REMEX IFFM-E Flow Injection Chemiluminescence Analyzer
| Brand | REMEX (Xi’an Remex Instrument Co., Ltd.) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shaanxi, China |
| Model | IFFM-E |
| Pump Speed Range | 0–99 digital steps |
| Dilution Ratio | 1:99 |
| High-Voltage Input | −100 to −1000 V (stability < 0.01%) |
| Spectral Response Range | 300–650 nm (peak sensitivity at 420 nm) |
| Photomultiplier Gain | 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16× |
| Filter Cutoff Frequency | 10–100 Hz |
| Sampling Rate | 1–100 samples/s |
| Analog Signal Input Range | 0–5 V |
| Software | REMEX Chemiluminescence Data Acquisition & Kinetic Analysis Suite (fully localized Chinese UI) |
Overview
The REMEX IFFM-E Flow Injection Chemiluminescence Analyzer is a laboratory-grade, fully automated chemiluminescence detection platform engineered for high-reproducibility kinetic and endpoint assays in clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical quality control, and environmental monitoring laboratories. It operates on the principle of flow injection analysis (FIA) coupled with ultra-weak light emission detection—where analyte-triggered chemical reactions generate photons measurable by a high-sensitivity photomultiplier tube (PMT). Unlike conventional spectrophotometric systems, the IFFM-E detects light emission without external excitation, enabling exceptional signal-to-noise ratios and sub-picomolar detection limits for luminol-, peroxyoxalate-, and acridinium ester-based assays. Its modular architecture integrates a dual-peristaltic pump manifold, a multi-mode PMT detector (IFFS-A), and synchronized data acquisition hardware—all coordinated via a dedicated Windows-based software suite compliant with GLP documentation requirements.
Key Features
- Dual high-precision peristaltic pumps with digitally controlled speed (0–99 steps), programmable bidirectional rotation, and precise dwell timing—enabling on-line mixing, phase separation, liquid-phase extraction, and controlled reagent delivery.
- 10-channel fluidic routing capability (5 channels per pump) with integrated 16-position selection valve for multi-analyte sequential analysis or reagent switching without manual intervention.
- On-board automatic dilution module supporting programmable dilution ratios up to 1:99—critical for high-concentration sample handling and calibration curve linearity extension.
- IFFS-A multifunctional chemiluminescence detector featuring a cooled PMT with spectral response from 300 nm to 650 nm (λmax = 420 nm), programmable negative high-voltage supply (−100 V to −1000 V, stability < 0.01%), and low-noise preamplification circuitry.
- Real-time analog signal acquisition system with selectable gain (1×–16×), adjustable low-pass filtering (10–100 Hz), sampling rates from 1 to 100 Hz, and zero-point calibration—ensuring fidelity across fast transient and slow kinetic luminescence profiles.
- External analog input interface (0–5 V range) allows synchronization with auxiliary instrumentation such as potentiostats, HPLC fraction collectors, or capillary electrophoresis voltage controllers.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The IFFM-E accommodates aqueous, buffered, and mildly organic solvent-based samples compatible with standard FIA tubing (e.g., PTFE, FEP, or silicone). It supports static injection, flow-through, and stop-flow chemiluminescence modes—including integration with capillary electrophoresis (CE-CL) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) configurations. The system meets fundamental electrical safety requirements per GB 4793.1–2007 (equivalent to IEC 61010-1) and electromagnetic compatibility per GB/T 18268.1–2010. While not certified for IVD use under FDA 21 CFR Part 820 or ISO 13485, its data integrity framework—including audit-trail-enabled parameter logging, user-access controls, and raw signal export—supports internal validation per CLIA, CAP, and ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.
Software & Data Management
The REMEX Chemiluminescence Data Acquisition & Kinetic Analysis Suite provides full instrument control, real-time visualization, and post-acquisition processing in a fully localized Chinese graphical interface. Core functions include automated pump sequencing, valve positioning, reaction timing, and dynamic gain/filter optimization. Kinetic data acquisition supports cumulative averaging, time-aligned overlay of replicate runs, and region-of-interest (ROI) integration. Spectral data processing enables point-value extraction, peak/valley detection, baseline correction, area-under-curve (AUC) calculation, and manual outlier rejection. All raw datasets (.dat), processed reports (.pdf/.xls), and method files (.mth) are timestamped and stored with operator ID metadata—facilitating traceability during internal QA audits or regulatory inspections.
Applications
- Clinical immunoassays: Detection of thyroid hormones (T3/T4/TSH), tumor markers (AFP, CEA, PSA), infectious disease antigens (HBsAg, anti-HIV), and cardiac biomarkers (cTnI, BNP).
- Pharmaceutical QC: Quantification of peroxide impurities, residual catalysts, and oxidative degradation products via luminol- or isoluminol-enhanced reactions.
- Environmental analysis: Trace-level detection of nitrites, sulfites, hydrogen peroxide, and heavy metal ions (e.g., Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺) using catalytic or ligand-enhanced chemiluminescence protocols.
- Food safety testing: Screening for antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines), pesticides (e.g., carbamates), and mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxin B1) through competitive or enzymatic inhibition assays.
- Research applications: Mechanistic studies of radical-mediated oxidation pathways, enzyme kinetics (e.g., luciferase, horseradish peroxidase), and electrochemiluminescent sensor development.
FAQ
Is the IFFM-E compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records?
No—the system does not implement electronic signatures or role-based access controls required for Part 11 compliance; however, it supports ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) through timestamped logs and immutable raw data export.
Can the IFFM-E be interfaced with third-party HPLC or CE systems?
Yes—via its analog input port (0–5 V) and TTL-compatible trigger outputs, enabling hardware synchronization with chromatographic detectors or high-voltage power supplies.
What maintenance is required for the peristaltic pump tubing?
Tubing should be inspected after every 500 operational hours and replaced proactively based on elasticity loss or visible compression deformation—standard FEP or Tygon® LFL tubing is recommended for chemical resistance.
Does the software support export to LIMS-compatible formats?
Yes—CSV, TXT, and Excel-compatible XLSX files are natively supported; structured XML export requires custom scripting via the included COM interface.
Is remote operation possible over LAN or VPN?
Local network operation is supported via TCP/IP communication; however, no built-in firewall traversal or cloud connectivity is implemented—remote access must be configured through institutional IT infrastructure with appropriate security policies.
