Novel detection capabilities for GC and LC using VUV light

UVISON Technologies Ltd supply analytical laboratories with a broad range of equipment, consumables, and servicing. One of our key partners is VUV Analytics, a leader in vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) detectors for GC and LC, including LUMA and HYDRA, which are revolutionising detection capabilities in labs.

In the UK and Ireland, UVISON exclusively represent the following brands, which will all be represented on our stand at this year’s SinS:

• VUV Analytics – novel detectors for LC and GC (see below)

• Axcend – micro-flow, compact & portable HPLC platform

• LNI Swissgas – gas generators, water demineralisers, gas blenders/calibrators & lab benches

VUV Analytics, Inc (Texas, USA) are leaders in vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) detector technology for GC and HPLC. Their first products, the VGA-100 and VGA-101, have revolutionised detection capabilities in the energy (fuels, etc.) industry, with a number of ASTM methods written around VUV detection systems. The technology has been refined to create the LUMA detector, which delivers high-sensitivity (to low-ppb levels) and universal GC detection, with simultaneous acquisition of 12-channels of data. This multi-channel data enables the use of advanced processing techniques like peak purity analysis and spectral matching to enhance identification confidence compared to traditional GC detectors like FID and TCD. 

Applications for LUMA include residual solvents, nitrosamines, and other genotoxic compound impurity analysis. Application work has also focused on moisture content in solvents for oligonucleotide synthesis given that the analysis by GC-LUMA requires only a few uL of sample (even for trace levels). The same moisture detection can also be performed on reaction mixtures as, unlike Karl Fisher, LUMA isn’t impacted by the presence of reagents! 

At this year’s Pittcon, VUV Analytics also unveiled their new HYDRA detector for LC. Using the high energy VUV light range, HYDRA addresses the limitations of traditional UV-vis and PDA detectors, creating new possibilities in areas such as saccharide, lipid and amino acid analysis. These applications have previously required CAD or ELSD due to a lack of absorption in the UV-vis range, but these detectors can experience challenges with robustness when performing separations that require buffers or modifiers, due to the desolvation at the detector. HYDRA removes these challenges, making it the ideal detector choice for routine analysis! 

Both LUMA and HYDRA integrate into existing lab workflows thanks to control within common CDS platforms like Openlab, Empower and Chromeleon, and can be added to existing GC and LC systems from a range of OEMs.