UHPLC Column Protection Dramatically Extends Performance and Lifetime

Introduction

UHPLC columns can significantly improve chromatographic separations, but they also present unique challenges. Once the UHPLC system components are optimized, perhaps the greatest concern is protecting the column from the damaging effects of microparticulates and sample contaminants.

An ultra-high performance column protection system, specifically designed for UHPLC systems using sub-2 µm and core-shell particle columns, can be used to extend column lifetime (saving both money and time through less frequent column replacement), while minimizing system troubleshooting and downtime.

Results and Discussion

It is well known that UHPLC systems and columns require higher levels of care and attention than traditional HPLC in order to reap their full ultra-high chromatographic performance benefits. Once system components are optimized, chromatographic cleanliness is vital to maintain UHPLC performance, and column protection is compulsory. Unprotected columns may suffer from reduced performance and lifetime, and may lead to an increased need for system troubleshooting and/or downtime.

UHPLC columns packed with sub-2 µm particles tend to clog much more rapidly than traditional HPLC columns packed with larger 3 µm and 5 µm particles. This may be due to the fact that, not only is the interstitial space between the particles much smaller, but columns packed with sub-2 µm particles also use frits with a much smaller porosity compared to conventional HPLC columns. With a "tighter", more restricted flow path, any undissolved matter or particulates from the sample, the mobile phase or the system (such as micro-particulates shedding from piston seals and injection valve rotors), will quickly and irreversibly foul the UHPLC column.

An easy way to extend the performance and lifetime of UHPLC columns (either sub-2 µm fully-porous or core-shell media) is to prevent any contaminants from reaching the column by using the SecurityGuard ULTRA guard cartridge system (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of contaminated and non-contaminated column inlet frit.

Presented in Figure 2 is an accelerated lifetime test using an endogenous biological matrix injected onto a coreshell column (Kinetex 2.6 µm C18 50 × 4.6 mm column). With the unprotected column (grey dots), sequential injections of the matrix lead to a steady and irreversible increase in back pressure. Without SecurityGuard ULTRA column protection, the increase in back pressure becomes exponential. This increase in back pressure will eventually lead to degraded chromatography, including band broadening and possibly peak splitting. As a result, method sensitivity, quantitation and peak identification may also be adversely affected.

Figure 2: Accelerated column lifetime test.

However, column lifetime is greatly extended by using the SecurityGuard ULTRA (red boxes). In this case, sequential injections of the matrix will still lead to an increase in pressure, but this is due to the particulates being captured in the SecurityGuard ULTRA itself, rather than in the UHPLC/HPLC column. Thus, by simply replacing the SecurityGuard ULTRA cartridge at regular intervals, back pressure returns to starting levels and effective column lifetime can be greatly extended.

Phenomenex Inc.

411 Madrid Ave., Torrance, California, USA

tel: +1 310 212 055 fax: +1 310 212 7768

Website: www.phenomenex.com