The FREESTYLE SPE Module – An Ingenious Principle

In almost every analytical laboratory, samples are routinely cleaned via SPE columns in order to obtain clean solutions for subsequent analysis or analyte concentration. The automation is the perfect solution to simplify these routine working steps, to obtain the reproducibility of the results, and to receive good recoveries.

The FREESTYLE SPE has unique possibilities for sample preparation using solid phase extraction (SPE). Each manual SPE method which has already proven of value in the laboratory can be automated in a quick and easy manner. The application fields are wide: from mycotoxin and environmental analysis up to forensic applications and samples of doping control.

Positive pressure makes the difference
The most important feature of the FREESTYLE SPE module is the solid connection of the SPE column with the robotic arm that grippes the SPE- columns air and liquid tight. The robotic arm is connected with the injection pump and valve system via an integrated tube. This unit enables the SPE columns to be moved to any place on the platform and opens up completely new possibilities of automation, i.e. for loading or elution.

In addition this connection allows controlled pressure application of up to 4 bars. With this positive pressure many samples can be pushed through the columns, which otherwise would block the columns due to their viscosity or the suspended particles contained therein.
In such a closed system, permanent pressure control can take place during loading and elution of a sample. Sample processing will be terminated if pressure is exceeded; the unit cleans itself and then continues with the next sample. Long sample sequences can thus be processed during the night without the danger of the system being blocked and awaiting remedial action. FREESTYLE marks the problematic samples in the sequence list, which the user can easily identify and then process again.
Due to the tight connection, the flow rates can be controlled very accurately. This is particularly important for a precise elution.

No cross-contamination
Due to the design of the system and its special selected components, like valves and needle, as well as the integrated cleaning steps, cross-contamination is reliably avoided.

Flexible – Even in Details

Flexible column formats in one single rack
FREESTYLE SPE handles diverse SPE columns from 1 to 15 mL.
Reusable adapters facilitate an easily changeable and mixed configuration for all column types, such that only one single universal rack is needed.

The bandwidth of usable columns ranges from the 1mL SPE column to large-volume glass columns:

All SPE columns 1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL up to 15 mL
All standard immunoaffinity columns (1 mL / 3 mL)
Glass columns for maximum dimensions of 105 x 17.5 mm inr. D, ca 19 mL

Flexible sample loading
Many different possible applications arise through the very flexible sample loading: from large-volume of up to 100 mL in mycotoxin analysis to only a few µL e.g. in forensics.

FREESTYLE technology offers a suitable solution for each application that can be simply selected from the software during the method set-up.

Sample loading of large-volume samples
These samples (up to ca. 100 mL) are ideally sucked via the needle (first z-axis) into the sample loop (potentially several times) and then loaded onto the SPE column (second z-axis).
Loading of small-volume samples (e.g. 500 µL)
The column is conditioned and positioned in the wash port. There, the small sample volume (e.g. 500 µL) is directly pipetted with the needle onto the column. The SPE unit then takes up the column and the process continues.
Loading and direct/parallel discharge of sample
Samples of up to 60 mL can be loaded directly onto the SPE column via the sample needle without z-axis movement of the robotic unit and be discharged into the adjacent analysis container.
Flexible elution
Elution from the SPE column can be performed in many ways. Even quite complex elution procedures can be realised. The different procedures are stored as a macro in the software and can thus be easily integrated into a method. A selection of various racks facilitates elution into different containers, e.g. into a 2 mL or 5 mL volumetric flask, when a defined end volume is required.

Only the FREESTYLE makes it possible
The sample can be eluted directly into the EVAporation chamber with subsequent concentration and if required including a solvent exchange. After the EVAporation the sample can be filled into a GC vial, ready for subsequent analysis. Alternatively the sample can be directly injected from the EVAporation chamber into the HPLC via the FREESTYLE Direct Injection module enabling the complete automation of the process. The result is a ready chromatogram.