ESA take HPLC detection to higher level

The Corona CAD can be used as a universal detector in HPLC experiments, in contrast to other readouts such as refractive index (RI), low wavelength (UV), evaporative light scattering (ELS) and chemiluminescent nitrogen detection (CLND).

What's the best way to detect and measure compounds with your HPLC? There is no simple answer, according to ESA​. UV detection is the most widely used, it notes, but fails to see many compounds of interest.

"Other, so-called universal detectors have fallen short of the promise of combining application versatility with real performance,"​ according to the firm.

In contrast, CAD is a genuinely new HPLC detection technology that typically provides ten times the sensitivity of ELS, more consistent response factors than (LC-MS), UV, or ELS, and the gradient performance missing from RI.

Using CAD, the HPLC column eluent is first nebulised with nitrogen and the droplets are dried to remove mobile phase, producing analyte particles. A secondary stream of nitrogen becomes positively charged as it passes a high-voltage, platinum corona wire. This charge transfers to the opposing stream of analyte particles. The charge is transferred to a collector where it is measured by a highly sensitive electrometer, generating a signal in direct proportion to the quantity of analyte present.

"CAD represents a significant new universal detection option for HPLC that not only exceeds the capabilities of current options, but also can push the boundaries of universal detection into areas where current methods are not able to perform,"​ said the company.

The technology is suitable for detectingr virtually any non- or semi-volatile compound, including: drug compounds, drug scaffolds, carbohydrates, lipids, steroids, peptides, proteins and polymers.

The detector installs easily with any HPLC system and takes up minimal bench space due to its small footprint.