Preparative liquid chromatography apparatus and preparative condition decision support method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a preparative liquid chromatography apparatus and a preparative condition decision support method. The apparatus introduces a sample in which compounds are separated by LC in a time direction into a detector and FC, fractionates or fractionates into a compound group containing a plurality of compounds by FC for each compound, and collects, and includes: a storage unit that performs LC analysis on a plurality of samples under a plurality of separation conditions for the same sample, respectively, and stores analysis results; a display object selection receiving unit that displays a screen in which a plurality of result display areas and a selection instruction area are arranged on a display unit, receives a selection operation of a user for one sample in the selection instruction area of the screen, and displays a plurality of analysis results obtained by LC analysis in the plurality of result display areas, respectively, and the selection instruction area allows the user to select a desired sample from a plurality of samples; and an analysis result display processing unit that obtains a plurality of analysis results corresponding to one sample from the result storage unit, and displays the results in the plurality of result display areas of the screen, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a preparative liquid chromatography apparatus and a method for determining preparation conditions within the apparatus. The preparative liquid chromatography apparatus described herein includes not only conventional preparative liquid chromatography (LC) apparatuses using an absorbance spectrometer as a detector, but also preparative liquid chromatography apparatuses using detectors based on principles other than absorbance detection, such as evaporative light-scattering detectors (ELSD) or mass spectrometers (MS), or in combination thereof. Background Technology

[0002] A preparative liquid chromatography apparatus (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "preparative LC apparatus") is known, which uses a liquid chromatography apparatus to fractionate and collect one or more compounds contained in a liquid sample (see Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] In preparative LC apparatus, to prepare a target compound efficiently with minimal impurities, it is ideal to perform component separation so that the chromatographic peak from the target compound appears with sufficient height (or sufficient area) and a good peak shape (e.g., close to a Gaussian waveform). For this purpose, appropriate preparation conditions, i.e., separation conditions in LC analysis, need to be set for each sample or each target compound. Preparation conditions include the type of column, the type of mobile phase, the flow rate of the mobile phase, and the flow velocity. Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus capable of determining suitable preparation conditions for a target sample based on the chromatogram obtained through LC analysis in a preparation condition exploration mode for that target sample.

[0004] While the techniques described above enable the automation of analytical condition exploration, operators often need to compare analytical results to determine more suitable preparation conditions or obtain the necessary prior information for such automation. In LC apparatus, the ease of peak appearance or peak shape can vary significantly depending on the pH of the mobile phase. Therefore, when determining preparation conditions, the following procedure is sometimes performed: LC analysis of the same target compound is conducted separately using both acidic and alkaline mobile phases, and the operator visually compares the resulting chromatograms or mass spectra.

[0005] [Existing technical documents]

[0006] [Patent Literature]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 021715

[0008] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-14559 Summary of the Invention

[0009] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0010] When comparing multiple analytical results obtained for the same sample under different preparation conditions (typically the pH of the mobile phase) in the manner described above, it is convenient to arrange and display multiple chromatograms or mass spectra as comparison objects on the same screen. Furthermore, in general LC devices that are not preparative LC apparatuses, there are also frequent cases where it is necessary to compare analytical results for different samples. Therefore, the control and processing software in existing LC devices, including preparative LC apparatuses, is equipped with a function to arrange and display multiple analytical results on the same screen, so that the results of different LC analyses can be easily compared.

[0011] However, when using this existing function to display multiple analytical results for the same sample under different preparation conditions on the same screen, the following operations must be performed separately for each of the multiple result display areas on the screen: selecting and specifying the sample to be confirmed from the multiple samples after LC analysis; and selecting and specifying which of the multiple analytical results corresponding to the sample to display. Therefore, especially in operations such as comparing multiple analytical results obtained under different preparation conditions for multiple samples sequentially, this operation is very cumbersome and inefficient. Moreover, there is a possibility that the operator may accidentally arrange and display analytical results for different samples by mistake, and there is also a problem in ensuring reliability.

[0012] The present invention was made in view of this problem, and its main objective is to provide a method for preparing a liquid chromatography apparatus and a method for determining preparation conditions, so as to enable users to easily compare multiple analytical results obtained by performing LC analysis on the same sample under different separation conditions such as acidic and alkaline mobile phases through simple and error-free operation.

