Waters Corporation has introduced the omniDAWN™ Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) Photometer, designed to enhance characterization of large and complex molecules in UHPLC and UPLC workflows. The new detector aims to address growing demands in biologics research and advanced therapeutics by combining speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
Faster Analysis and Improved Accuracy for Modern Labs
The omniDAWN Photometer is the first extended-range MALS detector compatible with UHPLC and UPLC systems. Featuring 18 detection angles, it delivers absolute molar mass and size measurements without compromising resolution or throughput.
According to Waters, the system enables:
- Up to 4x faster chromatographic run times
- A 10x improvement in molar mass measurement and size range
- 30–50% reduction in sample consumption
- Approximately 40% reduction in solvent use
These gains can help lab managers improve throughput while reducing operational costs and resource usage.
"Advances in UHPLC and UPLC separations for complex biologics and newer modalities have outpaced detector technology, until now," said Rob Carpio, Senior Vice President, Waters Analytical Sciences, Waters Corporation. "The omniDAWN MALS Photometer brings extended-range multi-angle light scattering to modern separations. This means our customers can move faster while maintaining the resolution, robustness, and depth of characterization needed to accelerate the discovery, development, and quality control of next-generation therapies."
Supporting Complex Biologics and Emerging Modalities
The omniDAWN Photometer extends UPLC-compatible sizing from approximately 50 to 500 nm in radius, enabling reliable characterization of larger and more complex analytes. These include protein aggregates, viral vectors, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), and advanced materials.
By providing absolute molar mass and size measurements, the system reduces reliance on column calibration standards. This supports faster, more consistent results across key applications such as biosimilarity studies, antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) characterization, and viral vector analytics.
Integration with Waters UPLC systems allows labs to maintain high resolution while improving usability compared to micro-volume MALS approaches. Its low-dispersion design preserves sensitivity and enhances detection of low-level species, helping scientists distinguish between monomers, aggregates, and fragments.
"Extending the capabilities of multi-angle light scattering to UHPLC and UPLC analysis will enable absolute molar mass measurements, paired with faster and more flexible separations. This represents a critical leap forward in MALS-based analyses, empowering us to better understand the structure of complex materials across drug delivery and environmental nanotechnology applications, ultimately supporting improved health outcomes," said Stacey Louie, Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston.
Software Integration and Compliance
The system is powered by ASTRA™ Software, which integrates MALS with UV and refractive index detection to provide detailed analysis of size, composition, and heterogeneity in a single run. The software includes dedicated workflows for ADCs, LNPs, and viral vectors.
ASTRA Software is compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements, supporting regulated laboratory environments. Compatibility with Waters Empower™ Software is expected later in 2026.
The omniDAWN MALS Photometer is scheduled for global availability in summer 2026.
