Removing Stumbling Blocks in Automated Sample Preparation

Automated liquid handling technologies help increase reproducibility during sample preparation, which is key to achieve precise and accurate results. Modern automated systems are compact and modular and can be integrated in any lab. Moreover, they can be controlled by user-friendly software, allowing researchers to create new workflows easily. This infographic explores the benefits of automation and presents cutting-edge automated sample handling systems that are easy to use for both novices and experts. The benefits of automation Flexible sample handling solutions In a typical liquid or gas chromatography analysis (e.g., LC/MS or GC/MS), sample preparation is the most labor intensive and error prone step.1 Laboratories looking to maximize throughput and minimize costs per sample have incorporated the PAL System into their workflows. This sample preparation and handling platform is used worldwide for anything from simple liquid injection to complete workflow automation. Sample introduction Integration Instrument Calibration Chromatography Columns Contamination Collection Data management Analysis Sample preparation Sample preparation Operator Typical chromatographic analysis 27% 8% 6% 6% 4% 61% 30% 6% 7% 11% 6% 9% 19% Automation helps you to High reliability Increase throughput Smart technology Modules to meet any need: Tools for every application: • Liquid tools µL–mL • GC-headspace tools • Agitator • Barcode reader • Centrifuge • Decapper • Dilutor • Heatex stirrer • SPME Arrow conditioning • Vortex mixer • Liquid injection GC and LC • Gas injection • Headspace sampling • Dynamic headspace sampling (ITEX DHS) • SPME and SPME Arrow sampling • Temperature controlled sample storage • Incubation 40 - 200 °C • Tool change (PAL RTC only) • Transport of vials and other objects • Vortex mixing • Centrifugation up to 5000 g • Dilution • Standard addition • Liquid/liquid extraction (LLE) • Derivatizations • Micro-SPE (μSPE) • Wash stations • Solvent addition µL–L • Storage of vials and plates (MTPs) • Temperature controlled storage • Selector/injection valves PAL System capabilities How can I easily program the PAL System and create sample prep workflows for my different experiments? The PAL Method Composer (PMC) is the answer! Faster sample preparation The PAL Method Composer (PMC) is an intuitive software that offers direct access to all the PAL System’s capabilities. By simply dragging and dropping the individual prep steps, this user-friendly interface allows you to quickly develop and test customized methods which can then be imported and used directly in a wide list of Chromatographic Data Systems (CDS) or MS-Data Systems. Drag and drop Fast Easy to use Flexible Steps pane Module top view pane Method pane It shows six categories of steps that can be dragged and dropped into the method pane. It shows the real configuration of all active and passive PAL modules. It shows the sequence of steps. Each step can be moved to another position within the method using drag and drop. The parameters for each step can be adjusted. Can be integrated with any GC-MS or LC-MS system ● Steps for PAL System µSPE workflows ● Easy adaption of methods for transfer between different PAL Systems ● PMC currently supports the following CDS and MS-Data Systems ● More flexibility using tokens (variables for values that change with any sample in the sequence table e.g., sample volume, sample position) ● Coming soon: SCIEX OS 1. Sample preparation fundamentals for chromatography. Agilent Technologies. https://www.agilent.com/cs/library/ primers/Public/5991-3326EN_SPHB.pdf. Accessed June 6, 2023. References Further features of the PMC include: • Agilent: ChemStation / MassHunter / OpenLAB • Bruker: Compass HyStar • SCIEX: Analyst AAO and ADD • Shimadzu: GCMSsolution Software / LabSolutions • Thermo: Xcalibur / Chromeleon / TraceFinder • Waters: Empower 3 Download your free trial version and create new methods in minutes Time Sources of error Modules pane It shows all modules and tools available in the configuration of the connected PAL System. Removing Stumbling Blocks in Automated Sample Preparation Save money Increase reproducibility Save time Increase productivity Increase operator safety