Chromatography Forum

Our lab is looking for new HPLC system. But there is a lot of them and each representative argues his system is the best of all. Therefore I would like to get answers from real users on this forum.
But maybe to get answers should I define what we want to do with HPLC or UPLC.
We are working with natural small peptides in complex media. Our goal is to purified those peptides in order to identify some of them. We need microtiterplates injector to scan a lot of different samples and a pretty good sensitivity.
Any ideas?
Thanks

Why not contact each of the major HPLC vendors in your area and provide them with your requirements ? Agilent and Waters are the two largest (and of course each will tell you that "they are the best"), but often only one company can provide the exact solution you need so it pays to ask questions. I am sure they would be happy to put together quotes of various instruments within your budget range that have the appropriate modules (i.e. Well plate A/S) that you need. The more details you can provide them about what you need and your applications, then the better the job they can do in providing you the information you require.

It also doesn't hurt to ask for a loaner system. Or ask them to run your samples for example. Some may not do either, but the right motivated rep. will be more than happy to do one or both. It never hurts to ask, some rep.s can be your best friend in the business.

I only have experience with Agilent and Waters HPLC & UHPLC systems, but I don't think you can go wrong with either as far as the quality of instrument. I'm pretty sure both UHPLC systems can be configured to accept the well plates you need to use. As far as price, the Waters UPLC is cheaper than Agilent's 1290 system, and the Waters software has a bit of a leg up on Agilent's in terms of GMP compliance and flexibility. On the opposite side, I've found the 1290 UV/vis detector to be considerably more sensitive than Waters'. In addition, I've compared both vendor's single quad MS detectors when interfaced with each system, and again they're very similar (highly sensitive, fast scanning rates for UPLC peaks, broad LDR). As far as ease of use, I like Agilent's 6140 MSD slightly better.

Lastly, I also agree with the previous poster's comments. I wouldn't purchase any system until you get a demo unit from each vendor.

I am wondering if you are really looking for an analytical scale (U)HPLC instrument or a nano system. Dionex offeres a wide selection of interesting nano and analytical trap and separation columns as well as related instruments. You might like the autosampler which can also collect and reinject fractions. Would be great if you would add the Dionex UltiMate system to your list. I am sure my colleagues (yes, I work for Dionex ) will be happy to talk about details and make a demo in your lab.