Biotage VacMaster Disk - User Manual

Significance of the Topic

Solid phase extraction (SPE) remains a cornerstone technique in analytical chemistry for isolating and concentrating target analytes from complex matrices. Devices that streamline SPE workflows enhance laboratory productivity, support environmental monitoring, and improve quality control in pharmaceutical and industrial analyses. The ability to process viscous or aqueous samples rapidly and reproducibly is essential for modern high-throughput laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents the design and operation of the Biotage VacMaster Disk vacuum extraction unit. The main goals are to demonstrate how the system supports multiple SPE disk sizes, allows parallel processing of up to eight units per vacuum source, and ensures effective waste segregation. The overview covers key specifications, safe working practices, setup procedures, and routine maintenance.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The VacMaster Disk unit consists of a single-port manifold with a four-way valve and three waste outlets for aqueous, chlorinated, and organic fractions. Core components and steps include:

• Instrumentation
  • VacMaster Disk manifold (UHMWPE, brass, polypropylene, glass, Viton, aluminum, polyethylene)
  • Vacuum pump (110 V or 220 V) with exhaust port for fume hood venting
  • Disk holders for 47 mm and 90 mm SPE disks and the DryDisk 65 mm assembly
  • Atlantic ReadyDisk disposable units and supporting prefilters
  • Collection chambers, carboys for waste, and cap adapters
• Procedure
  • Conditioning of disk per method requirements under controlled vacuum
  • Sample loading via funnel or direct addition, directing flow to designated waste outlet
  • Elution into a separate collection vessel using adjustable vacuum
  • Cleaning of unit surfaces with water and non-abrasive detergent after drying

Key Results and Discussion

Although performance metrics are not quantified here, the VacMaster Disk offers:

• Compatibility with a broad range of solvents (e.g., acetone, methanol, chloroform)
• Flexible disk formats for environmental, O&G, and high-capacity applications
• High throughput capability by linking up to eight modules to one vacuum pump
• Efficient waste segregation using the integrated four-way valve and multiple waste carboys

This versatility supports a variety of analytical workflows, from trace‐level environmental assays to routine QA/QC sampling.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

The VacMaster Disk system delivers:

• Reduced hands-on time through simplified disk mounting and automated flow control
• Enhanced reproducibility by maintaining consistent vacuum levels across samples
• Scalability for both low‐ and high‐throughput laboratories
• Improved safety via closed‐system containment and exhaust compatibility with fume hoods

Applications include environmental water testing, pharmaceutical impurity profiling, and food safety analysis.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances likely to shape SPE disk extraction include:

• Integration with robotic liquid-handling platforms for fully automated sample prep
• Online coupling of disk extraction with LC-MS/MS for real-time analysis
• Development of novel sorbent chemistries for ultra-trace and broad-spectrum analyte capture
• Miniaturization of manifolds for micro- and nanoliter workflows

These trends will further enhance throughput, reduce solvent consumption, and expand method capabilities.

Conclusion

The Biotage VacMaster Disk extraction unit represents a flexible, user-friendly solution for SPE disk workflows. Its modular design, broad solvent compatibility, and capacity for multiple parallel units make it well suited to diverse analytical demands. By facilitating efficient conditioning, loading, elution, and cleaning steps, the system supports reliable sample preparation and consistent analytical results.

References

• Biotage VacMaster Disk User Manual, Biotage AB, 2019