Agilent Fragment Analyzer 5200 Capillary Electrophoresis System
| Brand | Agilent Technologies |
|---|---|
| Origin | Malaysia |
| Manufacturer | Agilent Technologies |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | Fragment Analyzer 5200 |
| Instrument Type | Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) |
| Sample Type | Organic Analysis (Nucleic Acids) |
| Voltage | 100–240 VAC, 47–63 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 150 VA |
| Operating Temperature | 19–25 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 20–80 % |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 36 cm × 51 cm × 61 cm |
| Weight | 38.5 kg |
| Throughput | 12 samples per run |
| Capillary Array Options | Three lengths for resolution/speed optimization |
| Resolution | ≤3 bp for fragments <300 bp |
| Quality Metrics | RNA Quality Number (RQN), Genomic DNA Quality Number (GQN) |
| Automation Capacity | Up to 288 samples unattended (with three 96-well plates) |
| Reagent Stability | Room-temperature stable kits |
| Compliance Support | IQ/OQ documentation available for GMP/GLP environments |
Overview
The Agilent Fragment Analyzer 5200 Capillary Electrophoresis System is a parallel-capillary, high-resolution nucleic acid analysis platform engineered for precision, reproducibility, and operational efficiency in low- to mid-throughput laboratories. It employs capillary electrophoresis (CE) principles—applying controlled electric fields across polymer-filled fused-silica capillaries—to separate DNA and RNA fragments based on charge-to-size ratio under standardized buffer conditions. Unlike slab-gel or microfluidic chip-based systems, the Fragment Analyzer 5200 delivers consistent mobility calibration and quantitative fluorescence detection using intercalating dyes and CCD-based optical imaging. Its parallel architecture enables simultaneous electrophoretic separation of up to 12 samples per run, reducing per-sample analysis time without compromising resolution. The system is purpose-built for critical quality control (QC) applications in next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation, mRNA vaccine development, and biopharmaceutical process monitoring—where fragment size distribution, integrity assessment, and quantitative yield determination directly impact downstream success.
Key Features
- Parallel 12-channel CE architecture: Enables concurrent analysis of 12 samples with identical run conditions, eliminating inter-run variability and improving throughput consistency.
- Three capillary array configurations: Selectable 33 cm, 47 cm, or 62 cm arrays allow method optimization for speed (e.g., rapid QC of NGS libraries) or resolution (e.g., distinguishing 3 bp differences in small RNA isoforms).
- Room-temperature stable reagents: Eliminates cold-chain handling and daily capillary conditioning protocols—reducing setup time and consumables waste.
- Unattended operation support: Compatible with up to three standard 96-well plates; automated plate loading and sequential run execution enable 288-sample batches without manual intervention.
- Standardized quality metrics: Integrated software calculates RQN (RNA Quality Number) and GQN (Genomic DNA Quality Number) using algorithmic peak shape analysis, enabling objective, instrument-independent QC reporting aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements.
- GMP-ready compliance infrastructure: Factory-installed IQ/OQ documentation packages support validation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and ICH Q5A/Q5B guidelines for biologics manufacturing environments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Fragment Analyzer 5200 supports a broad spectrum of nucleic acid analytes—including genomic DNA (gDNA), total RNA, small RNA (e.g., miRNA), cfDNA, large DNA fragments (>10 kbp), in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA, and NGS libraries—using application-specific, CE-optimized assay kits. Each kit includes pre-formulated polymer matrix, running buffer, internal size standards, and fluorescent dye. All kits are manufactured under Agilent’s ISO 13485-certified quality system and validated per ASTM D7811 (for RNA integrity assessment) and USP (Analytical Instrument Qualification). The system meets environmental specifications per IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment safety and operates within GLP-compliant data integrity frameworks when paired with Agilent’s compliant software modules featuring full audit trail, electronic signatures, and secure user access controls.
Software & Data Management
Fragment Analyzer Software v10.x provides a validated, standalone desktop application for instrument control, real-time electropherogram visualization, automated sizing/quantitation, and QC metric generation. Raw data files (.fda) are stored in vendor-neutral HDF5 format, supporting third-party integration via RESTful API for LIMS or ELN systems. The software enforces ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) through immutable run logs, timestamped parameter records, and version-controlled method templates. Optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliance mode enables role-based permissions, biometric or token-based electronic signatures, and encrypted database backups—fully auditable during regulatory inspections.
Applications
- NGS Library QC: Quantify adapter dimer contamination, assess insert size distribution, and verify molarity prior to cluster generation—using HS NGS ScreenTape or Fragment Analyzer NGS kits.
- mRNA Vaccine Development: Monitor IVT reaction completeness, detect degradation products, and confirm full-length transcript integrity across multiple production stages (e.g., transcription, capping, purification).
- Bioprocess Monitoring: Track gDNA shearing efficiency in cell line development, evaluate plasmid purity in upstream processing, and characterize viral vector genomes.
- Clinical Research QC: Validate cfDNA fragment size profiles as biomarkers in liquid biopsy workflows, adhering to CAP/CLIA pre-analytical standards.
- Academic Core Facility Support: Serve diverse user groups with minimal training overhead—method templates, auto-calibration, and one-click report generation reduce operator dependency.
FAQ
What electrophoretic principle does the Fragment Analyzer 5200 use?
Capillary electrophoresis with constant-field voltage application and laser-induced fluorescence detection.
Can the system be integrated into an automated liquid handling workflow?
Yes—it accepts standard SBS-format 96-well plates and supports robotic arm interfacing via TTL trigger signals and RS-232/USB command protocols.
Is method transfer possible between the Fragment Analyzer 5200 and legacy 5100/5100 models?
Method parameters (voltage, time, array type) are cross-compatible; however, updated sizing algorithms and QC metrics require software version alignment.
Does the system support custom assay development?
While only Agilent-qualified kits are supported for GMP use, research-use-only (RUO) configurations permit user-defined polymer matrices and dye formulations under appropriate risk assessment.
How is temperature stability maintained during long runs?
The instrument incorporates active Peltier cooling of the capillary cartridge compartment, maintaining ±0.5 °C thermal uniformity across all 12 channels throughout multi-hour separations.
