SFC Chromatography, also known as Supercritical Fluid Chromatography, is a modern separation technique widely used in pharmaceutical, chemical, and analytical laboratories. It combines the advantages of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC), delivering faster analysis, excellent resolution, and reduced solvent consumption. Intech Analyticals offers advanced SFC Chromatography systems designed to meet the growing demand for efficient, sustainable, and high-accuracy analytical solutions.
What Is SFC Chromatography?
SFC Chromatography uses a supercritical fluid, most commonly carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the primary mobile phase. When CO₂ is maintained above its critical temperature and pressure, it exhibits properties of both gas and liquid. This allows it to flow easily through the column while still providing strong solvation power.
A small amount of organic modifier such as methanol or ethanol is added to fine-tune selectivity and improve solubility. This unique combination enables high-speed separations with superior efficiency.
Principle of SFC Chromatography
The working principle of SFC Chromatography is based on controlled interaction between the sample, stationary phase, and supercritical mobile phase.
The supercritical CO₂ is pumped through a chromatographic column packed with a suitable stationary phase. The sample components separate based on differences in polarity, molecular structure, and affinity toward the stationary phase. Detection is typically carried out using UV, PDA, ELSD, or mass spectrometry detectors.
This process results in sharp peaks, high resolution, and excellent reproducibility.
Key Features of SFC Chromatography Systems
SFC Chromatography systems from Intech Analyticals are designed to deliver precision, flexibility, and reliability.
• Rapid analysis speed
Low viscosity of supercritical CO₂ enables higher flow rates, significantly reducing run times.
• High separation efficiency
Provides excellent resolution, even for complex and structurally similar compounds.
• Environmentally friendly
Uses minimal organic solvents, supporting green chemistry initiatives.
• Versatile method development
Supports both normal-phase and reverse-phase separations with easy optimization.
• Scalable technology
Smooth transition from analytical to preparative scale.
Applications of SFC Chromatography
SFC Chromatography is widely used across multiple industries due to its versatility and performance.
Pharmaceutical Industry
In pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, SFC is used for:
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Chiral separations
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Enantiomeric purity analysis
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Drug impurity profiling
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API development and quality control
SFC significantly reduces method development time while delivering high accuracy.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences
SFC is ideal for the analysis of lipids, peptides, and bioactive compounds where thermal stability is critical.
Chemical and Fine Chemicals Industry
Used for separation of isomers, polymers, and specialty chemicals with high efficiency and low solvent usage.
Food and Nutraceutical Analysis
SFC helps analyze fatty acids, vitamins, and nutraceutical ingredients with excellent sensitivity and repeatability.
Advantages of SFC Chromatography Over HPLC
Compared to conventional HPLC, SFC Chromatography offers several advantages:
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Faster separation times
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Lower solvent consumption
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Reduced operating costs
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Improved safety
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Better peak shapes
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Easy recovery of purified compounds
These benefits make SFC an ideal alternative for laboratories seeking higher productivity and sustainability.
Analytical and Preparative SFC Systems
Intech Analyticals provides both analytical and preparative SFC Chromatography systems to support R&D and production needs.
Analytical SFC systems are suitable for routine analysis, method development, and quality control. Preparative SFC systems enable high-throughput purification with excellent recovery and scalability.
The ability to scale methods from laboratory research to industrial purification reduces development risks and overall costs.
Why Choose Intech Analyticals for SFC Chromatography?
Intech Analyticals is a trusted provider of advanced chromatography solutions with a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
Robust and reliable system design
Built for consistent performance and long operational life.
Regulatory-ready solutions
Designed to meet pharmaceutical and laboratory compliance standards.
Customizable configurations
Systems tailored to specific analytical and preparative requirements.
Expert technical support
Backed by experienced application and service teams.
Cost-effective investment
High performance combined with competitive pricing.
Future of SFC Chromatography
With increasing emphasis on green analytical techniques and faster separations, SFC Chromatography is gaining rapid acceptance worldwide. Advancements in column chemistry, detector integration, and automation are expanding its applications in drug discovery, chiral purification, and industrial manufacturing.
As laboratories seek efficient, sustainable, and scalable solutions, SFC Chromatography continues to play a critical role in modern analytical science.
Conclusion
SFC Chromatography is a powerful and eco-friendly separation technology that delivers high speed, superior resolution, and reduced solvent consumption. Its broad range of applications makes it an essential tool for pharmaceutical, chemical, and life science laboratories.
With advanced SFC Chromatography systems and expert support, Intech Analyticals helps laboratories achieve accurate results, faster workflows, and long-term operational efficiency.