[0013] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0014] The preparative liquid chromatography apparatus of the present invention, completed to solve the aforementioned problem, involves introducing a sample in which compounds have been separated by liquid chromatography along a time direction into a detector and a fraction collector. Based on the detection results of the detector, the fraction collector is used to fractionate the compounds individually or to fractionate them into a group of compounds containing multiple compounds, and then collects the fractions. The preparative liquid chromatography apparatus includes:

[0015] The results storage unit performs liquid chromatography analysis on multiple samples under different separation conditions for the same sample and stores the analytical results obtained therefrom.

[0016] The display receiving unit shows an analysis result display screen configured with multiple result display areas and a selection indicator area. The selection indicator area of ​​the displayed analysis result display screen receives the user's selection operation for a sample. The multiple result display areas are used to display different analysis results obtained from liquid chromatography analysis, and the selection indicator area allows the user to select a desired sample from multiple samples.

[0017] The analysis result display processing unit obtains multiple analysis results corresponding to a sample from the result storage unit, which are received by the display object selection receiving unit, and displays the multiple analysis results in the multiple result display areas of the analysis result display screen.

[0018] Furthermore, one embodiment of the preparation condition determination support method of the present invention, which was developed to solve the aforementioned problem, is a method for supporting the determination of preparation conditions in the said embodiment of the preparative liquid chromatography apparatus of the present invention, comprising:

[0019] The determination process involves performing liquid chromatography analysis on multiple samples using different mobile phases for the same sample, and storing the obtained analytical results in the result storage unit.

[0020] The display object selection receiving process receives the user's selection operation for a sample in the selection instruction area displayed on the analysis result display screen of the display unit; and

[0021] In the analysis result display process, multiple analysis results using different types of mobile phases corresponding to a sample, received in the display object selection and receiving process, are obtained from the result storage unit, and the multiple analysis results are displayed in the multiple result display areas of the analysis result display screen.

[0022] [The effects of the invention]

[0023] In the embodiment of the preparative liquid chromatography apparatus and preparation condition determination support method of the present invention, when a user selects a sample in the selection indication area, multiple analysis results corresponding to the sample are displayed in multiple result display areas of the analysis result display screen.

[0024] Therefore, according to the present invention, the preparative liquid chromatography apparatus and preparation condition determination support method can display multiple analytical results under different separation conditions, such as acidic and basic mobile phases, for the same sample in a manner that is easily comparable, using a simple and error-free operation by the user. This improves the efficiency of determining or exploring preparation conditions. Furthermore, it reduces operational errors and helps determine suitable preparation conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic modular structure diagram of a LC preparation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure in the preparative LC apparatus of this embodiment when multiple analytical results for the same sample are displayed on the analytical results display screen in order to study the preparation conditions.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure in the preparative LC apparatus of this embodiment for displaying the analytical results of different samples on the analytical results display screen.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the approximate configuration of the analysis result display screen in the LC preparation apparatus of this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 This is an example of a display screen showing the analysis results in the preparation LC apparatus of this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 It means to Figure 5 The analysis results shown are an example of what happens when the panel is operated.

[0031] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0032] 1: Analytical Preparation Department

[0033] 10A, 10B: Mobile phase containers

[0034] 11A, 11B: Liquid delivery pumps

[0035] 12: Mixer

[0036] 13: Sample dispenser

[0037] 14: Tubing

[0038] 15: Separator

[0039] 16: First Detector

[0040] 17: Second detector

[0041] 18: Fraction Collector

[0042] 180: Valve Preparation

[0043] 181: Dispensing nozzle

[0044] 182: Pallet

[0045] 183: Preparation Control Department

[0046] 2: Automatic Sampler

[0047] 20: Sample vials / plates

[0048] 21: Suction and delivery mechanism

[0049] 3: Control and Processing Unit

[0050] 30: Data Storage Department

[0051] 31: Data Processing Department

[0052] 32: Analysis and Control Department

[0053] 33: Analysis results show that the processing department

[0054] 34: Display object selection receiving section

[0055] 4: Operations Department

[0056] 5: Display Section

[0057] 6: Analysis results display screen

[0058] 60, 61: Result display area

[0059] 62: Sample bottle plate diagram

[0060] 620: Mark

[0061] 63: Arrow button

[0062] 64: Double Arrow Button

[0063] 65: Sample Information Area Detailed Implementation

[0064] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the LC preparation apparatus and the preparation condition determination support method in the apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of the LC preparation apparatus of this embodiment.

