Waters Nano ACQUITY UPLC System (Refurbished)

Overview

The Waters Nano ACQUITY UPLC System is a refurbished, fully tested nanoflow ultra-performance liquid chromatography platform engineered for high-resolution, high-sensitivity separations in proteomics, metabolomics, and low-abundance biomarker analysis. Based on the core principles of ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC), this system operates at pressures up to 10,000 psi—enabling the use of sub-2 µm particle-packed columns for enhanced peak capacity, improved resolution, and superior reproducibility in nanoscale flow regimes (50–1000 nL/min). Unlike conventional HPLC or even standard UPLC systems, the Nano ACQUITY architecture integrates low-dead-volume fluidics, active pre-column heating, and pressure-stabilized binary gradient delivery specifically optimized for capillary- and nano-bore column formats (e.g., 75 µm × 15 cm, 360 µm OD). Its design supports direct coupling to electrospray ionization (ESI) sources for LC-MS workflows without flow splitting, maximizing analyte transmission efficiency and detection sensitivity.

Key Features

• Integrated nanoflow-capable binary solvent manager with real-time pressure feedback and pulse-free gradient delivery
• Acquity 2996 Photodiode Array (PDA) detector equipped with a dedicated nanoflow-compatible flow cell (10 nL volume) for UV/Vis spectral acquisition under low-flow conditions
• Nano ACQUITY sample manager featuring low carryover (<0.005%), temperature-controlled autosampler tray (4–40 °C), and precise 0.1 µL injection precision
• Optional auxiliary solvent manager for multi-step gradient programming, mobile phase degassing, and wash solvent delivery
• Onboard diagnostics and predictive maintenance alerts via Connections INSIGHT®—enabling remote health monitoring and proactive service intervention
• MassLynx™ software suite (v4.2 or higher) providing full instrument control, method development tools, peak integration, and raw data export in open formats (.raw, .cdf)
• Modular FlexCart platform allowing rapid reconfiguration between different mass spectrometry interfaces (e.g., Synapt HDMS, Quattro Premier XE, IdentityE)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Nano ACQUITY UPLC accommodates a wide range of sample types including complex biological digests (trypsinized peptides), synthetic oligonucleotides, polar metabolites, and post-translationally modified proteins. It supports column inner diameters from 25 µm to 300 µm and lengths up to 50 cm, compatible with reversed-phase C18, HILIC, and mixed-mode stationary phases. All refurbished units undergo full functional validation per SpectraLab Scientific’s internal QC protocol—including baseline noise assessment (<±0.5 mAU), retention time RSD (<0.15%), and peak area repeatability (<1.2% RSD, n=6). The system meets analytical requirements outlined in USP for chromatographic system suitability and aligns with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation practices. When configured with audit-trail-enabled MassLynx and electronic signatures, it satisfies 21 CFR Part 11 readiness criteria for regulated environments.

Software & Data Management

Control and data acquisition are performed using Waters MassLynx software, which provides method editor, sequence scheduler, real-time chromatogram display, and integrated spectral library search functions. Raw data files are stored in vendor-neutral formats compatible with third-party processing tools (e.g., Proteome Discoverer, Skyline, OpenMS). The system supports automated report generation with customizable templates compliant with GLP/GMP documentation standards. All refurbished instruments ship with validated software installation media and license transfer documentation where applicable. Remote access is supported via secure VPN or Citrix environments, enabling off-site troubleshooting and method review.

Applications

• Bottom-up and top-down proteomics workflows requiring high-coverage peptide identification and quantification
• Single-cell metabolomics profiling using nano-LC coupled to high-resolution Q-TOF MS
• Characterization of monoclonal antibody variants (deamidation, oxidation, glycosylation) via intact mass analysis and peptide mapping
• Pharmacokinetic studies of low-dose therapeutics in microvolume plasma samples
• Two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) implementations using comprehensive or heart-cutting configurations
• Method development for regulatory submissions under ICH Q2(R2) guidelines

FAQ

Is this system fully refurbished and tested before shipment?
Yes. Each Nano ACQUITY UPLC system undergoes complete hardware inspection, fluidic integrity testing, pressure calibration, detector linearity verification, and multi-day stability runs prior to release.
Does the 6-month warranty cover both parts and labor?
Yes—the warranty includes all components, consumables included in the original kit, and on-site or depot-based technical support.
Can this system be integrated with non-Waters mass spectrometers?
Yes. The system features standard ESI interface compatibility and supports third-party MS control via TTL triggers and analog signal outputs.
What documentation is provided with the refurbished unit?
You receive a Certificate of Conformance, full test report (including chromatograms and system suitability results), MassLynx license documentation, and a traceable service history log.
Is training included with purchase?
Yes—SpectraLab Scientific provides remote operator training (4 hours), method optimization consultation, and access to recorded video tutorials covering startup, shutdown, and routine maintenance procedures.