Instrumental Solutions for Adapting Conventional HPLC to Capillary and Nano Scales

• Grant number: 23/16797-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Deyber Arley Vargas Medina
• Grantee: Deyber Arley Vargas Medina
• Company: Nano Separation Technologies Indústria, Comércio e Representações Ltda
• CNAE: Fabricação de produtos farmoquímicos ; Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: São Carlos
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/12984-0 - Mechatronic aspects in the construction of an environmentally friendly analytical system for capillary-scale (cLC) and nano-scale (nanoLC) liquid chromatography, BP.TT; 24/13187-6 - Instrumental solutions for adapting conventional HPLC to capillary and nano scales, BP.PIPE

Abstract

In Latin America, especially in Brazil and the State of São Paulo, there is a wide diversity of industries, universities, and research centers such as EMBRAPA, IPT, Instituto Butantã, IPEN, among others, which incorporate liquid chromatography (LC) into their routines. However, it's important to note that all the technology associated with this field is imported, mainly from the United States of America (USA) and Europe. To date, there are no companies in Latin America dedicated to the development of instrumentation and advanced technology for chromatographic analyses.This project aims to establish an initial Technological Innovation Hub at Nano Separation Technology (NST) in São Carlos, SP. This city brings together a remarkable group of highly qualified and trained researchers in cutting-edge technology, especially in the fields of engineering (mechanical, computer, mechatronics, electrical), chemistry, and physics, specializing in scientific instrumentation, among other related areas. This abundance of knowledge and experience is crucial for the development of high-performance and quality Brazilian instrumentation in the realms of chromatography and mass spectrometry. Despite the widespread adoption of these techniques in the country, there is an evident lack of local technology for producing equipment, parts, and associated devices.On the other hand, the transition from conventional LC to miniaturized scales (capillary/nanoLC) brings significant benefits not only in analytical and methodological terms but also in environmental, toxicological (related to analysts' health), and economic aspects due to the drastic reduction in solvent consumption. However, instrumentation for miniaturized LC is still limited and expensive. Instruments and essential items such as consumables, parts, and installation and maintenance services are difficult to obtain in Brazil. Additionally, companies already employing conventional LC (on an mL/min scale) have invested considerably in conventional technology, and replacing their technology park with capillary/nanoLC instruments is unfeasible.In the first phase (Phase I) of the proposed project, the viability of developing an affordable solution that facilitates the adoption of miniaturized LC (capillary/nanoLC) was investigated. Preliminary prototypes of flow-splitting systems, injection loops, detection cells, and miniaturized columns were created, demonstrating the possibility of adapting conventional LC instruments for operation at the capillary/nanoscale with few modifications and reduced investments. In Phase II, the intention is to enhance the prototypes developed during Phase I with the aim of developing a robust and optimized platform through which conventional liquid chromatographs can be easily adjusted to operate at capillary/nano scales (with mobile phase flow rates between 50nL/min and 10 µL/min), without affecting their operational capabilities at the conventional scale.The platform will include a series of commercially viable instrumental solutions, both individually and in combination, such as i) Miniaturized chromatographic columns for capillary/nanoLC; ii) Active flow-splitting systems capable of generating stable flow rates at the µL/min (microLC) and nL/min (nanoLC) scales, using conventional pumps, allowing for solvent recycling and savings; iii) Adaptable injection systems for sample introduction at capillary/nanoLC scales; iv) UV detection cells for capillary/nanoLC, adaptable to conventional LC detectors without the need for additional instrumental modifications.Thus, the project aims to drive technological innovation in liquid chromatography, simplifying the use and adoption of capillary/nanoLC, filling a gap in the market, and leveraging the available research potential and expertise in the State of São Paulo. (AU)