[0066] The LC preparation apparatus includes an analytical preparation unit 1, an autosampler 2, a control and processing unit 3, an operation unit 4, and a display unit 5.

[0067] The analytical preparation unit 1 includes a first mobile phase container 10A, a second mobile phase container 10B, a first liquid delivery pump 11A, a second liquid delivery pump 11B, a stirrer 12, a sample injector 13, a tubular column 14, a separator 15, a first detector 16, a second detector 17, and a fraction collector 18.

[0068] The fraction collector 18 prepares the dissolution from the outlet end of the column 14 into multiple preparation containers, including a preparation valve 180, a dispensing nozzle 181 with a moving mechanism, a tray 182 with multiple preparation containers, and a preparation control unit 183.

[0069] The autosampler 2 includes a sample vial plate 20 that holds a plurality of sample vials containing samples respectively, and a suction delivery mechanism 21 that selects one of the sample vials and draws a sample from the selected sample vial to supply it to the sample dispenser 13.

[0070] The control processing unit 3 primarily functions to control the operation of the analysis preparation unit 1 and the autosampler 2, and to receive detection signals from the first detector 16 and the second detector 17, and to perform data processing. Furthermore, as described below, the control processing unit 3 also provides appropriate information to the user (operator) when determining preparation conditions, supporting the determination of the preparation conditions. The control processing unit 3 includes, as a functional module, a data storage unit 30, a data processing unit 31, an analysis control unit 32, an analysis result display processing unit 33, and a display object selection receiving unit 34, etc.

[0071] The control processing unit 3 may be configured as follows: using a personal computer (PC) consisting of a central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), etc., as hardware resources, and executing dedicated control and processing software (computer program) installed on the PC, thereby realizing at least a part of the functions.

[0072] The computer program can be provided to the user, for example, stored on a non-transitory recording medium that a computer can read, such as a compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc-read-only memory (DVD-ROM), a memory card, or a universal serial bus (USB) memory (don't). Furthermore, the program can also be provided to the user via data transmission through communication lines such as the Internet. Moreover, the program can be pre-installed on the PC (strictly speaking, the storage device that is part of the PC) that is part of the system at the time the user purchases the system.

[0073] The preparation operation in the preparative LC apparatus of this embodiment will be described. When performing the preparation operation, preparation conditions including the type of column, the type of mobile phase, the flow rate and velocity of the mobile phase are determined in advance, the corresponding column and mobile phase are prepared, and the preparation conditions are set for the analysis control unit 32.

[0074] After the user instructs the preparation to begin via the operation unit 4, the analysis control unit 32, upon receiving the instruction, controls the analysis preparation unit 1 and the autosampler 2 according to the set preparation conditions. Under this control, the delivery pumps 11A and 11B respectively draw the mobile phase stored in the mobile phase containers 10A and 10B, and deliver it to the column 14 via the stirrer 12 and the sample injector 13. Depending on the preparation conditions, the flow rates of the first delivery pump 11A and the second delivery pump 11B can be controlled to vary over time. This allows for high-pressure gradient delivery where the component ratio of the first and second mobile phases varies over time. Alternatively, gradient delivery can be omitted, using a single mobile phase, or the component ratios of multiple mobile phases can be set to a constant for delivery.

[0075] Based on instructions from the analytical control unit 32, the aspiration and delivery mechanism 21 of the autosampler 2 sequentially selects multiple sample vials prepared on the sample vial plate 20, aspirates a predetermined amount of sample from each vial, and delivers it to the sample injector 13. The sample injector 13 injects the sample into the mobile phase at a predetermined time. The injected sample is guided into the column 14 along with the flow of the mobile phase, and various compounds in the sample separate over time during passage through the column 14, dissolving from the outlet end of the column 14.

