Supelco Samplicity Multi-Channel Vacuum Filtration System

Overview

The Supelco Samplicity Multi-Channel Vacuum Filtration System is a purpose-engineered sample preparation platform designed for high-throughput, reproducible filtration of liquid samples prior to chromatographic analysis—particularly reversed-phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). Unlike conventional single-vial vacuum manifolds or syringe-driven filtration devices, the Samplicity system operates on a parallel, multi-channel vacuum manifold architecture with integrated ergonomic actuation levers and standardized 12 mm × 32 mm HPLC vial compatibility. It employs controlled negative pressure (typically −60 to −85 kPa) to drive sample through proprietary Millex® Samplicity filter units—each featuring a conical funnel geometry optimized for rapid wetting, minimal hold-up volume, and consistent flow dynamics across variable viscosities (0.5–25 cP) and particulate loads (up to 5% w/v suspended solids). This design eliminates manual pipetting steps, reduces operator-induced variability, and ensures trace-level analyte integrity by minimizing surface adsorption and extractable leaching—critical for quantitative bioanalysis and regulated testing environments.

Key Features

• Simultaneous processing of 1–8 samples using standardized 12 mm × 32 mm HPLC vials—no adapters or secondary transfer required
• Ergonomic lever-actuated vacuum control enabling precise, hands-free initiation and termination of filtration per channel
• Millex® Samplicity filter units pre-assembled in quadruple configurations (4 filters per cartridge), reducing setup time and contamination risk
• Conical polyethersulfone (PES) membrane geometry ensuring rapid sample entry, uniform membrane loading, and <10 µL residual hold-up volume per filter
• Low extractables profile validated per USP and ISO 10993-12; certified non-pyrogenic and DNase/RNase-free
• Chemically resistant housing compatible with acetonitrile, methanol, aqueous buffers (pH 2–10), and dilute organic acids

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Samplicity system accommodates diverse sample matrices including plasma, serum, urine, cell culture supernatants, food extracts, cosmetic emulsions, biodiesel feedstocks, and dissolution media (e.g., USP Apparatus II phosphate buffer pH 6.8). Its low-binding PES membranes demonstrate >95% recovery for small-molecule pharmaceuticals (e.g., ibuprofen, metformin), peptides (<5 kDa), and polar metabolites (e.g., glucose, citric acid) without centrifugation or solvent exchange. The system supports GLP- and GMP-aligned workflows: filter units carry lot-specific certificates of analysis (CoA), and the base manifold is compatible with vacuum pumps meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 2 oil-free air specifications. When used with compliant data capture systems, the workflow satisfies audit requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures.

Software & Data Management

While the Samplicity hardware operates as a standalone benchtop device, its procedural consistency enables seamless integration into LIMS- and ELN-managed workflows. Each Millex® Samplicity filter lot includes a QR-coded CoA accessible via Supelco’s online portal, supporting full traceability from raw material to final filtration event. For laboratories requiring instrument-linked documentation, optional vacuum pump controllers (e.g., KNF N86 KT.18) provide analog/digital outputs compatible with LabArchives or Benchling API integrations. All filter performance data—including breakthrough volume, flow rate decay profiles, and post-filtration protein binding assays—are archived per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.5.2 for method validation reporting.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical dissolution testing: Direct filtration of USP Apparatus I/II samples into HPLC vials for automated quantitation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
• Food safety screening: Clarification of milk, juice, or cereal extracts prior to LC-MS/MS detection of melamine, ethylene glycol, or microcystins
• Cosmetic stability studies: Removal of insoluble pigments and emulsion droplets from sunscreen formulations without phase separation
• Biofuel quality control: Preparative filtration of algal lipid extracts to remove cellular debris prior to GC-FID fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiling
• PK/PD sample processing: High-recovery filtration of serial blood draws for LC-MS-based therapeutic drug monitoring (e.g., tacrolimus, voriconazole)

FAQ

Is the Samplicity system compatible with autosampler-ready vials beyond standard 12 mm × 32 mm formats?
Yes—optional adapter sleeves support 8 mm crimp-top vials and 13 mm snap-cap tubes, maintaining vacuum seal integrity and positional accuracy.
What is the maximum recommended sample viscosity for reliable filtration without clogging?
Up to 25 cP at room temperature; for viscous matrices (>15 cP), pre-dilution with mobile-phase-compatible solvents is advised to maintain linear flow kinetics.
Can Millex® Samplicity filters be sterilized using autoclaving or gamma irradiation?
No—filters are pre-sterilized via gamma irradiation (25 kGy) and supplied in double-bagged ISO Class 5 packaging; autoclaving compromises membrane integrity and voids certification.
Does Supelco provide method development support for regulatory submissions?
Yes—application scientists offer documented SOP templates aligned with ICH Q2(R2), ASTM D5503, and USP particulate matter testing protocols.