microOptilab

Optilab refractometer

Universal Detection for UHPLC and SEC-MALS

Independent of Chromaphores

Independent of chromaphores or fluorophores, differential Refractive Index (dRI) detectors measure concentrations of all types of samples in almost all solvents. The microOptilab brings the universal detection capabilities, unsurpassed concentration range, and superb sensitivity and linearity – familiar from the Optilab® – to the domain of UHPLC.


Application Note

Download our Application Note on the microOptilab

SEC-MALS with UHPLC

Like standard SEC, UHPLC-SEC analysis relying on column calibration with molecular standards is unreliable when the standards do not accurately reflect your samples in terms of conformation, non-ideal (e.g., hydrophobic) column interactions or reversible association. SEC-MALS employs a microDAWN® MALS detector downstream of the SEC column and UV detector, to determine molar mass / molecular weight distributions of macromolecules independently of column calibration.

Refractive index detection is an important component of any SEC-MALS system, and necessary for analyzing conjugated proteins or polymers devoid of chromaphores. The microOptilab connects with the microDAWN MALS detector for a complete UHP-SEC-MALS setup that transfers the many benefits of SEC-MALS analysis to the realm of UHPLC.

Key benefits

  • Very low band broadening, < 4 µL, to maintain the resolution of very narrow UHPLC peaks
  • Extraordinary dRI measurement range, -4.7 x 10-3 to +4.7 x 10-3 RIU (comparable to 25 mg/mL protein in PBS)
  • Highly sensitive, ± 1.5 x 10-9 RIU across the entire measurement range
  • Measures solvent refractive index, require for MALS calculations
  • Measures at the same wavelength as the MALS detector, for maximum accuracy in MALS calculations
  • Temperature range 4 °C to 65 °C for proteins and polymers that require a range of temperatures
  • High-resolution, touch-screen front panel displays data graphs and instrument diagnostics, even with the host computer turned off

Unparalleled features

Considering the extremely small peak volumes of UHPLC, band broadening in the microOptilab is kept to the absolute minimum, at less than 4 µL, as compared to 20 - 40 µL or more for standard RI detectors. As a result, the superior resolution from UHPLC columns and instruments will not be compromised with the microOptilab RI detector.

Even though the microOptilab offers a dRI measurement range orders of magnitude beyond that of other UHPLC dRI detectors, unlike other detectors there are no range or gain settings in the microOptilab. The full range of instrument detection is always present, and the full sensitivity exists over the entire range. The small flow cell and proprietary temperature regulation enable stable RI baselines and signals which further enhance the detector's sensitivity.

Unlike all other dRI detectors, the microOptilab also measures absolute refractive index in order to determine solvent RI, necessary in light scattering calculations and useful in assessing the accuracy of mixing of solvent gradients.

The microOptilab can be operated below ambient temperatures as easily as above ambient. No hassle temperature control can be programmed down to 4 °C or as high as 65 °C.

The microOptilab is compatible with all UHPLC systems.

Revolutionary dRI detection optics

The microOptilab inherited the breakthrough optical design of the award-winning Optilab dRI detector which makes use of a 512-element photodiode array and proprietary algorithms, instead of the usual bi-cell design, bringing RI detection into the 21st century. The microOptilab added improvements in optical stability, temperature control, LED light source intensity, and increased on-board computing power; and of course reduced fluidics volume and band broadening in order to achieve compatibility with UHPLC.

Minimal loss of resolution

Each detector downstream of SEC adds band broadening and dispersion, according to its internal fluidic volume and flow path. With a total internal volume of < 14 µL up to and including the flow cell, and consequentially band broadening < 4 µL, the microOptilab can be used with confidence to detect and analyze narrow UHPLC peaks.

Differential Refractive Index  
Range (RIU) -0.0047 to +0.0047
Peak-to-peak noise (RIU)1 ± 1.5 x 10-9
Response Time (User Selectable) 0.04 to 5 seconds
Absolute Refractive Index  
Range (RIU) 1.2 to 1.8
Sensitivity (RIU) ± 0.002
Fluidics  
Band Broadening2 < 4 μL
Fill Volume (inlet tubing + flow cell) 13.7 μL
Outlet tubing (0.030" ID) 228 μL
Pressure  
   Back pressure created at inlet port (@ 0.5 mL/min H2O, 20 °C) <320 psi (22 bar)
   Maximum permissible back pressure allowed at outlet port 30 psi (2 bar)
Sample Temperature  
Control Range 4 °C to 65 °C
Regulation ± 0.005 °C
Light Source 660 nm
Safety Sensors Vapor and liquid (leak)
Electronics  
Digital Output 25 Hz
Analog Output ± 10 V or ± 1 V output, 18 bits resolution
Computer Interface Ethernet
Front Panel Display 7" (178 mm), high-resolution, multi-touch display for viewing/setting signals, instrument settings and diagnostics
Auxiliary I/O  
   Inputs Analog In (16 bits, ± 10 V A/D), Zero dRI, Purge, Recycle In, Autoinject In, Alarm In
   Outputs Autoinject Retransmit, Alarm Out, Recycle Out (to switch Orbit between waste and recycle)
Dimensions 58 cm (L) x 36 cm (W) x 18 cm (H)

1Short term peak-to-peak noise is measured per ASTM-E1303-95(2000) using a 2 second collection interval (4 second time constant) for Optilab or a 0.5 sec collection interval (1-sec time constant) for the microOptilab, and temperature set to 25 °C (both).

2Defined as broadening of the peak, measured over full width at half max, flow rate = 0.3 mL/min for microOptilab.


Host PC requirements may be found in Computer Requirements.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Other Refractive Index Detectors

optilab, molar mass determination, molar mass measurement, molar mass analysis, molecular weight measurement, molar mass characterization

Optilab® - A unique on-line differential refractometer for measuring concentration of any macromolecule, regardless of chromophores. Temperature controlled from 4 °C to 65 °C. The high-concentration option accommodates protein concentration up to 180 mg/mL.

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