Abstract
UltraPerformance liquid chromatography(R) (UPLC(R)), a novel liquid chromatographic technique, has become popular in recent years. By using sub-2 μm particles for the separation column, several times higher resolution, speed, and sensitivity of analysis can be obtained, compared with conventional high-performance liquid chromatography. This revolutionary technique is especially useful with mass spectrometry (MS). As a result of rapid development of the mass spectrometer in recent years, UPLC(R)/MS has been recognized as a new category of analytical technique and has been applied in various fields of science, such as biology, pharmaceuticals, the chemical industry, food safety, and environmental analysis. This commentary discusses the theory of UPLC(R) and the necessary instrumental performances of liquid chromatogram and mass spectrometer.
