Merck Supelco® Visiprep DL 24-Position Cross-Contamination-Free Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) Manifold

Overview

The Merck Supelco® Visiprep DL 24-Position Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) Manifold is an engineered vacuum manifold system designed for high-integrity sample preparation in regulated and research laboratories. It operates on the principle of vacuum-assisted liquid-phase partitioning across bonded silica or polymer-based sorbent cartridges, enabling selective analyte retention, matrix removal, and concentration prior to downstream analysis (e.g., HPLC, GC, LC-MS). Unlike standard manifolds, the DL (Dual-Luer) configuration incorporates a dedicated disposable PTFE-Luer connector for each individual SPE cartridge port—eliminating carryover between sequential samples by physically isolating fluid pathways. This design directly addresses a critical pain point in multi-sample SPE workflows: cross-contamination arising from residual eluent or analyte migration through shared tubing or valve seats. The system’s borosilicate glass reservoir ensures chemical inertness against aggressive organic solvents (e.g., dichloromethane, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate), while its helical solvent-resistant vacuum valve provides precise, stepwise flow control without leakage or pressure drift.

Key Features

• 24-position configuration with independent, single-use PTFE-Luer cartridge connectors per channel—preventing inter-sample contamination at the hardware level
• Patented helical vacuum control valve and gauge assembly rated for continuous exposure to chlorinated, polar, and aromatic solvents; enables reproducible flow rates from 0.5 to 5 mL/min per cartridge
• Borosilicate glass reservoir (1.5 L capacity) resistant to solvent-induced clouding, etching, or dimensional distortion—maintains optical clarity and structural integrity over thousands of cycles
• Ergonomic lid with integrated support feet: lifts cleanly from the base and stands stably on benchtops during cartridge loading/unloading—reducing workflow interruption
• Polypropylene collection rack compatible with standardized labware: accommodates 1–10 mL volumetric flasks, 10/16 mm test tubes, 20 mL scintillation vials, and autosampler vials (9 mm and 12 mm crimp/snap caps)
• Modular vacuum interface: 1/4″ barbed fitting accepts standard laboratory vacuum lines; compatible with diaphragm or oil-free vacuum pumps (recommended ultimate vacuum: ≤80 mbar)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Visiprep DL manifold supports all commercially available 1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL, and 10 mL SPE cartridges—including C18, SCX, SAX, Florisil®, silica, and mixed-mode sorbents—from Supelco and third-party vendors. Its materials of construction comply with USP for polymeric components (PP, PTFE) and ASTM E438 Type I, Class A specifications for borosilicate glass. The system is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant environmental testing labs (per EPA Methods 505, 525.3, 8081B), clinical toxicology workflows (CLIA-certified), and pharmaceutical QC labs performing residual solvent analysis (ICH Q3C). While the manifold itself is not an electronic data capture device, its mechanical design supports full traceability when used with serialized cartridge lots and documented SOPs—facilitating audit readiness under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated LIMS or ELN entries.

Software & Data Management

As a non-electronic, manually operated vacuum manifold, the Visiprep DL does not incorporate embedded firmware, touchscreen interfaces, or native software. However, its deterministic mechanical operation—repeatable valve positioning, fixed port geometry, and consistent vacuum transmission—ensures high inter-operator reproducibility (CV < 3.2% for breakthrough volume across 24 channels, n = 10 replicate runs). Laboratories integrate it into digital workflows via standard operating procedures (SOPs) logged in validated Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) or Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Optional accessories include barcode-labeled collection racks and pre-printed SPE run sheets aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements—supporting full chain-of-custody tracking from sample receipt to extract transfer.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: extraction of pesticides, PAHs, PCBs, and pharmaceutical residues from surface water, wastewater, and soil extracts (EPA 1694, ISO 17892-12)
• Clinical toxicology: cleanup of urine, plasma, and whole blood prior to GC-MS quantification of opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants
• Food safety testing: isolation of mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A) and veterinary drug residues (tetracyclines, sulfonamides) from milk, honey, and muscle tissue
• Pharmaceutical development: desalting and buffer exchange of peptide synthesis crude mixtures; removal of catalyst residues from API reaction streams
• Forensic chemistry: selective enrichment of illicit drugs and metabolites from complex biological matrices under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited protocols

FAQ

Is the Visiprep DL manifold compatible with positive-pressure SPE systems?
No—it is a vacuum-driven manifold only. Positive-pressure (e.g., nitrogen-driven) SPE requires separate instrumentation such as the Supelco Aspire™ or Gilson GX-271 systems.
Can I use 12-position cartridges on the 24-position DL manifold?
Yes—cartridge placement is modular; unused ports can be capped with blank PTFE-Luer plugs (Supelco P/N 57264) to maintain vacuum integrity.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Rinse the glass reservoir and lid with methanol after each use; inspect PTFE tubing for kinks or cracks quarterly; replace Luer connectors every 200 runs or if visible residue accumulates.
Does Merck provide validation documentation for GMP environments?
Supelco supplies material certifications (CoA, CoC) for all components; full IQ/OQ documentation packages are available upon request for regulated users.
How does the DL design compare to traditional “one-tube-per-manifold” solutions?
Traditional shared-tube designs risk back-diffusion and aerosol-mediated carryover; the DL’s per-port disposable connector eliminates both mechanisms—validated via spike-recovery studies showing <0.05% carryover (n = 5, 100 ng/mL caffeine standard).