[0076] Of the dissolution flowing from the outlet of the tubing 14, a very small portion branches in the separator 15 and is sent to the second detector 17, while the remainder is introduced into the first detector 16. Furthermore, to ensure the smooth delivery of the trace amount of solution branched in the separator 15 to the second detection section 17, a pump for supplying replenishing solution may be added as needed. This structure can utilize, for example, the structure described in Patent Document 2.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first detector 16 is an absorbance detector, specifically a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The absorption wavelength of the target compound is known, and the first detector 16 outputs a detection signal at a predetermined wavelength representing the absorbance of the target compound in the solution. The time variation of the detection signal is represented by an absorbance chromatogram, in which peaks corresponding to the concentration (amount) of the target compound appear. The detection signal is input to the control processing unit 3 and the preparation control unit 183. The first detector 16 is a non-destructive detector, therefore the detected solution can be directly introduced into the fraction collector 18.

[0078] On the other hand, the second detector 17 is a so-called destructive detector, and a quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an atmospheric pressure ion source is used here. The mass-to-charge ratio (m / z) of the ions corresponding to the target compound is known, and the second detector 17 outputs a detection signal, for example, representing the intensity of the ions from the target compound in the solution. The time variation of the detection signal is an extracted ion chromatogram, and similar to an absorbance chromatogram, a peak corresponding to the concentration (amount) of the target compound also appears in the extracted ion chromatogram. The detection signal is also input to the control processing unit 3 and the preparation control unit 183.

[0079] The preparation control unit 183 controls the opening and closing of the preparation valve 180 and the movement of the dispensing nozzle 181 based on one or both of the detection signals from the first detector 16 and the second detector 17, as well as the control signal from the control processing unit 3. As a result, the fraction collector 18 fractionates the leachate containing multiple target compounds and collects them into different preparation containers. The detection signals from the first detector 16 and the second detector 17 input to the control processing unit 3 are digitized and stored in the data storage unit 30. The data processing unit 31 performs waveform processing on the collected data, generates chromatograms or mass spectra, establishes a correspondence with the original data, and stores it in the data storage unit 30.

[0080] Alternatively, instead of setting the separator 15 before the first detector 16, a structure could be configured such that the second detector 17 is positioned after the fraction collector 18, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Moreover, it is not necessary to set two detectors; at least one detector is sufficient.

[0081] Moreover, in Figure 1In this process, the functions of the preparation control unit 183 included in the fraction collector 18 can also be incorporated into the control processing unit 3.

[0082] To prepare the target compounds as described above with high purity and efficiency, it is necessary to appropriately determine the preparation conditions. The type of mobile phase, especially the pH value of the mobile phase, is a factor that greatly affects the peak elution method or peak shape. When studying preparation conditions, LC analysis is often performed separately for each target compound using acidic and basic mobile phases, and the results obtained are compared. The preparative LC apparatus of this embodiment has the function of supporting the determination of preparation conditions at this time. The user's operation and the operation of the corresponding apparatus are described below.

[0083] When studying the pH value of the mobile phase, the user prepares sample vials containing samples prepared under different target compounds for each preparation condition on sample vial plate 20. Then, the user inputs the name of the target compound from the operation unit 4, corresponding to the sample vial number, thereby registering the sample number and compound name. Furthermore, acidic and basic mobile phases are prepared. After the user performs the prescribed operations through the operation unit 4, the analysis control unit 32 activates the analysis preparation unit 1 and the autosampler 2 to perform LC analysis using the acidic and basic mobile phases for each target compound, respectively, as LC analysis for exploring preparation conditions. The data obtained is stored in the data storage unit 30.

[0084] Depending on the compound, some compounds readily become positive ions and others readily become negative ions, and their properties are affected by the pH value of the solvent. Therefore, in the LC analysis for exploring the preparation conditions, selected ion monitoring (SIM) measurements in a positive ionization mode targeting an m / z value corresponding to the target compound, SIM measurements in a negative ionization mode, and scanning measurements within a specified m / z range were repeatedly performed using the second detector 17 of a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Furthermore, the scanning measurements were used to confirm, for example, whether unexpected impurities dissolved along with the target compound. Moreover, absorbance measurements were repeatedly performed at wavelengths corresponding to the target compound using the first detector 16 of a UV-Vis spectrophotometer.

