Synergy between MOCA and LIBST-BNTE: a new life for UPC²

When a technical challenge arises, the complementary roles of analytical platforms and research services can make all the difference.

Faced with the need to upgrade the detection of their UltraPerformance Convergence Chromatography (UPC²) acquired in 2012, the LIBST-BNTE technical team turned to the MOCA platform to find a solution.

This collaboration led to the acquisition of a new mass spectrometer (MS, Waters - QDAII), purchased via the Plan de Relance - Transition énergétique funded by the Walloon Region, to complement the existing UPC² and provide a more powerful analysis tool.

Thanks to this improvement, the UPC²-MS now combines the power of supercritical phase chromatography (SFC) with ultra-sensitive and selective detection.

This technology enables the analysis of low-polarity compounds, isomers or thermolabile substances, proving invaluable in fields such as green chemistry, bioenergies, lipid analysis, polymers or pharmaceuticals.

This example illustrates how an analytical platform can support research teams, offering them tailored solutions and strengthening the analytical capabilities available to the academic and industrial sectors.

Many thanks to Patrick Gerin, Aurélien Warnant and Cathy Debier for their open-mindedness and collaboration, which have made this successful partnership possible.