Shimadzu and LabX Celebrate Exceptional Milestones

As LabX celebrates its 30^th anniversary, we reflect on the growth of the LabX brand from a used equipment forum to an integrated scientific marketplace. Shimadzu is celebrating its 150^th anniversary as a company and 50^th anniversary of Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) in the US. Can you comment on the significance of these milestones with respect to the growth and expansion of the company?

This year absolutely marks a milestone for both Shimadzu Corporation and Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. Since 1875, Shimadzu has been at the forefront of science and technology, dedicated to developing innovative solutions that have propelled the world forward and inspired generations of scientists. This longevity is a testament not only to the incredible technology developed by Shimadzu but also to the countless people who made this technology a reality. It also speaks to the scientific community that has placed its trust in Shimadzu and the instruments we provide.

In the U.S., SSI is primed to use this year as a springboard to greater success. In addition to providing cutting-edge instruments, we plan to strengthen our partnerships with customers and expand product development collaborations with key stakeholders in North America via our new R&D Center, ensuring that Shimadzu remains at the forefront of innovation and scientific advancement.

LabX has grown by offering the instruments and services needed by labs over an increasing breadth of industries. Shimadzu has released a series of instruments over the years that has increased the company’s impact on the scientific world. Can you comment on some examples of milestone instrument releases that helped to drive this impact?

Shimadzu’s instruments cover a wide range of analytical techniques so picking just a few instruments can be difficult.

Saying that, in the world of LC, two stand out. Shimadzu released its Nexera UHPLC 40 series in 2019. Incorporating AI features, including smart flow control, real-time mobile phase monitoring, and self-diagnostic capabilities, and delivering outstanding performance, this rugged, reliable system proved itself by delivering smarter, more efficient workflows, higher productivity, and outstanding data quality.

Another system is a Preparative SFC. Developed in conjunction with the Enabling Technologies Consortium™, this system provided the pharmaceutical industry with reliable high-performance semi-prep purification. Innovative technologies include a flexible format combination injector/fraction collector, CO₂ pump with integrated chiller that requires less lab space and allows for benchtop use, and a novel gas-liquid separator design that realizes a higher recovery ratio and lower carryover than earlier SFC systems.

Another recent product is our Nexera QX multiplex LC-MS that uses multiple alternating sample introduction streams for continuous operation of the mass spectrometer. This maximizes laboratory profitability by keeping the capital investment working. The system comes equipped with dedicated software that provides an automated single point of control for multiple UHPLC streams and the mass spectrometer for a multiplexed workflow.

I would also like to note the AIRsight infrared/Raman Microscope. With this unique system, there is no need to prepare multiple samples and jump between two instruments to perform complementary molecular analysis. Users can now take dual measurements, enabling the acquisition of qualitative infrared and Raman spectra at the same position without moving samples by simply switching lenses. This increases analytical efficiency while saving bench space.

Where do you see the world of analytical science moving towards in the future and how is Shimadzu positioned to inspire this progress?

There will be a continued push to make smaller instruments. It is well known that bench space in laboratories is at a premium so there is a constant need for more compact instruments, but these systems still need to have the performance capabilities of larger counterparts. Shimadzu has been focused on this reality with newer models like the GC-2050 gas chromatograph and the IRSpirit-X FTIR spectrophotometer and will continue to develop more systems like these. In addition, we will continue to see the rise of AI in the scientific industry. Shimadzu has made this a focus with an emphasis on automating routine procedures as well as maintenance procedures with the goal of improving efficiency and productivity in the lab.

Overall, Shimadzu will remain focused on its mission: Contributing to Society through Science and Technology. Part of this commitment can be seen with the Shimadzu Tokyo Innovation Plaza. At this state-of-the-art facility, Shimadzu will focus on developing applied technologies (applications) for analytical and measuring instruments and host collaborative research projects, academic conferences, and events to develop a robust, cutting-edge network of researchers.