[0085] As a result of the LC analysis used to explore the preparation conditions, the data storage unit 30 stores the absorbance chromatograms, extracted ion chromatograms and mass spectra in positive ionization mode, and extracted ion chromatograms and mass spectra in negative ionization mode for each sample vial containing different target compounds under acidic and basic mobile phases. After collecting this data, the user compares and studies the LC analysis results in the following manner. Figure 2This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying multiple analytical results for the same sample on an analytical results display screen in order to study preparation conditions.

[0086] The user performs the prescribed operations through the operation unit 4, thereby instructing the display of analysis results. When displaying analysis results, the user can choose between a single display mode that displays the analysis results of one sample or a multiple display mode that displays the analysis results of multiple samples (here, only two, but also three or more). Here, the multiple display mode is selected (step S1).

[0087] Upon receiving the operation, the analysis results show that the processing unit 33 will proceed as follows: Figure 4 The analysis results, shown in a general outline, are displayed on screen 6 on display unit 5 (process S2). For example... Figure 4 As shown, in the analysis result display screen 6, result display areas 60 and 61 are arranged roughly in the center to the left and right, respectively, and a sample vial diagram 62 is arranged on the right side. Sample vial diagram 62 simulates the state of the sample vial plate 20 of the autosampler 2 when viewed from approximately above. A circular mark 620 corresponds to one sample vial. Furthermore, the number within the mark 620 indicates the sample vial number.

[0088] In the example described, result display area 60 and result display area 61 are divided into four columns (A), (B), (C), and (D) along the longitudinal direction, respectively. Column (A) displays the absorbance chromatogram based on the detection signal of the first detector 16. Figure 5 The text is labeled "UV Chromatogram". Column (B) shows the extracted ion chromatogram in positive ionization mode based on the detection signal from the second detector 17. Figure 5 The chromatogram is recorded as "MS Chromatogram (+)" in column (C), which shows the extracted ion chromatogram in negative ionization mode based on the detection signal of the second detector 17. Figure 5 The result is labeled "MS Chromatogram (-)" and column (D) displays the mass spectrum based on the detection signal from the second detector 17. However, the items displayed in each column or their order can be selected in other screens. Importantly, the same items are displayed in each column in both the results display area 60 on the left and the results display area 61 on the right.

[0089] Below the results display areas 60 and 61, there are sample information areas 65 that display data file names, analysis dates and times, sample IDs, etc., related to the analysis results displayed in the results display areas 60 and 61, respectively. Furthermore, two arrow buttons 63 (left and right) and a double arrow button 64 are provided below the results display area 61 on the right. In addition, various display areas or operation buttons may be configured on the analysis results display screen 6, but these are not described herein.

[0090] Furthermore, the analysis results display screen 6 is suitable for comparing multiple analysis results, and does not necessarily compare analysis results obtained for the same sample under different mobile phases. Therefore, the two result display areas 60 and 61 of the analysis results display screen 6 can also display two different analysis results that correspond to the same sample, or two different analysis results that correspond to different samples.

[0091] When comparing two different analytical results that correspond to the same sample, the user moves the cursor to the circular mark 620 of the desired sample number on the sample vial plate diagram 62 using the operation unit 4, for example, by indicating selection using a left-click operation of the pointing device (step S3). The display object selection receiving unit 34 receives the operation, and the analysis result display processing unit 33 obtains data from the data storage unit 30 based on the analytical results that correspond to the selected sample number, specifically chromatograms or mass spectra of data obtained through LC analysis under different mobile phases (step S4). Then, the obtained chromatograms and mass spectra are displayed in the designated columns of the result display area 60 and the result display area 61, respectively (step S5).

[0092] Figure 5 This is an example of analytical results showing both acidic and basic mobile phases for the same sample. The circular marker 620 for sample number "6" on sample vial plate diagram 62 is highlighted, indicating that the sample number has been selected. Analytical results of the same type are displayed in the left and right columns of result display areas 60 and 61, allowing users to easily compare them and avoid confusing the comparison objects.

