Phenomenex Announces New Line of Chiral HPLC/SFC Columns

Phenomenex Inc., a global leader in the manufacture of separation science consumables, introduces Lux™ – a new line of polysaccharide-based columns for the identification and resolution of enantiomers. Lux columns are offered with two chiral stationary phases (CSPs), both of which use coated derivatized cellulose as the chiral selector. The two phases combine to create a dependable screening set with a wide range of selectivity.

The Lux line is based on chiral technology that Phenomenex acquired along with the company Sepaserve GmbH, which was founded by noted expert Dr. Bezhan Chankvetadze. “Phenomenex is a dynamic organization with a strong global distribution and support network and their entry into chiral separations will be beneficial for the science,” commented Dr. Chankvetadze.

Lux Cellulose-1 uses cellulose tris (3, 5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) as the chiral selector and has been demonstrated to provide better resolution than the current market-leading column in a number of applications. Lux Cellulose-1 benefits from Phenomenex’s unique manufacturing process and silica coating technology. LuxCellulose-2 introduces a new chiral selector, cellulose tris (3-chloro-4-methylphenylcarbamate), providing a unique stationary phase. This column offers complementary selectivity to Lux Cellulose-1. These two phases combine to create a dependable screening set with a wide range of selectivity. Lux columns are offered in 3µm and 5µm particle sizes, packed for analytical-scale use or AXIA™-packed for preparative applications.

Enantiomers of chiral compounds may have different pharmacological effects in biological systems. The demand for chiral separations is on the rise with FDA mandates that enantiomers of all chiral drugs (in development) must be screened separately on their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. Other applications include toxicology, flavor analysis, and chemical and pesticide analysis.

“Resolving chiral compounds is relatively difficult and column selection can be complicated,” explained Jason Lam, brand manager for Phenomenex. “Our new Lux product line simplifies chiral LC and SFC by reducing ‘hit or miss’ separations. The new columns are also backed by our well-regarded sales and service, so customers can get any applications help they may need.”