GPC Mass Spectrometer analyzes ultra-trace substances.

Press Release Summary:



Combining GPC system, AccuSpot automated fraction collection and spotting device, and AXIMA series MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, GPC-AccuSpot-AXIMA is suited for analysis of impurities and additives in plastics and synthetic polymers. With system, researchers can automatically fraction maximum of 384 1 µl samples of separated sample. Intelligent Polymer Analysis software calculates monomer unit molecular weight, end termini masses, polydispersity, and average molecular weight.



Original Press Release:



New Fully Automated GPC-MALDI System Reduces Analysis Time of Plastics and Synthetic Polymers



COLUMBIA, Md. (November 11, 2008) - Shimadzu Scientific Instruments introduces a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) mass spectrometer for quick analysis of ultra-trace substances such as impurities and additives in plastics and synthetic polymers. The GPC-AccuSpot-AXIMA combines a high resolution GPC system, the AccuSpot fully automated fraction collection and spotting device, and an AXIMA series MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer.

Until now, the steps for polymer and plastic analysis with GPC-MALDI required a tremendous amount of time and effort. To fully automate the process, Shimadzu redesigned their AccuSpot, a high-capacity liquid chromatography spotting system specifically designed for MS analysis, to make it compatible with standard GPC organic solvents. The device mixes the GPC eluent with MALDI matrix solution on-line and automatically deposits the resulting solution onto the MALDI sample target, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity.

With the GPC-AccuSpot-AXIMA system, researchers can automatically fraction a maximum of 384 1-µL samples of a separated sample. This eliminates the uncertainty associated with manual processing between separation by liquid chromatography and analysis by MALDI mass spectrometry. It also allows considerable time savings (from approximately 10 hours down to three hours). In addition, intelligent "Polymer Analysis" software calculates monomer unit molecular weight, end termini masses, polydispersity and average molecular weight.

The GPC-AccuSpot-AXIMA offers more detailed analysis of trace components that can not be detected due to ion suppression. It also helps detect substances that can affect material characteristics such as durability and deterioration.

Shimadzu is the only company that currently offers the complete system. However, the GPC-AccuSpot can be sold separately to be combined with an existing mass spectrometer.

About Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Inc.

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) is the American subsidiary of Shimadzu Corporation, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 1875, Shimadzu is a $2 billion multinational corporation with three major divisions: Medical Diagnostics, Aerospace/Industrial, and Analytical Instruments. The Analytical Instruments division is one of the world's largest manufacturers of analytical instrumentation and environmental monitoring equipment. In 1975, SSI corporate headquarters was established in Columbia, Md., to provide analytical solutions to laboratories in North, Central, and parts of South America. In the United States, SSI has a network of more than 50 locations providing local and regional sales, service, and technical support. Visit www.ssi.shimadzu.com/ for more information.

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