HPLC

The KNAUER AZURA analytical (U)HPLC portfolio spans four system classes, so the instrument can be matched to the analyte rather than the other way round. Molecular weight sets the pore size of the stationary phase, solubility determines the HPLC mode and eluent chemistry, and concentration and matrix define detection parameters and column dimensions. All four systems share the same modular platform, detector options and software choice, which keeps method transfer between them straightforward. Made in Germany.

Available systems:

• AZURA Educational 400 bar - complete HPLC system designed for training future HPLC professionals

• AZURA 862 bar - the daily HPLC routine workhorse, easily upgradable to ultra low dispersion chromatography (ULDC)

• AZURA HTQC UHPLC - high-throughput quality control, built for speed, simplicity and robustness

• AZURA 1240 bar - high-end solution for the most demanding tasks, well suited to MS coupling

Key features:

• Pressure range from 400 bar to 1240 bar across the portfolio

• Detectors matched to the analytes: UVD (VWD, MWD, DAD), RID, FLD, ELSD and MS

• Wide range of flow cells available

• Software choice: knauerOS, ClarityChrom, OpenLab or Chromeleon

• Modular design allows later upgrades rather than replacement

• Consistent platform simplifies method transfer between systems

KNAUER Ultra Low Dispersion Chromatography (ULDC) is an upgrade path for AZURA analytical HPLC systems that reduces internal system volume to sharpen peaks and improve separation. By optimising the injection, flow and detection components, ULDC narrows peak width and raises the signal-to-noise ratio, typically delivering a 20-30 % improvement over a standard configuration. Conventional methods transfer directly without redevelopment, so existing workflows keep running while elution becomes faster and sample throughput increases. Every AZURA system can be upgraded, making ULDC a cost-effective way to tune an installed AZURA 862 bar HPLC instead of replacing it.

Key specifications:

• Pressure: up to 862 bar, suitable for sub-2 um particle applications

• Gradient: binary, quaternary or isocratic configurations

• Detectors: UVD (VWD, MWD, DAD), RID, FLD, ELSD and MS

• Injection: 0.1-5000 ul, full loop, partial loop or microlitre pick-up

• Carry-over below 0.0003 % (chlorohexidine)

• LightGuide UV flow cells for high sensitivity

• Column switching for up to 4 columns plus bypass

• Software: knauerOS, ClarityChrom, Chromeleon, OpenLab or Mobile Control

Why ULDC:

• Reduced system volume improves peak shape, peak width and resolution

• Sharper peaks give better sensitivity and lower detection limits

• Faster elution shortens methods and raises sample throughput

• Existing conventional methods transfer without modification

• Any AZURA system can be upgraded, so no instrument replacement is needed

• Among the lowest environmental impact factors in the ACT database

KNAUER AZURA Bio is a flexible FPLC platform for protein and biomolecule purification built on a small footprint. The biocompatible, metal-free flow path protects sensitive targets, and the modular design lets each system be configured to the task at hand. Autosampler injection, column switching, buffer and sample selection and fraction collection can all be automated, so multi-step purifications run without operator intervention. A broad detector range makes target molecules visible, while flexible flow rates and compatibility with columns from any vendor keep method development open. PurityChrom software controls the whole workflow from a single interface.

Available systems:

• AZURA Bio Compact AC - fast and reliable affinity chromatography

• AZURA Bio Compact SEC - handles time-intensive SEC methods without blocking a fully equipped FPLC system

• AZURA Bio Lab - compact design with dedicated FPLC software for routine protein purification

• AZURA Bio Lab Advanced - gradient system optimised for affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, size exclusion and twoSTEP workflows

• AZURA Bio Pilot - upscales the Lab configuration with the same flexibility and minimal footprint

Key features:

• Biocompatible, metal-free flow path for sensitive biomolecules

• Automated sample injection, column switching, buffer and sample selection, fraction collection

• Wide detector selection for reliable target detection

• Compatible with columns from all vendors

• PurityChrom software for full process control

• Scalable from compact lab systems to pilot production

KNAUER AZURA preparative HPLC systems are built for rapidly changing separation tasks, covering purification from milligram to multi-gram scale on one platform. Each system is configured around the specific application rather than sold as a fixed package, which suits laboratories whose targets change between projects. Typical applications include peptides, oligonucleotides, RNA, cannabinoids and a wide range of other active pharmaceutical ingredients. Stacked injections together with peak and solvent recycling raise throughput and cut solvent consumption, while scale-up from a compact system to a pilot unit keeps the same software and method logic.

