Used Agilent 1290 Infinity II UHPLC

The Agilent 1290 Infinity II UHPLC system represents the pinnacle of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, engineered to deliver maximum throughput, resolution, and seamless method transferability for the most demanding pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and research applications. As a core component of the InfinityLab series, it bridges the gap between conventional HPLC and true UHPLC performance, offering unparalleled speed and data fidelity.

System Architecture & Core Specifications

The system is a modular platform designed around high-pressure fluidics and rapid detection. Its key specifications define its UHPLC capabilities:

• Solvent Delivery: The system operates at a maximum pressure of 1300 bar, enabling the use of sub-2-micron particle columns for superior separation efficiency. The binary or quaternary pumps deliver a flow rate range up to 5 mL/min with exceptionally low delay volume (as low as 45 µL), ensuring precise gradient formation and minimal dwell volume for fast method scouting and robust LC/MS coupling.

• Autosampler (Multisampler): The 1290 Infinity II Multisampler is engineered for high productivity. It supports a massive capacity of up to 6144 samples (using microplates or vials) and features dual-needle technology. This allows for parallel sample pickup and injection, reducing cycle times to as low as 5 seconds. Advanced wash protocols minimize carryover to levels below 10 ppm, which is critical for sensitive bioanalytical assays.

• Column Compartment: The high-capacity thermostatted column compartment (MCT) can accommodate multiple columns and provides precise temperature control from 4°C (for biomolecule stability) up to 110°C. This wide range is essential for methods requiring high-temperature separations or stringent temperature control for reproducibility.

• Detection Suite: The system is compatible with high-speed detectors, including the Diode Array Detector (DAD) with acquisition rates up to 240 Hz, Variable Wavelength Detector (VWD), Fluorescence (FLD), and Refractive Index (RID). The flow cells are optimized for UHPLC to minimize band broadening.

Key Performance Advantages

• Speed and Resolution: The 1300 bar pressure ceiling, combined with low-dispersion fluidic pathways, allows for significantly faster analyses without sacrificing peak capacity. This is vital for high-throughput screening and method development.

• Method Transfer and Flexibility: A standout feature is the Intelligent System Emulation Technology (ISET), which enables seamless method transfer from other HPLC or UHPLC systems (including non-Agilent instruments) by digitally emulating their delay volumes and dispersion characteristics. This eliminates the need for time-consuming re-validation.

• Data Quality: The system's low dispersion and high-sensitivity detectors provide excellent signal-to-noise ratios, enabling accurate quantification at trace levels. The high data acquisition rates ensure that even the narrowest peaks generated by fast gradients are accurately captured.

Operational Workflow and Software

The system is controlled by Agilent OpenLab CDS or ChemStation software, which offers comprehensive tools for instrument control, data acquisition, and processing. The platform supports full automation and is designed for 24/7 operation in regulated environments, with features ensuring data integrity and compliance.

In summary, the Agilent 1290 Infinity II UHPLC is a versatile and robust analytical platform that pushes the boundaries of liquid chromatography. It combines extreme pressure capabilities with intelligent emulation features to maximize laboratory efficiency, making it an indispensable tool for modern analytical laboratories focused on precision and productivity.