Nano LC is a common technique in proteomic research. It is a miniaturized HPLC technique developed for analyzing biological samples. The low sensitivity of conventional HPLC coupled with a high flow rate, which is not compatible with ESI-MS, make this common technique unsuitable for biomolecular analysis. Therefore, this lower flow-rate chromatography technique is designed to achieve greater analytical sensitivity with a smaller sample size, making nano LC suitable for biomolecular analysis.

The name “nano LC” refers to the flow rate of the mobile phase, which is in the nanoliter per minute range. The typical flow rate for these systems is between 10 nL/ min and 1,000 nL/min with column inner dimension (ID) ranges of 10–100 µm. A nano LC system consists of the same components as a standard HPLC system, with a downscaled injector, pump, tubing and detector due to the reduction of column ID. The small column ID offers minimum sample waste and higher peak capacity compared to regular HPLC. Nano LC systems are usually coupled with an MS detector, which enables high-sensitivity analysis for minute or diluted samples.

Nano LC typically employs manually packed capillary columns to analyze samples. However, it is often difficult and time consuming to do in-house column packing. The particles have to be of the same diameter to avoid undesirable void volumes. In light of the difficulties observed in self-packed columns, some nano LC devices are now integrated with microfluidic chip technology that utilizes a weir structure for retaining stationary phase particles and eliminating dead volume.

Aside from academic research applications, especially in proteomic analysis, nano LC systems also find applications in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. This technology is essential in exploring the interaction between proteins and drugs. Pharmaceutical R&D utilizes nano LC’s proteomics-related capability in the analysis of therapeutic proteins and drug efficacy. Protein identification is also crucial in bioprocess optimization and agricultural genetic improvements. Overall, demand for nano LC will be buoyed by basic research advancements in academia, as well as the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries.

The global nano LC market was estimated to be over $200 million in 2017, with a projected mid-single digit growth rate in 2018. The market is populated with big players such as Waters and Agilent Technologies, which offer nano-micro versions of their HPLC/UHPLC systems. Waters leads the market with its ACQUITY UPLC M-class system with multidimensional-analysis functionality. Thermo Fisher Scientific also has a major presence in the market through successful acquisitions that have expanded its nano LC portfolio. SCIEX (Danaher) is another strong competitor with its NanoLC 400 and nano cHiPLC columns, which employ microfluidic chip technology.

With growing biopharmaceuticals research in Europe and the US, demand for nano LC will continue to grow moderately. In addition, China is also preparing itself to be a global biotech hub, resulting in a stream of foreign investments and contract research services flowing into the country. Nano LC has also become a more environmentally friendly alternative to the conventional HPLC system thanks to its small sample requirement. Running a smaller sample reduces operating costs and chemical waste. However, the high initial system price might inhibit growth in demand, especially in developing regions.

Leading Vendors:

• Waters
• Agilent Technologies
• Thermo Fisher Scientific

Largest Market:

• Academia
• Pharmaceutical
• Biotech

Instrument Cost:

• $55,000–$100,000