Waters Extraction+

Significance of the Topic

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is a cornerstone technique in analytical chemistry for sample cleanup, concentration and purification. Automating SPE workflows addresses key challenges in reproducibility, throughput and operator variability. By integrating robotic liquid handling with precise pressure control and modular labware interfaces, laboratories can achieve consistent recoveries, reduced hands-on time and scalable sample processing for high-demand environments such as pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring and food safety.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents the Extraction+ system, a fully automated SPE platform designed to streamline method development and execution. Key goals include:

• Seamless integration with Andrew+ pipetting robots.
• Automated pressure profiling for reproducible elution.
• Flexible support for cartridge and plate-based workflows.

The overview covers system components, technical specifications and the benefits delivered in routine analytical labs.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Extraction+ approach combines three main modules:

• Extraction+ connected device featuring a vacuum pump and manifold base
• Andrew+ pipetting robot for automated liquid transfers
• Modular labware adaptors for cartridges (1 cc, 3 cc, 6 cc) and micro/macro elution plates

Methods are programmed in OneLab software, enabling custom pressure profiles and timed liquid handling steps without on-device intervention.

Used Instrumentation

The core instrument suite includes:

• Extraction+ Vacuum Pump: 0–1030 mbar measurement range, 13 L/min maximum flow, programmable pressure profile control, gigabit Ethernet/Wi-Fi connectivity
• Extraction+ Manifold Base: automated collar-lifter interface for waste and collection labware exchange
• Microplate Gripper and Collar Lifter: enable robotic handling of plates and cartridges
• Andrew+ Pipetting Robot: precise liquid handling for sample loading, equilibration, washing and elution steps

Main Results and Discussion

The fully automated Extraction+ system demonstrates:

• Reproducible pressure-driven SPE across diverse sorbent formats
• Elimination of manual vacuum manifold adjustments
• Continuous waste collection and automated labware swaps
• Compatibility with standard 96-well plates and common cartridge sizes

These features translate into consistent analyte recovery, reduced cross-contamination risk and higher sample throughput compared to manual SPE methods.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages for analytical laboratories include:

• No hands-on time during SPE workflows
• Intuitive protocol design and software control
• Full traceability with digital run logs
• Adaptability to various sample matrices (environmental, biological, food)
• Scalable throughput from tens to hundreds of samples per batch

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging directions for automated SPE platforms involve:

• Integration with online LC-MS and robotic sample managers for fully continuous analysis
• Advanced AI-driven method optimization based on real-time performance data
• Miniaturization of SPE cartridges for low-volume, high-sensitivity assays
• Cloud-based monitoring and remote protocol updates for distributed laboratories

Conclusion

The Extraction+ system represents a significant advancement in SPE automation, delivering reproducible, high-throughput sample preparation with minimal operator intervention. Its modular design, programmable pressure control and seamless integration with liquid handling robots position it as a versatile solution for modern analytical workflows.

References

No external literature references were provided in the source document.