[0093] When comparing results from acidic and basic mobile phases to study preparation conditions, samples containing a single target compound are typically used. Therefore, users often need to sequentially verify the results of multiple samples for comparative evaluation of various target compounds. In such cases, as... Figure 2 As shown by the dashed line, returning from step S5 to step S3, and selecting another sample number on the sample vial diagram 62, the analytical results displayed in result display areas 60 and 61 are switched accordingly to the results corresponding to the sample number. That is, by clicking on the device, two analytical results can be switched simultaneously, allowing users to efficiently compare the analytical results of different target compounds under different mobile phases.

[0094] On the other hand, when users want to compare the analytical results of different samples, they can compare the LC analysis results in the following ways. Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for displaying multiple analysis results for different samples on the analysis results display screen.

[0095] Steps S11 and S12 are the same as steps S1 and S2. Through user operation, the analysis result display screen 6, which includes result display areas 60 and 61, is displayed on the display unit 5. The analysis results displayed in the two result display areas 60 and 61 can be switched in the following manner.

[0096] Arrow button 63 is a toggle button. Figure 4 , Figure 5 The left-hand result display area 60 displays the analysis results, and the double-arrow button 64 is a button that allows you to switch the analysis results displayed in the left and right result display areas 60 and 61. If the user clicks, for example, the right arrow button 63, the display object selection receiving unit 34 receives the click, and the analysis result display processing unit 33 updates the sample number in ascending order for each click. Then, the analysis result corresponding to the updated sample number is obtained from the data storage unit 30 and displayed in the left-hand result display area 60. However, if, for example, a correspondence is established between one sample number and the analysis results under multiple preparation conditions (e.g., the type of mobile phase), as described above, the analysis results under different preparation conditions for the same sample number can be displayed while switching sequentially. Moreover, if the left arrow button 63 is clicked, the sample number is updated in the opposite order to the right arrow button 63, for example, in descending order, and the analysis result corresponding to the updated sample number is displayed in the left-hand result display area 60 (steps S13 and S14).

[0097] If one of the two analysis results to be compared is displayed in the result display area 60 on the left, the user clicks the double arrow button 64. Upon receiving the operation, the display object selection receiving unit 34 receives the click operation, and the analysis result display processing unit 33 transfers the analysis result displayed in the result display area 60 on the left to the result display area 61 on the right (step S15).

[0098] Next, the user clicks the right arrow button or the left arrow button 63 until one of the two analytical results to be compared is displayed in the result display area 60 on the left (step S16). In this way, by clicking the arrow button 63 and the double arrow button 64, the analytical results of the different sample numbers that the user wants to compare can be displayed in the result display areas 60 and 61 on the left and right, respectively.

[0099] Furthermore, when multiple analytical results exist for a single sample and sample vials with the same sample number under different preparation conditions, one of the multiple analytical results under the different analytical conditions can be selected in the following manner. The user moves the cursor to the circular mark 620 of the desired sample number on the sample vial plate diagram 62 via the operation unit 4. For example, after a right-click operation via a pointing device, the object selection receiving unit 34 receives the operation and displays a pop-up window showing... Figure 6 The preparation condition selection window 621 is shown.

[0100] Figure 6 The example shows the analytical results obtained for sample 1 under acidic and basic mobile phases. When the displayed state appears, checking the circular checkbox 622 allows selection of either analytical result. Figure 6 In the example, the analysis results of an acidic mobile phase were selected. This selection allows the analysis results to be displayed in the results display area 60 on the left. In this operation method, compared to repeatedly clicking the operation arrow button 63 to find the analysis results for the target sample number, the analysis results for the target sample number can sometimes be displayed quickly.

[0101] As described above, in the preparative LC apparatus of this embodiment, multiple analytical results obtained for the same sample under different mobile phases can be displayed on the same screen by simply selecting the desired sample number. On the other hand, the operation of displaying the analytical results of different samples on the same screen can be achieved through an operation completely different from selecting the sample number. That is, when multiple analytical results are displayed on the same analytical result display screen 6, which is provided with multiple result display areas 60 and result display areas 61, the operation of selecting the analytical result is completely different depending on the content of the analytical result, in other words, depending on the purpose or situation of the comparison of the analytical results. Therefore, it has the advantage of not easily making mistakes for users, especially operators who are not familiar with the operation.

