We’re introducing an exciting update to the way you work with RoboColumns—now, you’ll be able to load based on fractional times! You’ll still have the familiar options to select liquids and adjust residence times as usual, with all calculations handled seamlessly. However, the key change is that you’ll no longer need to input the number of fractions or the volume of each fraction.

nstead, here’s how it works:

Now, you’ll be thinking in terms of total volume to load onto your column. You simply input your desired total volume and decide how you’d like to divide (or fractionate) it. Synthace will take care of the rest, performing the necessary calculations automatically. The benefit? You can now get more precise fractionation, including non-whole numbers of fractions—something that wasn’t possible before. To make this shift easier to navigate, we’ve disabled the option to manually input the calculated number of fractions. Instead, just think in terms of total load volume and volume per fraction.

To load by mass, ensure the liquid to load has no subcomponents and an overall SI prefixed mass concentration (e.g. mg/ml)

Note: if you’re using Forms or Templates, this feature won’t be available yet, you’ll need to stick to volume-based loading for now!

The Run Gradient Chromatography Stage total load amount remains volume only.

Another exciting update is the introduction of fractional collection time, which you can now adjust. For instance, setting it to 300 seconds will automatically adjust both your volumes and the number of fractions collected. We do all the heavy lifting here—calculating everything in real-time so you can focus on the results.

The key takeaway: You no longer need to enter the number of fractions yourself.

Blanks are now more versatile, too. You can express them in CV (column volumes) or microliters (ul), depending on what works best for your method. And if you’re running a Run Chromatography Stage, you can even specify alternative blanks for a given stage by choosing an alternative liquid from the drop-down menu.

These changes will also apply to DOE workflows. Previously, you could input the number of fractions or load column volumes, but soon this will shift to focusing on volumes or total load volume. In other words, total load volume will replace the number of fractions across the board. Previously, DOE input was expressed in column volumes (as a float value), but now, we’re introducing proper units—whether it’s column volumes, ul, or fractional time. This allows for more varied and flexible DOEs.

If you still need to work with the number of fractions as a factor, don’t worry! You can do this as a custom factor. We can help you to set up custom factors to fit your needs.