LCTEch FREESTYLE - AUTOMATED SAMPLE PREPARATION INTELLIGENT SYSTEM SOLUTION

Significance of the Topic

Automated sample preparation is a critical step in analytical chemistry workflows, influencing accuracy, reproducibility and throughput in food safety, environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical quality control and drug screening. Manual sample handling often introduces variability and limits capacity, while advanced laboratories require continuous, unattended operation with guaranteed performance. Implementing a flexible, modular automation platform addresses these challenges by standardizing protocols, reducing human error and maximizing instrument utilization.

Objectives and Study Overview

This article reviews the design and performance of the FREESTYLE system, a next-generation automated sample preparation solution by LCTech. It aims to showcase how a base robotic unit can be customized with interchangeable modules for solid phase extraction, gel permeation chromatography, evaporation, immunoaffinity cleanup and direct injection. The study highlights key functionality, workflow integration and practical examples from regulated applications, including mycotoxin analysis and environmental contaminant screening.

Used Methodology and Instrumentation

The FREESTYLE platform consists of a core FREESTYLE BASIC robot that integrates an xyz-arm, solvent pump, sample loop and distribution valves. Dedicated modules attach to this base unit without mechanical adjustments. Main modules include:

• SPE Module – automated solid phase extraction with positive pressure control up to 4 bar, compatible with standard cartridges, immunoaffinity and glass columns
• ThermELUTE Module – thermal desorption for direct elution of mycotoxins from SMART immunoaffinity columns into HPLC sample loops
• GPC Module – gel permeation chromatography clean-up following EPA and European methods, with variable injection modes and fraction collection
• EVAporation Module – controlled concentration or solvent exchange by vacuum evaporation and/or nitrogen blowdown to defined end volumes (0.2 to 5.0 mL) with integrated calibration and sensors
• HPLC Direct Injection Module – online transfer from preparation modules into HPLC sample loops with cooled reagent racks for calibration standards

The system software provides a unified interface for method setup, rack configuration and sequence management. Rack types and container geometries are stored in the database, enabling tool‑free reconfiguration and mixed‑method sequences.

Main Results and Discussion

Testing across diverse matrices demonstrated that FREESTYLE delivers consistent precision, reproducible recoveries and high throughput under fully unattended conditions. Key findings include:

• Mycotoxin analysis – complete automation from extract to chromatogram reduced hands‑on time and achieved detection in the low ppt range for aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, processing up to 70 samples per day
• SPE applications – reliable handling of 1‑100 mL samples, flexible elution into multiple vials, and automated pressure monitoring to prevent column blockage in environmental and doping control analyses
• GPC cleanup – seamless integration with evaporation for pesticide, PAH and dioxin sample prep following regulatory methods, with leak and overpressure protection ensuring safety and system uptime
• Evaporation – accurate end volume control across solvent systems, programmable solvent exchange, and customizable rinsing cycles to eliminate carryover in complex matrices
• Method flexibility – ability to combine modules in a single workflow, mix methods within one run and adapt parameters on the fly, improving laboratory responsiveness

Benefits and Practical Applications

The FREESTYLE system offers numerous benefits for routine and research laboratories:

• Enhanced reproducibility and data integrity through automated, standardized protocols
• Increased sample throughput by enabling 24/7 operation without supervision
• Reduced solvent consumption and waste with SMART immunoaffinity columns and precise concentration control
• Lower operating costs by minimizing manual labor and avoiding service calls for reconfiguration
• Regulatory compliance support via calibrated processes and built‑in safety interlocks

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging trends point towards deeper integration of automation platforms with laboratory information management systems and data analytics. Artificial intelligence may guide method optimization and predictive maintenance. Further miniaturization of modules and adoption of green solvents can improve sustainability. Expanding the modular concept to new applications such as metabolomics, biomarker isolation and automated sample labeling will broaden the scope of flexible automated sample preparation.

Conclusion

The FREESTYLE intelligent sample preparation system exemplifies a modular, software‑driven approach that addresses the growing demands of high‑throughput, high‑accuracy analysis across food, environmental, pharmaceutical and forensic domains. By enabling seamless combination of SPE, GPC, evaporation, immunoaffinity cleanup and direct injection, it delivers robust performance, operational flexibility and significant time savings, setting a new standard for laboratory automation.

Reference

No specific references cited.