[0102] Furthermore, in the described embodiment, the analytical results of the same sample under different preparation conditions, such as using an acidic mobile phase and an alkaline mobile phase, were compared. However, it is clear that the present invention can also be applied when comparing different analytical results under various other preparation conditions.

[0103] Furthermore, in the described embodiment, the desired sample number can be selected by clicking on the sample bottle plate diagram 62, but it can also be easily selected from other display formats such as a sample list. The selection of sample numbers using the arrow button 63 and the double arrow button 64 can also be replaced by other operations. Moreover, the result display areas 60 and 61 can be arranged vertically rather than horizontally.

[0104] Moreover, the embodiments described above or the various modifications described above are all examples of the present invention. Therefore, any appropriate modifications, alterations, or additions made within the scope of the spirit of the present invention are naturally included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0105] [Various forms]

[0106] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments illustrated above are specific examples of the following forms.

[0107] (First item) One embodiment of the preparative LC apparatus of the present invention involves introducing a sample in which compounds have been separated by liquid chromatography along the time direction into a detector and a fraction collector. Based on the detection results of the detector, the fraction collector is used to fractionate the compounds individually or to fractionate them into a group of compounds containing multiple compounds, and the fraction is collected. The preparative liquid chromatography apparatus includes:

[0108] The results storage unit performs liquid chromatography analysis on multiple samples under different separation conditions for the same sample and stores the analytical results obtained therefrom.

[0109] The display receiving unit shows an analysis result display screen configured with multiple result display areas and a selection indicator area. The selection indicator area of ​​the displayed analysis result display screen receives the user's selection operation for a sample. The multiple result display areas are used to display different analysis results obtained from liquid chromatography analysis, and the selection indicator area allows the user to select a desired sample from multiple samples.

[0110] The analysis result display processing unit obtains multiple analysis results corresponding to a sample from the result storage unit, which are received by the display object selection receiving unit, and displays the multiple analysis results in the multiple result display areas of the analysis result display screen.

[0111] According to the preparative LC apparatus described in the first item, multiple analytical results under different separation conditions, such as acidic and basic mobile phases, for the same sample can be displayed in a way that allows for easy comparison, thanks to the user's simple and error-free operation. This improves the efficiency of determining or exploring preparation conditions. Furthermore, it reduces operational errors and helps determine suitable preparation conditions.

[0112] (Second item) may be the LC preparation apparatus described in the first item, further comprising:

[0113] The sample supply unit selects one of several sample containers prepared within the plate, removes the sample from the sample container, and supplies it to the liquid chromatography system.

[0114] The selection indication area is a schematic diagram corresponding to the arrangement of multiple sample containers in the plate of the sample supply unit. The display object selection receiving unit receives the operation of specifying a sample container on the schematic diagram as the selection operation of the sample.

[0115] The "operation of specifying a sample container on the schematic diagram" mentioned here typically refers to the clicking operation of a sample container's mark or number.

[0116] According to the LC apparatus described in Section 2, multiple analytical results corresponding to the sample the user wants to verify can be selected and displayed via a single click. This improves user operability when comparing multiple analytical results, thereby enabling efficient study of preparation conditions.

[0117] (Third item) In the preparative LC apparatus described in the first or second item, a second operation can be received by the receiving unit of the display object from the analysis result display screen, wherein the second operation does not include the selection operation of a sample in the selection indicator area.

[0118] The analysis result display processing unit displays the analysis results for different samples in the plurality of result display areas of the analysis result display screen according to the second operation.

[0119] (Fourth item) In the LC preparation apparatus described in the third item, the second operation may be an operation such as clicking on one or more operating elements (buttons, etc.) arranged on the analysis result display screen at a position that does not overlap with the selection indication area.

