Malvern’s new OMNISEC GPC/SEC platform brings ground-breaking performance to the analysis of polymers, proteins and other macromolecules

A completely new gel permeation/size exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) platform from Malvern Instruments (UK) breaks new ground in delivering the high performance, ease of use and productivity demanded in today’s analytical laboratories. Malvern’s innovative OMNISEC platform integrates highly efficient sample separation via the OMNISEC RESOLVE module and high sensitivity analysis using OMNISEC REVEAL, a fully integrated multi-detector array. The system has applications wherever there is a need for detailed analysis and understanding of natural or synthetic polymers, proteins and macromolecules.

GPC/SEC is a two-step analytical process that involves separating a sample on the basis of its size and then analysing the resulting fractions. The technique delivers molecular weight, molecular size and structural information, all of which define the performance of many industrially important materials.  Coupling the efficient sample separation of OMNISEC RESOLVE with the fully optimised, multi-detector, information-rich analysis delivered by OMNISEC REVEAL, Malvern has produced a market-leading solution for researchers and formulators developing novel natural and synthetic polymers, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products and foods.

OMNISEC REVEAL includes the following four detectors: refractive index (RI), UV/Vis Photodiode array (UV-PDA), low angle/right angle light scattering (RALS/LALS) and viscometer. Its light scattering detector is the most sensitive on the market meaning it can accurately measure molecular weights as low as 200 Da or injection masses of 100 ng. A new self-balancing viscometer design with a user exchangeable capillary bridge boosts instrument productivity and cuts lifetime costs by extending viscometer life, reducing instrument downtime and minimising maintenance requirements. Excellent temperature control across the complete module, including the integrated detectors and inter-detector tubing, further boosts the accuracy of all measurements.

OMNISEC RESOLVE consists of a sample degasser, pump, autosampler and column oven, each optimised for precise, high resolution separations. This translates into smooth stable baselines for detector analysis, which in turn boost the accuracy of all measurements. Key features here include a low volume, high efficiency degasser design that enables rapid switchover from one sample type to another, thereby delivering substantial timesaving in busy multi-user labs. The new temperature controlled autosampler eliminates injection waste, minimising the sample required for routine measurement, and in combination with the column oven maintains all samples under closely controlled conditions throughout the analysis. This is especially important when dealing with materials such as proteins which can be temperature sensitive.

As well as the complete OMNISEC system, OMNISEC REVEAL can be purchased as an individual detector module to add to an existing GPC/SEC system. However, there are substantial advantages to an integrated system, with benefits including: smaller inter-detector volumes, reduced band broadening and better temperature control. These deliver improved sample stability and enhanced accuracy, and the day-to-day productivity efficiencies that stem from using a system that has been fully and optimally integrated to meet modern GPC/SEC requirements.