Automated Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) using the JANUS Automated Workstation

Solid phase extraction (SPE) is designed for rapids ample preparation and purification prior to chromatographic or other analysis. SPE uses classical liquid chromatography principles to provide sample fractionation, recovery, and/or concentration needed for accurate quantitative analysis. Different absorbents are packed into column cartridge inserts or 96-well plates to allow processing using a vacuum manifold assembly. Purified samples are analyzed using mass spectrometry (MS), gas chromatography (GC), LC-MS, HPLC UV detection or other analytical methods. Common application areas include drugs of abuse testing, forensic toxicology, and pharmaceutical bio-analysis. Automation is central to the success of these studies because of the need for high throughput purification and rapid turnaround times, while protecting users from biohazardous samples.

With the JANUS® Automated Workstation, the process begins with human blood, plasma or urine samples stored in tubes. Sample aliquots are then reformatted in individual cartridges or filter plates before the automated process of preparing samples for a variety tests commences. The JANUS workstation can automate the entire process including, pipetting, shaking/mixing, sample drying, temperature controlled incubations, and vacuum-based SPE washing and elution steps. As an added benefit, the JANUS gripper disassembles and assembles manifold components to move spacers and place collection racks in the manifold base when needed – with either a grip-to-close or grip-to-open mechanism.

The JANUS automated workstation can enable:

  • Drugs of abuse testing
  • Toxicity studies
  • Desipramine metabolite studies in human plasma
  • Multiple industry SPE applications using 96-well filter plates

Get the benefits:

  • Total automation required for SPE providing purified compounds for downstream testing
  • Flexible sample numbers are allowed per batch
  • Software integration of all hardware components and sample tracking
  • Easily adapts to new sample preparation procedures and accepts 50 ml conical tubes
  • Minimizes the risk of cross contamination through disposable tips

Recommend JANUS Automated Workstation Configuration:

  • JANUS Standard, Integrator or Expanded Platform with Varispan (4- or 8-Tip) and Gripper Arm
  • VersaTip® Plus
  • PVM Vacuum Filtration
  • Modular Dispense Technology™ (MDT) 96-tip arm for maximum throughput.