TECAN Resolvex® A200 96-Channel Automated Positive-Pressure Solid Phase Extraction System
| Brand | TECAN |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | 253-1160 |
| Channel Configuration | 96-channel parallel processing |
| SPE Format | Cartridge-based (1 mL columns) and 96-well plate compatible |
| Flow Rate Control | 0.1–60 mL/min (positive-pressure driven) |
| Solvent Selection | Up to 11 independent solvent channels |
| Sample Capacity | 1–96 samples per run |
| Sample Load Volume | 0.5–100 mL per sample |
| Wetted Materials | PTFE, polypropylene (PP), stainless steel (316 SS) |
| System Footprint | Compact benchtop design |
Overview
The TECAN Resolvex® A200 is a fully automated, positive-pressure-driven solid phase extraction (SPE) system engineered for high-throughput, reproducible sample preparation in regulated and research-intensive laboratories. Unlike vacuum-manifold or gravity-fed SPE platforms, the A200 applies precisely regulated nitrogen or inert gas pressure to drive elution solvents through SPE cartridges or 96-well plates—eliminating channel-to-channel flow variability, column drying artifacts, and operator-induced inconsistency. Its core architecture leverages closed-loop pressure control with real-time feedback to maintain user-defined flow profiles across all 96 positions simultaneously. This enables robust method transfer between development and routine QC environments, particularly where regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO/IEC 17025, GLP) demands auditable, traceable sample prep workflows.
Key Features
- Positive-pressure fluidics: Eliminates vacuum fluctuations and ensures uniform solvent delivery across all 96 channels—critical for quantitative recovery of analytes with variable polarity or matrix affinity.
- Dual 4-channel dispensing head: Supports sequential or parallel loading of conditioning, washing, and elution solvents from up to 11 independently controlled reservoirs—enabling complex multi-step methods without manual intervention.
- Adaptive pressure curve programming: Users define time-resolved pressure setpoints (e.g., ramp-up, hold, ramp-down) to optimize retention and elution kinetics for diverse sorbent chemistries (C18, SCX, HLB, silica, mixed-mode).
- Universal consumable compatibility: Accepts standard 1 mL SPE cartridges (30–1000 mg sorbent mass), 96-well SPE plates (1 mL and 2 mL well formats), and custom labware via configurable deck mapping.
- Corrosion-resistant wetted path: All fluid-contact surfaces constructed from PTFE, medical-grade polypropylene, and electropolished 316 stainless steel—ensuring chemical compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., DCM, THF, concentrated acids/bases) and long-term integrity under repeated use.
- Integrated waste management: Large-capacity, sensor-monitored waste container with overflow protection and vapor-tight sealing—minimizing exposure risk and enabling unattended overnight runs.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Resolvex A200 supports a broad range of biological, environmental, and food matrices—including plasma, urine, serum, tissue homogenates, wastewater, soil extracts, milk, and fruit juice—with minimal method redevelopment. Its programmable fraction collection capability allows for targeted analyte isolation (e.g., separate elution of acidic, neutral, and basic compounds). The system complies with key analytical standards including ASTM D7291 (SPE for environmental water analysis), USP (chromatographic separations requiring clean-up), and ISO 17025 requirements for equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ documentation support available). Audit trail functionality—including user login, method versioning, run timestamping, and parameter change logging—meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity expectations when paired with TECAN’s Freedom EVOware LIMS-integrated software suite.
Software & Data Management
Controlled via an intuitive 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen interface running embedded Linux OS, the A200 provides guided method setup, real-time pressure/flow monitoring, and visual status indicators for each channel. Method files (.resolvex) store full protocol definitions—including solvent selection logic, pressure curves, dwell times, and fraction triggers—and are exportable for cross-laboratory validation. Raw instrument logs (CSV) and audit trails (XML) are automatically archived with SHA-256 hash verification. Integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN) is supported via OPC UA and RESTful API protocols. Optional IQ/OQ documentation packages include test scripts, acceptance criteria, and raw data templates aligned with GxP quality systems.
Applications
- Clinical toxicology & therapeutic drug monitoring: Simultaneous cleanup and concentration of antidepressants, opioids, antiepileptics, and immunosuppressants from human plasma prior to LC-MS/MS analysis.
- Environmental residue analysis: Multi-class pesticide extraction from drinking water, surface water, and sediment extracts per EPA Method 525.3 and EU SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines.
- Food safety testing: Mycotoxin (aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A) and veterinary drug (tetracyclines, sulfonamides) enrichment from cereal, meat, and dairy matrices.
- Pharmaceutical R&D: High-throughput bioanalysis support for ADME studies, including plasma protein binding assays and metabolite profiling workflows.
- Forensic chemistry: Standardized SPE protocols for blood alcohol confirmation, synthetic cannabinoid screening, and novel psychoactive substance isolation.
FAQ
Does the A200 support method validation per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines?
Yes—the system enables full parameter traceability, repeatability testing (n ≥ 6 replicates per condition), and intermediate precision assessment across operators and days. Validation reports can be generated using Freedom EVOware’s built-in reporting engine.
Can the A200 be integrated into a robotic liquid handling platform?
Yes—it features standard RS-232, Ethernet, and digital I/O ports for synchronization with TECAN Freedom EVO, Fluent, or third-party automation systems via defined handshake protocols.
Is calibration required before first use?
The system undergoes factory calibration for pressure transducers and flow sensors; users perform annual performance verification using NIST-traceable pressure gauges and gravimetric flow checks per SOP 253-A200-QC.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
PTFE tubing replacement every 6 months (or after 500 runs), pressure regulator servicing annually, and full wetted-path inspection during IQ/OQ requalification cycles (typically every 2 years).
Does the A200 meet CE marking and UL safety certification requirements?
Yes—it carries CE marking (2014/30/EU EMC Directive, 2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive) and UL 61010-1 certification for laboratory equipment safety in North America and global markets.
