Supelco Visiprep DL Solid Phase Extraction System (12-Channel and 24-Channel)

Overview

The Supelco Visiprep DL Solid Phase Extraction System is a semi-automated, vacuum-driven platform engineered for high-throughput, reproducible sample preparation in analytical laboratories. Based on the fundamental principle of selective adsorption and desorption governed by physicochemical interactions—including hydrophobicity, polarity, ion exchange, and hydrogen bonding—the system enables efficient isolation, concentration, and cleanup of target analytes from complex liquid matrices. Unlike traditional liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), the Visiprep DL minimizes solvent consumption (typically ≤50% reduction), eliminates emulsion formation, improves analyte recovery consistency, and supports method scalability from research to regulated QC environments. Its modular architecture accommodates both 12-tube and 24-tube configurations, allowing flexible batch processing aligned with HPLC, GC, LC-MS, and ICP-MS sample introduction requirements.

Key Features

• Chemically inert PTFE construction throughout all solvent-contacting components—including vacuum manifolds, flow regulators, and collection rack housings—ensures minimal analyte adsorption, no metal leaching, and compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., concentrated acids, bases, and halogenated organics).
• Independent, calibrated flow control per channel via PTFE needle valves enables precise, uniform elution kinetics across all positions—critical for maintaining retention time stability and quantitative reproducibility in multi-analyte workflows.
• Anti-cross-contamination design: Each port features isolated vacuum pathways and non-wetting PTFE seals; the Visiprep DL manifold prevents carryover between adjacent columns even under variable vacuum pressure or viscous sample conditions.
• Modular accessory integration: Compatible with large-volume sample reservoirs (up to 1 L), nitrogen blow-down modules for solvent evaporation, inert gas purging stations, and vacuum-compatible buffer flasks—all configured without tools or recalibration.
• Column retention geometry optimized for standard 1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL, and 10 mL SPE cartridges (including Supelco’s ENVI™, Bond Elut™, and Discovery® series), ensuring consistent bed compression and flow distribution.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Visiprep DL supports aqueous, alcoholic, and moderately viscous biological and environmental samples—including serum, plasma, urine, milk, fruit juices, wastewater, soil extracts (post-sonication/filtration), and fortified food homogenates. It meets functional requirements outlined in U.S. EPA Method 525.3 (drinking water), EPA 8270D (semivolatile organics in solid waste), and ASTM D5907 (surfactants in water). When operated with audit-trail-capable vacuum controllers and documented SOPs, the system supports GLP-compliant data integrity frameworks. While the base unit itself is not electronically validated, its mechanical design conforms to the physical robustness and material traceability expectations referenced in FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex A for ancillary sample prep instrumentation.

Software & Data Management

As a manually operated vacuum manifold, the Visiprep DL does not incorporate embedded firmware or digital control interfaces. However, it is fully interoperable with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN) through standardized operating procedure documentation. Users may log batch records—including column lot numbers, solvent lots, vacuum setpoints, dwell times, and operator IDs—directly into compliant templates. Optional integration with programmable vacuum controllers (e.g., Vacuubrand VRV series) enables time-stamped pressure logging and export to CSV for trend analysis and audit readiness.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring: Extraction of PAHs, PCBs, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues from surface water, groundwater, and wastewater effluents.
• Clinical and forensic toxicology: Cleanup of plasma and urine prior to LC-MS/MS quantification of opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and metabolites.
• Food safety testing: Isolation of mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxin B1), veterinary drug residues (e.g., tetracyclines, sulfonamides), and pesticide multiresidues from fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products.
• Pharmaceutical development: Desalting and buffer exchange of peptide digests; removal of phospholipids from plasma prior to bioanalysis.
• Industrial hygiene: Preconcentration of airborne aldehydes and VOCs collected in impinger solutions.

FAQ

What types of SPE cartridges are compatible with the Visiprep DL system?

Standard polypropylene or glass SPE cartridges with 1/4″-28 threaded or friction-fit interfaces—including Supelco Bond Elut, ENVI, and Discovery lines—are mechanically and dimensionally supported.
Can the Visiprep DL be used under positive pressure instead of vacuum?

No—it is engineered exclusively for vacuum-assisted flow. Positive-pressure operation requires dedicated manifold systems (e.g., Gilson Aspec or J2 Scientific Positive Pressure Manifolds).
Is PTFE the only wetted material in contact with solvents?

Yes. All fluidic pathways—including valve stems, gaskets, manifold channels, and collection rack surfaces—are constructed entirely from virgin PTFE, certified per ASTM D4894 and ISO 10993-5 for biocompatibility and extractables profiling.
How is method transfer validated between 12-channel and 24-channel configurations?

Due to identical flow dynamics, valve calibration, and column interface geometry, validation focuses on volumetric delivery consistency and recovery reproducibility—not hardware requalification—per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.
Does Supelco provide application notes or SOP templates for regulatory submissions?

Yes—downloadable technical bulletins, EPA-compliant method adaptations, and GLP-aligned worksheet templates are available through the official Sigma-Aldrich (now MilliporeSigma) technical resources portal.