Liquid Chromatography
Liquid Chromatography
Shimadzu Liquid Chromatography (LC)
Explore Liquid Chromatography Solutions from Shimadzu Benelux
Liquid chromatography (LC) is a powerful separation technique utilized for the analysis and separation of individual components within a mixture. At Shimadzu, we offer a comprehensive range of liquid chromatography systems, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC), and preparative systems, tailored to meet diverse analytical needs.
In addition to traditional LC systems, we provide innovative solutions for supercritical fluid chromatography and ion chromatography, ensuring versatility in your laboratory applications. Our LabSolutions software is specifically designed to streamline method development and enhance routine workflows, facilitating both quantitative and qualitative analysis with ease.
To guarantee high-quality analytical data across various applications, Shimadzu’s Shim-pack™ columns are engineered for superior performance and reliability. Discover how Shimadzu’s liquid chromatography solutions can elevate your analytical capabilities today.
Liquid Chromatography (LC) — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers on models, methods, maintenance, and compliance.
What is Liquid Chromatography?
Liquid Chromatography separates components in a liquid sample using a stationary phase (column) and mobile phase (solvent), enabling qualitative and quantitative analysis across industries.
What components make up a Shimadzu LC system?
- Pump (isocratic/gradient)
- Autosampler (low carryover, temperature control)
- Column oven (stable temperature)
- Detector(s) (UV/Vis, PDA, FL, RI, etc.)
- LabSolutions CDS (control, acquisition, processing, compliance)
Which applications are typical?
Pharma/biopharma (assay, impurities, peptides/proteins), food & environment (contaminants, pesticides), and industrial/materials (additives, polymers). LC‑MS/MS expands sensitivity/selectivity.
How do I choose the right model?
Match pressure/flow and detector needs to your method, consider throughput and sample matrix, and ensure LabSolutions compliance features match your regulatory requirements.
Can LC integrate with mass spectrometry?
Yes—Shimadzu LC interfaces with LC‑MS/MS for targeted quantitation and trace analysis in complex matrices.
Tips for better peak shape & reproducibility
- Degas and refresh solvents
- Condition the column properly
- Optimize gradient & dwell volume
- Control oven temperature
- Maintain needle/loop cleanliness
Common causes of baseline noise/drift
- Contaminated mobile phases or bubbles
- Dirty detector flow cell
- Insufficient temperature equilibration
- Lamp aging (UV/PDA)
How to reduce carryover
- Configure strong/weak needle washes
- Use low‑adsorption vials/tubing
- Choose appropriate sample diluents
Recommended maintenance schedule
- Daily/weekly: leak check, purge pumps, rinse lines
- Monthly: seals inspection, needle seat clean, strong solvent flush
- Quarterly: check valves/lamp/tubing; backflush columns (if allowed)
How LabSolutions supports compliance
Role-based access, electronic signatures, audit trails, centralized DB—supporting data integrity (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11). Unified LC/GC/LCMS workflows streamline operation.
