Shimadzu Introduces Crude2Pure (C2P) Automated Purification/Powderization System for Improved Purity, Efficiency and Productivity

The field of drug discovery and research has long been complicated by lengthy process times and inefficient operations. Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) now offers Crude2Pure (C2P), the world’s first automated purification/powderization technology that eliminates time-consuming operations and allows researchers to focus on the crucial tasks of synthesizing and isolating target compounds.

Based on enhanced purification methods, C2P is designed for use with preparative liquid chromatography. The advanced system uses trap concentration to purify target compounds from synthetic products consisting of low molecular weight organic compounds and complicated natural substances, and recovers them as highly pure powders. This innovative technology allows large-scale, multi-sample processing and will simplify operations, reduce operator workload, and improve productivity in a wide variety of fields, including drug manufacturing, food science, chemistry, government and academic research.

Automated purification of target compounds

“We are pleased to offer this new technology to greatly enhance research and development projects that require high-quality purification of synthesized target compounds,” said Terry Adams, VP marketing, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. “This system allows scientists and researchers to more efficiently perform this process, saving time and money for labs, academic institutions and drug developers.”

C2P is the first automated system in the world to accomplish purification of target compounds with high purity and free base resulting in powderized form. The system uses the newly developed Shim-pack C2P-H trapping column to retain target compounds and easily remove only residual components by rinse washing to purify the sample. Target compounds are recovered “as-is” or as a free base, significantly improving the throughput of biochemical screening and absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion testing in drug discovery and research.

Accelerating sample concentration and powderization

The system accelerates the sample concentration and powderization process by directly eluting the target compounds retained in the trapping column through a spray nebulizer. Conventional systems, which employ evaporation to dryness processes, can take as long as 24 hours to complete the process. With C2P, operators can complete the entire process in less than five hours. The system also prevents splashing and contamination problems that occur with conventional processes.

Shimadzu also offers Open Solution Crude2Pure Software, a user-friendly, convenient application that allows operators to set the trap/concentration and powderization operation in three steps. Compatible with an open-access environment, the system allows multiple researchers to share C2P equipment and provides email status notifications to off-site users.