-40 Liquid Handler can be used both as a fraction collector and as an autosampler for large-volume injection with liquid surface detection function. It also enables seamless purity checks through reinjection of collected sample after fractionation. Additional features including a sample rescue protocol to collect the sample from the system if an error occurs after an injection, a function to automatically extract the target peaks only and high-purity preparative purification using detector signals from up to four channels enable more efficient operation.

1. 2. UFPLC high-purity purification system

Samples must be in a state of concentrated solution or dry powder to analyze their structure or to store them. When a solution contains water, it takes time to dry and concentrate it. When a salt such as trifluoroacetate has been added, it remains in the crystal of the compound, lowering the purity and influencing pharmacokinetic studies and other tests negatively. Shimadzu’s unique automated UFPLC purification system introduces fractions containing the target compound, separated in a preparative column, into a trap column. Salt and water are then washed off and elution is induced with an organic solvent. This reduces the time required for drying, providing compounds with a high level of purity.

1. 3. Flexible system scalability

Both the LH-40 Liquid Handler and FRC-40 Fraction Collector are designed to save installation space, requiring only half the space of other vendors’ products. They support containers of a form and size suitable for the recovered quantity. Up to six units can be connected, so up to 3,240 10-mm diameter test tubes can be placed. Using the Column Hub, up to six columns and four flow-line switching valves can be installed, enabling the compact configuration of various systems.