New interface ups user satisfaction for ESAs HPLC kit

The integration, specifically a software driver, is a response to requests by pharmaceutical scientists for a special interface that allows full access to existing and new features to fully exploit the complimentary equipment. ESA's Corona charged-aerosol detector (CAD) is a HPLC detection technology that has become a popular choice for the methods-development laboratory and the factory floor. Along with increased sensitivity, the Corona CAD measures compounds, independent of molecular structure, to low-nanogram levels. It shows consistent inter-analyte response independent of chemical structure, enabling quantitation across a range that exceeds four orders of magnitude. Its range means it can analyse a wide diversity of chemical structures and important classes of molecules - from small organic molecules, proteins and peptides, to ions, carbohydrates, lipids, and polymers. When combined with Waters' Empower 2 software-controlled LC System specialised applications ranging from excipient and formulation characterisation, forced-degradation studies, impurity analysis, cleaning validations and final product QC can be achieved. "In working with ESA Biosciences, we are responding to the needs of our Empower 2 software users who are using the Corona CAD for their applications​," said Bill Foley, Director, Product Marketing, Waters Corporation. "By adding a new feature into our Empower software to control ESA's detector, we're giving our customers more choices and more ways to be successful​," he added. High performance liquid chromatography is basically a highly improved form of column chromatography. Instead of a solvent being allowed to drip through a column under gravity, it is forced through under high pressures of up to 400 atmospheres making it much faster. It also allows a smaller particle size to be used for the column packing material which gives a much greater surface area for interactions between the stationary phase and the molecules flowing past it. This allows better separation of the components of the mixture. The other major improvement over column chromatography concerns the detection methods which can be used. These methods are highly automated and extremely sensitive. "We listen closely to customer suggestions for product enhancements - a key part our commitment to continuously improve results and help scientists do their jobs better, faster, and easier​," said ESA's Vice President of Life Sciences Marketing, Jasmine Gruia-Gray. "Customers have asked for a direct interface between the Corona CAD and Empower platforms. We're pleased to work with Waters so we can meet our respective customers' needs​." ESA expect the project to be completed in Q3 2008 and the company said they would provide free of charge the Empower 2 Software driver to existing Corona CAD customers.