Available systems:

• AZURA Prep HPLC Compact - affordable isocratic semi-preparative system with single-wavelength UV detection

• AZURA Prep HPLC Lab - isolation of peptides, oligonucleotides and similar targets in the micro to milligram scale

• AZURA Prep HPLC Pilot Advanced - same targets in the milligram to multi-gram scale

Key features:

• One platform covering milligram to multi-gram purification

• Systems configured to the specific separation task

• Stacked injections for higher sample throughput

• Peak and solvent recycling reduces solvent consumption

• Straightforward scale-up from compact to pilot systems

• Suitable for peptides, oligonucleotides, RNA, cannabinoids and other APIs

• User-friendly control software across the whole range

KNAUER AZURA SEC is a line of gel permeation and size exclusion chromatography systems that separate sample components by hydrodynamic volume or molecular weight. The range covers analysis, separation and fractionation, and is used across polymer, food, biochemistry and pharmaceutical laboratories as well as in research. Four configurations address different needs, from budget-conscious process control and teaching labs through to installations demanding the highest analytical performance. High-precision pumps and a low-drift refractive index detector underpin reproducibility, and the systems are supported by common chromatography data systems. Made in Germany.

Available systems:

• AZURA SEC Compact - strong price-to-performance ratio, suited to labs exploring GPC/SEC, process control and education

• AZURA SEC Lab - designed for highest analytical performance, with exceptional flow precision and ultra-low pulsation for best-in-class reproducibility

• AZURA SEC Semi-prep - fractionates specific molecular weight ranges, pump delivers up to 50 ml/min and suits every semi-preparative GPC/SEC column

• AZURA GPC Cleanup - automates work-intensive sample cleanup based on gel permeation chromatography, well suited to samples of high viscosity

Key features:

• Separation by hydrodynamic volume or molecular weight

• High precision pumps for reproducible retention times

• Low-drift refractive index detection

• Supports common CDS software packages

• Applications across polymers, food, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals and research

• Automated GPC cleanup removes manual sample preparation

Simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography is a multi-column process technique that separates substance mixtures continuously into two fractions. Because the stationary phase is used far more efficiently than in batch chromatography, productivity and purity rise while solvent and adsorbent costs fall. KNAUER reports savings of up to 90 % of solvent and up to 80 % of solid phase cost compared with comparable batch systems, with product recovered nearly undiluted so downstream concentration effort is minimised. SMB is applied in the pharmaceutical industry, fine chemicals production and bioengineering, and is typically used for two-component mixtures such as chiral separations. Although each pass is limited to two fractions, repeating the process separates further fractions down to binary mixtures.

Available systems:

• AZURA SMB Lab - optimised for multicolumn separation of binary mixtures of small molecules at gram scale

• AZURA SMB Pilot - for extracting high-purity pharmaceutical active ingredients from natural products at high yield

Key benefits:

• Higher productivity than comparable batch chromatography systems

• Increased purity and yield from the same feed

• Solvent consumption reduced by up to 90 %

• Solid phase costs reduced by up to 80 %

• Product obtained nearly undiluted, minimising concentration steps

• Lower operating costs on a smaller system footprint

• Continuous operation rather than repeated batch injections

This dedicated system is specifically designed for solid phase extraction (SPE) in combination with a powerful analytical KNAUER AZURA HPLC system.

Our versatile Assistant Module ASM 2.2L with two switching valves V 4.1 and a pump P 4.1S enables an efficient online SPE to concentrate analytes prior to HPLC analysis. This results in the reduction of analysis time and sample contamination as well as in an increase of analyte yield.

Subsequently, separation and analysis can be achieved with a classical KNAUER AZURA analytical system equipped with P 6.1L LPG pump, a column thermostat CT 2.1 and a multi-wavelength detector MWD 2.1L to detect up to eight different wavelengths simultaneously.

The KNAUER AZURA analytical (U)HPLC portfolio spans four system classes, so the instrument can be matched to the analyte rather than the other way round. Molecular weight sets the pore size of the stationary phase, solubility determines the HPLC mode and eluent chemistry, and concentration and matrix define detection parameters and column dimensions. All four systems share the same modular platform, detector options and software choice, which keeps method transfer between them straightforward. Made in Germany.

Available systems:

• AZURA Educational 400 bar - complete HPLC system designed for training future HPLC professionals

• AZURA 862 bar - the daily HPLC routine workhorse, easily upgradable to ultra low dispersion chromatography (ULDC)

• AZURA HTQC UHPLC - high-throughput quality control, built for speed, simplicity and robustness

• AZURA 1240 bar - high-end solution for the most demanding tasks, well suited to MS coupling

Key features:

• Pressure range from 400 bar to 1240 bar across the portfolio

• Detectors matched to the analytes: UVD (VWD, MWD, DAD), RID, FLD, ELSD and MS

• Wide range of flow cells available

• Software choice: knauerOS, ClarityChrom, OpenLab or Chromeleon

• Modular design allows later upgrades rather than replacement

• Consistent platform simplifies method transfer between systems