Waters Corporation has launched the Fraction Collector IV, a new platform designed to support compound purification across a range of liquid chromatography (LC) workflows, from analytical to preparative scale
The system supports flow rates of up to 300 mL/min and provides 50% greater fraction collection capacity than the previous Fraction Collector III. It accommodates multiple collection formats, including microplates, vials, tubes and preparative funnels, allowing laboratories to configure the system around different sample volumes and purification requirements.
The platform is designed for laboratories working in drug discovery and early development, where compounds including peptides, oligonucleotides, lipids and synthetic molecules must be isolated and collected reproducibly.
Fraction Collector IV integrates with Waters' ACQUITY UPLC, Arc HPLC, LC Prep 150, LC Prep AutoPurification and Modular Systems. It can be controlled through the Empower Chromatography Data System (CDS), MassLynx Software and ChromScope Software, enabling users to operate the instrument within familiar software environments.
Collection can be managed using time-based and peak-based modes, which can also be combined to target specific compounds. A diverter valve directs unwanted peaks and excess solvent to waste, while real-time monitoring provides visibility of collection positions and system status.
Customisable collection-bed layouts and rack configurations support different vessel types and laboratory workflows. Waters said the flexibility is intended to help laboratories adapt their purification processes as requirements change, without introducing additional complexity when moving between analytical and preparative scales.
Potential applications include lead optimisation, candidate selection, compound characterisation, preclinical studies and process development across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, contract research and manufacturing, academic and industrial laboratories.
Fraction Collector IV will be available globally, with the first customer shipments expected soon.