[0120] According to the preparation LC apparatus described in items three and four, the operation for selecting the desired analytical result is significantly different when displaying multiple analytical results of the same sample under different preparation conditions on the analytical results display screen versus when displaying multiple analytical results of different samples. Therefore, when comparing multiple analytical results, users, especially those unfamiliar with the operation, are less likely to make operational errors, thus reducing the chance of conducting incorrect comparative studies.

[0121] (Fifth) One aspect of the preparation condition determination support method of the present invention is a method for supporting the determination of preparation conditions in the preparation LC apparatus described in any one of the first to fourth claims, comprising:

[0122] The determination process involves performing liquid chromatography analysis on multiple samples using different mobile phases for the same sample, and storing the obtained analytical results in the result storage unit.

[0123] The display object selection receiving process receives the user's selection operation for a sample in the selection instruction area displayed on the analysis result display screen of the display unit; and

[0124] In the analysis result display process, multiple analysis results using different types of mobile phases corresponding to a sample, received in the display object selection and receiving process, are obtained from the result storage unit, and the multiple analysis results are displayed in the multiple result display areas of the analysis result display screen.

[0125] (Sixth item) In the preparation conditions determination support method described in the fifth item, the different multiple mobile phases may include acidic mobile phases and basic mobile phases.

[0126] Based on the preparation conditions described in items 5 and 6, the support method can be determined, and the analytical results can be compared efficiently with the type of mobile phase that is important when determining the preparation conditions, especially when using an acidic mobile phase versus a basic mobile phase, through simple and easy-to-understand operation.

Claims

1. A preparative liquid chromatography apparatus, comprising introducing a sample in which compounds have been separated by liquid chromatography along a time direction into a detector and a fraction collector, wherein, based on the detection result of the detector, the fraction collector is used to fractionate the compounds individually or to fractionate them into a group of compounds containing multiple compounds and collect the fractions, characterized in that, The preparative liquid chromatography apparatus includes: The results storage unit stores multiple analytical results obtained by performing liquid chromatography analysis on multiple samples under different separation conditions for the same sample, in a manner corresponding to the same sample. The display receiving unit shows an analysis result display screen configured with multiple result display areas and a selection indicator area. The selection indicator area of ​​the displayed analysis result display screen receives the user's selection operation for a sample. The multiple result display areas are used to display different analysis results obtained from liquid chromatography analysis, and the selection indicator area allows the user to select a desired sample from multiple samples. The analysis result display processing unit obtains the plurality of analysis results corresponding to a sample received by the display object selection receiving unit from the result storage unit, and displays the plurality of analysis results respectively in the plurality of result display areas of the analysis result display screen.

2. The preparative liquid chromatography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, It further includes: a sample supply unit that selects one of a plurality of sample containers prepared within the plate, removes the sample from the sample container, and supplies it to the liquid chromatography system. The selection indication area is a schematic diagram corresponding to the arrangement of multiple sample containers in the plate of the sample supply unit. The display object selection receiving unit receives the operation of specifying a sample container on the schematic diagram as the selection operation of the sample.

3. The preparative liquid chromatography apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display object selection receiving unit receives a second operation on the analysis result display screen, the second operation not including the selection operation of a sample in the selection indicator area. The analysis result display processing unit displays the analysis results for different samples in the plurality of result display areas of the analysis result display screen according to the second operation.

4. The preparative liquid chromatography apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second operation is an operation on one or more operating elements disposed on the analysis result display screen at a position not overlapping with the selection indication area.

5. A method for supporting the determination of preparation conditions, which is a method for supporting the determination of preparation conditions in a preparative liquid chromatography apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, And includes: In the measurement process, for multiple samples, liquid chromatography analysis using different mobile phases is performed on the same sample, and the multiple analytical results obtained are stored in the result storage unit in a manner corresponding to the same sample. The display object selection receiving process receives the user's selection operation for a sample in the selection instruction area displayed on the analysis result display screen of the display unit; and In the analysis result display process, multiple analysis results using different types of mobile phases corresponding to a sample, received in the display object selection and receiving process, are obtained from the result storage unit, and the multiple analysis results are displayed in the multiple result display areas of the analysis result display screen.

6. The preparation condition determination support method according to claim 5, wherein the different multiple mobile phases include an acidic mobile phase and an alkaline mobile phase.

Images